Lubec experiences a humid continental climate with average summer temperatures around 70°F and winter lows reaching 10°F. The easternmost town in the United States sits at approximately 40 feet above sea level on the Quoddy Narrows strait. Camping options in the area feature coastal access with significant tidal ranges of up to 20 feet, requiring careful planning for water activities.
What to do
Kayaking at high tide: Launch from the primitive kayak launch at Sunset Point RV Park when the tide is in to avoid crossing the mucky, seaweed-covered flats. "The tidal range is around 20 feet so make sure you paddle around high tide or you will have to cross a mucky, seaweed covered, rocky clam flat to get back to shore," advises Nancy W.
Lobster cooking: Many campgrounds provide equipment for preparing your own seafood. "You can sign up in the office for a lobster set-up which includes a pot, burner, and propane to cook lobsters, clams, or crabs at your site," notes Lee D. about Sunset Point RV Park.
Explore Quoddy Head State Park: Located 4 miles from downtown, the park offers ocean-front hiking trails and lighthouse views. "Nearby is Quoddy Head State Park which has some beautiful oceanfront hiking trails and a picturesque lighthouse," mentions Nancy W.
Visit Campobello Island: Bring your passport to cross into Canada and explore the Roosevelt summer home. "Bring your passport and cross over to Campobello Island which was the summer home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and is now a museum open for tours," suggests a reviewer.
What campers like
Waterfront viewing spots: McClellan Park offers direct access to Maine's rocky coastline at budget-friendly rates. "Private place to camp right by the shore. Excellent rates. Nice, well maintained trail to bathroom/shower and to coast. Perfect place for a quiet camping experience!" shares Jeremiah N.
Morning coffee gatherings: Some rv parks near Lubec provide community spaces. "Free WiFi, and morning coffee on the porch," mentions Lee D. about the social atmosphere at Sunset Point RV Park.
Wildlife watching: The coastal location provides opportunities to spot marine life and birds. "After a busy morning of hiking or paddling we loved hanging out at our campsite in the afternoon and watching the seals, bald eagles, seabirds, and the tides come and go," says Nancy W.
Accessible shore fishing: South Bay on Rocky Lake offers freshwater fishing opportunities within an hour of coastal camping. "Great spot to fish and swim! I've caught smallmouth bass, chubs and trout in the river so far! Black and silver Jerk baits work great," suggests John R.
What you should know
Cash payment policies: Some Lubec area rv campgrounds don't accept credit cards. "After we paid (Cash or check only, no credit cards), she gave us the lowdown on what we should see and do in the small town of Lubec," explains Lee D.
Shower facilities vary widely: Bathroom amenities differ significantly between campgrounds. "The shower was also a little tight. One stall had plenty of hooks, but I could not get the faucets to work; the other stall only had one hook, but I could get the faucets to work!" notes a reviewer about Sunset Point Campground.
Wind considerations: Coastal locations experience strong breezes that can damage equipment. "Be sure not to leave your awning out while you are away from your camper as the winds can really pick up in the afternoon and damage them," warns Nancy W.
Insect protection needed: Bug activity increases in warmer months. "Camp sites today are very buggy - bring your repellent and/or netting," advises Gary at Machias Rips Campsite.
Tips for camping with families
Unique accommodations: Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers special lodging options beyond traditional campsites. "This is the first campground we have stayed at that has ATV trail access, horse friendly camping, full hookups, pull through sites, tent camping, tent rentals, teepee rentals, 'tiny bird cabin', and a tree house," reports J B.
Covered picnic areas: Some campgrounds provide shelter from unexpected weather. "Changed our plans at the last minute to come stay here and glad we did. Really pretty campground, well maintained lawns with E/W hookups and a roof structure over the picnic table to protect from rain," shares Mir D. about Sunset Point Campground.
Educational opportunities: Campobello Island offers historical learning experiences. "Bring your passport and cross over to Campobello Island which was the summer home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and is now a museum open for tours," notes a reviewer.
Water safety awareness: Significant tidal changes affect water activities. "Beware that the tidal range is around 20 feet so make sure you paddle around high tide or you will have to cross a mucky, seaweed covered, rocky clam flat to get back to shore," cautions Nancy W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Seaview Campground in Eastport, choose wisely for the best views. "We had site S11, one of the best for sure. Unobstructed view of the bay. You can see whales swimming by. A single tree sits over the picnic bench," recommends Mark S.
Motorhome positioning: Some RVers modify their parking direction to maximize views. "Most motorhomes (in sites 16-29) choose to pull-in forward so they have a water view out of their front window and run the utilities under their RV to hook-up," explains Nancy W.
Waste management options: Alternative solutions exist for RVs without sewer hookups. "There are no sewer hook-ups but there is a dump station, a tote (a.k.a.,'blue boy') that you are welcome to borrow, or you can schedule a pump out for $10/tank," details Nancy W.
Local resupply points: "Lubec has a hardware store, small grocery store, two places to get pizza and a few other shops scattered here or there. You are best to bring everything you need (you can stock up in the grocery in Columbia Falls before you head south off route one)," advises Nancy W.
