Cabin accommodations near Pembroke, Maine range from lakeside units to riverfront shelters within a 45-mile radius. The area sits along Maine's eastern coastline where the average summer temperatures reach 75°F with cooler nights around 55°F. Winter cabin rentals are limited, with most facilities closing after mid-October when temperatures drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing access: Machias Rips Campsite offers free riverfront cabin camping with excellent fishing opportunities. "Great spot to fish and swim! I've caught smallmouth bass, chubs and trout in the river so far! Black and silver Jerk baits work great," notes a visitor to Machias Rips Campsite.
Paddling opportunities: Keenes Lake Family Campground provides direct lake access from cabin sites. "The lake was clean and we swam, kayaked and crossed the lake on paddle boards," explains a camper who stayed at the lakefront property.
Trail exploration: Cottonwood Camping offers unique cabin options with ATV trail access. A visitor notes, "This is the first campground we have stayed at that has ATV trail access, horse friendly camping, full hookups, pull through sites, tent camping, tent rentals, teepee rentals, 'tiny bird cabin', and a tree house." The property also offers horseback riding lessons and trail rides.
Whale watching: Waterfront cabins at Seaview Campground provide wildlife viewing opportunities. A recent visitor shared, "We had site S11, one of the best for sure. Unobstructed view of the bay. You can see whales swimming by."
What campers like
Diverse lodging options: Cottonwood Camping features distinctive cabin alternatives. "This campground is absolutely adorable. RV, tent, Treehouse camping to camping out in a Teepee," reports one visitor to Cottonwood Camping & RV Park.
Budget-friendly rates: Keenes Lake offers economical cabin accommodations. "Very cheap prices daily, weekly, and monthly rates available. Has electric and water on each site," notes a satisfied customer who appreciated the value.
Off-grid experience: Free cabin camping at Machias Rips provides a more rustic option. "This campground is one of my favorites in Maine! Sitting only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor ME this is a nature lovers dream," explains a camper who enjoyed the secluded riverside location.
Ocean views: Multiple cabins at Seaview provide direct water views. A camper reported, "Our site had an unobstructed view of the bay, right under a nice size pine tree. The staff was amazing, even the gentlemen contracted for landscaping was super nice."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most cabin rentals operate from May through mid-October. Pleasant Lake Camping Area specifically opens "Memorial Day to Columbus Day," while Keenes Lake Family Campground operates from "May 1 to October 30."
Facility maintenance: Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between properties. At Pleasant Lake Camping Area, facilities are limited, though one brief review simply states "I love it."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies by location and carrier. At Machias Rips, one visitor noted, "Most cell phone carriers won't have service back at the camp, I myself had to drive 20 Minutes up the road for signal," while another reported, "We had 4 bars of LTE service (AT&T) which was nice."
Reservation requirements: Pricing and reservation policies change seasonally. At Cottonwood, a visitor observed, "New park so lots of construction going on. Owner is very helpful. Will be a great park when it really gets going. W/E/S at most sites. Reasonable price. 35 to 45 bucks, in Maine that's not bad."
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Bug protection is essential during summer months. A Machias Rips camper warns, "Camp sites today are very buggy - bring your repellent and/or netting."
Site spacing: Consider privacy needs when booking. A Keenes Lake visitor mentioned, "Campsites were roomy enough, but set a bit close together," which applies to their cabin arrangements as well.
Bathroom proximity: At Keenes Lake Family Campground, facilities include "Washer and dryer available. Showers and bathrooms could be better but all together a fun place to go."
Supply stops: Plan grocery purchases in advance. At Seaview, a camper noted, "There's an IGA grocery store nearby and that's been a bonus. I would definitely stay here again if visiting the area."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to some cabin sites require caution. At Machias Rips, a visitor explained, "The dirt road leading to the camp can be easily missed if not paying attention! But is clearly marked with a blue sign at the head of the road. The road has a few pot holes but nothing my stock (Low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn't handle."
Shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies between properties. One visitor to Cottonwood Camping & RV Park praised the "Outstanding bath facilities w/ United hot water, (free too!)" making it "a good stop between Millinocket and Acadia Nat'l Park."
Site selection for views: Choose waterfront sites when available. At Seaview, a visitor advised, "It's all about the view! It's also a big rig haven. Sites are close together in a grassy area but all have views of the ocean. There is a wide grassy area across from the sites and right on the waters edge."
