Camping options near Rockland, Maine extend beyond RV parks to include diverse experiences throughout the coastal region. Summer temperatures in this area typically range from 60-80°F, with ocean breezes moderating the heat. Tidal changes of 9-11 feet affect waterfront camping locations, limiting water access at certain campsites to specific times of day.
What to do
Kayaking access points: At Patten Pond Camping Resort in Ellsworth, campers can rent kayaks and canoes at reasonable rates. "The camp store rents two-person kayaks and canoes for a very reasonable price of ($10/hour and $5 for additional hours)," notes one reviewer, though they caution about tidal considerations.
Hiking nearby preserves: Multiple nature preserves offer well-maintained trails within short driving distance from campgrounds. "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," reports a camper who stayed at Shore Hills.
Ferry excursions: Access to island communities provides day-trip opportunities. One visitor mentions, "We loved taking the ferry to Vinalhaven Island for the day and picking up prepared food at the Market Basket and eating it along the Rockland Harbor waterfront watching the boats come and go."
Fall foliage viewing: Autumn camping offers spectacular color displays. "The campsite has a nice pond attached... We went at the end of September to visit Acadia National Park and the foliage was Beautiful! It wasn't even at its peak," reports a visitor to Patten Pond.
What campers like
Cedar showers: Meguniticook by the Sea Campground offers distinctive shower facilities. "The bathrooms are clean and the cedar showers are awesome! we've been excited to come back here since we left," notes one reviewer. Another adds, "I made use of the cedar showers for a long hot shower- awesome!"
Spacious sites: Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground in Stonington provides well-separated campsites. "This is a small, wooded campground with large private sites," writes one reviewer. Another notes, "Our site was wooded, and would have been tight for a larger rig. There are sites in an open area much better suited for bigger rigs."
Brewery camping: Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort combines camping with craft beer access. "This is definitely an RV park. The sites are close together, with full hookups. 50, 30, and 20 Amp, water and sewer," explains one visitor, adding that "the brewery is really cool, and the wood fired pizza is some of my favorite."
Waterfront views: Shoreline sites offer memorable vistas. "We got a waterfront lot but the brush is blocking most of view. The park is lovely and we look forward to what we discover!" notes a visitor to Mt Desert Narrows.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and availability of facilities differs between campgrounds. At Narrows Too Camping Resort, "The bathrooms and showers were cleaned daily and in good condition when we were there. (The bathroom nearest the entrance is the newest and gets the least amount of use and was always clean.)"
Water quality issues: Some campsites report problems with water systems. "There is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," reports one camper at Mt Desert Narrows.
Reservation systems: Booking procedures vary significantly between campgrounds. At Greenlaw's, "Once your reservation is made (we texted the owner to make ours) reservations are on the honor system that you show up. No prepayment was required. An invoice is emailed to you with payment options the morning after you check in."
Wildlife awareness: Evening wildlife activity requires caution at some locations. "One note: be aware of skunks at night. They are everywhere in the campground," warns a camper at Narrows Too.
Tips for camping with families
Limited child activities: Some campgrounds cater primarily to adults. "Pumpkin Patch RV Resort caters more to adults and does not have too much for kids to do," notes one reviewer. Similarly, at Narrows Too, a camper observes, "I would primarily recommend this campsite for retirees and couples without children. The park doesn't offer many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool."
Beach options: Water access varies between campgrounds. "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide. There is a kayak launch as well, and pool, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season," reports a family who visited Mt Desert Narrows.
Noise considerations: Traffic noise affects some sites. At Shore Hills, one camper noted, "We were close to the road so road noises were noticeable." Similarly, at Boothbay Brewery, "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."
Tips from RVers
Solar power limitations: At Shore Hills Campground & RV Park, tree coverage affects power generation. Many sites lack sufficient sun exposure for effective solar charging, particularly in wooded sections.
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain requires preparation at some campgrounds. At Camden Hills RV Resort, a visitor notes, "Luckily our site was level but some are not very level and would have been a problem for us."
Road condition warnings: Access roads 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."
Site selection importance: Choosing appropriate sites matters for large RVs. At Greenlaw's, a camper advises, "Our site was wooded, and would have been tight for a larger rig. There are sites in an open area much better suited for bigger rigs."
