Maine's coastal and forested landscapes offer diverse camping experiences, with Acadia National Park serving as a centerpiece for outdoor recreation. The park features three distinct campgrounds: Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods, each with its own character and proximity to attractions. Blackwoods provides convenient access to Bar Harbor and popular park features, while Seawall offers a quieter experience on the island's western side. Beyond Acadia, state parks like Camden Hills and Cobscook Bay provide well-maintained facilities where campers can experience Maine's characteristic mix of mountains and coastline. Private campgrounds such as Mount Desert Campground and Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground supplement these options with additional amenities and waterfront locations. With 543 campsites across the state, Maine camping offers incredible diversity from oceanfront locations to forested retreats deep in the wilderness. Maine's campgrounds range from fully-equipped sites with modern amenities to remote backcountry campsites perfect for those seeking solitude among the pines.
Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, particularly during the peak season from late May through October. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with limited or no availability during winter months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with Acadia's Seawall Campground having particularly poor connectivity. As one camper noted, "Schoodic Woods is the newest, most quiet, relaxed, well-maintained and well-rangered of the three Acadia campgrounds." Weather can change rapidly, especially along the coast, with sudden wind gusts and rain storms possible even during summer months. Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site or direct visitors to nearby vendors, as outside firewood is often prohibited.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest praise from visitors, with many campers highlighting the experience of falling asleep to ocean waves or loon calls on inland lakes. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer commonly spotted in campgrounds and moose occasionally seen in more remote areas. Primitive camping options exist in multi-use forests like KI-Jo Mary, where campers access sites via logging roads and must be prepared for limited facilities. Tent campers seeking separation from RVs should look for designated walk-in sites, which are available at many state parks. Bathroom facilities vary widely, with some campgrounds offering modern comfort stations while others provide only vault toilets. As one reviewer of Cobscook Bay State Park mentioned, "We were right on the water which gave a beautiful view of the sunset. We were even able to walk down on the rocks along the water to get a completely clear view of the stars and Milky Way."
$30 - $60 / night
"Close proximity to Bar Harbor and a lot of the main attractions of the national park. Showers are just outside of the entrance to the campground, coin operated."
"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."
$22 - $60 / night
"This campground is quiet, walking distance to the ocean. Family oriented. There are however, no showers. Most of the walk in campsites are only steps away from the parking lot."
"We stayed at the tent walk in sites (D25) The sites are close together but otherwise, well maintained."
"There are bathrooms close by to all, the main lodge is nice and the food at the snack shack is sooo good!! burgers, pizza, salad- all local and from their gardens."
"Restrooms were close by but the only downside was that the showers were at the main store so you had to drive all the way up there!"
$22 - $60 / night
"Schoodic Loop Road -- less popular than the main park "Park Loop Road", provides access to gorgeous shore line views and more hiking trails, but RVs and trailers aren't allowed past the campground entrance"
"Although it is quite a ways off the beaten path, Schoodic Woods Campground is well worth the travel time. The campground is new, so it is sparkling clean."
"Desert, Maine which is right next to the fabulous town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Forest."
"Our site was right next to a potable water spigot, and within easy walking distance to a bathroom building which includes full plumbing and metered showers (4 quarters for 5 minutes)."
"This campground has beautiful tent sites along the waters edge."
"It 11 miles to Bar Harbor town proper and only 8.7 miles to the Hulls Cove Acadia National Park visitors center and the entrance to the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road."
$60 - $81 / night
"We love the state parks and unorganized, off the beaten path camping. This is definitely not that!"
"This is a nice campground located close to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park."
$25 - $45 / night
"Camden Hills SP is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas. 9 out of 10 times I visit Camden (one of my favorite places in Maine), I stay at this campground."
"As with all real estate, location, location ! The camp is well situated amongst many Maine towns all of which are worth a visit to."
$20 / night
"One of the best campgrounds we’ve been to in America, beautiful views, close to amazing hiking (highly recommend bold coast trail)."
"There are showers at the main area, a bit of a walk or drive. There is a boat launch area a short distance away and the kayaking is great. This campground was so quiet and peaceful. We loved it."
$29 - $90 / night
"**Campground Review: ** Hadley’s Point Campground is located on the north side of Mt Desert Island and just a short distance from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park."
"There was a fire ring outside of the cabin and a picnic table. We purchased firewood at a stand close to the campground."
ScoutWonderful stay! Clean bathrooms/showers. Woodsy and quiet. Clean campsites with water and electric. The people were super helpful and friendly! Wonderful stay, would easy stay here again :)
ScoutKids were in bed in our camper. Wanted to watch a replay of a sporting event on our outside tv and a staff member told us no tvs or music after 10pm. The TV volume was extremely low and was bothering nobody. I could hear multiple crying children in the distance over the low volume of my tv but the staff didn’t knock on their camper doors and tell them no crying after 10pm. Apparently adults can’t be respectful adults and enjoy themselves for an hour when their kids go to bed. Will never come back to this place.
TravelerThe only amenities are a fire ring, picnic table, and a vault toilet. 5 sites at the first spot, about 13 at the larger site down the road. You need to register at the second site, but there's no fee. Beautiful spots on the lake.
