Explore the Best Maine Campgrounds for Your Outdoor Adventure

Maine's coastal and forested landscapes offer diverse camping experiences, with Acadia National Park serving as a centerpiece for outdoor recreation. The park features three distinct campgrounds: Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods, each with its own character and proximity to attractions. Blackwoods provides convenient access to Bar Harbor and popular park features, while Seawall offers a quieter experience on the island's western side. Beyond Acadia, state parks like Camden Hills and Cobscook Bay provide well-maintained facilities where campers can experience Maine's characteristic mix of mountains and coastline. Private campgrounds such as Mount Desert Campground and Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground supplement these options with additional amenities and waterfront locations. With 543 campsites across the state, Maine camping offers incredible diversity from oceanfront locations to forested retreats deep in the wilderness. Maine's campgrounds range from fully-equipped sites with modern amenities to remote backcountry campsites perfect for those seeking solitude among the pines.

Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, particularly during the peak season from late May through October. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with limited or no availability during winter months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with Acadia's Seawall Campground having particularly poor connectivity. As one camper noted, "Schoodic Woods is the newest, most quiet, relaxed, well-maintained and well-rangered of the three Acadia campgrounds." Weather can change rapidly, especially along the coast, with sudden wind gusts and rain storms possible even during summer months. Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site or direct visitors to nearby vendors, as outside firewood is often prohibited.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest praise from visitors, with many campers highlighting the experience of falling asleep to ocean waves or loon calls on inland lakes. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer commonly spotted in campgrounds and moose occasionally seen in more remote areas. Primitive camping options exist in multi-use forests like KI-Jo Mary, where campers access sites via logging roads and must be prepared for limited facilities. Tent campers seeking separation from RVs should look for designated walk-in sites, which are available at many state parks. Bathroom facilities vary widely, with some campgrounds offering modern comfort stations while others provide only vault toilets. As one reviewer of Cobscook Bay State Park mentioned, "We were right on the water which gave a beautiful view of the sunset. We were even able to walk down on the rocks along the water to get a completely clear view of the stars and Milky Way."

Best Campgrounds in Maine (539)

    1. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    104 Reviews
    Seal Harbor, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-3274

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Close proximity to Bar Harbor and a lot of the main attractions of the national park. Showers are just outside of the entrance to the campground, coin operated."

    "quiet, wooded, relatively secluded. good spot at 111 where we stayed. nice places for tents. private showers outside main camping area were a positive since none in camping area itself."

    2. Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park

    55 Reviews
    Bass Harbor, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 244-3600

    $22 - $60 / night

    "This campground is quiet, walking distance to the ocean. Family oriented. There are however, no showers. Most of the walk in campsites are only steps away from the parking lot."

    "We stayed at the tent walk in sites (D25) The sites are close together but otherwise, well maintained."

    3. Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    43 Reviews
    South Freeport, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 865-9307

    "There are bathrooms close by to all, the main lodge is nice and the food at the snack shack is sooo good!! burgers, pizza, salad- all local and from their gardens."

    "Restrooms were close by but the only downside was that the showers were at the main store so you had to drive all the way up there!"

    4. Schoodic Woods Campground — Acadia National Park

    41 Reviews
    Winter Harbor, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-1300

    $22 - $60 / night

    "Schoodic Loop Road -- less popular than the main park "Park Loop Road", provides access to gorgeous shore line views and more hiking trails, but RVs and trailers aren't allowed past the campground entrance"

    "Although it is quite a ways off the beaten path, Schoodic Woods Campground is well worth the travel time. The campground is new, so it is sparkling clean."

    5. Mount Desert Campground

    39 Reviews
    Mount Desert, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 244-3710

    "Desert, Maine which is right next to the fabulous town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Forest."

    "Our site was right next to a potable water spigot, and within easy walking distance to a bathroom building which includes full plumbing and metered showers (4 quarters for 5 minutes)."

    6. Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA

    39 Reviews
    Salsbury Cove, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-3520

    "This campground has beautiful tent sites along the waters edge."

    "It 11 miles to Bar Harbor town proper and only 8.7 miles to the Hulls Cove Acadia National Park visitors center and the entrance to the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road."

