The mid-coast Maine region provides distinct seasonal RV camping opportunities, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak season. Coastal campgrounds near Rockport offer varied terrain from wooded inland sites to oceanfront locations. Many campgrounds operate seasonally between May and October due to Maine's harsh winters, with most closing after Columbus Day weekend.
What to do
Explore Camden Hills State Park: Located minutes from Meguniticook by the Sea Campground, this 5,500-acre park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails with ocean views. "Camden Hills State Park is a short bike ride away with a beautiful ocean side road. Ask the harbor master for directions," notes Kevin W., who stayed at Meguniticook.
Visit coastal villages: The towns surrounding Rockport provide excellent day trips. "The campground is in a great location to Camden and nearby towns. 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," shares Nancy W. from Camden Hills RV Resort.
Kayak on local waterways: Many campgrounds offer water access for personal watercraft. At Moorings Campground, "A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out," according to Nancy W.
What campers like
Oceanfront access: Many campers praise the water views available at certain sites. At Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort, "The ocean access is great! A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out."
Local breweries: The region offers craft beer opportunities right at some campgrounds. "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.
Seasonal events: Many campgrounds host social activities during peak season. "The park organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, and free wine and beer during Friday Happy Hours," notes a reviewer about Moorings Campground.
What you should know
Campground size variation: Sites range from small family-owned operations to larger resorts. "The park is small but offers a variety of sites depending on if you want oceanfront, ocean view, or a pull-thru. There are 44 total sites," explains a camper about Moorings Campground.
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds are situated near main roads. At Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort, "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," notes Joe R.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Rockport require advance booking, especially for premium sites. Narrows Too Camping Resort notes, "Prices range from the $30's to over $100 depending on where you want to camp. The waterfront sites have great views but are very pricey."
Tips for camping with families
Consider target demographics: Not all campgrounds cater equally to children. At Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, "This campground caters more to adults and does not have too much for kids to do. Most of the campers were seasonals whose campsites were well-kept and they were quiet."
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some resorts offer more for younger campers. "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," explains Kasey M. about Mt Desert Narrows.
Plan for changing tides: Coastal access varies throughout the day. "You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides," warns a camper about water activities at Narrows Too.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose your site based on specific needs. "Our site was shady and a pull-thru. Luckily our site was level but some are not very level and would have been a problem for us," notes Nancy W. about Camden Hills RV Resort.
Seasonal pricing variations: Rate differences can be substantial between peak and shoulder seasons. "The biggest downside for us was the price which was $94/night for a FHU (50 amp) pull-thru on the hill in the front of the park without much in the way of a water view. Premier oceanfront sites are $110/night during high season," explains a reviewer at Moorings Oceanfront.
Assess hookup requirements: Not all sites offer full hookups. "We decided to stay at Pumpkin Patch because we had friends staying at the campground and wanted to visit them. Most sites are level and there are long pull-thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night," shares Nancy W.