The Stratton, Maine area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in western Maine's mountains, providing a cooler camping climate than coastal regions. Summer nights often dip into the 40s even when days reach the 70s. Camping sites near Stratton, Maine offer both established facilities and primitive options with varying levels of accessibility depending on seasonal conditions and vehicle clearance.
What to do
Lakeside activities: At Cathedral Pines Campground, visitors can enjoy multiple water-based activities. "We saw loons and bald eagles on the lake daily," reports one camper. The campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for those who don't bring their own watercraft.
Mountain hiking: The Bigelow Col Campsite provides direct access to the Appalachian Trail and Bigelow Mountain. "Despite contending with a fair share of mosquitoes, the tranquility of the location made it all worthwhile," notes one visitor who appreciated the combination of lake access and mountain trails within walking distance.
ATV trail riding: For motorized recreation, the region offers extensive trail networks. A visitor to Deer Farm Camps & Campground shared, "Each time we visit we truly enjoy the vast ATV trail system. This campground is surrounded by spectacular mountains, rolling fields, towering trees, fragrant wild flowers and beautiful butterflies."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The area's lakes and forests support diverse wildlife. At Rangeley Lake State Park Campground, campers often spot local species. "We were amazed by the concert of the Loons on the lake," wrote one visitor, while another noted, "The echoing calls of loons during both day and night created an immersive natural ambiance, and the hooting owls added to the enchanting soundscape after sunset."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at regional campgrounds. "Sites are very large and spacious. You are not on top of the next one," commented one visitor about Cathedral Pines. Similarly, at Rangeley Lake State Park, a camper noted, "Large, mostly level sites, and most are rather private."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives positive mentions. "Staff was very pleasant. Facilities were very clean and organized," said one Cathedral Pines visitor. At Mountain View Motel & Campground, guests appreciated "wonderful facilities. Toilets, hot showers, gazebo with fire pit, lounge with WiFi, full kitchen, TV, games and more."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many camping areas require travel on unpaved roads with varying conditions. A visitor to Trout Brook Campground advised, "The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars," while another noted it was "passable for most any vehicle. Not larger RV friendly but was comfortable enough to get the 27' foot trailer in."
Limited services: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. At Trout Brook Campground, "There are no service, no water, no electricity, no to little cell coverage. There is one pit toilet." Similarly, Round Barn Campsites has "pit toilets, but no running water or electricity."
Availability challenges: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "Stopped in to try and camp here, all the spots were taken. There were even people camping in their rooftop tents," reported one visitor to Round Barn Campsites. At Myers Lodge East, a visitor noted they "didn't stay" because all sites were occupied.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Certain campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. Mountain View Motel & Campground offers "great place to meet other campers and hikers and share a meal" with its common areas. At Rangeley Lake State Park, one camper described it as "Great place for families with smaller kids. Lots of fun to be had."
Swimming options: Look for safe water access points for children. Round Barn Campsites has "a nice beach area big enough to accommodate however many people you bring. The cove makes for safe swimming away from the wind and waves offshore," according to a visitor.
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature fluctuations, especially for children. "My fiancé and I tented here over the weekend and although it was chilly at night (33F!) we had a blast," reported a camper at Bigelow Preserve, highlighting the need for proper cold-weather gear even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Most established campgrounds can accommodate medium-sized RVs, but dispersed sites have limitations. At Deer Farm Camps & Campground, "Each wooded site is relatively level and offers water and electric hookups, all for a price on par with state parks without utilities (even after tax is added to fees, you're still under $25/night)."
Hookup availability: Electric options are limited but available at select locations. Cathedral Pines offers hookups, and one visitor noted, "Sites are very large. Facilities are bright and clean. Every site has its own 'fire box' with cooking grate."
Dump station locations: Cathedral Pines and Rangeley Lake State Park both provide sanitary dump stations. As one RVer noted about Deer Farm, "Although they don't offer sewer, they do offer a dump station," making longer stays more feasible.
