Madison, Maine sits at the western edge of Somerset County, flanked by the Kennebec River to the east and rolling hills to the west. The area experiences warm summers with average highs in the 70s°F and cold winters, making late May through early October the prime camping season. Located within an hour of multiple lakes, state parks, and forested areas, camping options range from rustic sites to luxury accommodations with water recreation access.
What to do
Water recreation on Flagstaff Lake: Cathedral Pines Campground offers stunning access for boating, swimming, and fishing. According to one visitor, "There is cell service for both Verizon & AT&T. The market right outside the campground entrance has just about everything you might need."
Hiking nearby mountains: The Bigelow range and surrounding 4,000-foot peaks are accessible from several campgrounds. One visitor at Cathedral Pines Campground notes, "I've used this campground as a basecamp as I was bagging the Maine 4000-footers in the area. It's a great place to return and relax after climbing the Bigelow range, Sugarloaf & Spaulding, the Crockers."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot moose, loons, and bald eagles. A Cathedral Pines visitor reported, "We saw loons and bald eagles on the lake daily."
ATV trail access: Multiple campgrounds connect to Maine's extensive ATV trail system. A guest at The Evergreens Campground and Restaurant mentioned, "If you want to ride ATV trails, fish and swim in the Kennebec River, ride mountain bikes on the Kennebec rail trail this is a great place to stay."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated camping areas. A visitor to Cathedral Pines Campground noted, "Sites are very large. Facilities are very clean and cleaned daily. It was very quiet the 3 nights we were there."
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned in reviews across multiple campgrounds. At Peaks-Kenny State Park, one camper observed, "The bath houses are updated. Flush toilets and hot showers make this a safe bet."
Lakefront views: Several campgrounds offer premium lakeside sites. At Sennebec Lake Campground, a reviewer shared, "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."
Family-oriented activities: Organized events keep children entertained. One visitor to Sennebec Lake Campground mentioned, "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."
What you should know
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. A visitor to The Evergreens Campground noted, "The down side is the truck traffic on the nearby roads. The campground is near an intersection so logging trucks slow and accelerate nearby starting early in the morning."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from mid-May to early October. At Peaks-Kenny State Park, a visitor reported, "We camped here in June and the weather was beautiful and it wasn't buggy."
Wildlife encounters: Bees, deer, and other wildlife are common. One camper at Peaks-Kenny State Park mentioned, "I don't have many complaints about this campground. There was a slight bee problem during our stay, but that's to be expected."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for waterfront sites. According to one Sennebec Lake Campground visitor, "Decided to go camping for our anniversary weekend the night before our visit. Very few sites open and some reviews weren't great."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Many campgrounds offer swimming areas suitable for children. At Moosehead Family Campground, visitors appreciate the "pool is very clean" and family-friendly environment.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain play areas. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill, one camper noted, "Great place to go that is cheap, and gives the children an enjoyable weekend with fun activities such as the arcade, inground outdoor pool, playground, and the chance to feed the fish in the pond and ride bikes."
Themed weekends: Several campgrounds offer special events throughout the season. A visitor to Moosehead Family Campground mentioned, "Several activities and events planned for the young and young at heart, call ahead to ask about special events."
Proximity to towns: Access to supplies and alternative activities matters with children. A camper at Moosehead Family Campground appreciated that "We did like the proximity of this campground to downtown Greenville. The area is beautiful with great hiking, boating, and fishing."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. At Birches Lakeside Campground, waterfront sites are popular but may require additional leveling equipment.
Road width concerns: Larger rigs face challenges at certain campgrounds. At Moosehead Family Campground, one RVer noted, "Small campground with 36 RV and tent sites located just a couple of miles from downtown Greenville. The campground has lots of large trees and narrow roads which make it very difficult for big rigs."
Hookup availability: Water and electric are common, but sewer connections vary. According to a Moosehead Family Campground visitor, "No sewer at any sites but there is a dump station and they offer a pump out service for $20."
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking luxury without an RV, glamping options exist near Madison, Maine. A camper at Birches Lakeside Campground mentioned, "Wonderful water access. Cabins, RVs and tents all welcome. Clean facilities and a nice store making it so you don't have to leave!"
