Thomas B.
Ranger
RangerHolden Family Campground
Quiet and Pleasant
Spent a few days here in early October. Pleasant host, easy check-in, and quiet campground with full hookups. Minutes from the highway and an hour or so from Acadia.
Camping near Orono, ME
151 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Campgrounds near Orono, Maine span a range of accommodation types from basic tent sites to fully equipped RV parks with cabin rentals. Pushaw Lake Campground, located directly in Orono, offers lakefront camping with tent, RV, and cabin options open from May 15 to October 1. Several developed campgrounds within a 15-mile radius include Paul Bunyan Campground in Bangor, Pumpkin Patch RV Resort in Hermon, and Bangor Holden KOA in Holden. Most established campgrounds in the region provide amenities such as electric hookups, water, showers, and dump stations, though amenity levels vary significantly between properties.
The camping season throughout the Orono area generally runs from May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months due to Maine's harsh cold season. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Many campgrounds offer full hookup sites with 30- or 50-amp service for larger RVs, though site leveling can be a consideration at some properties. Several camping areas provide water access, with Pushaw Lake Campground offering boat-in sites for those arriving by water. "The site was great, flat and easy to back into. The campground was clean and other campers were very friendly and very family oriented," noted one camper about their experience at a nearby KOA.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region, with lakefront sites being particularly sought after. Campers frequently mention the peaceful setting and natural beauty surrounding Pushaw Lake, though some note that lakefront sites offer less privacy due to their popularity and proximity to other campers. Family-friendly campgrounds like Paul Bunyan and KOA provide organized activities during peak season. More adult-oriented options like Pumpkin Patch RV Resort offer quieter environments with fewer kid-focused amenities. A camper described Pumpkin Patch as "a quiet peaceful campground. It is very well kept, and the staff is always welcoming. Sites are large and level." Most campgrounds in the area provide convenient access to Bangor's urban amenities while serving as good base camps for day trips to coastal destinations like Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, approximately one hour away.
Best Campgrounds near Orono (151)
1. Pumpkin Patch RV Resort
"Snowmobile trails behind the campground lead to a walking path that connects the high school and elementary school for a pleasant walk in the woods."
"We have been here around six times. It’s a quiet peaceful campground. It is very well kept, and the staff is always welcoming. Sites are large and level. Nice walking areas and close to dunkin!"
from $50 / night
Check Availability2. Paul Bunyan Campground
"Beautiful campground close to all the attractions"
"Close to the cross center and the waterfront concerts. Quite"
3. Parks Pond Campground
"My spot was right next to road. I honest didn't notice road threw out the night. Water rentals kayaks etc were very reasonable. Staff was very nice."
"THe all around environment was very welcoming. I will definitely stay again in the future."
4. Bangor Holden KOA
"Quick walk to bathrooms & showers, which are very clean. Held lots of activities over the weekend, busy crowd. Got a nice secluded tent space."
5. Pushaw Lake Campground
"The wind was coming right off the lake which made it particularly hard to set up. Blocking the wind with our car was our only choice."
6. Red Barn Campground
7. Cold River Campground
from $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability8. Holden Family Campground
"Minutes from the highway and an hour or so from Acadia."
9. Pleasant Hill Campground
"No huge hills, several trash dumpsters conveniently located and even a barrel for animal waste. Bath house conveniently located. Campground has playground, pool and rec room."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability10. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park
"Close proximity to Bar Harbor and a lot of the main attractions of the national park. Showers are just outside of the entrance to the campground, coin operated."
"quiet, wooded, relatively secluded. good spot at 111 where we stayed. nice places for tents. private showers outside main camping area were a positive since none in camping area itself."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 5 min from Bangor, ME
- 1 hr 30 min from Lewiston, ME
- 2 hrs 7 min from Portland, ME
- 3 hrs 10 min from Manchester, NH
Recent Camping Photos near Orono, ME
347 Photos of 151 Orono Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Orono, ME
749 Reviews of 151 Orono Campgrounds
- KKevin L.
ScoutTimberland Acres RV Park
Acadia Visit
This is a BIG campground with lots of amenities. Laundry, dog park, bath house, etc…. The size of the place makes using some of the amenities prohibitively—you could walk well over a quarter mile to get to the bath house. Generally a very clean location with easy access to the road to Acadia NP.
- KKaren M.
GuideMount Desert Campground
Amazing site
This has been our favorite site yet! We at C54 which is apparently the best site. We have a roof top tent and the site had power and water. It is a “corner lot”! It has so much room and is right near the bathroom and showers. You are in the woods and there is a beautiful lake with kayak rentals right on site. The staff was so kind and helpful. We felt they were truly happy we were there.
Dana M.GuideLamoine State Park Campground
Great Find!
Nice state campground. Older style restrooms and showers but clean. We got a beautiful site looking out at the bay. We will likely extend our already booked 2 night stay.
- KKira B.Scout
Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park
Camping from a truck bed
Overall great campsite! However it was raining here so if you are truck bed camping make sure to have another cover to hangout under. There aren’t many places to hangout on site. Also, showers are not in the park they are located a “short” walk from loop B if you are midway and a long walk from loop A- they also cost quarters to operate. Probably close to a mile walk from loop A and about .5 to loop B
- JJustin S.Scout
Narrows Too Camping Resort
Comfortable and accommodating
This is our first time at Narrows Too, we fount the staff to be helpful. The sites are big enough to get large RV’s in. There were several 40’-45’ buses and fifth wheels at the campground. Some of the water facing sites are pretty snug but the pull through we had was perfect for us. We would definitely stay here again!
- DDave D.Scout
Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park
Campsites
Campsites are nice. Spaced nicely apart from each other. Bathhouse very clean.. campground needs showers though !!!
