Best Campgrounds near Orono, ME

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!