Campgrounds near Thomaston, Maine range from oceanfront locations to wooded retreats throughout the midcoast region. Most are accessible from Route 1, the main coastal artery connecting small harbor towns. Winter temperatures average 10-25°F with summer highs of 75-85°F, creating a camping season that typically runs May through mid-October with fall foliage peaking in early October.
What to do
Coastal exploration from Belfast: The shoreline offers distinctive tidal environments for outdoor activities. "A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out. The biggest downside for us was the price which was $94/night for a FHU (50 amp) pull-thru on the hill in the front of the park without much in the way of a water view," notes a visitor to Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort.
Island ferry trips: Several campgrounds provide access to Maine island communities. "We loved taking the ferry to Vinalhaven Island for the day and picking up prepared food at the Market Basket and eating it along the Rockland Harbor waterfront watching the boats come and go," shared a camper at Camden Hills RV Resort.
Botanical Gardens: The gardens near Boothbay Harbor feature unique attractions. "Don't miss the Guardians of the Seeds (trolls) at the Botanical Gardens! Truly a one of a kind campground with amazing restaurant and brewery on site!" recommends a reviewer from Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort.
What campers like
Cedar shower facilities: Some campgrounds offer distinctive bathroom amenities. "The bathrooms are clean and the cedar showers are awesome! We've been excited to come back here since we left," notes a visitor at Meguniticook by the Sea Campground.
Waterfront sites with tide watching: Coastal RV parks near Thomaston feature dramatic tidal changes. "We got a waterfront lot but the brush is blocking most of view. The park is lovely and we look forward to what we discover!" reported a camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Social activities: Several parks organize community events. "The park organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, BBQ feast, and cold beverages offered during Friday Happy Hours," according to a Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort visitor.
What you should know
Variable site quality: RV parks near Thomaston have inconsistent sites. "Our site was shady and a pull-thru. Luckily our site was level but some are not very level and would have been a problem for us. It appears the new owners are really trying to upgrade the park and make improvements to roads and sites," explains a camper at Camden Hills RV Resort.
Seasonal operations: Most facilities close by late October. "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 a visitor at Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Tidal considerations for water activities: The dramatic tides affect waterfront access. "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," a reviewer warns about Narrows Too.
Tips for camping with families
Shoulder season visits: Less crowded periods offer better experiences with children. "The shoulder season here is the best time to come. Preferably in the spring before mid-June or the fall when the leaves are changing color. Not all businesses and restaurants will be open before mid-June but you will have far less crowds than in the busy summer months," advises a reviewer about Narrows Too.
Campground selection for kids: Not all parks cater to families equally. "I would primarily recommend this campsite for retirees and couples without children. The park doesn't offer many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool, so families with young children might find it lacking in entertainment options," notes a visitor at Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Nearby public lands: State parks complement campground amenities. "Within two miles of the RV park is Moose Point State Park with a few miles of hiking trails, picnic area and water access (a daily use fee is charged)," shares a Moorings visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some RV parks near Thomaston have navigation difficulties. "We were in Site 13; it was level and easy enough to back into but just a tad challenging when it was time to leave. We were ok with our 18-foot van, but a larger rig would definitely have trouble," warns a reviewer at Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort.
Internet connectivity: Expect variable services across the region. "Wifi was a service you had to pay for which is almost unheard of in today's campgrounds. Most campgrounds offer free wifi but this one only offered the wifi for a fee. We decided not to shell out the money but since we did not get a strong Verizon signal, internet access was pretty much non-existent," notes a Camden Hills visitor.
Tree cover considerations: Wooded sites create specific challenges. "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. Parking under the pines also meant a lot of sap on our roof which was a bear to remove," explains a Camden Hills RV Resort reviewer.
