Best Campgrounds near Rockland, ME

The midcoast region surrounding Rockland, Maine features a variety of established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, with options ranging from state parks to private facilities. Camden Hills State Park Campground, located just 20 minutes north of Rockland, offers approximately 100 sites for tents and RVs in a heavily wooded setting with hiking trails directly accessible from the campground. Megunticook Campground in nearby Rockport provides ocean views from some sites, while Lobster Buoy Campsites in South Thomaston offers waterfront camping with boat access. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more shelter from coastal weather conditions.

Camping season in the Rockland area typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during July and August when coastal Maine experiences peak tourism. As one camper noted, "The campground sits a short drive from Rockland and is also near to Camden. The overlook which sits right by the sea is wonderful!" Many campgrounds feature wooded sites that provide natural shade and privacy, though some oceanfront locations may be more exposed. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though WiFi availability varies by campground, with some charging additional fees for connectivity. Most established campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, with dump stations available for RVs.

Visitors consistently highlight the strategic location of campgrounds in this region for exploring Maine's midcoast. "The campground's location was a highlight, offering easy access to the towns of Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, each having their own unique New England charm," noted one reviewer of Sennebec Lake Campground. Many campgrounds feature ocean overlooks with lighthouse views, particularly at sunrise. Shaded sites under tall pines characterize most facilities, though site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds. During summer months, Saturday night lobster bakes are common at several campgrounds, providing an authentic Maine experience. The proximity to hiking trails, particularly at Camden Hills State Park where Mount Battie offers panoramic ocean views, makes this area especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts seeking both woodland and coastal experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Rockland, Maine (124)

    1. Camden Hills State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Camden, ME
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 236-2498

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Camden Hills State park is centrally located, just at the edge of downtown Camden.  It provides a great home base for hiking, biking, kayaking and exploring the Camden/Rockland area.  "

    "Hiking is good nearby, so are Camden, Belfast, Rockport and Rockland. No bike trails nearby and the bathrooms are dated, a bit old looking and maybe not as clean as they could be but not that bad."

    2. Meguniticook by the Sea Campground

    16 Reviews
    Rockport, ME
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-2428

    $32 - $58 / night

    "Campground is right on bay in nice location close to Camden and Rockland. Very well maintained and nice store."

    "Beautiful small campground with wooded camping sites and a viewing area immediately on the ocean with islands and a lighthouse in the distance."

    3. Megunticook Campground

    11 Reviews
    Rockport, ME
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-2428

    "The campground sits a short drive from Rockland and is also near to Camden. I highly recommend this campground!"

    "The campground is perfectly located between Camden and Rockland Maine. For a private campground the sites are a decent size with some trees. There is a beautiful overlook to the ocean."

    4. Sennebec Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Union, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 785-4250

    $42 - $169 / night

    "Sennebec Lake Campground provided a blend of relaxation and adventure for the kiddos and the campground's commitment to modern conveniences is evident, with amenities that bring together comfort and wilderness"

    "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming. New ownership this year resulted in some updates, as well as the addition of glamping tents near the beach."

    5. Lobster Buoy Campsites

    5 Reviews
    Spruce Head, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-7546

    "The price was incredible given the proximity to the water. The only negative was that the RVs were pretty loud."

    "Campground was somewhat old but nice and located along the Atlantic Ocean with a small beach. RV sites are close together but ok and has electric and water. A dump station is located at the CG."

    6. Duck Puddle Campground

    11 Reviews
    Waldoboro, ME
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 563-5608

    "The waterfront sites (61-66) offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel. Some have a private dock for fishing or sitting, others have a small beach area."

    "It’s also close to other fun coastal towns. Definitely worth a visit."

    7. Moonlight Woods

    2 Reviews
    Thomaston, ME
    5 miles

    $20 - $25 / night

    "perfect hosts, perfect location,,,close to town, to water, hiking, biking trails, such a wonderland...dont miss this great opportunity to see heaven"

    8. Continuous Harmony Farm

    2 Reviews
    Lincolnville Center, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 763-3891

    $40 / night

    "The space is gorgeous, right next to a pond. Important to know though, there are several campsites. It's unclear how many campers could be there on any given night but it could be many."

    "Park your van, or pop your tent, next to the pond. Chill out and watch the sheep, or pick your own blueberries alongside their raking crew in their organic wild blueberry barrens."

    9. Camden Hills RV Resort

    1 Review
    West Rockport, ME
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 236-2498

    10. Searsport Shores Ocean Campground

    16 Reviews
    Searsport, ME
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 548-6059

    $14 - $168 / night

    "Direct access to Maine's rocky shore. Everything you need to be comfortable including hot showers and bathrooms cleaned three times a day."

    "On our way out we had some trouble with our electric entry steps. Steve and another member of the community came and helped us out until we were able to rectify the problem."

