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."