    7. Bar Harbor Campground

    35 Reviews
    Salsbury Cove, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-5185

    $60 - $81 / night

    "We love the state parks and unorganized, off the beaten path camping. This is definitely not that!"

    "This is a nice campground located close to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park."

    8. Camden Hills State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Camden, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 236-2498

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Camden Hills SP is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas. 9 out of 10 times I visit Camden (one of my favorite places in Maine), I stay at this campground."

    "As with all real estate, location, location ! The camp is well situated amongst many Maine towns all of which are worth a visit to."

    9. Cobscook Bay State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Whiting, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 726-4412

    $20 / night

    "One of the best campgrounds we’ve been to in America, beautiful views, close to amazing hiking (highly recommend bold coast trail)."

    "There are showers at the main area, a bit of a walk or drive. There is a boat launch area a short distance away and the kayaking is great. This campground was so quiet and peaceful. We loved it."

    10. Hadley's Point Campground

    30 Reviews
    Salsbury Cove, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-4808

    $29 - $90 / night

    "**Campground Review: ** Hadley’s Point Campground is located on the north side of Mt Desert Island and just a short distance from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park."

    "There was a fire ring outside of the cabin and a picnic table. We purchased firewood at a stand close to the campground."

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Recent Reviews in Maine

2084 Reviews of 539 Maine Campgrounds

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 28, 2026

    Schoodic Woods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Quiet Side of Acadia National Park

    Acadia National Park is definitely one of our favorite National Parks and Schoodic Woods Campground adds to the awesome experience. This is the “Quiet Side” of Acadia which means way less crowds. The campground is divided into two loops A and B with campsites able to fit big-rigs to tents. Loop B has large pull-thru sites adequate to fit any size RV and has water and electric with sites being more open than Loop A. Loop A has a little more privacy between sites and does offer 30/50-amp electric but no water at the site. Many sites in Loop B are not level and we had a difficult time getting level in our site (B24). All the roads are paved and campsites are gravel with a large patio and fire pit and picnic table. Each loop has two bath houses, but be forewarned, there are NO showers in the campground (you have to drive to another campground nearby and pay for showers), nor is there a laundry facility. There are dish washing stations at the bathhouses with hot water. Park staff does a great job of keeping the bathrooms clean and camp hosts regularly clean campsites and fire pits. There is a hike-in tent section but, oddly, campfires (wood and charcoal) are not allowed but you can use butane. There is Wifi at bathrooms and Ranger Station. All sites have to be booked online and they will not make reservations at the ranger station. 

    We love this section of Acadia because there are far less crowds but you still have the beautiful coastline and plenty of hiking and biking opportunities. Hiking trails and the carriage roads are accessible right from the campground so you don’t have to drive anywhere. Frazier Point is a great place to launch a canoe or kayak, just be aware of the 10–12-foot tides and plan accordingly. The Musquito Harbor Brewery is a great place to go for pizza and beer after a morning exploring the park.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 26, 2026

    Rest Ashore Cottages

    Great waterfront getaway near the quiet side of Acadia National Park

    If you are looking for a Maine coastal getaway in a beautiful location that is away from crowds, Rest Ashore Cottages are perfect. This property features ten relatively new cottages located right on a quiet bay along the beautiful Maine coast. Some are right on the water and others are set back a row but all have access to a private sandy and rocky beach. The cottages vary in bedrooms and size ranging from king beds to bunks and able to sleep up to six people. Cottages with bunks for kids provide toys and games for their enjoyment. Each cottage has an outdoor picnic table and BBQ grill. There is a shared fire pit and gathering area on the beach and multiple play areas for kids with digging equipment to keep them busy. Units are fully furnished with an array of kitchen appliances (some even have a dishwasher and washer/dryer) and include linens. Their website has a detailed description of what is included in each cottage and the sleeping arrangements. Their cancellation policy is great – if you cancel 30 days prior to arrival, you receive a one hundred percent refund. 

