Camping near Otis, Maine provides access to a 26.5-mile perimeter Branch Lake with depths reaching 124 feet, where water recreation forms a cornerstone of the camping experience. The region's camping season typically runs from mid-May through early October, with many campgrounds offering waterfront sites that become particularly popular during July and August when blueberry picking becomes an additional attraction. Weather conditions in this coastal Maine region can fluctuate rapidly, making early spring and late fall camping more unpredictable.
What to do
Lake activities at Branch Lake: The pristine waters at Branch Lake Camping area offer excellent swimming and floating opportunities. One visitor noted, "We sat our chairs in the water and cooled down everyday and floated on our noodles. Great relaxing place." The lake features 26.5 miles of shoreline and reaches depths of 124 feet.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Look for native Maine wildlife during your stay. At Branch Lake Camping area, campers report, "We had loons come in close to our site. Saw an Eagle too." The waterfront locations provide excellent vantage points for spotting birds.
Kayaking from waterfront sites: Mount Desert Campground provides excellent water access with rental equipment. According to one camper, "We rented double kayaks from the front office for 2 hours and kayaked Somes Sound - it was beautiful water & amazing exploring!" The ocean currents create more challenging paddling conditions than lake kayaking.
Blueberry picking in season: From mid-July to mid-August, some campgrounds offer free blueberry picking. At Bar Harbor Campground, "Mid July to Mid August free blueberries campside" creates a unique seasonal activity that many campers enjoy during peak summer visits.
What campers like
Ocean views and access: Bar Harbor Campground features sites with Atlantic Ocean views. A camper described their experience: "Sat for a while watching the fire with the ocean as the background." The campground uses a first-come, first-served system rather than reservations.
Proximity to Acadia without crowds: Timberland Acres RV Park offers convenience to major attractions while maintaining a quieter atmosphere. One visitor explained, "This is a hidden gem. We originally booked at Narrows Too but they had to cancel the morning we were scheduled to arrive due to a water issue. It is so quiet."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain high cleanliness standards. A Timberland Acres camper noted, "The bathrooms/showers were very clean. Everyone is friendly and most campers are seasonal. It's about 15-20mins to the park."
Waterfront platform tent sites: Many campgrounds address the rocky, uneven terrain with wooden platforms. At Mount Desert Campground, "Due to the campground sits among the rocky and mountainous coast line, they have spent the time and money building leveled platforms for all the sites. Without the platforms, the campsites would be quite miserable."
What you should know
No reservation systems at some campgrounds: Bar Harbor Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a unique system for changing sites. "When you arrive, you get a map, find an empty site, get set-up and then go back to the office to register. Once you're in the park if you want a different site that has a better view or FHU's, the best thing to do is drive or walk around the section you are interested in and if you see someone packing up put a personal item."
Coin-operated showers: Many campgrounds use metered shower systems. One visitor to Hadley's Point noted, "50 cents got you a hot, 7 minute shower, which was plenty of time!" Always keep quarters available for shower use.
Transportation options to attractions: The Island Explorer shuttle system serves many campgrounds. According to one Hadley's Point Campground visitor, "The campground is on the Island Explorer bus loop, which is the bus that takes you all around Mount Desert Island, to Acadia, and Bar Harbor. We used the bus almost every day, and it was super helpful because you do not want to try and find parking in Acadia in the peak season."
Limited availability of full-hookup sites: While water and electric hookups are common, sewer connections are more limited. At Mount Desert Narrows, "Come to find out none of the oceanfront sites have sewer. They do have a honey wagon that will pump you out on Mondays and Fridays for 25$ a pop."
Tips for camping with families
Playground and pool facilities: Hadley's Point Campground offers family-focused amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Playground and pool looked nice. Free shuttle service to Acadia and Bar Harbor available." The shuttle service makes this location particularly convenient for families wanting to avoid parking issues at popular attractions.
Kid-friendly activities: Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA organizes regular activities. One parent shared, "My daughter begs to camp here. As with any KOA they have lots of activities throughout the day for families, and a pool, but she loves the ice pop contest. If you find a painted rock and bring it to the office you get a free ice pop."
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds provide safer environments for children to play. A KOA visitor noted, "We tent camp, without power, so we are way out back. No car noise, Private, a bit of a walk to the showers and bathrooms but the privacy is worth it." This balance between accessibility and privacy can be important for families with young children.
Water-based fun: Kids particularly enjoy the floating docks at Mount Desert Campground, where a parent reported: "The BEST part of this campground for our family was Somes Sound and the floating docks. We purchased a crab bucket with net from the coffee shop one morning for around $10-12. It was well worth it as my kids crab gigged for HOURS off the docks every day!"
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions at scenic campgrounds: Mount Desert Campground limits RV sizes. "Campers over 20 feet are not allowed. The sites are large however the terrain is difficult to navigate." This restriction helps maintain the campground's natural feel but eliminates options for larger rigs.
RV repair resources: Local mobile repair services can save a camping trip. A Branch Lake camper shared this valuable resource: "We found a great mobile Repairman that fixed our slide out while we were there. His name is Chris Burbelo his number is (207) 322-4526. He works at a RV place in service and does side work on his spare time."
Pull-through site availability: Larger rigs should seek campgrounds with appropriate sites. A visitor to Timberland Acres noted, "Large number of LARGE (100' Plus) pull thru sites. Quite place. Wal Mart, Gas stations, Cell phone stores, Lobster pounds very close by." The proximity to services makes maintenance and resupply convenient.
Water pressure variations: Water systems can vary between campgrounds. At Bar Harbor Campground, campers report "good water pressure" which is important for RV use, while other campgrounds may have more limited infrastructure for larger vehicles.
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