Pet-friendly camping options near Thomaston, Maine range from wooded lakeside sites to oceanfront locations with varying amenities. The midcoast region averages 46 inches of rainfall annually, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-75°F. Most campgrounds in this area close by mid-October, with peak season rates and minimum stay requirements from late June through August.
What to do
Hike the trails at Camden Hills State Park: The park offers miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "One of the real pluses of this park were the miles and miles of hiking trails just outside our doorstep. Driving the tour road to the summit of Mt. Battie (elevation 800') is a must and the views are spectacular (especially for watching the sunrise)," notes Nancy W. from Camden Hills State Park Campground.
Kayak on Sennebec Lake: Calm waters make this location ideal for paddling. "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming," reports Pam A. from Sennebec Lake Campground. The lake has multiple access points with rentals available at some locations.
Explore local towns: Visit Camden, Rockport, and Rockland for coastal Maine culture. "Camden should be on everyone's list of places to see if you are traveling the Maine coast. Within 10 miles are great museums like the Farnsworth Art Museum, the Maine Lighthouse Museum, the Sail, Power, and Steam Museum, and others," says Nancy W. Camden Hills State Park Campground is located just three miles from downtown Camden, making it convenient for day trips.
What campers like
Cedar showers: Many campers appreciate the unique shower facilities at Megunticook by the Sea. "The bathrooms are clean and the cedar showers are awesome! We've been excited to come back here since we left," shares Chelsea from Meguniticook by the Sea Campground.
Waterfront access: Direct water access for swimming and fishing ranks high among camper preferences. "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. The lake is great for swimming and paddling," explains K.R. from Duck Puddle Campground.
Lobster bakes: Several coastal campgrounds host lobster dinners. "They offer lobster bake at the ocean for $60 pop with some sides," notes Stacy M. from Searsport Shores Ocean Campground. Other campers mention that Megunticook Campground and Lobster Buoy Campsites also feature seasonal seafood events during summer months.
What you should know
Site sizing restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific tent size limitations. Searsport Shores Ocean Campground reportedly limits tent sizes to 10x10 feet in some areas. Calling ahead to confirm size restrictions can prevent arrival issues.
Seasonal pricing fluctuations: Rates increase significantly during peak season. "Corporations are buying up the private campgrounds and charging ridiculous prices. The three around Camden, ME have 4 day minimums making the most basic RV site $225 to $260 per stay," reports Mike V. from Meguniticook by the Sea Campground.
Extra fees: Watch for additional charges beyond the base rate. "I thought $50 for a tent site was a little steep but it was all the potential extra fees that irked me: $30 site lock to ensure you get the site you want when you reserve, $4 weather guarantee, $7.95 if you need to hook up to WiFi, $10 to use the dump station," notes Lee D. from Megunticook Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity-focused campgrounds: Some sites offer regular programming for children. "The weekend we stayed they happened to be celebrating 'Christmas in July' and so a lot of the campers had put up lights and decorated. They had a band play on Saturday night and large bonfire. Everyone was invited to attend if they wanted to," shares Rachel S. from Duck Puddle Campground.
Consider tenting sections: Family tent sites often offer more privacy than RV areas. "The tent sites are completely separate from the RVs and are in the woods, beautifully maintained. The whole campground has a very community feel to it and we've always met some awesome strangers to hang out with. It makes it great for any age kid, there are always tons of kids around," explains April W. from Searsport Shores Ocean Campground.
Check for on-site amenities: Facilities like playgrounds and game rooms provide entertainment during downtime. "A new playground and field are if you have kids with you and clean restrooms," notes Carol C. from Duck Puddle Campground. Several campgrounds also offer organized activities like crafts and games during weekends.
Tips from RVers
Watch site levelness: Many Maine campgrounds have uneven terrain. "We were able to get our site without extra leveling needed," mentions Jason G. from Lobster Buoy Campsites. This isn't always the case, as many reviewers note the need for extensive leveling at other locations.
Be mindful of tree clearance: Overhead branches can be an issue for larger RVs. "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," warns Nancy W. about Camden Hills RV Resort. Sites along field edges typically offer better clearance.
Consider satellite reception challenges: TV viewing can be difficult. "For television watchers, there is no cable and satellite can be difficult due to trees. There are nine sites (55-63) located in an open field that may be able to pick up satellite," explains Nancy W. about Camden Hills State Park Campground.