Northern Aroostook County campgrounds offer access to the Maine wilderness with minimal light pollution and temperatures that can dip below freezing even in summer months. Mapleton serves as a central location for exploring camping options, with most campgrounds closing by mid-October due to harsh winter conditions. Sites in this region typically sit at elevations between 500-1,000 feet above sea level.
What to do
Hiking mountain trails: Aroostook State Park Campground provides access to challenging terrain with significant elevation gains. "The hiking trails are some of the best I have been on at such a site. They could use some more signs at intersections but with the trail map we got from the checkpoint we were able to figure them out," reports a visitor to Deboullie Public Lands. The fire tower hike requires moderate fitness: "If you hike to the fire tower from Perch Dam side, its flat all the way up to the mountain, that's where it gets crazy, like going straight up at some parts."
Water activities: Many lakes near Mapleton maintain cool temperatures even in summer. "The Aroostook river was down the hill and across the street. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, ATVing, fishing, biking, and hunting are all activities to keep you busy. Don't have a canoe or kayak? They're available for rental at the campground," notes a camper at Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The remote areas around Mapleton host diverse wildlife. "While hiking we did find a Pine Martin which was awesome. I never seen one of those in real life before," shares a camper at Deboullie Public Lands. Bird watchers should bring binoculars as the region hosts numerous migratory species.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities despite remote locations. "Bathroom/showers are free and spotless. I didn't have time to hike but there are lots of options," reports a visitor to Aroostook State Park Campground. Another camper adds, "Sites the sites are more or less level and wooded with some privacy, but there's less privacy if you are located in the middle of the loop and people take trails to the latrine in the middle."
Spacious sites: Many of the best places to camp near Mapleton, Maine feature large sites. "HUGE, level, terraced sites stretching up the hill. My site(74) was so large that there could have been 4 vehicles with teardrops and had space left over," notes a visitor to Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground. At Neil E Michaud Campground, a reviewer mentions: "Sites are grassy and open and can accommodate both tents and very large RVs."
Night sky viewing: Low light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The hilltop location provides a great view of the sky, but you will experience some light pollution from RVers who are fans of rope lights and other lighting and don't necessarily turn them off at night," advises a camper about Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge.
What you should know
Remote location logistics: Grocery stores and supplies are limited near most campgrounds. "There is nothing really within 1.5 hours or so from the camp sites so don't forget anything. There is a General Store in town but if you need certain things or want a big selection you will have to drive another 45 minutes to Walmart," cautions a camper at Deboullie Public Lands.
Logging road access: Many campgrounds require travel on rough roads. "Access is gained by private gravel logging roads leaving Route 161 in St. Francis, or off Route 11 in Portage, Maine. There is a check point when you drive through the logging facility area at the start of the main logging roads," explains a visitor to Deboullie Public Lands.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is sparse throughout the region. "No cell or internet reception with our Verizon phone. The campground does have wifi but the signal was not strong enough to get reception reliably at our site," reports a visitor to Shin Pond Village Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Houlton/Canadian Border KOA, a visitor shares: "We have kids so we opted for a site close enough to watch them play on the playground." Another camper adds, "They have recently installed a new pool here so if it gets hot you have that great amenity. They also have the mining for gems activity that you see at some KOA's and all my kids enjoyed that."
Wildlife exploration opportunities: Kids enjoy discovering local fauna. "Kids enjoyed finding frogs in all their ponds," mentions a visitor at Houlton/Canadian Border KOA. Many campgrounds have small streams and ponds where children can safely observe aquatic life.
Seasonal considerations: Most family-friendly campgrounds operate from late May through September only. "This campground is at the top of Maine and a top camping destination for ATV enthusiasts. The sites are spacious and inviting," notes a visitor to Houlton/Canadian Border KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: Grassy sites can become problematic after rain. "Sites are grass with very little gravel and, as we found out, they can be very soft. We pulled into our site (#21) and before we knew it our 45' (47,000 lbs) RV was stuck," warns a visitor to Lakeview Camping Resort. Call ahead during wet periods to check ground firmness.
Hookup locations: Some sites have inconvenient utility placement. "Some of the sewer connections are not conveniently located so you may need extra sewer hose," notes a camper at Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground.
Tight access roads: Several campgrounds have narrow approach roads. "Campsites sits on top of a hill and there is a tight winding road that you must navigate to get up there. We were able to navigate it with our 45' RV and tow car but we had to go slow and take up the whole road," reports an RVer at Shin Pond Village Campground.
