The Belfast-Camden corridor features several pet-friendly campgrounds within 10 miles of Northport. Situated along Maine's rocky coastline, the area includes mixed terrain of wooded camping areas, oceanfront properties, and lake access points. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October due to the coastal Maine climate, with many sites closing after Labor Day or remaining open with limited services into early fall.
What to do
Hiking at Camden Hills State Park: Just 12 miles from Northport, this 5,700-acre park offers miles of hiking trails. "One of the real pluses of this park were the miles and miles of hiking trails just outside our doorstep. Driving the tour road to the summit of Mt. Battie (elevation 800') is a must and the views are spectacular," notes Nancy W. from Camden Hills State Park Campground.
Kayaking from local harbors: The Camden area offers multiple launch points for kayaking. "Camden is a great town by the water with restaurants and shops. Kayaking and sailboats are also available," explains Jimmy M. Camden Hills provides a convenient base for water activities, with "Camden City Park, which is 2.5 miles away, and is a great place to launch a kayak."
Attend seasonal events: Some campgrounds host special activities during holiday weekends. At Northport Campground, "they have events during holidays (fireworks, food truck and live music)," according to Karen M., making it worth planning visits around these community gatherings.
What campers like
Cedar outdoor showers: Multiple campers highlight the shower facilities at Meguniticook by the Sea Campground. One visitor mentioned, "I made use of the cedar showers for a long hot shower- awesome! Crystal clean bathrooms." Another camper agreed that "the cedar showers are awesome" and worth using even if your vehicle has bathroom facilities.
Communal ocean viewing areas: Several oceanfront campgrounds provide dedicated spaces for enjoying water views. "The deck on the ocean is a great place to picnic," notes a Kevin W. from Meguniticook by the Sea. Similarly, at Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, "There are chairs and benches just to look out over the bay."
Lobster dinners: Fresh seafood experiences are available at multiple locations. "The Moorings organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, and free wine and beer during Friday Happy Hours," says Nancy W. At Oceanfront Camping, one visitor recommends "getting fresh lobster from the local lobster man that lives on the grounds, they even supply you with a pot to boil them!"
What you should know
Site limitations for tents: Some campgrounds have restrictions on tent sizes and locations. At Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, "The tent 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," explains Eileen N. This requires extra planning for tent campers with extensive gear.
Seasonal water issues: Campground water systems sometimes undergo maintenance. At Camden Hills in early October, "they are doing work on their water system so none of their water is potable," reports Missy R. Always check current conditions when booking late-season stays.
Added fees: Some locations charge additional costs beyond the site rental. Megunticook Campground has "a charge for Wi-Fi, and cell service is good enough." One camper cautions about "all the potential extra fees that irked me: $30 site lock to ensure you get the site you want when you reserve... $4 weather guarantee... $7.95 if you need to hook up to WiFi... $10 to use the dump station."
Tips for camping with families
Lake alternatives: For families seeking water activities away from the ocean, Sennebec Lake Campground provides accessible lake swimming. "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming," says Pam A. The campground offers "kids' crafts, a kids vs adults water gun fight, cornhole competition, and a DJ for an evening of dancing."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The coastal setting offers marine wildlife sightings. One camper at Oceanfront Camping reported, "My husband and I absolutely loved staying here. We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" These unplanned encounters create memorable experiences for children.
Playground options: Consider campgrounds with recreational facilities. Searsport Shores includes "a jungle gym, basketball court, volley ball, and a dog run," according to Peach L. For younger children, "the only saving grace where my son was concerned was a large sand box," notes another visitor, highlighting the importance of simple play areas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for oceanfront views: At The Moorings Campground, "The park offers a variety of sites (44 total) depending on if you want oceanfront, ocean view, or a pull-thru. All sites have electric (50 or 30 amp), water, cable and wifi." For prime oceanfront, note that some premium sites may have limited hookups, as "Premier oceanfront sites (with no sewer and 30 amps) are $72/night during high season."
Seasonal availability: For RVers traveling in fall, campgrounds often transition to walk-in status. "It's early October, and I learned that Maine State Parks are first come first serve at this point. I was pleasantly surprised to arrive and find plenty of vacant spots," reports Missy R., though she cautions, "Beware of weekend campers. I had no problem getting a first come first serve spot on Wednesday, but by Friday, it was busy."
Site leveling considerations: Pay attention to site conditions when booking. Camden Hills State Park offers "Sites and patios are gravel and level with a picnic table and fire pit." This preparation reduces setup time upon arrival and makes for a more comfortable stay.