Cathedral Pines Campground offers rustic camping options near Stratton at an elevation of 1,500 feet. The area sits between the Bigelow Mountain range and Sugarloaf Mountain, creating a temperate summer climate with temperatures typically ranging 65-80°F during camping season. Campers should prepare for cooler nighttime temperatures even in summer, as the elevation can drop evening temperatures into the 40s.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Cathedral Pines Campground, visitors enjoy access to Flagstaff Lake with diverse fishing options. "Sites are very large and spacious. You are not on top of the next one. You can store kayaks right at the beach," reports Bryan B., who found the boat launch "perfect" for launching personal watercraft.
Wildlife viewing: The Moosehead Lake region serves as prime moose habitat, especially at dawn and dusk. A visitor at Moosehead Family Campground noted, "The area is beautiful with great hiking, boating, and fishing. Just a short drive away is the east outlet of the Kennebec River which is renowned for its fly fishing."
Wilderness exploration: Northern Maine offers exceptional remote camping. A visitor at Mollidgewock State Park Campground shared, "If you enjoy exploring the woods, fishing and being in the wild this is a good clean option. The sound of loons - Magical." The area features numerous logging roads accessible for mountain biking and hiking.
What campers like
Large, level sites: Sites at many campgrounds provide ample space between neighbors. At Cathedral Pines, Ken B. appreciated that "sites are very large and spacious. You are not on top of the next one. Every site has its own fire box with cooking grate."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. At Coleman State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Facilities were cleaned twice a day. Kayak and paddle boat rentals available. Keep your eyes out for loons and bald eagles on Little Diamond Pond."
River access: Waterfront camping remains highly sought-after. A visitor at Aziscoos Valley Camping Area described their experience: "The river is clean with a solid though slightly rocky bottom and a moderate current that is suited for wading if that is your thing and excellent for tubing."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal connectivity. A Coleman State Park visitor mentioned, "There is no cell service (at least for Verizon users), but that's exactly what we wanted."
Seasonal conditions: The camping season typically runs mid-May through mid-October, with some campgrounds closing after Labor Day. Weather varies significantly through the season.
Road noise: Some campgrounds sit near highways. At Lake Francis State Park Campground, one camper noted their experience: "The only downside to our experience was that our site was directly in front of another site, which required driving through our site to get to the one behind us. Poor design for sure."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, a visitor shared, "This is a family campground with pool, playground, bounce house, Yogi Bear, theme weeks, store, rv sites and cabins. It's fun but not private (secluded), tranquil, or very wooded."
Water activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and boat rentals. Jillian from Cathedral Pines noted, "Lakefront sites have gorgeous views. We saw loons and bald eagles on the lake daily."
Nearby conveniences: When camping with kids, proximity to stores helps. As Ken B. mentioned about Cathedral Pines, "There is no 'general store' but just outside the entrance to the campground is a gas station/general store which has everything from deli meats to hardware."
Tips for RVers
Site access considerations: Many northern Maine campgrounds have narrow access roads. At Moosehead Family Campground, one RVer warned: "Small campground with 36 RV and tent sites located just a couple of miles from downtown Greenville. The back section of the park was way too tight for us to navigate. Also, the turn into the campground from the main road (Route 6) is very tight."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites remain limited. Some campgrounds offer electric and water but no sewer connections. Most have dump stations available.
Leveling requirements: Terrain can be uneven. An RVer at Moosehead Family noted, "Our site sloped down in the front and took a bit for us to get level and our front steps were pretty high off the ground."
