Campgrounds near Orono, Maine offer convenient access to Maine's diverse outdoor attractions without the congestion often found in popular coastal destinations. Located approximately 15 miles from Bangor and an hour from Acadia National Park, these campgrounds typically operate from May through mid-October. Fall camping requires advance planning as sites fill quickly during peak foliage season, especially on weekends when temperatures range from 40-65°F.
What to Do
Kayaking at Patten Pond: The campground features a small beach area for swimming and water activities. "The campsite has a nice pond attached... We went at the end of September to visit Acadia National Park and the foliage was Beautiful! It wasn't even at its peak. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful trees," notes Carolina L. about Patten Pond Camping Resort.
Hiking at Schoodic Peninsula: Located just 10 minutes from West Bay Acadia RV Campground, this less crowded section of Acadia National Park offers scenic trails. "The campground is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Bar Harbor and the main section of Acadia National Park. Just ten minutes away is the Schoodic Woods section of Acadia– a less busy and equally beautiful area of the National Park," reports Nancy W.
Winter Harbor Ferry: A convenient option for avoiding Bar Harbor traffic. "Located on Winter Harbor, great views. Steps away from the small ferry that goes to Bar Harbor and a few minutes to Schoodic Peninsula," shares Mark C. about Mainstay Cottages & RV Park.
What Campers Like
Dark Sky Viewing: The region offers excellent stargazing opportunities. "Another great thing about this park is that it is a certified dark sky park. Campers are asked to turn outside lights off so there is no light noise to interfere with the beautiful sky full of stars, planets, and meteor showers," explains a visitor at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
Community Gardens: Some campgrounds offer unique amenities. "We love the free community garden which has a wonderful selection of produce including strawberries, tomatillos, fresh herbs, beans, lettuces, etc. Feel free to pick whatever you will eat, just leave some for others," notes a camper at West Bay Acadia.
Seafood Access: Many campgrounds provide fresh seafood options. "You can also get lobster from the camp store (cooked or live). Our spot was nice bc it backed up to the woods," shares Jessica D. about Timberland Acres RV Park.
What You Should Know
Tidal Considerations: Waterfront camping requires awareness of tide schedules. "The sites are fairly large. Nice pond for swimming or boating. Close enough to drive to Mt Desert Island. Campground is set way back off the road so you get no road noise!" reports Donna A. at Patten Pond Camping Resort.
Variable Cell Reception: Service varies significantly between campgrounds. "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," notes a camper at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Site Layouts: Campground designs vary considerably. "The park is small but offers a variety of sites depending on if you want oceanfront, oceanview, or a pull-thru. There is no tenting allowed! All sites have electric (50 or 30 amp), water, cable and wifi," explains a reviewer at Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground Availability: Not all rv campgrounds near Orono, Maine cater to children. "This campground caters more to adults and does not have too much for kids to do. Most of the campers were seasonals whose campsites were well-kept and they were quiet," reports Nancy W. at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Swimming Options: Pools are available at select locations. "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide. There is a kayak launch as well, and pool, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season," shares Kasey M. about Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Proximity to Activities: Consider travel time when booking. "The campground is very nice and well maintained. The sites are adequate and provide plenty of space. There is a nice pool and camp store. Be aware that cell phone reception is dismal at best," notes Tom D. about Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site Selection: Check satellite images before booking at Orono, Maine area RV parks. "Most of the sites are pretty close together, but we got a site on the water with lots of room. Water and 30-amp electric, some are full hook up, and a dump station. The site was easy to get into, and reasonably level," shares Joel R. about Narrows Too.
Road Conditions: Many campgrounds feature improved interior roads. "The roads in and out and around the park are wide and easy to maneuver around. Our site was a full hook-up pull thru which was perfect for our one-night stay. All the hook-ups were well-placed and we did not need extensions to connect," mentions a visitor at Pumpkin Patch.
Off-Season Availability: Seasonal campgrounds often have more availability and lower rates in shoulder seasons. "We had a nice pull through site with full hook ups. Most are pretty close to each other, ours was wider but faced another camper who faced us. It really didn't matter as we spent our time at Acadia and Bar Harbor," reports Michi P. about Timberland Acres.
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