The Stockton Springs area covers approximately 28 square miles of coastal Maine terrain at an average elevation of 200 feet above sea level. Camping options span from oceanfront settings to wooded inland sites, with most campgrounds open from mid-May through mid-October. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-75°F, with cooler evenings requiring warmer sleeping gear even in July.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: At Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, campers can access rocky beaches for tide pool discoveries. "At low tide you can do fun rock designs on the shore, they offer lobster bake at the ocean for $60 pop with some sides," notes reviewer Stacy M.
Mountain hiking nearby: Camden Hills State Park provides multiple trail options within minutes of many campsites. "The park sits on both sides of Rt. 1, and the bottom side is more of a day use area with a pavilion and walking trails and sits on the water," explains reviewer Heather C., who adds that "the top portion of the park, where all the campsites are, has direct access to Mount Megunticook, and Mount Battie, and offers easy to advanced hikes."
Kayaking the protected waters: Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls offers access to calm paddling areas. "My husband and I absolutely loved staying here. Just by chance we stayed here for one night and we already want to plan a trip back to stay for a week! The campground is beautiful and well maintained! We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" reports Michael K.
What campers like
Uncrowded beaches: Many campers appreciate the private oceanfront access. "Beautiful, quiet location with views of the deer isle bridge and access to walking the beach," reports Jillian B. about Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls.
Fresh seafood options: Local lobster is available right at Moorings Campground. "Great location from which to explore Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor and towns of Belfast, Rockland and Camden," notes Angie K. The campground's proximity to coastal towns makes accessing fresh seafood restaurants simple.
Arts and crafts culture: Searsport Shores Ocean Campground combines outdoor recreation with creative pursuits. "It's also a treasure trove of arts of all kinds - fiber arts, metal sculptures, carvings, paintings, and music," writes Kathy L., who encountered "a small, intimate festival and workshop of fiddlers, banjos, ukuleles, mandolins, and guitars jamming with old time and blue grass music."
What you should know
Site sizes vary significantly: Many campgrounds have limitations on tent sizes. "They would not allow us to set up. Did I mention it was raining? Also, we had a 2 year old at the time," reported Marilyn S. about one campground that enforced a 10x10 tent maximum size limit.
Booking timeline: For prime sites, especially oceanfront ones, early reservations are essential. "We got off on the wrong foot so badly, that it still makes me cringe," continues Marilyn S., describing a situation where site limitations weren't disclosed during reservation.
Limited shower facilities: Camden Hills State Park Campground lacks on-site showers. "We had to drive offsite to showers, though," notes Roxanne R., though she still gave the park five stars, adding: "The campground was clean and beautiful. We were able to walk to the shuttle pickup and ride it to all stops in the park, and to Bar Harbor."
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Balsam Cove Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "We love the fresh water and BonFires. there is a playground and a common eating area. the kids feel like they are at summer camp while here," says Melissa N.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. According to peach L., Searsport Shores Ocean Campground has "a lot of space for kids and/or dogs to run around, including a jungle gym, basketball court, volley ball, and a dog run."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer learning activities. "It has gardens and secret nooks where you can sit and make a fire. It has a beautiful art studio. It has a play room and play ground that kept my children entertained for hours so I could read," shares Ashley L. about her experience at Searsport Shores.
Tips from RVers
Power options: Patten Pond Camping Resort offers full hookups for RVs. "Campsite are nice great for tents and RV's. Lots of nice hikes close by with amazing views would definitely go back," reports Andrew G.
Site leveling considerations: Many oceanfront sites require careful positioning. "We were pop-up campers. We had plenty of room for our camper. Dog friendly. Bathrooms were very clean," explains Jimmy M. about Camden Hills State Park Campground, though he notes that "Firewood was a bit pricey at $7 a bundle."
Pet restrictions: RVers with multiple pets should note limitations. One reviewer mentioned that certain campgrounds restrict the number of pets allowed, with Moorings Campground specifically mentioned as allowing "a maximum of two pets per site unless prior approval is obtained."