Glamping in Presque Isle, Maine offers an upscale outdoor experience in Aroostook County, where elevations range from 400-600 feet above sea level. The region experiences warm summers with temperatures typically ranging from 60-80°F and cool nights, even in peak season. Most luxury camping options in northern Maine remain open from May through October, with limited winter accommodations available at select locations.
What to do
Kayaking at Shin Pond: Both Upper and Lower Shin Ponds provide excellent paddling opportunities with rentals available directly at Shin Pond Village Campground. "We were about 15 miles from the northern entrance of Baxter State Park, so we chose to travel to South Branch Pond to spend the day kayaking. A great choice as you can see from the pictures," notes camper Gary G.
Hiking trails: Several moderate trails near Presque Isle offer scenic views with minimal elevation gain. "We liked Haystack Mountain which is just a short 10-15 minute walk to the top of the mountain with great views," mentions Nancy W. from Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge. Many trails are accessible within a 30-minute drive from most campgrounds.
ATV adventures: The extensive trail network makes this area popular for off-road enthusiasts. "This campground is at the top of Maine and a top camping destination for ATV enthusiasts," reports J B. who stayed at Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge. Trail maps are available at most campground offices, with direct trail access from some properties.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground features exceptionally large camping areas. "My site(74) was so large that there could have been 4 vehicles with teardrops and had space left over," describes Jean C. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings with various terrain options.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses. "Laundromat and restrooms are clean," notes Dick B. about Birch Haven Campground. Most glamping accommodations provide access to these facilities while maintaining a more luxurious sleeping environment.
On-site dining: Several properties offer food service, eliminating the need to cook every meal. "Washed off in the showers then enjoyed tasty food and beverages at the restaurant/bar on site," says Meghan B. about Shin Pond Village Campground. Restaurants typically serve breakfast through dinner with casual menus.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Northern Maine has a short camping season. "We came in the fall, and the foliage was beautiful," shares Kasey M. about Houlton/Canadian Border KOA. Most glamping operations close by mid-October, with some opening as late as Memorial Day.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access vary significantly. "No cell or internet reception with our Verizon phone. The campground does have wifi but the signal was not strong enough to get reception reliably at our site," reports Nancy W. about Shin Pond Village. Download maps and information before arrival.
Ground conditions: Terrain can become problematic after rainfall. "Sites are grass with very little gravel and, as we found out, they can be very soft. We pulled into our site (#21) and before we knew it our 45' (47,000 lbs) RV was stuck," warns Nancy W. Inquire about site composition when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Birch Haven Campground offers lakeside access ideal for children. "Nice owners in a mostly seasonal campground," notes Dick B. Most glamping sites include space for outdoor games and exploration.
Mining experiences: "They have recently installed a new pool here so if it gets hot you have that great amenity. They also have the mining for gems activity that you see at some KOA's and all my kids enjoyed that," shares Truthseeker C. about the Houlton KOA. This activity costs approximately $10-15 per bag of mining rough.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds feature ponds with small creatures. "Kids enjoyed finding frogs in all their ponds," mentions Truthseeker C. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife observation opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At some campgrounds, utility connections may be positioned inconveniently. "Some of the sewer connections are not conveniently located so you may need extra sewer hose," advises Nancy W. about Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge. Bring extension cords and hoses.
Campsite selection: "The pull-through sites are long and have trees in between and around so still gives a feeling of privacy," notes Kasey M. Request specific site types when making reservations, as many campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy and amenities.
Dump station access: Some properties have limited waste disposal facilities. "There is no sewer but there is a dump station and a 'blue boy' for you to use and dump your own tanks. They do not have a pump-out service," explains Nancy W. Plan accordingly for longer stays.
