Camping near Mount Vernon, ME

Camping opportunities near Mount Vernon, Maine include established campgrounds, lakefront sites, and forest-based camping areas that range from full-service to primitive. The region sits within the Belgrade Lakes area where elevation ranges between 340-520 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during July and August with cooler nights around 55-65°F, creating ideal camping conditions.

What to do

Disc golf access: Jellystone Park™ Androscoggin Lake offers an on-site disc golf course for campers. "Very nice campground with a good camp store and disc golf course. We will stay again!" notes visitor J B.

Swimming options: Martin Stream Campground provides both pool access and natural water features. "This is a beautiful, family and pet friendly campground. Very well kept. The bathrooms and showers were always clean. Plenty of activities. There is a beautiful nature trail along the stream!" reports Dawn.

Paddling experiences: Boat rentals are available at several local campgrounds for exploring nearby waterways. At Two Rivers Campground, "One of the nice features is that they offer free use of their canoes/kayaks/peddle boats. You reserve a 2-hour time slot, and they provide you with the paddles and life jackets," according to Nancy W.

What campers like

Waterfront access: Many campers appreciate sites directly on lakes and streams. At Augusta West Kampground, visitors enjoy "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!"

Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe Maine's native wildlife from camping areas. "I saw two bald eagles patrolling the Kennebec" at Two Rivers Campground, reports LoneCamper C., while Augusta West campers frequently mention hearing loons on the lake in early morning.

Clean facilities: Many Mount Vernon area campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. At More to Life Campground, a visitor noted, "Christian based, Nice, clean, family friendly campground. Plenty to do with the family including a beach, playground, water activities, and crafts!"

What you should know

Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Mount Blue State Park Campground, "I'd give 5 stars but only 4 since the sites are nice but not much privacy. Facilities are clean. The sites are a short walk/drive down to the lake and it is beautiful there."

Seasonal limitations: Most campsites near Mount Vernon operate from May through October. Honey Run Campground and Beach is one exception, operating year-round with winter availability for those prepared for cold-weather camping.

Reservation policies: Campgrounds have different reservation requirements and visitor fees. One camper at More to Life Campground noted "My only qualm is that they charge for visitors, even if they are only staying an hour (I can understand overnight, but it seems silly to charge for an hour)."

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Choose campgrounds with scheduled children's events. At Martin Stream Campground, the owner "is always around and checking in and very attentive with the people and the property" and "does daily activities and keeps the place looking absolutely beautiful!"

Water recreation: Select campgrounds with water features for children. Birches Lakeside Campground "is perfect if you have a motor boat, pontoon, jetskii, or even a kayak! I wouldn't suggest learning to paddle board on the lake but its still a great spot for experienced paddleboarders."

Playground access: Several area campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake has "a lot of stuff for kids including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing,kayaking, mini golf and disc golf. Great sites and plenty of them."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: RV campers should check site dimensions before booking. At Two Rivers Campground, "Some of the RV sites are located parallel to the river so your patio is open to the river and you have an unobstructed water view. However, these sites are fairly short and would not accommodate larger RVs."

Dump station policies: Understand each campground's dump station rules. At Martin Stream Campground, "There are no sewer hookups(which is fine) but you are only allowed ONE use at dump station upon leaving the campground."

Hookup variations: Verify which utilities are available at your specific site. Augusta West Kampground offers full-hookup sites but limited cable TV access, while More to Life Campground offers electric and water hookups at most sites but limited sewer connections.