Tent camping near Stillwater, Maine features a mix of primitive sites and campsites with basic amenities across a region with significant elevation changes, from the flat Penobscot River Valley to the rolling hills further inland. The area receives approximately 42 inches of annual precipitation with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with some primitive sites accessible year-round depending on road conditions.
What to do
Lake activities at Gassabias Lake: This remote location with three secluded campsites offers excellent kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities. According to a visitor at Gassabias Lake campsites, "Being wooded, it's a tad cooler here, but the bugs are still obnoxious. If you enjoy listening to Loons, they put on quite a symphony. The lake would be great for kayaking or SUPs and fishing."
Hiking at Donnell Pond: The nearby public reserved land provides multiple trails with mountain views. As one camper noted at Donnell Pond, "The hike the next morning was a good climb for only about a 3+ mile hike." Another visitor mentioned, "The hiking is moderate with multiple trails and great views."
Clothing-optional camping: For those seeking something different, some private campgrounds near Stillwater offer unique experiences. A visitor to Rough and Raw shared, "A true hidden gem. We had no idea there was a clothing optional site near Acadia and stumbled across this with hipcamp. A safe and lovely primitive site."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many tent campers appreciate the remoteness of sites in this region. One reviewer of Gassabias Lake campsites mentioned, "3 secluded spots on a dead-end road. Wooded, path to the lake. Each site includes fire ring and picnic table, and share a pit toilet. I have never seen all 3 sites in use at one time."
Beach camping opportunities: Sites with direct water access rank highly among tent campers. A visitor to Donnell Pond shared, "We boated to the boat with our gear and camped there. There are two beaches that you can camp on that have sites with fire rings and picnic tables. We found a spot and it was gorgeous with the Mountain View's."
Farm-based camping experiences: Several private farms offer unique tent camping options. One camper at Continuous Harmony Farm reported, "The space is gorgeous, right next to a pond. Chill out and watch the sheep, or pick your own blueberries alongside their raking crew in their organic wild blueberry barrens."
What you should know
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Most tent sites in the Stillwater area provide minimal amenities. At Gassabias Lake, "Strictly carry-in, carry-out. Road into camp is dirt and some of it can be rough. Cars can make it just go slow. Over 20 miles from paved road. Designated cell reception about few miles away."
Walk-in requirements at some locations: Several popular tent camping areas require hiking gear in. One camper at Donnell Pond explained, "The hike in is only about 1/2 mile so it's totally doable even if you need to make two trips. The spots are secluded enough but not isolated."
Seasonal considerations for blueberry barons: Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss offers a unique camping experience during specific times. One visitor noted, "We absolutely loved this site, it was nothing we had ever experienced before. The views were incredible, we swam in the water everyday, and picked/ate the blueberries!"
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for easier family stays: For families wanting to explore the best tent camping near Stillwater, Maine without roughing it completely, several sites offer cabins. The Hawnets Nest provides "a cool A-Frame or bring-your-own Tent" according to visitor reviews.
Proximity to Acadia for day trips: Several campgrounds serve as affordable bases for exploring nearby national parks. One camper at Donnell Pond shared, "I stayed here for only 1 night as I had reservations in Acadia (about 45 minutes outside Acadia) but I will absolutely come back in the future."
Swimming opportunities: For families with children, campgrounds with safe swimming access are ideal. At Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, campers report, "We swam in the water everyday" while Donnell Pond visitors mentioned, "We were able to swim here as well."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Stillwater offer minimal or no RV services. For those needing hookups, sites like Continuous Harmony Farm provide "electric-hookups, thirty-amp-hookups... water-hookups" but these are limited in the region.
Road access considerations: RV campers should research road conditions carefully. As noted about routes to Gassabias Lake, "Road into camp is dirt and some of it can be rough. Cars can make it just go slow." Larger RVs may have difficulty accessing many of the more primitive camping areas.
Generator restrictions: Many of the natural camping areas prohibit generators. At Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, one RVer noted, "We stayed in campsite 2, where the land is open and flat, and there was plenty of room for our rv... It is dry camping, with no hookups, and generators are not allowed."