Presque Isle in Aroostook County sits at approximately 446 feet above sea level in Maine's northernmost county. The region experiences warm summers with temperatures occasionally reaching the 80s and cold winters that drop well below freezing. Many campsites in this area remain open from mid-May through October, with some offering year-round options for those equipped for cold-weather camping.
What to do
Wildlife watching at local ponds: Birders and wildlife enthusiasts can explore the lakes and ponds near Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground. "The Aroostook river was down the hill and across the street. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, ATVing, fishing, biking, and hunting are all activities to keep you busy," notes reviewer Jean C.
Hiking with panoramic rewards: Several short trails provide excellent views with minimal effort. "We liked Haystack Mountain which is just a short 10-15 minute walk to the top of the mountain with great views," reports Nancy W. The surrounding countryside offers scenic drives through agricultural areas, including sunflower fields during late summer.
ATV trail access: Northern Maine offers extensive ATV trails with Neil E Michaud Campground providing easy access. "Big field in the back that my dog loved to run around in," mentions Kelly B. The campground's proximity to trails makes it popular with off-road enthusiasts bringing pets along for outdoor adventures.
What campers like
Spacious sites with grassy areas: Campers consistently mention the generous site sizes at campgrounds near Presque Isle. "There are HUGE, level, terraced sites stretching up the hill. My site(74) was so large that there could have been 4 vehicles with teardrops and had space left over," writes Jean C. about Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground.
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: While some campgrounds offer basic amenities, cleanliness remains a priority. At Shin Pond Village Campground, campers appreciate "a well-stocked store which sells a variety of souvenirs, food, beer, ice cream, and camping necessities," according to Nancy W.
Walking trails accessible from campsites: Many campgrounds feature on-site walking paths. "One of the pluses of this campground are the walking trails that are adjacent to the park. There is also a mowed path down to the Aroostook River," reports Nancy W., making pet exercise convenient without leaving the campground property.
What you should know
Cell service and connectivity limitations: Most campgrounds in the area have limited or no cell coverage. At Shin Pond Village Campground, "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," explains Nancy W.
Weather and shade considerations: Summer temperatures can climb, making shade important. "Shade was at a premium. The small tree at the back of my site afforded minimal shade; I sat on the shady side of my teardrop for some relief from the 90+ temps," mentions Jean C. about camping during hot periods.
Access challenges on logging roads: Some campgrounds like Deboullie Public Lands require driving on logging roads. "The drive is a good hour on dirt roads from there. Follow the red RRC signs and you will find it no problems," advises Tina D. These roads can be rough after rain, so vehicle clearance matters.
Tips for camping with families
Pet-friendly swimming options: Families camping with dogs appreciate water access. At Neil E Michaud Campground, "Just a basic field that can accommodate tents & big RVs. Big field in the back that my dog loved to run around in," notes Kelly B., making it suitable for pet-friendly camping near Presque Isle.
Playground proximity for parents: At Houlton/Canadian Border KOA, families appreciate campsite placement. "We have kids so we opted for a site close enough to watch them play on the playground," mentions Kasey M., allowing parents to monitor children while relaxing at their site.
Kid-friendly activities on-site: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment. "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," says Truthseeker C. about the Houlton/Canadian Border KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At Birch Point Lodge Campground, "The 'pull-through' sites are literally on a hill. The sites small and there is no privacy from your neighbors," warns J B., who encountered significant leveling issues.
Hookup placement considerations: Some campgrounds have inconveniently positioned utilities. "For the back-in sites on the hill, the hookups are on the 'wrong' side. You'll either need to pull straight in (for many rigs, it looked like that was doable), or run the cords under the trailer," explains Jean C.
Seasonal considerations for larger rigs: RVers should note that many campgrounds in the region close by mid-October. "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," cautions Nancy W., highlighting the importance of checking ground conditions after rain.
