Sidney, Maine sits at an elevation of about 300 feet above sea level in Kennebec County. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October with average summer temperatures ranging between 55°F and 80°F. The area features numerous lakes and ponds, with Messalonskee Lake and Snow Pond offering prime waterfront camping opportunities near local farms and wooded areas.
What to do
Disc golf and mini-golf: Jellystone Park™ Androscoggin Lake offers an 18-hole disc golf course along with traditional mini-golf. "Amazing campground. Has a lot of stuff for kids including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing, kayaking, mini golf and disc golf. Great sites and plenty of them," notes Peter F.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: The lakes around Sidney provide calm waters ideal for paddlesports. At Duck Puddle Campground, the waterfront sites offer direct lake access. "We love coming to Duck Puddle in the shoulder season (spring and fall) when it's quiet. The waterfront sites (61-66) offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel. The lake is great for swimming and paddling," shares K R.
Farm experiences: At Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground, visitors can explore a working organic farm with 626 acres and four miles of coastline. "The working farm is open to visit and walk around. Pet the baby cows and see the pigs and goats. They have a ton of activities going on through the summer," explains Tiffany N.
What campers like
Proximity to coastal towns: Camden Hills State Park Campground puts visitors near charming Maine communities. "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," writes Heather C.
Family-focused activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill specializes in programmed entertainment. "Been here 3-4 times and have had an amazing time watching the kids. Great little fishing ponds, cabins and a Treehouse! Fun swimming pool and sooo many kids' activities," says Andrew G.
Waterfront glamping sites: Luxury tent camping near Sidney ranges from basic to upscale. "We discovered Sennebec Lake Campground in 2020 and just returned from our third year in a row camping here with 2 kids. New ownership this year resulted in some updates, as well as the addition of glamping tents near the beach," reports Pam A.
What you should know
Reservation timing: For glamping near Sidney, Maine, peak season (July-August) books months in advance. Augusta/Gardiner KOA offers both traditional sites and glamping options. "Owners are super nice, but the campground could use a little love. Bathrooms and amenities are a little tired. There's potential though, and some really cute details," observes Rachel P.
Pricing variations: Site costs vary significantly based on amenities and location. "Chewonki is a wonderfully run private campground near Bath, Wiscasset, Damariscotta and the beaches. The grounds are beautifully maintained and with modern, clean utilities/amenities," explains Randy F.
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping accommodations operate from May through October. "We stayed here twice and had a really good experience both times. Not too loud and rangers were very helpful," notes Walter C. about tent camping at Camden Hills State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for themed weekends: Sennebec Lake Campground hosts regular events for children. "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," shares Pam A.
Consider lakeside locations: Waterfront sites provide built-in entertainment. "Wonderful water access. Cabins, RVs and tents all welcome. Clean facilities and a nice store making it so you don't have to leave! Staff does a very good job at planned activities to keep children entertained," explains Erika H. about Birches Lakeside Campground.
Check playground facilities: Older campgrounds may have dated equipment. "The playground is close enough to the pool to actually enjoy this while listening to my kids play," notes Angela M. about Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake.
Tips for RVers
Site selection: Look for level sites that accommodate your rig size. "The roads can be very narrow if you have a long rig. Your choice of pool or pond. Great campground for kids. Restaurant and store. Entertainment on the weekends," advises Tammy H. about Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake.
Utility considerations: Not all sites offer full hookups. "I am not an RV parking lot kind of person so I really like Duck Puddle Campground. It looks like the sites are on top of each other online but they are better than most the way they are arranged. We could have chosen lakefront but they were just water and electric and since we were staying 4 days we chose the full hookup in a nicely wooded site," explains Carol C.
Seasonal access: Many campgrounds have weight restrictions during spring thaw. "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," notes Phillip H. about Chewonki Campground.
