Dispersed camping near Perry, Maine offers both coastal and forest experiences with sites within driving distance of the Canadian border. Campers find cabin rentals at several campgrounds in the region, including rustic options and fully furnished units. The area experiences typical Maine coastal weather patterns with warm summers and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season.
What to do
Kayaking on nearby lakes: Keenes Lake Family Campground provides access to a clean lake perfect for paddling. "The lake was clean and we swam, kayaked and crossed the lake on paddle boards," notes Pamela H., who found the campground "lovely with a great view of the lake."
Fishing the Machias River: Machias Rips Campsite offers free riverfront sites with good fishing opportunities. John R. reports, "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."
Horseback riding: Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers trail rides and riding lessons. According to Cheryl R., "The owner also offers horseback riding lessons and trail rides," making it a unique option for cabin camping near Perry, Maine.
What campers like
Ocean views: At Seaview Campground, you can watch marine wildlife from your site. Mark S. shared, "We had site S11, one of the best for sure. Unobstructed view of the bay. You can see whales swimming by."
Affordable accommodations: Keenes Lake Family Campground offers budget-friendly rates. Nicholas D. confirmed, "Very cheap prices daily, weekly, and monthly rates available. Has electric and water on each site."
Unique lodging options: Visitors seeking cabin camping alternatives near Perry appreciate Cottonwood's varied accommodations. Cheryl R. described, "RV, tent, Treehouse camping to camping out in a Teepee! I surprised my husband with the Teepee- we were not disappointed! A huge Teepee with a very comfortable queen size bed."
What you should know
Campground ownership changes: Seaview Campground has new ownership that has affected pricing and policies. John B. cautions, "Pay no attention to any reviews that are a year older as there are new owners now. The prices have tripled and there are 7 pages of rules you have to sign off on!!"
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies greatly between campgrounds. At Machias Rips, John R. 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." However, Gary reported contrasting experience: "The only exception is that we had 4 bars of LTE service (AT&T) which was nice."
Bathroom facilities: Pleasant Lake Camping Area lacks developed facilities. At Machias Rips, Jillian B. observed, "Seems to be a bathroom pit-stop for travelers on rt 9 due to having the maintained bathroom. So lots of traffic driving in, using the toilet and then driving right back out."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Look for gradual water entry points at lakeside campgrounds. Rebecca Y. at Keenes Lake shared, "Camped during Covid restrictions. Everyone seemed to be following the guidelines that were clearly posted by the campsite," indicating the campground maintains safety standards.
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