Camping options near Spruce Head, Maine range from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV locations within 25 miles of this coastal peninsula. Seasonal operations typically run from mid-May through mid-October, with most facilities closed during winter months due to Maine's harsh cold season. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering direct lake or ocean frontage while others require short drives to reach swimming areas.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access 5,700 acres of wilderness at Camden Hills State Park Campground, where campers can explore extensive trail networks directly from their sites. The Mount Battie trail offers a challenging but rewarding climb with panoramic coastal views. As one visitor noted, "One of the real pluses of this park were the miles and miles of hiking trails just outside our doorstep."
Kayaking: Launch directly from waterfront sites at Lobster Buoy Campsites in South Thomaston, where campers can paddle along protected coves. The location provides easy water access without needing to transport equipment. "Some campsites are right on the water and the kayaking from here is awesome," explains a reviewer who appreciated the convenience.
Beach swimming: Duck Puddle Campground maintains a designated beach area on its lake with swimming platforms. The swimming area includes a floating dock that's popular with families. According to visitors, "Great beach for swimming, playground for playing. We have already booked our next trip in a few weeks!"
What campers like
Waterfront access: Sennebec Lake Campground offers several waterfront sites that provide direct lake access for swimming and fishing. Sites are well-maintained and most are level, requiring minimal setup effort. One camper shared, "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming. New ownership this year resulted in some updates, as well as the addition of glamping tents near the beach."
Cedar showers: Megunticook by the Sea Campground features uniquely constructed cedar showers that provide a distinctive bathing experience. The showers are well-maintained and consistently stocked with hot water. Reviewers frequently mention them as a highlight: "The bathrooms are clean and the cedar showers are awesome! We've been excited to come back here since we left."
Ocean views: Several campgrounds provide direct ocean vistas, particularly at sunrise and sunset. At Megunticook by the Sea, observation decks with seating allow for unobstructed views across Penobscot Bay. "Small but beautifully wooded sites. We had an amazing view of the sunrise. Rockland and Camden are close and worth the visit," one reviewer commented.
What you should know
Advanced reservations: Summer weekends at coastal campgrounds fill months in advance, particularly for waterfront sites. Several campgrounds institute minimum stay requirements during peak season, with some requiring 3-4 night minimums. One camper noted about the Camden area, "Corporations are buying up the private campgrounds and charging ridiculous prices. The three around Camden, ME have 4 day minimums."
Road noise: Megunticook Campground sites experience varying levels of road noise from nearby Route 1. Sites numbered 84-87 and cabins 8-10 are positioned farthest from traffic sounds. A reviewer pointed out, "The sites here are nicely wooded and have a decent amount of separation between most of them BUT the campground is located too close to the road and, with the exception of sites 84-87 and cabins 8-10, you will hear road noise in your site."
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds in the Spruce Head region. Some charge additional fees for access, while others provide limited or no service. At Camden Hills RV Resort, "Wifi was a service you had to pay for which is almost unheard of in today's campgrounds."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Duck Puddle Campground maintains several play areas scattered throughout their property, along with scheduled weekend activities for children. The campground hosts themed events including a Christmas in July celebration with special decorations and activities. A visitor mentioned, "The weekend we stayed they happened to be celebrating 'Christmas in July' and so a lot of the campers had put up lights and decorated. They had a band play on Saturday night and large bonfire."
Arcade facilities: Lake Pemaquid Campground offers a small indoor game room that provides entertainment during inclement weather. While the facilities need updating, they provide a valuable diversion for children on rainy days. "There are several playgrounds for the kids and even a small arcade for rainy days."
Campground activities: Several locations run scheduled events including crafts, water games, and music. Sennebec Lake Campground organizes structured activities that appeal to different age groups. "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Verify site conditions before arrival as many campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring additional blocking. Seasonal rain can create drainage issues at some facilities. At Duck Puddle Campground, one RVer complained that "The lay of the land is sloped and they need to improve drainage of run off. The site was very wet with standing water making most of the site unusable."
Tree clearance: Large rigs should request sites away from dense pine growth to avoid potential damage from low-hanging branches and sap. Camden Hills RV Resort requires careful navigation: "Lots of tall pine trees provide shade but also make it a little difficult to navigate the roads. We had to go pretty slow to avoid hitting tree branches. Parking under the pines also meant a lot of sap on our roof which was a bear to remove."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site sewer hookups, so plan accordingly. Some charge additional fees for dump station use. At Lobster Buoy Campsites, "There is no sewer but a dump station is available if you don't mind packing up to dump."