    The cottages are located a short drive to the Schoodic Woods section of Acadia National Park in Winter Harbor, known as the “Quiet Side” of Acadia. Be forewarned, this is not the main section of Acadia near Bar Harbor on Mt. Desert Island. This section of the park does have plenty of hiking and biking opportunities with miles of carriage roads and trails and plenty of gorgeous views of the rocky coastline. There are also many great picnic areas and places to paddle and fish. A great place to visit is the Schoodic Institute Visitor Center that has lots of history and information about Acadia, the Maine coastline, and the research facility. If you want to visit Bar Harbor, there is a ferry from Winter Harbor that takes you across the bay on a 45-minute boat ride. If you don’t have a car, the Island Explorer (a free bus service) will take you around the park and over to Bar Harbor. There is a small grocery in Winter Harbor and plenty of restaurants within a 10-minute drive.

  • Becky S.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 25, 2026

    Piscataquis Point

    We spent the weekend and it was so peaceful and relaxing! It was very nice and neat. We looking for coming back again!!!

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 24, 2026

    Rangeley Lake State Park Campground

    Fall camping at its best!

    This campground is located in one of the prettiest places in Maine during the fall. The expansive views are magnificent! Rangely State Park is fairly small with just over 800 acres but has lots to do other than camping like hiking, wildlife watching, photography, fishing, hunting, and lots of winter sports. 

    The campground at Rangeley Lake State Park has 50 sites which are well-spaced and most are close to the lakeshore. There is not much in the way of amenities except a picnic area, playground, and a boat launch with docks(in fact, there are canoes for rent on-site). A“beach” area has picnic tables with grill and stairs leading down to the swimming area. Make sure you wear shoes because the beach is more rocky than sandy. A short-forested hiking trail (slightly less than a mile) runs from the park entrance to the contact station. There are bathrooms, showers, water fill-up, dish washing station. Two dump stations are located near the entrance and are level and easily accessible. There is also a potable water fill-up near the dump stations. There are very few sites that will accommodate big-rigs as many are short. The website and reservation system has a map which identifies what size RV fits in each site. The larger and more private sites are 23 through 48. Some sites have electric and water and some are primitive. Many sites can be reserved in advance on-line (with a two-night minimum and max stay of two weeks). The campground does have quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m which all campers abided by. By in large, this was a pretty quiet campground with most people keeping to themselves and void of loud music and parties. A couple of things to beware of are bugs and booze. Be prepared for black flies and mosquitoes, particularly in the spring and summer. Plus, ticks can be really bad so make sure you do tick checks regularly. And, park rules prohibit use of intoxicating beverages in public areas. We did all our drinking discretely at our site and didn’t have any problems.   

    Nearby is the Height of Lands which provides amazing expansive views, especially in the summer. The town of Rangely has the largest grocery store in the area, restaurants, and some shops and a theater. The nearby town of Oquossoc has a great brewpub(the Portage Tab House) and a great little historical outdoor-themed museum which is very interesting.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 24, 2026

    Matagamon Wilderness

    Great location Near Baxter State Park

    The location of this campground is great! It is situated on the East Branch of the Penobscot River and just one and a half miles from the north entrance to Baxter State Park and very close to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. If you are looking for a great place to stay in the northern Maine wilderness with great access to amazing hiking, fishing, canoeing, and hunting, this is the place for you. Matagamon Wilderness is a mix of campsites and cabins with a general store, restaurant, gas station and guide service. The staff are very friendly and extremely helpful and gave us lots of tips on fishing and places to hike. The campground is small at just over 30+ Sites which are a mix of sizes from small ones suitable for vans or tent to those that can handle bigger RVs. Sites are spread throughout the property and very rustic in their feel. Campsites along the water are the best with great views and easy water access right out your door. Other are set back and have a great sense of privacy. Campsites have picnic tables and fire pits. The tent sites have lean-to’s to protect you from the weather. Toilets are vault toilets. If you are looking for “RV Resort” type amenities, you won’t find many as this is a basic campground. There are cabins on the property for those that don’t have an RV or tent. The cabins were recently renovated with equipped kitchens, showers, gas lights, gas heat, wood stoves, and screened porches. The shower facilities had great water pressure with lots of hot water and there is a dump station for RVers. Daily camping rates are affordable at $35/night. Inside the “store” is a restaurant with delicious food and reasonable prices. They have a variety of food items for sale and delicious home-baked bread and cookies. They are famous for their Mount Katahdin Burger– which is three 8-oz angus beef patties, American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and mayo, on a homemade bear bun and served with chips and a pickle. The store also has a great selection of beer, including many from Maine. Another eatery is at Shin Pond Campground which is just a short drive away. 