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Recent Reviews near Rockland, ME

740 Reviews of 124 Rockland Campgrounds


  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Autumn in Maine

    Camden Hills is an ideal camping location. Sites are spacious, they have a variety of trails, and the town of Camden is charming.

    Beware of weekend campers. I had no problem getting a first come first serve spot on Wednesday, but by Friday, it was busy.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

    Fun Fall Stay

    Stayed here in October, the week before they shut down for the season. Staff was friendly and super helpful. Snowmobile trails behind the campground lead to a walking path that connects the high school and elementary school for a pleasant walk in the woods.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Fall at Camden Hills State Park Campground

    I was worried when I decided to come to this part of Maine in the fall without reservations. It’s early October, and I learned that Maine State Parks are first come first serve at this point. I was pleasantly surprised to arrive and find plenty of vacant spots.

    The campground is large, and most of the sites are on the larger side. They tend to be nestled into the woods with plenty of trees, dividing the sites. Though some of the smaller RV sites are more compact.

    It’s a great location, close to Camden, Maine, and not far from other attractions.

    I’m here in 2025 and they are doing work on their water system so none of their water is potable

  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Good spot but wood is rough

    I love the spot but all the wood is from outside the campgrounds. Its not so “dry” more like just chopped and bundled had to tend to it for over a hour+ just to get enough dry to keep the fire going. But overall a very nice quite camprground.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Megunticook Campground

    Watch out for their prices

    Online the prices was 40$ for a tent site. We didn’t need water or electric just a spot to sleep for the night. I called to reserve cause the website wasn’t very easy to work with and the man on the phone said 76$ but couldn’t explain costs and was rude with the “you’ll not find another spot for this cheap!” Which we did. For less than half that cost. So watch out on prices and the extra charges.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    So lucky!

    We tried staying here in the summer a few years back and it filled up weeks ahead of time. We got lucky this trip and got one spot open same day. Got here super late and was surrounded by other campers but the trees all around gave us privacy and everyone was super quiet so no disruptive folks like so many campgrounds. The bathrooms don’t have showers of course but they are so clean it was a great thing from other sites pit toilets. If you’re in Acadia this is the spot!

  • Phillip H.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Chewonki Campground

    Friendly campground

    From booking to check in it was warm and welcoming. Pull in full hook up site. Coin operated shower. Clean and very well maintained. Property is very nice. Some Rt 1 noise at a distance but nothing unbearable.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Forest Ridge Campground

    Clean, quiet and affordable

    Stayed here while visiting friends and Acadia NP. Facilities very clean every time I saw them. Showers were nice but you need to wait for the hot water. Run it all hot and it will get there in a little while. Wood available on site. Open spaces in the middle with no trees or shrubs. Campers can be very close. Sides have more wooded sites. Not too many seasonal looking sites. 1 issue: our clean out was a bit high so had to lift sewer hose to clear it out. Didn’t use pool , laundry area worked good , screen porch at facility building. Fire ring worked out well, kept lots of heat in. We were off-season mid September. Reservation system forced us into our site, wants to charge a site selection fee.

  • B
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Great campground

    quiet, wooded, relatively secluded. good spot at 111 where we stayed. nice places for tents. private showers outside main camping area were a positive since none in camping area itself.


Guide to Rockland

The midcoast Maine region surrounding Rockland offers camping options with direct shore access. Located within pine forests at elevations between sea level and 800 feet, the area's typical daytime temperatures range from 65-80°F in summer. Night temperatures often drop into the 50s even in July and August, requiring proper sleeping gear at campsites near Rockland, Maine.

What to do

Kayaking and water activities: At Lobster Buoy Campsites in South Thomaston, campers can bring kayaks for ocean paddling. "One of my favorite places to be. The ocean views are great. It's very laid back. Not a lot of amenities but you don't need anything. Just a tent, kayak and a camp chair. You're good to go!" shares Chad G.

Hiking Mount Battie: Camden Hills State Park Campground provides direct trail access to multiple hiking options. "What we really liked was there are hiking trails just outside your doorstep, and you are within five miles of a grocery, restaurants, attractions," notes Nancy W. The campground sits on both sides of Route 1, with the lower section offering day-use facilities.

Attend local campground events: Some campgrounds host regular seasonal activities. "The weekend we stayed they happened to be celebrating 'Christmas in July' and so a lot of the campers had put up lights and decorated. They had a band play on Saturday night and large bonfire," reports Rachel S. about Duck Puddle Campground.

What campers like

Cedar showers: Unique shower facilities stand out at several locations. At Megunticook by the Sea Campground, "The bathrooms are clean and the cedar showers are awesome! We've been excited to come back here since we left," says Chelsea. Another camper, Rafi K., adds, "Showers are of similar construction to a sauna and it feels like a hot shower outdoors."

Lobster bakes: Saturday seafood dinners are popular at several campgrounds during peak season. "The owners host a Lobster bake on Saturdays and it was so good. The staff was very friendly and helpful," notes Mona S. from Megunticook by the Sea Campground. Some facilities have dedicated areas for these events with large grills and seating.