TravelerThis is a first- come- first- serve area. There are only 4 fire pits and tables, and turnover seems pretty steady. Some areas fit small tents with no fire rings.
ScoutThis app states that you can’t reserve ahead but you can. We didn’t and were still able to stay ( we just moved to another site mid stay) campgrounds are clean. Staff is very friendly. The wild blueberries on the grounds are delicious and in abundance. Both sites were pull though and easy to get level on. Bar Harbor is about 20 min away. We have our tri-glide with us and it was easy to get around the grounds and state. PSA for travelers the lobster spot across the street is delicious and will serve a hot lobster roll. We learned that the “Maine” way is served cold even if it says hot. lol it’s the butter that warm unless you ask for hot lobster.
ScoutVery quiet,clean and very nice peaple easy parking and set up , all gravel level camping spot
GuideWe were in Maine to explore Acadia National Park but did not want to stay in the center of Acadia. Our original plan was to stay just a couple of nights but loved this site so much we stayed an extra night.
This site was easy to get to, although GPS will tell you to park and walk which is not true, you can park at site. We stayed at the first site which also offered a hikers hut, came in handy during a little rain. The fire ring and vault toilet was the best we’ve had at any disbursed site; the vault toilet was surprisingly very clean and lacked the normal odor. It is apparent this area is well cared for. We also enjoyed a day of playing on the rocks in the River.
The only negatives were road noise and mosquitoes; the mosquitoes were not fazed by our Off or our candles.
There were about six campsites with two that seemed to be long term stayers, the other sites had visitors for just a night.
If in Maine again, this will be a repeat stay for us. We would have given it a 4 1/2 star if we could do 1/2. Also, we had full cell service thru Verizon.
GuideCampgrounds have both electric & none. Most sites have shade but could use more foliage between sites. Has a beach. lake has a no motor requirement. Also trails to wonder
ScoutVery nice camp spot. Private away from other spaces. Very nice site manager. Must be self contained, no hook up amenities available. Trash dumpster on site.
Camping in Maine offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful state.
Camping in Maine is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, you'll find something to love in this beautiful state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Maine for families?
Mount Desert Campground stands out as an exceptional family destination with immaculate grounds and bathroom facilities. This family-run campground has created such memorable experiences that visitors return generation after generation. For families seeking national park adventures, Schoodic Woods Campground — Acadia National Park offers newer, well-maintained facilities compared to other Acadia options. While it's less convenient to major park attractions, the campground itself provides a superior camping experience. Other family-friendly options include Lakeside Pines Campground on Long Lake with both wooded and lakeside sites, and Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground near Freeport, which combines camping with easy access to shopping and coastal activities.
What are the best tent camping options in Maine?
Maine offers exceptional tent camping experiences in its diverse landscapes. Crocker Pond provides an off-the-beaten-path experience with beautiful waterfront sites in the White Mountains region. The primitive setting accommodates car camping with stays up to 14 days. For a more developed option, Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park offers a quieter alternative to other Acadia campgrounds, with walk-in tent sites just steps from parking and walking distance to the ocean. Other excellent tent camping options include Little Moose Pond for primitive camping near Greenville and Blackwoods Campground for those wanting to be near Bar Harbor's attractions. Most tent campgrounds in Maine are open May through October, with peak season being June through August.
Where can I find lakefront camping in Maine?
Maine's numerous lakes provide beautiful waterfront camping opportunities. Lakeside Pines Campground on Long Lake offers both lakeside sites and wooded sites with easy lake access. For a more remote experience, Little Moose Pond Campsite near Greenville provides primitive camping on a serene pond. Access is via the Little Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead on Old Squaw Road with just a short hike to the campsite. Other notable lakefront options include Crocker Pond with about 5 of its 7 sites directly on the water, and Mount Desert Campground situated on Somes Sound. Most lakefront sites in Maine are highly sought after, especially during summer months, so advance reservations are recommended wherever possible.
Where are the best camping spots in Southern Maine?
Thousand Trails Moody Beach offers convenient access to Orchard Beach and Portland, making it an excellent base for exploring Southern Maine's coastal attractions. While sites can be tight and WiFi spotty away from the recreation center, its location makes it a popular choice. For those seeking an oceanfront experience, Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground near Freeport combines camping with easy access to shopping outlets and coastal activities. The campground features both walk-in and drive-in sites with toilet facilities. Other good options in Southern Maine include Bar Harbor Campground and Hadley's Point Campground, both offering convenient access to popular coastal destinations. Most Southern Maine campgrounds operate from May through October, with some extending into November depending on weather conditions.
When is the best time of year to go camping in Maine?
The prime camping season in Maine runs from late May through early October, with July and August being the busiest months due to ideal weather conditions and school vacations. For a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider early June or September when temperatures remain comfortable and popular spots like Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park are less crowded. Fall camping in Maine offers spectacular foliage viewing, particularly from mid-September through mid-October, with Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground providing opportunities to enjoy northern Maine's autumn colors. Spring camping (May-early June) offers the advantage of fewer insects but can have unpredictable weather. Most campgrounds close by late October, though some private campgrounds offer extended seasons depending on weather conditions.
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