    A couple things to note. Cell service is very poor in this area. Our Verizon phone popped in and out of service but mostly it did not pick up a signal so no phone or mobile data. If you are going to Baxter State Park be aware that there are restrictions on vehicles(“no vehicle over nine feet high, seven feet wide, or 22 feet long for a single vehicle or 44 feet long for combined units”) and dogs are strictly prohibited.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 24, 2026

    Leisure Life Family Resort

    Rustic Campground Adjacent to Hotel and Restaurant

    This facility is a unique combination of campground(RV and tent), hotel, restaurant, bar, and golf driving range. Camping is in a grassy field or tucked into the woods. There are no hook-ups and no dump station. Sites are dispersed and have a fire pit and picnic table. Campsites are very affordable- the price is $25/night for two people and$10 for each additional person which means the price for four people would be$45/site (plus a 9% Maine tax). Some sites are tucked in the woods and more private, while others are more open. The grass was mowed and the campsites were clean. There is a bathhouse but it a quite a distance from the campsites. Amenities include a small catch and release trout pond (with a peddle boat available for use), volleyball net, and driving range. Access to snowmobiling and ATVing(which is really big in the area) is adjacent to the property. There is a restaurant and bar onsite but it is only open in the evenings three days a week and not open when we were there. However, the town of Greenville is very close with more dining options (we especially loved pizza from Jamos). 

    The surrounding area has lots of hiking trails and places to paddle. We loved paddling Prong Pong and Lilly Bay State Park and hiking in Little Moose Public Lands. Fall is a great time to visit this area as the autumn colors are fantastic. Another great time to come is for the International Seaplane Fly-in in early September when hundreds of seaplanes come for the event.

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 21, 2026

    Cottonwood Camping & RV Park

    Nice peaceful place to stay

    Nice owner and staff, spotless and modern washrooms, great showers, fast WiFi... There is a lot to like about this place!

  • Veronica V.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 21, 2026

    Timberland Acres RV Park

    Clean facilities. Laundry available for $2.50 for wash and $2.50 for dry. All hook ups worked for me. I stayed at spot 085, very close to bathrooms which was helpful. Friendly and helpful staff.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 14, 2026

    Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort

    Best brewery and glamping spot

    This is one of our favorite campgrounds in the region. Close to the Botanical Gardens and the lovely historic town of Boothbay. The campground is small and well appointed with a super clean bath house and laundry room. Showers are free and the water is hot. Tasty beers and great food available at the brewery, though the brewery isn’t open on Monday- Wednesday.

Guide to Maine

Camping in Maine offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful state.

What to do

  • Hiking and Exploring: Maine is home to many trails, including those around Peaks-Kenny State Park, where you can enjoy scenic hikes. One camper mentioned, “Make sure to stick around and watch the stunning sunsets with views of Borestone Mountain.”
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and swimming are popular at campgrounds like Abol Campground. A visitor shared, “We kayaked on this crystal clear lake and it was so relaxing.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, such as Roaring Brook Campground, offer opportunities to see deer and other wildlife. One reviewer noted, “There were plenty of deer making their appearance during our walks.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lamoine State Park said, “Showers were surprisingly good and often cleaned.”
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds provide spacious sites with good separation. A reviewer at Mount Blue State Park mentioned, “Our camp sites were next to each other but also very private.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Rangeley Lake State Park said, “Chris, the manager at check in was extremely nice and helpful.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Abol Campground, do not have electricity or running water. A camper warned, “There is no running/drinking water, but the stream nearby is perfect for filtering.”
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds are only open during specific months. For example, Peaks-Kenny State Park is open from May 15 to October 1.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be aware of local wildlife, especially if you're camping in more remote areas. One camper at South Branch Pond Campground noted, “You are NOT allowed to bring any firewood into the Park.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A reviewer at Peaks-Kenny State Park mentioned, “The beach offers a playground, cookout spots, and canoe rentals.”
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds are peaceful, making them great for families. One camper at Roaring Brook Campground said, “So quiet and relaxing.”
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Bring along snacks and games to keep kids entertained during downtime. A visitor at Mount Blue State Park shared, “We had an amazing time, and we plan on coming back.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to choose a site that fits your RV. A camper at Blackwoods Campground advised, “Choose your site carefully if you have a large rig.”
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with the location of dump stations. One reviewer at Abol Campground noted, “There is a dump station available.”
  • Bring Solar Power: Since some campgrounds lack electricity, consider bringing solar panels. A camper at South Branch Pond Campground mentioned, “Bring your own water and any food and ice you need.”

