Camping opportunities abound within 30 miles of Readfield, Maine, a region characterized by numerous lakes and ponds nestled among rolling hills. The area features a mix of wooded and waterfront sites with elevations between 240-400 feet above sea level. Seasonal operation is standard for campgrounds in this region, with most facilities open from mid-May through mid-October.
What to do
Water activities on Androscoggin Lake: Jellystone Park™ Androscoggin Lake in North Monmouth offers numerous water-based recreation options. "Amazing campground. Has a lot of stuff for kids including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing, kayaking, mini golf and disc golf," notes camper Peter F.
Explore coastal Maine towns: Shore Hills Campground & RV Park serves as a convenient base for coastal exploration. "Boothbay Harbor is a cute coastal Maine town and Shore Hills Campground is a great location for visiting the downtown and other Maine towns like Wiscasset and Easy Boothbay," writes Nancy W.
Enjoy local breweries: Craft beer enthusiasts can camp at brewery-based RV parks. "The brewery is really cool, and the wood fired pizza is some of my favorite. The folks who run this place are really friendly and accommodating," reports Joe R. about his stay at Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort.
Nature hiking: The region offers numerous trail systems. "Nearby is the Ovens Mouth Preserve which has great hiking and nice water views and is just one of many nature preserves in the area which all are very nice, well-marked, well-maintained, and dog-friendly," according to a Shore Hills Campground review.
What campers like
Lakefront sites with wildlife viewing: Augusta West Kampground receives high marks for its waterfront sites. "This a beautiful spot, right on the Lake, listened to the loons, watched Canadian Geese with their goslings and saw a bald eagle swoop down and try to get something," reports Michi P.
Quiet camping environment: Many area campgrounds maintain family-friendly atmospheres. "I'm biased as we are seasonal campers. We love this place because it's not a party campground and is very family friendly," shares William about More to Life Campground in Winthrop.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention campground cleanliness and upkeep. "A really nice facility run by a very competent and friendly kid! Lots of games and boats to rent. A really nice park and pool. Looks like he does daily activities and keeps the place looking absolutely beautiful!" notes Catherine M. about Martin Stream Campground.
On-site entertainment: Beaver Brook Campground (now Jellystone Park™ Androscoggin Lake) provides numerous structured activities. "Family Fun! Beaver Brook in Monmouth Maine is a must stay if you have kids from babies to teens," writes Angela M., adding "For parents; live entertainment with local bands on Saturday nights, an adult only swim nightly."
What you should know
Tidal considerations for waterfront access: Shore Hills Campground sits on tidal water, affecting beach access. "The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide," explains Rachel S.
Variable site privacy: Site layout and spacing varies significantly between campgrounds and within the same facility. At Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort, "This is definitely an RV park. The sites are close together, with full hookups," explains Joe R., though he notes the convenience of pull-through sites for beginners.
Road noise at some locations: Location relative to main roads affects the camping experience. "If there is a down side to the park it would be the road noise. You are right off of Rt. 27, which is the main road into Boothbay Harbor," mentions Joe R.
Internet connectivity challenges: Beyond cellular coverage issues, WiFi quality varies substantially. "Wifi was a joke and we got frustrated and gave up. Not sure if it is any better in other areas of the park but it seems to be a common complaint that they tend not to fix," notes Nancy W. about Shore Hills Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for scheduled activities: Family-oriented campgrounds offer structured entertainment. "This year we opted for a small group site with a centrally located fire pit and spent our days in the lake, pool, or just hanging out while our kids (ranging from 8-12) rode their bikes, made friends at the playground or participated in the activities that the camp had to offer," shares Angela M. about Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake.
Consider cabin rentals: For those without camping gear, Martin Stream Campground offers alternative accommodations. "We rented a one room cabin that was perfect for two who flew in without camping gear. Fridge, coffee pot, microwave and AC. One queen bed and a bunk bed made for comfortable sleeping and a fire pit was even included," explains Dave M.
Check shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies between campgrounds. "Bath house was old but clean. Coin pay for hot water in the showers," notes Rachel S. about Shore Hills Campground, while Naples Campground receives praise: "The bath houses were new and nice," according to Jennifer F.
Tips from RVers
Navigating tree-lined access roads: Several campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "The roads are gravel with potholes and campsites are grassy or dirt depending on if you are under a tree or a previous campers patio mat killed the grass. Lots of tall pine trees provide shade but also make it a little difficult to navigate the roads. We had to go pretty slow to avoid hitting tree branches," advises Nancy W. about Camden Hills RV Resort.
Verify campground dump station policies: RV travelers should confirm waste disposal procedures. "There are no sewer hookups (which is fine) but you are only allowed ONE use at dump station upon leaving the campground," notes Rod L. about Martin Stream Campground, adding that additional dump station use cost $30.
Choose sites based on rig size: Campground layouts vary dramatically for larger motorhomes. "We stayed in the 'new sites' adjacent to the entrance road; it was a long nice site with gravel but was not private. Most sites are packed in; close to others with not a lot of privacy," explains Quinn G. about Augusta West Kampground, adding "Good for big rigs."