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.












