The western Maine foothills surrounding North Turner experience warm summer days with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cooler evenings dropping to 50-60°F. The region's campgrounds often sit at elevations between 300-400 feet, with higher camping areas reaching 600+ feet near surrounding mountains. Many camping spots near North Turner, Maine operate seasonally, with most opening in mid-May and closing between late September and mid-October depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Water activities on Webb Lake: Mount Blue State Park Campground offers excellent access to Webb Lake where visitors can swim, kayak, and fish. A camper noted, "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."
Disc golf and recreation: Beaver Brook Campground (now Jellystone Park™ Androscoggin Lake) features a disc golf course along with multiple recreational options. One visitor mentioned, "Amazing campground. Has a lot of stuff for kids including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing, kayaking, mini golf and disc golf."
Nature trails and wildlife watching: Explore the nature trails at Martin Stream Campground for wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper shared, "There is a beautiful nature trail along the stream! Very well kept."
Nearby mountain hiking: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to mountain hiking trails. A visitor at Mount Blue State Park explained, "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!"
What campers like
Private beach access: Two Lakes Camping offers a designated beach area with space for families. As one camper observed, "Nice sandy beach area and clean bathrooms! Close and convenient to town and surrounding areas."
Quiet atmosphere: More to Life Campground provides a peaceful setting for those seeking relaxation. A visitor mentioned, "I'm biased as we are seasonal campers. We love this place because it's not a party campground and is very family friendly."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the North Turner region maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. A camper at Martin Stream Campground stated, "The bathrooms and showers were always clean. Plenty of activities."
Spacious campsites: Augusta West Kampground offers waterfront sites with enough room for comfortable camping. One reviewer noted, "We stayed in the 'new sites' adjacent to the entrance road; it was a long nice site with gravel but was not private."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most camping areas near North Turner require advance bookings, particularly for summer weekends. For specific campgrounds like Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins, planning ahead is essential as one camper advised, "We booked for next Memorial weekend while there because we had so much fun!"
Dump station policies: Some campgrounds have specific rules regarding dump station usage. A Martin Stream Campground visitor cautioned, "There are no sewer hookups (which is fine) but you are only allowed ONE use at dump station upon leaving the campground."
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly throughout the region. At Papoose Pond, a camper observed, "Located on 2 sides of a road, the side opposite the lake was much nicer and more spacious. Sites around the lake very crowded together."
Seasonal limitations: Most camping options close by mid-October. At Two Lakes Camping, the season runs "May 1 - Oct 14," while Martin Stream Campground operates "May-October," requiring campers to plan visits accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Beaver Brook Campground (Jellystone Park) offers numerous family-oriented amenities. A visitor shared, "Has things to do for all ages. Big campground with lots of sites. We will definitely come back again."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or traveling without gear, cabins provide a comfortable alternative. At Martin Stream Campground, a camper explained, "We rented a one room cabin that was perfect for two who flew in without camping gear. Fridge, coffee pot, microwave and AC."
Check for organized events: Many campgrounds host regular activities for children. At Honey Run Campground and Beach, a visitor noted, "The campground offers lots of fun activities, such as bingo, karaoke, and live music. The new owners plan on new upgrades as time goes on."
Select family-friendly sites: Campgrounds like Papoose Pond offer specialized family sites. A camper recommended, "Perfect stay if you have kiddos and dogs! There's a playground, arcade, and beach. They offer kayak and canoe rentals."
Tips from RVers
Site selection important: When camping with an RV near North Turner, carefully research site dimensions. At Two Lakes Camping, a visitor observed, "Getting into your site with a camper requires maneuvering no matter how you come into the campground."
Hookup availability: Verify which utilities are available at your chosen campground. Augusta West Kampground provides sites with various hookup options, with a visitor noting, "Lots of Lakeside sites equipped with water and electric. If you have sewer."
Seasonal site considerations: Many campgrounds in the region have a high percentage of seasonal campers, which affects the overall atmosphere. At Martin Stream Campground, a camper mentioned, "I will say there appeared to be a lot of all summer camper rentals, so it was a little odd with everyone seeming to be friendly and already knowing one another."
Maneuverability limitations: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. More to Life Campground accommodates larger rigs but requires careful driving, while Jellystone Park provides more spacious roads with one visitor noting it's "big-rig friendly" with "plenty of room between the sites for the perfect amount of privacy."
