Sennebec Lake Campground in Appleton offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations across 120 sites. Located 9 miles from Liberty, Maine, this lakefront property sits at an elevation of 200 feet in the rolling hills of Knox County. Water access allows for boating directly from the campground, with the lake typically maintaining comfortable swimming temperatures from June through early September. Seasonal operation runs from Memorial Day through mid-October.
What to do
Hiking near Camden Hills: Camden Hills State Park, just 22 miles from Liberty, features multiple hiking trails within its 5,700 acres. "The park sits on both sides of Rt. 1, and the bottom side is more of a day use area with a pavilion and walking trails and sits on the water. The top portion of the park, where all the campsites are, has direct access to Mount Megunticook, and Mount Battie, and offers easy to advanced hikes," explains Heather C. at Camden Hills State Park Campground.
Kayaking from campsite: Several area campgrounds offer direct water access. At Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls in Brooklin, "We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" reports Michael K. The campground provides ocean access via "a nice path with two metal bridges" leading to "a very quiet and peaceful rocky beach," according to Deborah W.
Exploring coastal towns: The midcoast region offers distinctive seaside communities within 30-45 minutes of Liberty. "The campground's location was a highlight, offering easy access to the towns of Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, each having with their own unique New England charm," notes Jason G. These towns feature working harbors, museums, and locally-owned shops.
What campers like
Lake swimming access: Many campgrounds near Liberty feature freshwater swimming options. At Duck Puddle Campground in Nobleboro, campers appreciate the "Great beach for swimming, playground for playing," says Andrew G. Waterfront sites "61-66 offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel. Some have a private dock for fishing or sitting, others have a small beach area," notes K R.
Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded camping options. "The sites are a decent size and the campground is fairly quiet at night," writes Pam A. Most tent areas provide natural spacing between campsites. Some luxury camping options even incorporate privacy features into their designs, creating isolated glamping experiences near Liberty, Maine.
Evening activities: Organized events enhance the camping experience for many visitors. Duck Puddle Campground hosts "great live music with large bonfire with many kid's activities," according to Andrew G. At Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, one camper enjoyed "casual jam sessions every night around the bonfire (bring your instrument and they'll fit you in!)," while another mentioned "the lobster bake on Saturdays" as a highlight.
What you should know
Campground size varies: Some properties near Liberty are compact while others sprawl across larger areas. Heather C. describes Searsport Shores Ocean Campground as "a magical place... nestled among gorgeous old growth trees located right on the shore." The atmosphere is "the epitome of laidback" according to Grace M., with "a community feel" noted by multiple reviewers.
Seasonal timing matters: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with peak season in July and August. "I was worried when I decided to come to this part of Maine in the fall without reservations. It's early October, and I learned that Maine State Parks are first come first serve at this point. I was pleasantly surprised to arrive and find plenty of vacant spots," writes Missy R. about Camden Hills State Park.
Varying site sizes: Not all campsites accommodate larger setups. Town Line Camping in Nobleboro is described as "quiet, a lot of seasonal campers, the lake is a decent swimming temp." At some campgrounds, sites can be limited in size. One camper at Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls notes, "Most of the H sites are close together and have little privacy," showing the importance of researching specific site details.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Many properties include play facilities. "Duck Puddle has lots of fun stuff for kids to do and evening activities if you like that sort of thing," mentions K R. Another campground offers "a large sand box" that kept young children entertained.
Activity scheduling: Planned events typically occur on weekends. "Activities started up again this year, with events such as kids' crafts, a kids vs adults water gun fight, cornhole competition, and a DJ for an evening of dancing - just on the weekend we were there," shares Pam A. about Sennebec Lake Campground.
Family-appropriate sites: Some locations offer dedicated family camping areas. At Camden Hills State Park, "Sites and patios are gravel and level with a picnic table and fire pit. Approximately, half the sites have water and 30/50 amp electric and the others are no hookups," notes one reviewer. Another mentions the park is "great for tent camping" with rangers who are "very helpful."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. At Sennebec Lake, one RVer noted, "We have a 35ft RV, and we faced no issues getting in and out of the property and the sites across the water were level, with no extra leveling needed."
Limited full hookups: While electric and water connections are common, sewer hookups can be scarce. At Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, "Some rv sites are full hookup, some only electric and water, but there is a dump station onsite," explains Heather C. Reservations for full-service sites should be made well in advance during peak season.
Site selection guidance: Staff at many campgrounds help with positioning. One RVer at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA appreciates that "Upon arrival we checked in, in the office/store. Then a staff member lead us to our site. We have a 19 ft travel trailer and are not very experienced with backing it up. The staff member was incredible with his directions and helped me back it into a small lot."
