Best Campgrounds near Thomaston, ME

The midcoast Maine area surrounding Thomaston provides multiple camping options ranging from waterfront to wooded settings. Within 20 miles of Thomaston, established campgrounds like Lobster Buoy Campsites in South Thomaston and Duck Puddle Campground in Nobleboro accommodate various camping styles including tent, RV, and cabin camping. Several facilities feature waterfront locations with ocean, lake, or river access, making them popular destinations for water activities. Camden Hills State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles north of Thomaston, offers hiking trails directly from campsites with mountain and ocean views.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with limited availability outside these months. A recent review noted, "Camden Hills State Park is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas. You are not only a short drive into town with shops, beaches and restaurants but also have access to many trails right outside of your tent." Water and electric hookups are common at developed campgrounds, while some offer full hookup services including sewer connections. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months, particularly for weekend stays and waterfront sites which fill quickly. Weather conditions can change rapidly along the coast, with fog and cooler temperatures possible even during summer months.

Campers consistently highlight the scenic beauty of the region's campgrounds, particularly those with water views. Many developed sites combine natural settings with amenities like hot showers, camp stores, and recreational facilities. The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, though site sizes and privacy levels vary considerably. According to visitor feedback, campgrounds like Megunticook offer good privacy between sites with trees and brush creating natural barriers. Several campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and swimming areas. Proximity to coastal towns allows campers to explore local attractions, restaurants, and services while maintaining a natural camping experience in wooded or waterfront settings.

Best Camping Sites Near Thomaston, Maine (112)

    1. Camden Hills State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Camden, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 236-2498

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Camden Hills SP is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas. 9 out of 10 times I visit Camden (one of my favorite places in Maine), I stay at this campground."

    "As with all real estate, location, location ! The camp is well situated amongst many Maine towns all of which are worth a visit to."

    2. Meguniticook by the Sea Campground

    16 Reviews
    Rockport, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-2428

    $32 - $58 / night

    "The campsites start level with the main road and then tier downwards towards the water. Campsites on the southside have less trees while campsites in the north are a little more rocky."

    "**The location of this campground is outstanding. Conveniently situated between Camden and Rockport off of Route One, the views of the Penobscot Bay are drop dead gorgeous."

    3. Megunticook Campground

    11 Reviews
    Rockport, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-2428

    "The campground is perfectly located between Camden and Rockland Maine. For a private campground the sites are a decent size with some trees. There is a beautiful overlook to the ocean."

    "Lovely campground near the beautiful lake. Great fishing and boating! There’s quite a few hiking trails located in the town around the campground."

    4. Lobster Buoy Campsites

    5 Reviews
    Spruce Head, ME
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-7546

    "The price was incredible given the proximity to the water. The only negative was that the RVs were pretty loud."

    "Campground was somewhat old but nice and located along the Atlantic Ocean with a small beach. RV sites are close together but ok and has electric and water. A dump station is located at the CG."

    5. Duck Puddle Campground

    11 Reviews
    Waldoboro, ME
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 563-5608

    "The waterfront sites (61-66) offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel. Some have a private dock for fishing or sitting, others have a small beach area."

    "It’s also close to other fun coastal towns. Definitely worth a visit."

    6. Sennebec Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Union, ME
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 785-4250

    $42 - $169 / night

    "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming. New ownership this year resulted in some updates, as well as the addition of glamping tents near the beach."

    "Sennebec Lake Campground provided a blend of relaxation and adventure for the kiddos and the campground's commitment to modern conveniences is evident, with amenities that bring together comfort and wilderness"

    7. Moonlight Woods

    2 Reviews
    Thomaston, ME
    2 miles

    $20 - $25 / night

    "perfect hosts, perfect location,,,close to town, to water, hiking, biking trails, such a wonderland...dont miss this great opportunity to see heaven"

    8. Tops’l Farm

    2 Reviews
    Waldoboro, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 640-6440

    "Located in Waldoboro, they create a wonderfully balanced experience between the outdoors and glamp.  While their model continues to evolve, camping is not available on all days/weekends.  "

    9. Lake Pemaquid Campground

    5 Reviews
    Bremen, ME
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 563-5202

    "tent sites are on top of each other, but easy walk to camp store and bath houses. beach access for swimming in the lake."

    "The sites are right on the lake with gorgeous views. Some sites even have their own pier to sit out on and fish or swim from or simply watch nature. They rent kayaks and canoes to explore the lake."

