Several campgrounds within 20-40 miles of Stockton Springs provide RV sites from mid-May through mid-October. Campers access Penobscot Bay through these facilities while exploring Maine's coastal region. Winter Harbor offers waterfront camping with limited amenities, while inland options near Bangor provide spacious sites for larger vehicles with varying levels of privacy and hookup configurations.
What to do
Kayaking at low tide: West Bay Acadia RV Campground offers water access with tidal considerations. "Make sure you paddle around high tide or else you will be slogging your watercraft through a soft mucky clam flat," notes one visitor. The campground has kayak and paddleboard rentals available, or you can bring your own equipment.
Hiking nearby trails: Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort serves as a base for exploring Acadia National Park trails. "10-15 from downtown Bar Harbor and the gorgeous Acadia NP. We vacationed here for my birthday," reports one camper. The resort's location provides convenient access to both Mount Desert Island and surrounding mainland areas.
Stargazing opportunities: Dark sky viewing is available at certified locations. "Recently added is a short nature trail and off leash dog park," mentions a reviewer about West Bay Acadia, which asks campers to turn off outside lights to reduce light pollution for better night sky viewing of stars, planets, and meteor showers.
What campers like
Fall foliage viewing: Patten Pond Camping Resort offers seasonal color displays. "We went at the end of September to visit Acadia National Park and the foliage was Beautiful! It wasn't even at its peak. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful trees," notes one reviewer. Peak colors typically occur in early-to-mid October.
Waterfront views: Some campsites provide direct ocean views with varying levels of visibility. "We got a waterfront lot but the brush is blocking most of view. The park is lovely and we look forward to what we discover!" writes a camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Community gardens: West Bay Acadia RV Campground maintains shared garden spaces. "We love the free community garden which has a wonderful selection of produce including strawberries, tomatillos, fresh herbs, beans, lettuces, etc. Feel free to pick whatever you will eat, just leave some for others," reports a visitor. Guests can harvest fresh produce during their stay.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds report discoloration issues. "And there is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," notes one visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort. Bringing drinking water is advisable at certain locations.
Bathroom facilities differ significantly: Timberland Acres RV Park maintains clean facilities. "Bathrooms and showers are clean and large, though slightly aged," reports one camper. Other properties receive mixed reviews on facility maintenance and cleanliness.
Site spacing and privacy levels: Site configurations vary between parks. "The site we chose was one of the premium ocean front lots and it was beautiful. The view was incredible." For non-premium sites, a reviewer notes, "No space between sites. My picnic table and fire ring were 6 feet from next sites sewer connection."
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Timberland Acres RV Park offers swimming options. "My son swam in the salt water pool and said he liked it," reports one visitor. Most pool facilities operate only during peak season from late June through early September.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain playground equipment. "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide," notes a camper at Mt Desert Narrows. Not all facilities have designated children's areas.
Age-appropriate campgrounds: Pumpkin Patch RV Resort focuses on adult campers. "This campground caters more to adults and does not have too much for kids to do," notes one reviewer. Families should research child-friendly amenities before booking.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Level sites with adequate clearance are important. "Most sites are level and there are long pull thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night," notes a camper at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort. Request specific site dimensions when making reservations.
Utility placement considerations: Hook-up locations vary between sites. "Most sites have two sewer hook-ups which is convenient because hook ups vary depending on RV type," mentions a West Bay Acadia visitor. Some campgrounds charge additional fees for electricity usage beyond a standard allocation.
Road conditions within parks: Interior roads present navigation challenges at some locations. "The roads are gravel with potholes and campsites are grassy or dirt depending on if you are under a tree or a previous campers patio mat killed the grass," notes a visitor. Large rigs should inquire about turning radius requirements and low-hanging branches.