- jjeanne A.Guide
Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort
Convenient to Acadia NP
Clean, water and electric only at the waterfront, but nice view. I didn't use the facilities so I can't comment on those. $55 a night with military discount and off season.
- MMathew S.Guide
McClellan Park
Great secluded campsite
Stopped here for a night after exploring Acadia National Park, a bit out of the way but the sites were nice and are close to a beautiful portion of coast line.
Guide to Orono
Camping spots near Orono, Maine sit in the heart of Penobscot County, approximately 10 miles northeast of Bangor at an elevation of around 130 feet. The camping season typically experiences average summer high temperatures of 75-80°F with nighttime lows often dropping into the 50s, creating comfortable sleeping conditions during peak season. Many sites require advance booking 2-3 months ahead for summer weekends.
What to do
Fishing access: Branch Lake in Ellsworth offers multiple fishing opportunities with 26.5 miles of shoreline and depths reaching 124 feet. "We had loons come in close to our site. Saw an Eagle too," notes one camper at Branch Lake Camping area.
Hiking trails: Snowmobile trails behind Pumpkin Patch RV Resort connect to walking paths. "Snowmobile trails behind the campground lead to a walking path that connects the high school and elementary school for a pleasant walk in the woods," reports Rebecca Y.
Cultural events: Bangor's outdoor concert venue hosts major musical acts throughout summer, accessible from nearby campgrounds. "You are about fifteen minutes to downtown Bangor which has some good restaurants, a casino, and a large outdoor concert venue which has big name musical acts throughout the summer," explains Nancy W.
What campers like
Quiet adult environments: Several campgrounds cater specifically to adults seeking peaceful settings. "It's a quiet peaceful campground. It is very well kept, and the staff is always welcoming. Sites are large and level," explains Nicholas H. about Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Waterfront relaxation: Parks Pond Campground offers reasonably priced water equipment rentals despite its roadside location. "Beautiful area. I question if I would like this spot. Its right off route 9. My spot was right next to road. I honest didn't notice road threw out the night. Water rentals kayaks etc were very reasonable," writes Eric H.
Helpful staff assistance: Campground staff in the region often provide technical help for RVs. "We came here and extended our stay due to the outstanding service the maintenance gave us with our 40' rv coach," mentions Carolyn K. about her experience at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
What you should know
Variable site privacy: Most campgrounds in the area have mixed levels of site seclusion. At Paul Bunyan Campground in Bangor, one camper noted: "Very nice, but expensive and very close quarters."
Internet connectivity challenges: Wi-Fi quality varies widely between properties and locations within each campground. "Our Verizon phone got good reception and our hot spot worked well. The campground wi-fi was decent at our site but that depends on where you are in the park and what time of day you are using it," reports a camper.
Off-season considerations: Some campgrounds remain open into mid-October. "Stayed here in October, the week before they shut down for the season. Staff was friendly and super helpful," notes Rebecca Y. about Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Bangor Holden KOA offers organized family activities throughout peak season. "Lots of organized activities and great Bingo on Saturday night. We did the pancake breakfast for donation, crafts, and wagon ride durring the day as well as enjoyed the well kept pool," reports Abby G.
First-time camping success: Look for campgrounds with supportive atmospheres for beginners. "It was a little intimidating being our first time camping but we checked in and rolled down to our site right on the water...Everyone there was extremely nice and friendly. There were a lot of seasonal campers there who were very helpful," writes James L. about his experience at Branch Lake Camping area.
Food options: Many campgrounds offer on-site food options to simplify family meals. "We also took advantage of the pizza delivery for dinner one night, the pizza was great!" notes a KOA visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Cold River Campground in Eddington, site layout matters. "Pretty small site but nice layout. Wifi was terrible. Had to listen to an argument from a neighbor. Someone was parked in the spot and had to move so i could back in," advises Ryan.
Pull-through availability: Many campgrounds offer drive-through sites to avoid unhitching for single-night stays. "Most sites are level and there are long pull thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night," notes Nancy W.
TV reception options: Over-the-air TV channels are available at many campgrounds. "We received about twenty over-the-air channels with our television antenna," reports a camper at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, offering entertainment options for rainy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at campgrounds in Orono?
What amenities are available at campgrounds in Orono?
Campgrounds around Orono typically offer essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Bangor Holden KOA features water hookups, flush toilets, shower facilities, and big-rig-friendly sites. Many sites are reservable, which is recommended during peak season. Cold River Campground provides various access options including drive-in and walk-in sites, along with water and toilet facilities. Most campgrounds in the region offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to recreational activities, though specific amenities vary by location. Some campgrounds may also provide camp stores, playgrounds, and Wi-Fi access.
Where are the best camping spots near Orono, Maine?
Where are the best camping spots near Orono, Maine?
While Orono itself has limited camping options, the area offers several excellent campgrounds within driving distance. Pushaw Lake Campground is closest to Orono, offering lakeside sites with boat access and RV-friendly amenities. For those willing to travel a bit further, Paul Bunyan Campground near Bangor provides convenient facilities just a short drive from Orono. If you're interested in exploring Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park (about an hour away), consider the numerous camping options there, which make great weekend trips from Orono.
When is the best season for camping in Orono, Maine?
When is the best season for camping in Orono, Maine?
The prime camping season near Orono runs from late May through early October. Summer (June-August) offers warm days perfect for swimming and outdoor activities, with Parks Pond Campground being particularly popular during this period. Fall camping in September and early October at Camden Hills State Park Campground provides spectacular foliage views and fewer crowds. Spring camping (May-early June) can be enjoyable but prepare for cooler nights and potential black fly season. Most campgrounds in the area close by mid-October due to Maine's cold winters, reopening in May as weather permits.
Keep Exploring