Camping in Maine is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, you'll find something to love in this beautiful state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Maine for families?

Mount Desert Campground stands out as an exceptional family destination with immaculate grounds and bathroom facilities. This family-run campground has created such memorable experiences that visitors return generation after generation. For families seeking national park adventures, Schoodic Woods Campground — Acadia National Park offers newer, well-maintained facilities compared to other Acadia options. While it's less convenient to major park attractions, the campground itself provides a superior camping experience. Other family-friendly options include Lakeside Pines Campground on Long Lake with both wooded and lakeside sites, and Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground near Freeport, which combines camping with easy access to shopping and coastal activities.

What are the best tent camping options in Maine?

Maine offers exceptional tent camping experiences in its diverse landscapes. Crocker Pond provides an off-the-beaten-path experience with beautiful waterfront sites in the White Mountains region. The primitive setting accommodates car camping with stays up to 14 days. For a more developed option, Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park offers a quieter alternative to other Acadia campgrounds, with walk-in tent sites just steps from parking and walking distance to the ocean. Other excellent tent camping options include Little Moose Pond for primitive camping near Greenville and Blackwoods Campground for those wanting to be near Bar Harbor's attractions. Most tent campgrounds in Maine are open May through October, with peak season being June through August.

Where can I find lakefront camping in Maine?

Maine's numerous lakes provide beautiful waterfront camping opportunities. Lakeside Pines Campground on Long Lake offers both lakeside sites and wooded sites with easy lake access. For a more remote experience, Little Moose Pond Campsite near Greenville provides primitive camping on a serene pond. Access is via the Little Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead on Old Squaw Road with just a short hike to the campsite. Other notable lakefront options include Crocker Pond with about 5 of its 7 sites directly on the water, and Mount Desert Campground situated on Somes Sound. Most lakefront sites in Maine are highly sought after, especially during summer months, so advance reservations are recommended wherever possible.

Where are the best camping spots in Southern Maine?

Thousand Trails Moody Beach offers convenient access to Orchard Beach and Portland, making it an excellent base for exploring Southern Maine's coastal attractions. While sites can be tight and WiFi spotty away from the recreation center, its location makes it a popular choice. For those seeking an oceanfront experience, Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground near Freeport combines camping with easy access to shopping outlets and coastal activities. The campground features both walk-in and drive-in sites with toilet facilities. Other good options in Southern Maine include Bar Harbor Campground and Hadley's Point Campground, both offering convenient access to popular coastal destinations. Most Southern Maine campgrounds operate from May through October, with some extending into November depending on weather conditions.

When is the best time of year to go camping in Maine?

The prime camping season in Maine runs from late May through early October, with July and August being the busiest months due to ideal weather conditions and school vacations. For a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider early June or September when temperatures remain comfortable and popular spots like Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park are less crowded. Fall camping in Maine offers spectacular foliage viewing, particularly from mid-September through mid-October, with Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground providing opportunities to enjoy northern Maine's autumn colors. Spring camping (May-early June) offers the advantage of fewer insects but can have unpredictable weather. Most campgrounds close by late October, though some private campgrounds offer extended seasons depending on weather conditions.