Cabins near Northport, Maine range from oceanfront lodging to lakeside accommodations on nearby bodies of water. The coastal region features a rocky shoreline with numerous pine-covered peninsulas and protected coves that create natural harbors. Winter temperatures typically drop to the teens, making most cabin camping in this area seasonal with highest availability from late May through mid-October.
What to do
Kayaking at Sennebec Lake: Located 27 miles inland from Northport, this lake offers protected waters ideal for beginner to intermediate kayakers. "The proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming" makes it a popular spot according to Pam A., who visited Sennebec Lake Campground.
Explore historic lighthouse trails: Many cabin sites provide access to coastal hiking trails leading to historic Maine lighthouses. A visitor at Seawall Campground noted, "Bass Harbor Light House is very close, and the sea-wall is close enough to walk to for a very pretty sunrise!"
Local arts and crafts workshops: Several campgrounds host regular arts and crafts activities beyond typical camping fare. At Searsport Shores, a camper experienced "a treasure trove of arts of all kinds - fiber arts, metal sculptures, carvings, paintings, and music" with workshops for various instruments including "fiddlers, banjos, ukuleles, mandolins, and guitars jamming with old time and blue grass music."
What campers like
Oceanfront cabin settings: The elevated shoreline offers dramatic views not found at inland sites. At Meguniticook by the Sea Campground, campers appreciate the "gorgeous views of the Penobscot Bay" where you can "see the lighthouse of Rockport harbor not seen from the harbor itself" according to Maryanne S.
Cedar shower facilities: Several campgrounds feature unique shower buildings constructed with aromatic cedar. Chelsea from Meguniticook by the Sea remarked, "the bathrooms are clean and the cedar showers are awesome!" Another visitor called them "comfy enough even in a van camper with few amenities."
Community fire areas: Beyond individual fire pits, some cabin areas offer communal fire areas by the water. A Searsport Shores visitor mentioned "the community firepit is nice" while another noted there are "secret nooks where you can sit and make a fire" rather than just at your cabin site.
What you should know
Cabin reservation requirements: Many cabins require substantial advance booking during peak season. At Smuggler's Den Campground, a staff member notes they have "every possible kind of sight, RV, pop-up, tent, Cabin, Rustic Cabin, and tents on platforms" but these fill quickly in summer.
Seasonal activities scheduling: Organized activities are primarily scheduled on weekends and peak summer periods. "Activities started up again this year, with events such as kids' crafts, a kids vs adults water gun fight, cornhole competition, and a DJ for an evening of dancing - just on the weekend we were there," reported a Sennebec Lake visitor.
Shower costs at some locations: While some cabins include bathroom facilities, others require use of central shower buildings that may have fees. At Seawall Campground, "showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water" according to one visitor who stayed for a week.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Several cabin locations feature recently upgraded play equipment. At Balsam Cove Campground, "there is a playground and a common eating area. the kids feel like they are at summer camp while here," according to Melissa N., making it ideal for families with young children.
Lake vs. ocean swimming options: Ocean temperatures remain quite cold even in summer, making lake cabin options better for swimming with children. Smuggler's Den offers "a nice pool with slide" and "hiking trails connect to the back of the campground for access to Beech Mtn and Echo Lake beach" according to visitor Erin S.
Access to nature programs: Some cabin locations feature structured nature activities for children beyond basic playground equipment. One family at Searsport Shores noted, "It makes it great for any age kid, there are always tons of kids around... They also had lovely ranger led activities that seemed like a great selling point."
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives for RVers: Some RV travelers use cabins during inclement weather or for extra guests. At Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, they offer "basically everything that's needed for a good experience" including both RV sites and cabin options, making transitions between the two easy.
Road noise considerations: Some cabin locations near main roads experience traffic noise. Lee D. noted that at Megunticook Campground "the campground is located too close to the road and, with the exception of sites 84-87 and cabins 8-10, you will hear road noise in your site."
Parking logistics: Cabin access sometimes requires walking from parking areas. Eileen N. noted at Seawall Campground that "the tents sites aren't accessible by car though, so you need to put all your camping equipment into a wagon and pull it to your site," which applies to some cabin locations as well.
