Pet-friendly camping options near Surry, Maine are available within 20 miles of downtown. Surry sits on the Penobscot Bay at an elevation of 36 feet, experiencing average summer temperatures between 60-80°F with frequent morning fog along the coast. Most campgrounds in this region open from mid-May through mid-October, with seasonal rates typically highest from late June through August.
What to do
Explore tidal areas at low tide: Visit Lamoine State Park Campground where you can launch kayaks directly from the park but need to time your paddling carefully. "You have about a four-hour window to paddle because of the tides. You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides," notes Nancy W.
Hike nearby trails without crowds: The quieter western side of Mount Desert Island offers less congested trails near HTR Acadia. "Great campground. Staff is helpful, sites are clean. Proximity to Acadia National Park, Southwest Harbor, and all the great things to do in the area is perfect," reports Ian P.
Go blueberry picking in season: Between mid-July and mid-August, free blueberries are available at Bar Harbor Campground. "Great campground. Mid July to Mid August free blueberries campside," shares Tammy H., making this an excellent activity for visitors with children or pets looking for a relaxed outdoor activity.
What campers like
Clean restroom facilities: Blackwoods Campground maintains exceptionally clean facilities. "The bathrooms don't have showers of course but they are so clean it was a great thing from other sites pit toilets," notes Aly E., which is particularly important for campers with pets who need reliable facilities.
Ocean access for kayaking: Water enthusiasts appreciate the direct water access at campgrounds like Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort. "We stayed a waterfront site but the brush is blocking most of view. The park is lovely and we look forward to what we discover!" reports Nancy, highlighting that waterfront sites offer convenient access despite some visibility limitations.
Privacy between sites: Many campers value separation between camping spots. "Sites are a good size and the campground was very quiet, even though every site was full," notes Thomas R. about HTR Acadia, adding that "most of the campsites are quite nice, with decent amounts of privacy" - an important feature when camping with pets who may be reactive to other animals.
What you should know
Showers cost extra at many locations: At Blackwoods Campground, nearby pay showers are your only option. Dana S. explains, "The bathrooms are dated but clean. There is a designated dishwashing drain to keep animals away from the campsites," but campers need to plan for off-site showers.
Water quality varies by location: Some campgrounds have issues with their water systems. One camper at Narrows Too Camping Resort reports, "There is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," indicating that bringing bottled water for drinking and pet consumption might be necessary.
Site locations affect noise levels: At several campgrounds, sites near roadways experience significant traffic noise. "We were given a site along the highway, and I was very unhappy there. The site isn't even in the main campground area. No privacy and lots of road noise," cautions Katie about her stay at Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly features: Playgrounds and swimming areas make a big difference for families. "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide. There is a kayak launch as well, and pool," shares Kasey M. about Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Choose walk-in sites for a more authentic experience: Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA offers tent-specific areas with better privacy. "We tent camp, without power, so we are way out back. No car noise, private, a bit of a walk to the showers and bathrooms but the privacy is worth it," explains Melissa N.
Reserve early for prime sites: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. "We tried staying here in the summer a few years back and it filled up weeks ahead of time. We got lucky this trip and got one spot open same day," reports Aly E. about Blackwoods Campground, emphasizing the importance of advance planning.
Tips from RVers
Site layout varies significantly: At Timberland Acres RV Park, the configuration affects your experience. "We had a nice pull through site with full hook ups. Most are pretty close to each other, ours was wider but faced another camper who faced us," notes Michi P., highlighting how site positioning impacts privacy.
Waterfront sites have limitations: RVers should note that oceanfront sites often lack full hookups. "I thought I had full hookups. Come to find out none of the oceanfront sites have sewer. They do have a honey wagon that will pump you out on Mondays and Fridays for 25$ a pop," explains Lynette L. about Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Off-season camping offers better availability: Visiting before mid-June provides more options. "We stayed early in the season, before Memorial Day, and there were very few camp sites that were occupied. The site we chose was one of the premium ocean front lots and it was beautiful," shares Nancy P. about her experience at Narrows Too Camping Resort.