Camping spots near Norridgewock, Maine range from forested settings to waterfront locations at the confluence of major rivers. The region sits at approximately 200 feet above sea level in central Maine's Somerset County, with most campgrounds closing after Columbus Day when temperatures begin dropping into the 30s°F at night. Several campgrounds maintain ATV trail access, making them popular bases for riders exploring the region's extensive trail networks.
What to do
Paddle the rivers: Two Rivers Campground offers complimentary canoe and kayak usage with 2-hour reservation slots. According to Andrea S., it's a "peaceful little gem at the river. Took a canoe up the river for a couple hours. Kind people. Clean. Would definitely stay again."
Fishing opportunities: Mount Blue State Park Campground provides access to Webb Lake for anglers. Campers report hearing loons in early mornings while watching sunrise over the water. As Jess Y. notes: "I would hear loons in the early mornings and go down to watch the sunrise. It was packed when I was there but overall quiet and peaceful."
Explore hiking trails: Multiple hiking options exist within short drives from local campgrounds. Charlotte F. shares about Mount Blue: "Super close to many incredible day hikes such as Tumbledown & Mt. Blue. We checked in for 3 nights and ended up staying for 5 because we were enjoying it so much!"
ATV trail access: Several campgrounds connect to regional ATV trail networks. Kevin W. mentions The Evergreens Campground: "If you want to ride ATV trails, fish and swim in the Kennebec River, ride mountain bikes on the Kennebec rail trail this is a great place to stay."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Two Rivers Campground offers sites directly along the Kennebec River. Onara G. shares: "We are staying two nights here and really enjoying it. The staff is friendly, and the sites are varied. Meaning ours is along the river so we sit parallel with it. Walking out the door is the serene view of the water."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. Gary C. from Happy Horseshoe Campground notes: "Two bath areas and a laundry room. Free baths and inexpensive laundry prices."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the natural surroundings and wildlife. At Alderbrook Camp Site, one reviewer observed: "The view was expansive and beautiful, with wonderful sunsets. The walking trails that have been cut are lovely, and a great place for a short walk, or to walk with your dog."
Themed weekends: Several campgrounds host special weekend events. Samantha N. shares about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park: "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!"
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Many campgrounds have limited privacy between sites. At Mount Blue State Park, Jess Y. mentions: "I'd give 5 stars but only 4 since the sites are nice but not much privacy. Facilities are clean."
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby highways. LoneCamper C. observed at Two Rivers: "At night, one can clearly hear the noise from route 2 just at the edge of the campground. The river amplifies the sound of cars passing by."
Horse fly season: During summer months, insects can be problematic. A camper at Alderbrook Camp Site warns: "The only challenge is we stayed in July, and the horse flys were viscious. 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."
Varying campground atmospheres: Some locations cater more to seasonal campers than transient visitors. K H. notes about Abnaki Family Camping Center: "The campground was very loud - lots of music, yelling, just loud. There is garbage everywhere - like bags of it on the deck of the 'camp store' that doesn't appear to be used anymore."
Tips for camping with families
Look for planned activities: Skowhegan Kennebec Valley KOA offers family-friendly amenities. Ashley I. shares: "Loved this campground! Loved the staff! Great 1st KOA experience. Tons of stuff to do- great playground, tractor rides. Store was well stocked."
Choose campgrounds with water recreation: Mount Blue State Park includes beach access at Webb Lake. Sandie N. reports: "I camped here two nights with my family. It was the first camping trip we took with my 2 year old, and so was very nervous about how it would go. I was very relieved to be surrounded by families with small children."
Consider spaciousness between sites: Some campgrounds offer more room for families to spread out. Will T. mentions about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park: "Brought the family here for a nice Father's Day weekend. Good place to bring the kids. The staff here were all friendly and very helpful for any questions or camping needs you had."
Check for playground facilities: Several Norridgewock area campgrounds include playgrounds. Andrew G. notes: "Been here 3-4 times and have had an amazing time watch the kids. Great little fishing ponds, cabins and a Treehouse! Fun swimming pool and sooo many kid's activities."
Tips from RVers
Site surface conditions: At Two Rivers Campground, RVers should note ground composition. Nancy W. mentions: "One of the downsides is the loud road noise from Route 2. The other thing we didn't like was that our patio was a mix of sand and dirt which made for a mess in the RV and not a great place for our dog to lay in."
Waterfront site limitations: Riverside sites may have length restrictions. Russ T. notes about Two Rivers Campground: "A small campground with big personality. Clean, quiet and great neighbors."
Seasonal vs. transient mix: Many campgrounds balance permanent seasonal sites with visitors. Adam & says about Happy Horseshoe Campground: "Owners, Judy & Buster have created a camping gem in rural Maine. 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 and a teeny-tiny laundry room."
Highway proximity considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. Meghan B. shares about Sandy Beach Campground: "Knocked off one star for the lack of privacy between sites and for the price ($70+ for essentially a parking spot with water/electricity is a bit much imo--at least make the showers free! lol)."
