Campsites near Pownal, Maine feature a mix of forested terrain at approximately 300 feet above sea level, creating mild summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season. The soil throughout the region consists of sandy loam, providing good drainage at most established sites after rainfall. Winter camping remains available at select locations with temperatures typically ranging from 10-30°F between December and March.
What to do
Disc golf at forest sites: At Runaround Woods, visitors access wooded disc golf courses without leaving the campground. "I played multiple rounds of disk golf and stopped at the proshop for a runaround woods branded disk," notes Colin T., who visited in winter. The course winds through forested sections with multiple tee positions for varied skill levels.
Cold weather activities: Winter camping options extend beyond Bradbury Mountain. "I flew out from Minnesota this December to ski in Maine. Had some good riding at Sunday River! The wood fired sauna was really nice after a day of snowboarding," reports Colin T. about his stay at Runaround Woods. The area's winter camping provides access to regional ski areas within 35-60 minute drives.
Farm tours and animal encounters: Desert of Maine Campground combines camping with educational opportunities. "They have a butterfly garden and the desert is an interesting place to explore," states J B. The campground offers half-price guided tours for campers, allowing exploration of this geological anomaly featuring exposed glacial silt resembling desert terrain.
What campers like
Private walk-in sites: For campers seeking seclusion, certain campgrounds offer walk-in options. At Bradbury Mountain State Park, one reviewer noted, "Sites 6, 12, and 16 are private with short, walk-in trails." Similarly, Desert of Maine Campground offers walk-in options where "T8 is a walk down campsite under the trees near a small stream" with "close access to the bathrooms and showers (free)."
Kitchen facilities: Several campgrounds provide shared kitchen spaces. "The kitchen/dish washing lean-to was a wonderful addition!! Loved that it had a coffee maker," writes Jessica D. about Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground. These shared facilities include sinks for washing dishes, microwave ovens, and sometimes coffee makers.
Waterfront access: Campers appreciate direct water access at Winslow Park And Campground, where "The bay view sites are our favorite, we get front row seats every morning to the sunrise on the water, we just have to peek outside our tent," according to Brittany M. The sites provide views of Casco Bay with sandy beaches for swimming.
What you should know
Campsite layout considerations: Site privacy varies substantially between and within campgrounds. "Sites are close together, but sites 101-106 offer slightly more seclusion and are close to the water," notes Jean C. about Poland Spring Campground. At Desert of Maine, "T8 if you have a tent" receives recommendations for tent campers seeking more private settings.
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies between locations. At Desert of Maine Campground, visitors praise "brand new bathrooms - never seen such impeccable, decorated and luxury showers in a camping site before!" While at Poland Spring Campground, some report "Bathroom on my side of the campground was disgusting! So many bugs and spiders."
Seasonal timing: Most campgrounds operate between May 1 and late October, with specific closing dates varying. Desert of Maine Campground operates "early May to mid Oct," while Poland Spring Campground extends from "May 1 to Columbus Day." Reservations become increasingly necessary approaching fall foliage season in late September.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Freeport / Durham KOA schedules regular children's programs during peak season. "They had costume making and trick or treating for kids (bring candy) and a renaissance fair/party for adults," reports Iris A. The campground also features "a pool with slide, a playground, a basketball hoop, a disc golf net" plus "hayrides and a nightly train ride for younger visitors."
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas. At Poland Spring Campground, "there is a store and playground and plenty of area to explore!" although one reviewer noted the "play ground was a little tikes plastic play structure" rather than larger equipment.
Educational components: Families appreciate the working farms and educational elements at certain sites. "My kids really enjoy running in field and that there is a working farm within the camp ground," mentions Jessica M. about Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground. The farm includes opportunities to "pet the baby cows and see the pigs and goats."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should research site conditions before booking. At Desert of Maine Campground, "Site 18 was not level and we had difficulty leveling our small motorhome," notes Lisa W. Many campgrounds have sites with slopes requiring blocks or leveling systems.
Hookup availability: Hookup options vary significantly between campgrounds. Freeport / Durham KOA offers "nice super long 50 amp FHU pull-thrus in the front of the park which will fit any length RV and tow vehicle," according to Nancy W., though "there is no shade" in these areas.
Road conditions: Access roads present challenges at some locations. At Poland Spring Campground, one camper noted they "practically destroyed my camper getting in and out of the campground thanks to the way they tell you to get to your site." The campground's layout caused difficulty "unnecessarily making me loop through the whole damn place instead of taking the straight shot in."
