The Madison and Skowhegan region provides camping options with varying terrain across Somerset County. The area sits along the Kennebec River valley with elevations ranging from 200-500 feet, creating both riverside and forested camping environments. Summer temperatures typically range 60-80°F while fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, with most campgrounds closing by mid-October.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Two Rivers Campground offers direct access to two waterways for fishing. "We stayed two nights here and really enjoying it. Walking out the door is the serene view if the water. Free use of canoes and kayaks are a nice bonus," notes Onara G.
**Trail exploration: Hiking and ATV trails are accessible from Spacious Skies Balsam Woods, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. "The campground has access to over 1000 miles of trails, which are designed for ATV's. They even have an ATV washing station," according to Shari G. The trail system connects to major routes throughout central Maine.
**Swimming: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities for summer visitors. At Balsam Woods, "This gampground has the access to snowmobile trail in the winter as well as the ATV trails. It has it's own parking lot for your atvs. Their is a inground outdoor heated pool, a great big playground, basketball court, volleyball net," reports Brianna M.
What campers like
**Spacious sites: Pumpkin Patch RV Resort offers generously sized sites that provide more privacy than typical RV parks. "There is pretty good space between sites so you don't feel cramped or right on top of your neighbor. Most sites are level and there are long pull thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night," shares Nancy W.
**Lakeside views: Augusta West Kampground provides waterfront camping with wildlife viewing opportunities. "Loved our site right on the water and access to the docks for fishing & kayaking! Kids caught many sunfish & had loads of fun! Very quiet but quaint campground! Loved waking up to the sounds of the loons & even spotted a bald eagle!" says Heather C.
**Clean facilities: Maintenance standards are typically high across area campgrounds. "Clean,quiet,very well taken care of,great staff,very helpful,huge sites,absolutely loved this place!" notes Larry B. about Pumpkin Patch RV Resort. Similarly, at Balsam Woods, campers appreciate "Super clean bathhouse and laundry facility," according to Jodi R.
What you should know
**Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October. The best availability is midweek and early/late season. "We stayed here for two weeks the end of September and beginning of October. This was a great place for home base for a couple weeks while we enjoyed Maine and what it offers!!" reports Todd W. about Balsam Woods.
**Internet connectivity: Cell service and Wi-Fi quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "Our Verizon phone got good reception and our hot spot worked well. The campground wi-fi was decent at our site but that depends on where you are in the park and what time of day you are using it," explains Nancy W. about Pumpkin Patch.
**Bug awareness: Alderbrook Camp Site visitors note seasonal insect challenges. "The only challenge is we stayed in July, and the horse flys were viscous. They were not by the campsite, but were abundant on the trails, and I literally had to run to get back to the camper to minimize the bites," warns Heather C.
Tips for camping with families
**Kid-friendly activities: Moose Creek RV Resort offers numerous amenities for children. "The amenities are all brand new and beautiful, including the pool side bar. The sides are spacey and range from field sites to wooded more private sites," notes Claire T. The resort includes a playground and organized activities during peak season.
**Theme weeks: Family-oriented campgrounds often schedule special events throughout the season. "Every week is themed. My family goes every year for magic pumpkin week which includes TRICK OR TREATING IN SEPTEMBER. My nieces and nephews love it!" shares Samantha N. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
**Ponds and swimming: Water features provide entertainment for children during hot summer days. "The kids can also enjoy the playground, and the various activities they provide," reports Brianna M. about Deer Farm Camps. Similarly, Augusta West offers "access to the docks for fishing & kayaking! Kids caught many sunfish & had loads of fun!"
Tips from RVers
**Site selection: For RV sites near Madison, Maine, choose based on your specific needs. "Most sites are level and there are long pull thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night. There is a mix of sun and shade depending on what site you are in," notes Nancy W. about Pumpkin Patch. Full hookup sites with 50-amp service are available at several campgrounds.
**Seasonal sites: Many campgrounds maintain long-term seasonal sites which typically book well in advance. "We were in site #10 which was perfectly level. Our favorite sites are 10 and 17–26 which are back-ins with privacy behind you and nice separation between sites," notes a reviewer about Moose Creek RV Resort.
**Amenities for longer stays: Happy Horseshoe Campground provides facilities for extended camping periods. "My husband, daughter, myself and our labradoodle truly had a remarkable time during our two and half month stay from July til the end of September," writes Adam & about their extended visit, noting the "grounds are equipped with spacious woodsy sites, two very clean bath houses, a rec room, walking trail, nice sized inground pool, playground for smaller kids, a store with Cafe."