    10. Camden Hills RV Resort

    1 Review
    West Rockport, ME
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 236-2498
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Recent Reviews near Thomaston, ME

638 Reviews of 112 Thomaston Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    Beautiful spot!

    We had a beautiful waterfront site, 10 minutes from downtown Freeport. The campground is a working farm that would be great for the kids. We will definitely be back.806

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Autumn in Maine

    Camden Hills is an ideal camping location. Sites are spacious, they have a variety of trails, and the town of Camden is charming.

    Beware of weekend campers. I had no problem getting a first come first serve spot on Wednesday, but by Friday, it was busy.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Fall at Camden Hills State Park Campground

    I was worried when I decided to come to this part of Maine in the fall without reservations. It’s early October, and I learned that Maine State Parks are first come first serve at this point. I was pleasantly surprised to arrive and find plenty of vacant spots.

    The campground is large, and most of the sites are on the larger side. They tend to be nestled into the woods with plenty of trees, dividing the sites. Though some of the smaller RV sites are more compact.

    It’s a great location, close to Camden, Maine, and not far from other attractions.

    I’m here in 2025 and they are doing work on their water system so none of their water is potable

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Megunticook Campground

    Watch out for their prices

    Online the prices was 40$ for a tent site. We didn’t need water or electric just a spot to sleep for the night. I called to reserve cause the website wasn’t very easy to work with and the man on the phone said 76$ but couldn’t explain costs and was rude with the “you’ll not find another spot for this cheap!” Which we did. For less than half that cost. So watch out on prices and the extra charges.

  • Phillip H.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Chewonki Campground

    Friendly campground

    From booking to check in it was warm and welcoming. Pull in full hook up site. Coin operated shower. Clean and very well maintained. Property is very nice. Some Rt 1 noise at a distance but nothing unbearable.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Forest Ridge Campground

    Clean, quiet and affordable

    Stayed here while visiting friends and Acadia NP. Facilities very clean every time I saw them. Showers were nice but you need to wait for the hot water. Run it all hot and it will get there in a little while. Wood available on site. Open spaces in the middle with no trees or shrubs. Campers can be very close. Sides have more wooded sites. Not too many seasonal looking sites. 1 issue: our clean out was a bit high so had to lift sewer hose to clear it out. Didn’t use pool , laundry area worked good , screen porch at facility building. Fire ring worked out well, kept lots of heat in. We were off-season mid September. Reservation system forced us into our site, wants to charge a site selection fee.

  • S
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA

    Nice location, actually on the ocean

    A bit pricey, but it is a nice location and the free island bus stops right at the KOA

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Smuggler's Den Campground

    Great place

    We stayed here one night in mid September without a reservation. Helpful staff, clean and tidy campground. There is a new bathhouse by the tents which I used - very nice! I would come again!


Guide to Thomaston

Camping sites near Thomaston, Maine typically operate from May through October, with mid-summer offering the warmest temperatures averaging 70-80°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. The region receives significant rainfall even in summer, with July averaging 3.5 inches of precipitation. Campers should pack rain gear regardless of season, as coastal weather patterns can bring sudden showers and fog even during otherwise clear summer days.

What to Do

Kayaking at nearby lakes: Sennebec Lake Campground provides easy lake access for paddlers. As one camper noted, "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming."

Hiking varied terrain: Camden Hills State Park Campground offers miles of trails right from the campground. "One of the real pluses of this park were the miles and miles of hiking trails just outside our doorstep," explains a visitor. Some trails provide ocean views while others wind through forested areas with varying difficulty levels.

Explore coastal towns: Multiple campgrounds provide quick access to Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, each within 10-20 minutes by car. "The town is charming and there is so much to do in the immediate area and the surrounding towns of Rockland, Rockport, Owls Head, Lincolnville, and Belfast," shares a Camden Hills visitor.

Ferry excursions: Take a day trip to Vinalhaven Island via ferry from Rockland Harbor, just 15 minutes from most Thomaston area campgrounds. The 75-minute ferry ride runs multiple times daily during summer months with reduced schedules in shoulder seasons.

What Campers Like

Waterfront access: Lobster Buoy Campsites offers tent sites directly on the beach. One reviewer shared, "The staff/owners were very friendly and my tent site was right on the beach. The sunrise and sunset were absolutely gorgeous."

