Mount Vernon, Maine camping areas sit within the Belgrade Lakes region at elevations between 350-500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F while spring and fall can drop to 40-60°F with frequent evening temperature fluctuations. Campgrounds near Mount Vernon typically operate from May through October, with most facilities closing after Indigenous Peoples' weekend when fall foliage reaches its peak.
What to do
River paddling adventures: Augusta West Kampground provides direct access to water activities with sites along the lake. "Loved our site right on the water and access to the docks for fishing & kayaking! Kids caught many sunfish & had loads of fun," notes Heather C. about Augusta West Kampground.
Brewery visits and tastings: Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort combines camping with craft beer sampling. "The brewery is really cool, and the wood fired pizza is some of my favorite. The folks who run this place are really friendly and accommodating," reports Joe R. about Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort.
Disc golf and water recreation: Seasonal activities at area campgrounds include both land and water sports. "Amazing campground. Has a lot of stuff for kids including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing, kayaking, mini golf and disc golf," writes Peter F. about Jellystone Park at Androscoggin Lake.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lakeside camping provides chances to see native Maine wildlife. "This a beautiful spot, right on the Lake, listened to the loons, watched Canadian Geese with their goslings and saw a bald eagle swoop down and try to get something," shares Michi P. about Augusta West Kampground.
Private island exploration: Some campgrounds feature unique natural areas accessible only to guests. "Bethel outdoor adventure was a great, quiet, and fun campsite. There was a very cool suspension bridge to take you to on a walk to a private island," explains Megan S. about Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground.
River floats with shuttle service: Campgrounds with river access often provide transportation for water activities. "We used the campgrounds shuttle livery service to take our kayak and paddleboard up river for a leisurely float down the river so we could enjoy the scenery, have a picnic, and fish," notes Nancy W. about Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground.
What you should know
Site privacy varies considerably: RV sites near Mount Vernon, Maine range from secluded to closely situated. "The sites are close enough to hear every word of every conversation and there is nothing to screen sites from each other," cautions Karen A. about Martin Stream Campground.
Tidal water access: Some waterfront campsites have limited water access depending on tide schedules. "The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide," explains Rachel S. about Shore Hills Campground.
Seasonal populations: Many campgrounds have a mix of temporary and long-term campers. "A little more pricey but a beautiful campground. Big pool and brooks around. Tons of trails. A general store with a connected ice cream stand near the pool area," notes Susan S. about Jellystone Park at Androscoggin Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Free water equipment rentals: Some campgrounds provide complimentary water recreation equipment. "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," explains Nancy W. about Two Rivers Campground.
Activity schedules: Family-oriented campgrounds often provide organized recreation. "For parents; live entertainment with local bands on Saturday nights, an adult only swim nightly, candy bar bingo (where you can play bingo WITH your kids and was quite fun)," describes Angela M. about Jellystone Park at Androscoggin Lake.
Christian-oriented campgrounds: Some facilities have specific faith-based orientations. "Christian based, Nice, clean, family friendly campground. Plenty to do with the family including a beach, playground, water activities, and crafts!" notes Ashley V. about More to Life Campground.
Tips from RVers
Sewer connection limitations: RV sites near Mount Vernon, Maine often have limited full-hookup availability. "For the most part it's RVs and trailers. Sites are equipped with water and electric. If you have sewer. Lots of Lakeside sites," explains Dwayne B. about Augusta West Kampground.
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience highway noise. "The downside is the loud road noise from Route 2. The other thing we didn't like was that our patio was a mix and sand and dirt which made for a mess in the RV," reports Nancy W. about Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground.
Tree sap issues: Wooded sites can create maintenance challenges. "Parking under the pines also meant a lot of sap on our roof which was a bear to remove," cautions Nancy W. about Shore Hills Campground.