Glamping options near Lambert Lake, Maine offer an upscale outdoor experience in Maine's eastern wilderness. The region sits in the state's easternmost county along the Canadian border, with several lakes scattered throughout the predominantly forested landscape. Most glamping facilities operate seasonally from May through October due to the region's harsh winters and spring mud season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Keenes Lake Family Campground provides direct lake access for anglers. "I've caught smallmouth bass, chubs and trout in the river so far. Black and silver jerk baits work great," reports one visitor to Machias Rips Campsite, located about 25 miles from Lambert Lake.
Water activities: Many glamping locations offer water-based recreation. "The lake was clean and we swam, kayaked and crossed the lake on paddle boards," notes a Keenes Lake visitor. The site features swimming areas with gradual entry points suitable for families with children.
Day trips to coastal areas: South Bay on Rocky Lake serves as a convenient base for regional exploration. "Picked this location because it was close to several locations we could take day trips to the coast. Visited Bar Harbor, Eastport and several places in between," explains one camper who used the site as a home base.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention facility cleanliness at glamping sites. "The shower had hot water and a heat lamp," notes one Keenes Lake Family Campground reviewer, though they added it "could use a renovation." Another camper at Machias Rips mentioned the "new style outhouses" that were well-maintained.
Scenic waterfront settings: Many glamping locations feature waterfront views. A visitor to South Bay on Rocky Lake appreciated that "2 sites were on the lake and the other 2 were behind the parking lot," highlighting the premium placed on lakefront accommodations in the region.
Affordable options: Some glamping sites offer reasonable rates compared to coastal alternatives. "Very cheap prices daily, weekly, and monthly rates available. Has electric and water on each site," notes one Keenes Lake camper. Another mentioned paying "$36 for my night, on par with national/state parks, but much cheaper than most commercial camping grounds."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most glamping facilities close during winter. Pleasant Lake Camping Area operates "Memorial Day to Columbus Day," while similar properties typically run May through October, limiting off-season options.
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites may require careful navigation. One visitor to Machias Rips Campsite noted, "The dirt road leading to the camp can be easily missed if not paying attention! But is clearly marked with a blue sign at the head of the road." They added, "The road has a few pot holes but nothing my stock (low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn't handle."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. "There isn't wifi, my car (ATT) got better service than my phone (Tmobile)," reported a Keenes Lake camper. Another visitor to Machias Rips had to "drive 20 minutes up the road for signal," though a different camper at the same location noted "4 bars of LTE service (AT&T)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Houlton/Canadian Border KOA offers dedicated family amenities. "We have kids so we opted for a site close enough to watch them play on the playground," notes one family. The campground also features "the mining for gems activity that you see at some KOAs and all my kids enjoyed that."
Frog hunting: Natural features provide entertainment for children. "Kids enjoyed finding frogs in all their ponds," reports a family visiting Houlton KOA, pointing to simple wildlife observation opportunities that don't require special equipment.
Bug preparation: Insects can be abundant in eastern Maine's lake regions. "Camp sites today are very buggy - bring your repellent and/or netting," warns one visitor to Machias Rips. Families should pack appropriate repellents, protective clothing, and possibly netting for comfortable evening experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Finding level spots can be challenging at some locations. "It is hard to get a level site but the owner let us pick what was best for us based on what was available," reports an RV camper at Dominion Hill Glamping. This flexibility from management helped accommodate their specific rig requirements.
Pull-through availability: Some sites offer easier access for larger rigs. "The pull-through sites are long and have trees in between and around so still gives a feeling of privacy," notes a traveler with a travel trailer at Houlton KOA, emphasizing the blend of convenience and natural separation.
Hookup options: Full-service sites are available at select campgrounds. A Keenes Lake visitor mentioned, "Each site has electric and water," providing essential amenities for RV travelers, though sewer connections may be limited to certain sites or campgrounds.