Cedar showers: Multiple campers highlight the unique shower facilities at Megunticook by the Sea Campground. One visitor described them as "awesome" while another remarked, "The bathrooms were very clean and the cedar showers are awesome!"

Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds feature sites with natural separation. A camper at Megunticook Campground noted, "The sites here are nicely wooded and have a decent amount of separation between most of them."

Swimming areas: Many campgrounds offer swimming access either directly at the property or nearby. A Duck Puddle visitor mentioned, "Great beach for swimming, playground for playing."

What You Should Know

Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. Camden Hills State Park has a mix of reservable and first-come sites. "Reservations can be made on-line but only about half of the sites are reservable leaving the other half for walk-ups. I would advise making reservations if you want to stay over a weekend or during the summer season."

Additional fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for various services. Duck Puddle Campground and others may add fees for visitors, pets, or specific amenities. One camper warned, "I was given a price and paid half at time of booking. Upon arriving at campground I was charged additional fees."

Road noise: Location can affect the camping experience. At Megunticook Campground, "The campground is located too close to the road and, with the exception of sites 84-87 and cabins 8-10, you will hear road noise in your site."

Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely throughout the region. Some campgrounds offer paid WiFi, but coverage can be spotty. At Camden Hills RV Resort, "Since we did not get a strong Verizon signal, internet access was pretty much non-existent."

Tips for Camping with Families

Kid-friendly activities: Lake Pemaquid Campground offers multiple playgrounds and recreational options. "There are several playgrounds for the kids and even a small arcade for rainy days," notes a visitor.

Safety considerations: When camping near water, supervision is essential. Most lakeside and oceanfront campgrounds don't provide lifeguards at swimming areas.

Plan for weather changes: Pack extra clothing and rain gear for children as coastal fog and sudden temperature drops are common even in summer.

Weekend events: Many campgrounds schedule family activities on weekends. Duck Puddle Campground hosts themed weekends during summer, with one camper mentioning, "They had a band play on Sat night and large bonfire. Everyone was invited to attend if they wanted to."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Many RV sites in the region sit on uneven terrain. A visitor to Camden Hills RV Resort noted, "Our site was level but some are not very level and would have been a problem for us."

Tree clearance: Tall pines at several campgrounds can make navigation challenging. "Lots of tall pine trees provide shade but also make it a little difficult to navigate the roads. We had to go pretty slow to avoid hitting tree branches."

Limited large rig sites: RVers with units over 35 feet should call ahead to confirm availability. A Camden Hills visitor advised, "Although the park accommodates larger RV's, there are a limited number of sites for those over 35 feet."

Satellite reception challenges: Dense tree cover affects reception at many sites. "Satellite reception was also a problem because of the trees. It is best to have a portable unit but even then, it could be difficult to get reception."

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Thomaston, Maine?

The Thomaston area offers several camping options. Lobster Buoy Campsites is located in South Thomaston, featuring waterfront sites with ocean views. For nearby alternatives, Chewonki Campground in Wiscasset offers a family-friendly environment with a salt water pool, walking trails, and waterfront access. Additional options within driving distance include Megunticook by the Sea, Duck Puddle Campground near Nobleboro, and Sennebec Lake Campground near Appleton. The mid-coast Maine region provides an excellent mix of private and public campgrounds, with most open from May through October, though exact dates vary by location.

What amenities does Lobster Buoy Campground in Thomaston offer?

Located in South Thomaston, Lobster Buoy Campsites offers spectacular waterfront views of the mid-coast Maine shoreline. The campground's primary appeal is its prime coastal location with water access. While the campground provides basic amenities, visitors should note that facilities are modest compared to larger resorts. The location is the standout feature, offering a genuine Maine coastal camping experience in a beautiful area. For campers seeking more extensive amenities, Camden Hills State Park Campground is nearby, offering more facilities while still providing convenient access to the Thomaston area.

How far is Thomaston campground from popular Maine attractions?

Thomaston's strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring Maine's top attractions. From Thomaston, you can reach the charming coastal town of Camden in approximately 20 minutes, where Camden Hills State Park Campground offers hiking trails and panoramic ocean views. Rockland, known for its lighthouse and museums, is just 10 minutes away. For those wanting to explore Acadia National Park, Seawall Campground is about 1.5-2 hours from Thomaston. The drive offers scenic coastal views and access to numerous small towns with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions along Route 1.