Camping near Old Town, ME

The best places to camp near Old Town, Maine range from lakeside options to rural woodland retreats, with most campgrounds situated within a 20-mile radius. The region has sandy loam soil that drains well after rainfall, helping campsites dry quickly even after storms. Summer nighttime temperatures typically drop to 50-55°F, necessitating warmer sleepwear and proper sleeping bags even during peak season.

What to do

Fishing at local ponds: Pushaw Lake Campground offers excellent lake access with boat-in sites available. One camper noted, "The site included a picnic table, a fire ring and a charcoal grill. Buckets of well seasoned wood were available at the camp store right next to us."

Explore Acadia National Park: Many campgrounds serve as convenient base camps for day trips to Acadia. At Pleasant Hill Campground, one guest shared, "Campground located about 5 miles from Bangor and about an hour from Northern entrance to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Lots to do and see!"

Attend summer concerts: The Bangor area hosts notable musical performances during summer months. The region includes venues with major acts performing regularly, and some campgrounds provide easy access to these cultural events.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Consistent maintenance is a common positive across campgrounds. At Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, a camper observed, "Sites are very clean and the park is well-groomed with maintenance people always mowing or cleaning sites. There is pretty good space between sites so you don't feel cramped or right on top of your neighbor."

Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds emphasize peaceful surroundings. One guest at Cold River Campground noted the "pretty small site but nice layout," indicating the compact but functional design that maintains separation between sites.

Dog-friendly amenities: Pet accommodations vary by location. According to one Pumpkin Patch visitor, there's "a new dog exercise area which has water and toys and is long enough for our Labrador retriever to chase a ball."

What you should know

Internet connectivity varies: While most campgrounds offer Wi-Fi, quality differs substantially. One camper at Pleasant Hill reported, "Only real disappointment was lack of cell coverage for AT&T and if you want internet you must buy a package. Upside to purchased package - there are very little slow downs. Just be sure to only use the number of devices you purchased. We paid $69 for 3 devices for 30 days."

Airport noise potential: Some campgrounds sit under flight paths. A Pleasant Hill camper mentioned, "Campground is quiet, except for the planes overhead as it is located in the flight path for the local airport, but you soon tune this out."

Water quality considerations: Municipal water supplies differ by location, with some campgrounds having distinct mineral content. Bring refillable containers if you're sensitive to water taste.

Tips for camping with families

Age-appropriate campgrounds: Not all locations cater equally to children. One Paul Bunyan Campground visitor found it a "beautiful campground close to all the attractions," making it suitable for families wanting to explore the region.

Playground availability: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Parks Pond Campground, campers appreciate that "They have two wading areas, playground, sand box, laundry and arcade as well as a general store for extras you may have forgotten."

Organized activities: Several campgrounds schedule family-friendly events. One camper noted many campgrounds offer "activities - but mainly directed toward children," so check programming calendars when booking.

Tips from RVers

Site dimensions: RV sites vary significantly in size and layout. At Pumpkin Patch, a camper reported, "Most sites are level and there are long pull thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night."

Hookup placement: The location of utilities impacts setup convenience. According to a visitor, "All the hook-ups were well-placed and we did not need extensions to connect."

Entertainment options: Over-the-air television reception varies by location. One RVer mentioned, "We received about twenty over-the-air channels with our television antenna," providing entertainment options during inclement weather.