Best Campgrounds near Orono, ME

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 Camping Sites Near Orono, Maine (144)

    1. Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Hermon, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 848-2231

    $50 / night

    "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!"

    2. Paul Bunyan Campground

    4 Reviews
    Bangor, ME
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 941-1177

    "Beautiful campground close to all the attractions"

    "Close to the cross center and the waterfront concerts. Quite"

    3. Bangor Holden KOA

    4 Reviews
    Holden, ME
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 843-6011

    "Quick walk to bathrooms & showers, which are very clean. Held lots of activities over the weekend, busy crowd. Got a nice secluded tent space."

    4. Parks Pond Campground

    3 Reviews
    Otis, ME
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 843-7267

    "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."

    5. Pushaw Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Stillwater, ME
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 945-4200

    "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

    1 Review
    Holden, ME
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 843-6011

    7. Cold River Campground

    1 Review
    Veazie, ME
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 922-2551

    $35 - $75 / night

    8. Pleasant Hill Campground

    2 Reviews
    Levant, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 848-5127

    $30 - $50 / night

    "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."

    9. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    98 Reviews
    Seal Harbor, ME
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-3274

    $30 - $60 / night

    "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."

    10. Branch Lake Camping area

    3 Reviews
    Ellsworth, ME
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 667-5174

    "I couldn't pull in I had to back in yet having the dinette overlooking the lake was nice. Everyone was so nice and helpful. The lake has 26.5 miles perimeter  and a maximum depth of 124'."

    "Nice peaceful lake view and access. Location was a good 45 min drive from Acadia National Park, longer than we anticipated. Drive got old after a couple days."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 144 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Orono, ME

706 Reviews of 144 Orono Campgrounds


  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Nice enough

    There are about 5 spots. Some are rough and not super flat, but it's pretty and the river is right there. You can hear the highway but it's not too bad. Only real negative for me was nowhere to really walk my dogs, nothing even close to a trail nearby. Just the highway.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Autumn in Maine

    Camden Hills is an ideal camping location. Sites are spacious, they have a variety of trails, and the town of Camden is charming.

    Beware of weekend campers. I had no problem getting a first come first serve spot on Wednesday, but by Friday, it was busy.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

    Fun Fall Stay

    Stayed here in October, the week before they shut down for the season. Staff was friendly and super helpful. 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.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Fall at Camden Hills State Park Campground

    I was worried when I decided to come to this part of Maine in the fall without reservations. 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.

    The campground is large, and most of the sites are on the larger side. They tend to be nestled into the woods with plenty of trees, dividing the sites. Though some of the smaller RV sites are more compact.

    It’s a great location, close to Camden, Maine, and not far from other attractions.

    I’m here in 2025 and they are doing work on their water system so none of their water is potable

  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Good spot but wood is rough

    I love the spot but all the wood is from outside the campgrounds. Its not so “dry” more like just chopped and bundled had to tend to it for over a hour+ just to get enough dry to keep the fire going. But overall a very nice quite camprground.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Quiet on the River

    Very nice with easy access with wonderful hosts.

  • Jessica D.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Peaks-Kenny State Park

    It has been an excellent experience.

    Everyone has been really nice, beautiful beach and trails. I got the only walk-in site it might be the best site here

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Machias River Camp off Route 9

    My favorite spot in Maine!!

    Super cool mixed use land with established campsites. 6 or 7 in total I think. Right on Machias river. Great ATT service.


Guide to Orono

Camping near Orono, Maine, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Acadia National Park. Many campers rave about the proximity to trails, with one reviewer from Blackwoods Campground saying, "I love that the southern ridge trailhead for Cadillac mountain leaves from the campgrounds and connects to a bunch of other trails."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Seawall Campground mentioned, "Many other reviewers have reported seeing Moose near or in the campground here."
  • Kayaking: Enjoy the water by launching your kayak from sites at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA. One camper noted, "Our waterfront site was terrific - gorgeous view, and we could launch our kayaks directly from the site."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Mount Desert Campground said, "Restrooms were very clean and there was plenty of hot water for the coin-operated showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Schoodic Woods Campground shared, "The sites are carefully designed so that although you might hear your neighbor you likely will not see them."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One reviewer at Smuggler's Den Campground noted, "Check-in was easy and staff was friendly."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Bar Harbor Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper mentioned, "This campground is huge, and takes no reservations, so it works great for us who don’t like to plan ahead."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort cautioned, "Be advised many sites do not have dump stations, so be sure to know what you’re signing up for when reserving your spot."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds in summer. A reviewer at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA said, "The sites were so close together... It is a very busy campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at Hadley's Point Campground mentioned, "The playground was great for the kids. The swimming pool was a highlight as well."
  • Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Smuggler's Den Campground noted, "The only problem was kids running around during quiet hour."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Mount Desert Campground suggested, "The camp store has wonderful provisions including homemade bear claws in the am to enjoy with coffee or tea."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Schoodic Woods Campground advised, "Choose your site carefully if you have a large rig."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Hadley's Point Campground appreciated, "Nice size lot clean. And shuttle bus stops on site for Bar Harbor and Acadia."
  • Dump Stations: Know where the dump stations are located. A visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort mentioned, "Not all campsites had full hookup and we were told that one of the dump stations worked, but as we were leaving, we realized it didn’t."

Camping around Orono, Maine, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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.