Glamping accommodations near Oakland, Maine provide visitors with options ranging from yurt stays to upscale cabins with lake access. Most sites operate seasonally from May through October when temperatures range from 45°F to 80°F, with higher humidity levels in summer. The area sits at approximately 250 feet elevation with several large lakes creating opportunities for water-based recreation alongside forested camping experiences.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Cobboseecontee: Birches Lakeside Campground sits directly on the 12-mile Lake Cobboseecontee, making it ideal for various watercraft. "If you enjoy water activists, boating, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking then this is your spot," notes a camper. The lake provides opportunities for motorized and non-motorized water sports.
Disc golf courses: Beaver Brook offers an on-site course for disc golf enthusiasts. "Very nice campground with a good camp store and disc golf course. We will stay again!" reports one visitor. The course is accessible to players of various skill levels and provides a recreational option beyond swimming and hiking.
Hiking trails: Camden Hills State Park Campground offers direct access to Mount Megunticook and Mount Battie with trails ranging from easy to advanced difficulty. A camper reports, "What we really liked was the convenient location to downtown Camden and other cute towns, there are hiking trails just outside your doorstep, and you are within five miles of a grocery, restaurants, attractions, etc."
Evening entertainment: Many campgrounds organize weekend activities including live music and themed events. "The themed weekends are a neat concept and enjoyable," states one visitor about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill. Events typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day with additional special events on holiday weekends.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Sennebec Lake Campground offers sites with direct water access. "I am new to pulling a small camper, and staff was great helping me secure a site that was easy for me to back into, and beautiful," shares one visitor. These premium sites typically cost $10-15 more per night than standard sites but provide immediate lake access.
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds coordinate scheduled events throughout the week. "The weekend we stayed they happened to be celebrating 'Christmas in July' and so a lot of the campers had put up lights and decorated. They had a band play on Sat night and large bonfire," notes a camper at Duck Puddle Campground. Most activities are included with your stay, though some special events may have small fees.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high among visitor priorities. "Bathrooms/showers are clean and not very busy as most guests are in RVs," reports a visitor about Sennebec Lake Campground. Shower facilities typically operate 24 hours with some campgrounds providing token-operated hot water systems.
Art and craft opportunities: Searsport Shores Ocean Campground offers unique artistic experiences. "This place is so much more than a beautiful campground nestled among gorgeous old growth trees located right on the shore. It's also a treasure trove of arts of all kinds - fiber arts, metal sculptures, carvings, paintings, and music," describes one visitor. Workshops are offered seasonally with some requiring pre-registration.
What you should know
Site drainage concerns: Some campgrounds experience water management issues during rain. One camper at Augusta/Gardiner KOA noted: "There were very heavy rains the night before we arrived that washed out some of the roads. Our site was quite wet." Spring camping (May-June) typically experiences the most precipitation, with sites on higher ground less prone to flooding.
Uneven terrain: Many campgrounds feature natural, non-leveled sites requiring preparation. "The site was so un-level that our refrigerator stopped functioning," reports a camper about one location. Bringing leveling blocks is advised even for sites advertised as level.
Variable site privacy: Site spacing differs significantly between campgrounds and within the same property. "The tent sites are completely separate from the RVs and are in the woods, beautifully maintained. Only con is the sites are very close together so privacy is an issue sometimes," notes a camper about Searsport Shores Ocean Campground. Premium sites typically offer more privacy at higher cost.
Wi-Fi connectivity: Internet access varies significantly. Some properties offer free Wi-Fi near the main buildings only, while others have no service. Cell service tends to be strongest at campgrounds closer to Interstate 95 or larger towns like Augusta and Waterville.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Jellystone Park™ Androscoggin Lake provides multiple water options. "Amazing campground. Has a lot of stuff for kids including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing, kayaking, mini golf and disc golf," shares a visitor. Water activities are typically available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Playground facilities: Many campgrounds provide play areas with equipment of varying ages and conditions. "Great campground lots to do," notes one visitor simply about Beaver Brook facilities. Playground equipment ranges from older wooden structures to more modern installations.
Organized children's programs: Scheduled activities keep younger campers engaged. "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," says a visitor about Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill. Most activities run on weekends with additional weekday programming during July and August.
Store accessibility: On-site stores stock essentials and snacks. "The shop was amazingly well stocked," notes a camper at Sennebec Lake. Stores typically operate from morning until early evening with limited hours during shoulder seasons (May and September).
Tips from RVers
Site selection for satellite reception: Dense tree cover affects satellite reception at many campgrounds. At Camden Hills State Park, "There are nine sites (55-63) located in an open field that may be able to pick up satellite." RVs requiring consistent connectivity should request these specific sites when booking.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary in quality and width. "The roads can be very narrow if you have a long rig," advises one camper about Beaver Brook Campground. RVs over 30 feet should confirm site accessibility before booking, especially at older campgrounds.
Hook-up availability: Campgrounds offer varying levels of services. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill, sites include "hook ups for water/electric/sewer but also tons of tent sites too." Full hookup sites typically cost $5-10 more per night than partial hookup options.
Dump station access: For sites without sewer connections, dump stations are crucial. Most campgrounds provide this service near the entrance/exit for convenience during departure. Plan to use these facilities before 10am or after 2pm to avoid typical checkout congestion.
