Camping cabins near Mars Hill, Maine provide convenient options for visitors exploring Aroostook County and northern Maine wilderness areas. Located in Maine's northernmost county at elevations ranging from 400-1700 feet, this region experiences cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping below 50°F even in July and August. Most cabin rentals in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with a few select properties offering winter accommodations for snowmobilers and cold-weather enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking nearby mountains: The region offers accessible summit trails with panoramic views. "We liked Haystack Mountain which is just a short 10-15 minute walk to the top of the mountain with great views," notes a visitor to Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground. Many cabin rental locations provide trail maps for local hiking options.
Water activities on local ponds: Several rental cabins provide access to fishing, kayaking and canoeing opportunities. At Shin Pond Village Campground, one camper shared, "The campground is between upper and lower Shin Ponds, with easy boat access to both." Rental equipment is available at some properties for those without their own gear.
Exploring national lands: Many cabin rentals serve as basecamps for visiting protected wilderness. "We were about 15 miles from the northern entrance of Baxter State Park (BSP), so we chose to travel to South Branch Pond to spend the day kayaking," reports a Shin Pond Village visitor. Cabin guests should note that Baxter State Park restricts vehicle sizes and prohibits dogs on trails.
What campers like
Spacious outdoor areas: Cabin sites typically include ample space for outdoor gathering. A guest at Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground noted, "My site was so large that there could have been 4 vehicles with teardrops and had space left over." Many cabins feature grassy areas rather than gravel pads.
Location convenience: Cabins situated between natural attractions and town amenities receive high marks. "The campground is close to town which is a bonus," mentions an Arndt's visitor. This balance allows guests to enjoy wilderness activities while maintaining access to supplies.
Trail access: Direct connections to walking paths and ATV routes from cabin properties are frequently mentioned in reviews. "There are walking trails that are adjacent to the park. There is also a mowed path down to the Aroostook River," notes a reviewer, highlighting the appeal of not having to drive to trailheads.
What you should know
Limited services: Most cabin rentals provide basic amenities only. At many locations, "There is no sewer but there is a dump station and a 'blue boy' for you to use and dump your own tanks. They do not have a pump-out service," explains a visitor to Shin Pond Village.
Variable ground conditions: Seasonal weather affects cabin site conditions significantly. "Sites are grass with very little gravel and, as we found out, they can be very soft," warns a Shin Pond Village reviewer who got their RV stuck after rain. Always check with management about recent weather impacts.
Communication limitations: Cell and internet connectivity varies widely at cabin rental properties. "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 camper, noting common communication challenges in rural Maine.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for temperature swings: Even summer days can turn cold quickly in northern Maine. "I sat on the shady side of my teardrop for some relief from the 90+ temps," mentions an Arndt's visitor who experienced extreme daytime heat, while nighttime temperatures dropped significantly.
Store access: Families should know which supplies are available on-site versus requiring a trip to town. "The nearest town is Patten (about 15 minutes away) and has a hardware store, gift shop, full-service grocery, fuel, restaurants," notes a Shin Pond Village Campground visitor, providing useful information about supply runs.
Family-friendly activities: Many cabin locations encourage intergenerational interaction. "Families here hang outside and interact with each other," observed an Arndt's visitor, highlighting the community atmosphere that develops at many cabin rental properties.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: When booking cabin accommodations, ask specific questions about site features. "Some of the sewer connections are not conveniently located so you may need extra sewer hose," warns an experienced RVer who stayed at Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge, noting that even cabin guests benefit from understanding site layouts.
Access road conditions: Many cabin rental properties have challenging entry roads. "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," mentions a camper describing the tight winding road at one campground. Cabin guests with larger vehicles should inquire about access limitations.
Seasonal timing considerations: Visiting during non-peak times provides a quieter experience. "Seasonal campers make up about 50% of the park but most just come on weekends so the weekdays were pretty quiet," observes an Arndt's visitor, a pattern that applies to many cabin rental properties in the region.
