Best Campgrounds near Phillips, ME
Phillips, Maine serves as a gateway to several noteworthy campgrounds in the western Maine mountains. Mount Blue State Park Campground offers both tent and RV sites with showers and flush toilets, while Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins provides cabin accommodation options alongside traditional camping. Cathedral Pines Campground, situated along Flagstaff Lake, ranks among the highest-rated facilities in the region with a 4.85 rating. Most developed campgrounds feature drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, with many offering electric hookups for RVs. The area's camping options extend from lakeside facilities to more remote forest settings, catering to various camping preferences.
Seasonal considerations significantly affect camping in the Phillips area, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Mount Blue State Park remains open year-round, while Rangeley Lake State Park operates from May 1 to October 1. Winter conditions can make access challenging, particularly at higher elevations or on unpaved roads. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, though evenings can be cool even in summer months. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with more remote locations offering limited connectivity. A visitor commented about Cathedral Pines Campground: "Running alongside beautiful Flagstaff lake this campsite offers something for everyone. Beautiful sunrises over the Bigelow mountains, hikes along the Appalachian Trail, bike trails, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region. Many campgrounds provide direct lake or river access, with sites at Dummers Beach and Cathedral Pines offering premium waterfront locations. The Androscoggin River provides paddling opportunities, with some campgrounds offering boat rentals and shuttle services. Campers report that sites near water bodies tend to fill quickly during peak summer weekends. Hiking trails, including segments of the Appalachian Trail, are accessible from several campgrounds, providing day-trip options. More developed campgrounds like Happy Horseshoe and Mountain View offer full hookups and amenities such as showers and sanitary dump stations. A recent review noted that at Mount Blue State Park, "Our camp sites were next to each other but also very private. No water or electricity except at the main bathrooms where there are showers, toilets and a dish wash station. Beautiful lake!"
