Camden Hills State Park Campground provides a range of camping options across 5,700 acres just three miles from downtown Camden. The terrain features wooded sites with gravel pads and sites spaced to offer privacy at many locations. Most camping areas have access to water spigots throughout the grounds, with approximately half the sites offering water and 30/50 amp electrical hookups. The park's location allows campers to access hiking trails directly from their campsites.
What to do
Kayaking on nearby lakes: Lake Megunticook sits just five miles from Camden Hills State Park Campground, offering calm waters for paddling in crisp Maine temperatures. "The closest place for swimming or kayaking is the Camden City Park, which is 2.5 miles away, and is a great place to launch a kayak," notes Heather C., who visited the park in 2025.
Beach exploration: The waterfront at Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls provides access to a quiet rocky beach via a path with two metal bridges. "We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" shares Michael K., highlighting the marine wildlife viewing opportunities along the shoreline.
Hiking trails with ocean views: Trek the network of trails at Seawall Campground for coastal panoramas. "What we really liked was the direct access to hiking trails just outside your doorstep," writes one visitor who appreciated the ability to explore without driving. Another camper adds, "The trails along the ocean offer some of the most beautiful views on the coast."
What campers like
Lakeside camping spots: At Duck Puddle Campground, waterfront sites numbered 61-66 offer direct lake access with trees between sites for privacy. "The waterfront sites 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," explains K.R., who prefers visiting during quieter spring and fall seasons.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of bathrooms and shower facilities in the region. "The bathrooms and bath houses are extremely clean," notes Bradley S. about his camping experience. Keeping these facilities functional during peak season requires regular maintenance, with most campgrounds providing hot showers.
Spacious tent sites: Sennebec Lake Campground offers tent areas with adequate space between sites. "The sites are a decent size and the campground is fairly quiet at night," explains one camper who visits regularly with family. Another notes, "We have only tented, but hope to bring a small camper next year."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from May through October, with different facilities available depending on when you visit. "I'm here in 2025 and they are doing work on their water system so none of their water is potable," reports Missy R. about her fall visit to Camden Hills State Park Campground.
Reservation requirements: Busy summer weekends typically require advance booking at most locations. "Beware of weekend campers. I had no problem getting a first come first serve spot on Wednesday, but by Friday, it was busy," warns Missy R. about autumn camping in the region.
Shower access: Some campgrounds charge for shower facilities or have limited hours. "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water," explains Karla J.B. regarding facilities near Acadia National Park campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible activities: Searsport Shores Ocean Campground offers family-friendly options including a recreation room and playground. "My daughter begs to camp here. As with any KOA they have lots of activities throughout the day for families, and a pool, but she loves the ice pop contest," shares Melissa N. about a nearby campground with similar amenities.
Kid-friendly camping areas: Look for tent sites away from RV areas for a more traditional camping experience. "The tent sites are completely separate from the RVs and are in the woods, beautifully maintained," notes April W. about her family camping experience, adding that "there are always tons of kids around."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger-led programs during summer months. "They have gardens and secret nooks where you can sit and make a fire. It has a beautiful art studio. It has a play room and play ground that kept my children entertained for hours so I could read," explains Ashley L. about one of the family-friendly campgrounds in the area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: When booking, consider the limitations of certain campgrounds for big rigs. "We have a 35ft RV, and we faced no issues getting in and out of the property and the sites across the water were level, with no extra leveling needed," explains Jason G. about his stay at Sennebec Lake Campground.
Hookup availability: Check what utilities are available before booking. "About half the sites have water and 30/50 amp electric and the others are no hookups," notes Nancy W. about Camden Hills State Park. She adds, "The campgrounds website has a very helpful map showing which sites are reservable and what they offer."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations even when full hookups aren't available. "There is a dump station and water spigots are scattered throughout the campground," explains one RVer who appreciated this amenity during an extended stay.