Wildlife watching: The coastal setting provides opportunities for marine life observation. "You can see the lighthouse of Rockport harbor not seen from the harbor itself," says Maryanne S. At low tide, tidepools form along rocky shores revealing marine creatures, while sunrise may bring views of porpoises and seals from oceanfront locations.

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the Rockland area operate from mid-May through early October. As Kevin W. notes, "We enjoyed our stay here in our motor home. The deck on the ocean is a great place to picnic. The only downside to this campground is traffic noise from Route 1! Not bad at night but it does start early in the morning." Many facilities also reduce services in September.

Road noise: Several campgrounds sit near major routes. At Megunticook Campground, Lee D. warns, "The sites here are nicely wooded and have a decent amount of separation between most of them BUT the campground is located too close to the road and, with the exception of sites 84-87 and cabins 8-10, you will hear road noise in your site."

Additional fees: Be prepared for potential charges beyond the base campsite cost. "I thought $50 for a tent site was a little steep but it was all the potential extra fees that irked me... $7.95 if you need to hook up to WiFi... $10 to use the dump station," reports Lee D. about Megunticook Campground. Call ahead to confirm current rates and any supplemental costs.

Tips for camping with families

Lake access for swimming: Sennebec Lake Campground provides family-friendly water activities. "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming. New ownership this year resulted in some updates, as well as the addition of glamping tents near the beach," says Pam A. The lake water warms faster than ocean temperatures.

Recreation options: Many campgrounds offer family-oriented activities. Pam A. notes, "Activities started up again this year, with events such as kids' crafts, a kids vs adults water gun fight, cornhole competition, and a DJ for an evening of dancing - just on the weekend we were there." Some locations feature game rooms, playgrounds, and sports courts.

Campground layouts: Family site selection matters for comfort and safety. "The campground was normal with nothing special, however, the park continues across the street and onto Maine rocky shoreline with access along the water which makes the entire thing more than worth it!" shares Stephanie S. about Camden Hills State Park Campground, noting the importance of checking both camping and day-use areas.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. "Our large back-in site was set in an open sunny area but most of the sites are nicely tucked into the woods with plenty of space between them," reports Nancy W. about Camden Hills State Park Campground. "Not all sites in the campground are level and the roads were in pretty bad shape so plan on going slow through the potholes," notes another reviewer about Lobster Buoy Campsites.

Satellite reception challenges: Searsport Shores Ocean Campground and other wooded settings can block signals. "For television watchers, there is no cable and satellite can be difficult due to trees. There are nine sites (55-63) located in an open field that may be able to pick up satellite," advises Nancy W. Cell service varies significantly between providers throughout the region.

Site sizing and access: RV owners should confirm measurements before booking. "Although the park accommodates larger RV's, there are a limited number of sites for those over 35 feet and the gravel roads are easy to navigate in a big rig," explains Nancy W. about Camden Hills. Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles, so calling ahead is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Rockland, Maine campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Rockland offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Camden Hills State Park Campground provides around 100 sites categorized by size to accommodate both RVs and tents, with WiFi available for a small fee. Basic facilities include bathrooms, though some campers note they're a bit dated. Sennebec Lake Campground stands out for its modern conveniences that blend comfort with wilderness living, perfect for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Many area campgrounds feature clean bathroom facilities, hot showers, camp stores, and wooded sites. Some coastal campgrounds even host special events like Saturday lobster bakes. Most campgrounds in the region provide water hookups, toilets, and reservation systems to secure your spot in advance.

When is the best season for camping in Midcoast Maine near Rockland?

The prime camping season in Midcoast Maine near Rockland runs from late May through early October, with peak conditions from June through September. Summer (June-August) offers warm days perfect for exploring coastal attractions, with temperatures typically ranging from 60-80°F. Searsport Shores Ocean Campground and other coastal sites are particularly popular during this period for their ocean breezes. Early fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities at Lake St. George State Park Campground and surrounding areas. Many campgrounds operate seasonally and close by mid-October. For the most comfortable experience with fewer crowds, consider camping in early June or September when temperatures remain pleasant but the summer tourist rush has subsided.

Where are the best campgrounds in Rockland, Maine?

The Rockland area offers several excellent camping options. Megunticook Campground is highly rated for its friendly owners, ample wooded sites with plenty of shade, and perfect location between Camden and Rockland. For coastal views, Meguniticook by the Sea Campground provides beautiful waterfront scenery with islands and a lighthouse visible from the property. Both campgrounds serve as ideal bases for exploring Rockland's attractions. Other excellent options in the region include Sennebec Lake Campground for family adventures and Duck Puddle Campground for those willing to venture slightly further out. The strategic location of these campgrounds allows easy access to Rockland's museums, restaurants, and the famous Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.