The Dexter, Maine area offers multiple RV camping options throughout the central Maine region, with most parks operating seasonally from May through October. The region sits within Maine's Lakes and Mountains tourism area, with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-80°F during day hours, while evening temperatures can drop to 50-60°F even in July and August.
What to do
ATV trail access: Several RV campgrounds near Dexter provide direct ATV trail connections for outdoor enthusiasts. Spacious Skies Balsam Woods in Abbot Village connects to extensive trail networks. "The campground has access to over 1000 miles of trails, which are designed for ATV's. They even have an ATV washing station," notes one visitor. Trails typically open mid-May through early October, weather permitting.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes surround the Dexter region for fishing expeditions. Moose Creek RV Resort features a stocked fishing pond with equipment rentals. "Moose Creek has just over 100 sites and they are expanding in 2023 to include more RV/tent sites, cabins, and a rental house. The place really deserves the title of 'resort' with amenities like a large 25 x 90' heated swimming pool, 3.5-acre stocked fishing pond with kayaks/paddleboats/canoes," reports a camper. Maine fishing licenses required for ages 16+.
Coastal excursions: RV parks near Dexter provide a central base for coastal day trips. Campers at Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort in Belfast appreciate its location: "The park is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Belfast which offers plenty to do and see and is one of our favorite coastal Maine towns. We love shopping at the Co-op, eating pizza at Meanwhile in Belfast, lobster at Young's Lobster Pound, and lunch at Chase's Daily." Most coastal attractions are 45-60 minutes from Dexter.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many RV parks in the region offer generously sized camping spots. At Spacious Skies Balsam Woods, campers appreciate the room to spread out: "The sites are super spacious and nicely placed in a wooded area. Pool was closed but looked great and nice playground for kids. Located close enough to Moosehead lake to be able to take advantage of it." Sites typically measure 30-40 feet wide with natural buffers between neighbors.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathhouses and common areas rank high among camper priorities. Alderbrook Camp Site receives praise for its well-kept grounds: "This is private land that the owner rents to campers. It is a lovely single camp site with great views and fields. It is relatively close to the road but there is very little traffic and no noise. The space is level." Most parks clean bathhouses multiple times daily during peak season.
Weekend activities: RV parks often schedule regular events throughout the camping season. Fogg Brook Resort arranges holiday weekend programs: "The campground did a Great job for the holiday. The golf course was in Great shape. They had live music and lots of activities for all ages. The restrooms are clean even with the campground full." Activities typically include themed weekends, movie nights, and seasonal celebrations from June through September.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most RV campgrounds near Dexter operate on limited seasonal schedules. Patten Pond Camping Resort notes: "The campsite has a nice pond attached, it also has apartments with bathrooms as well as small cottages with out bathrooms. It is a full service RV campsite so that is always convenient. We went at the end of September to visit Acadia National Park and the foliage was Beautiful! It wasn't even at its peak." Campgrounds typically open mid-May and close by mid-October.
Wildlife encounters: The central Maine region offers opportunities for wildlife viewing while camping. As one Moose Creek RV Resort visitor explains: "We were trying to find moose and did not succeed but saw deer a few times, a red Fox, a grouse, turkey, a great blue heron and numerous ducks so wildlife is around." Best wildlife viewing occurs at dawn and dusk, away from busy campground areas.
Internet connectivity: Connectivity varies significantly across RV parks near Dexter. At Pleasant Hill Campground, "Only real disappointment was lack of cell coverage for AT&T and if you want internet you must buy a package. Upside to purchased package - there are very little slow downs. Just be sure to only use the number of devices you purchased. We paid $69 for 3 devices for 30 days." Many campgrounds now offer fee-based WiFi as cell signals remain unreliable in rural areas.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Family-oriented campgrounds provide specific facilities for younger campers. Spacious Skies Balsam Woods offers multiple options: "Owners Matt & Jamie are wonderful and we left feeling like we had stayed at a friend's place. Our site was great because we could see the kids at the playground and the pool, but there were many great sites a bit more tucked away as well. The kids also loved the Saturday night movie they would play on the big screen as well as the movie rental options available for personal use while there." Most family activities run between 10am-8pm during peak season.
Travel distances: When camping with children, consider driving times to major attractions. A Moose Creek RV Resort reviewer notes: "Greenville, Maine is one of our favorite towns. The hiking is great, there are tons of places to paddle and fish, and the fall foliage is spectacular. Downtown is a fun mix of outdoor stores, lakeside restaurants, a couple of museums, and a scenic tour boat that travels up and down Moosehead Lake." Most day trip destinations require 30-60 minutes of driving from Dexter area campgrounds.
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate insect protection when camping with children in central Maine. As observed at Alderbrook Camp Site: "The only challenge is we stayed in July, and the horse flys were viscous. They were not by the campsite, but were abundant on the trails, and I literally had to run to get back to the camper to minimize the bites. If you are susceptible to horse fly bites, be aware during the horse fly season." Horse flies typically peak from late June through July, while mosquitoes remain active May through September.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: RVers report varied site conditions across Dexter area campgrounds. At Moose Creek RV Resort, "The only criticism we have is that a handful of sites are sloped and we would not be able to get our 45' motorhome level, luckily our site (#10) was perfectly level. Our favorite sites are 10 and 17–26 which are back-ins with privacy behind you and nice separation between sites." Bring leveling blocks for most campgrounds in the region.
Location considerations: RV campers frequently mention proximity to services when reviewing parks. A Pleasant Hill Campground visitor shares: "Campground is quiet, except for the planes overhead as it is located in the flight path for the local airport, but you soon tune this out. Campground located about 5 miles from Bangor and about an hour from Northern entrance to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Lots to do and see!" Most RV parks near Dexter require 15-20 minute drives to reach grocery stores and fuel stations.
Hookup specifications: RV campgrounds in the Dexter region offer various utility connection configurations. At Fogg Brook Resort, campers find "plenty of full hookup sites and also another section with just W/E." Most parks provide 30/50-amp electrical service, with water and sewer connections placed within standard 25-foot hose distances from typical parking positions.
