The Thorndike area sits 290 feet above sea level in Waldo County, Maine, with access to both inland freshwater lakes and coastal harbors within a 35-mile radius. Camping options range from basic tent sites to yurt accommodations with composting toilets, with most facilities operating May through October. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, making seasonal closures necessary for most campgrounds in the region.
What to do
Kayaking on Sennebec Lake: Visitors at Sennebec Lake Campground can launch directly from the property. "We can launch our kayaks directly from the site," reports one camper about the waterfront spots. The lake provides protected paddling opportunities suitable for beginners and families.
Hiking in Camden Hills: Located 35 miles from Thorndike, Camden Hills State Park Campground offers extensive trails. "One of the real pluses of this park were the miles and miles of hiking trails just outside our doorstep," notes one visitor. The park includes the 800-foot summit of Mt. Battie with ocean views.
Beach activities: Duck Puddle Campground provides direct water access. "The lake is great for swimming and paddling," reports one reviewer. Some waterfront sites include private docks, while others feature small beach areas ideal for children to play or adults to relax.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer wooded sites with good separation. A reviewer at Duck Puddle Campground noted waterfront sites "have trees between the site for a more private feel." These natural barriers create a sense of seclusion even at busier campgrounds.
Yurt camping options: For campers seeking alternative accommodations, yurts near Thorndike provide a different experience. The Cooley-Davies Homestead offers "a beautiful, peaceful spot amid woods & pasture" with composting toilets and hot shower facilities according to reviewers.
Family-oriented activities: Several campgrounds coordinate planned events. "They had a band play on Saturday night and large bonfire. Everyone was invited to attend if they wanted to," notes a Duck Puddle visitor. These structured activities often align with themed weekends like Christmas in July celebrations.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Camden Hills State Park has a specific reservation system: "Reservations can be made on-line but only about half of the sites are reservable leaving the other half for walk-ups," explains one camper. They suggest making advance reservations for stays during weekends or summer.
Seasonal limitations: The camping season generally runs mid-May through October. Most facilities close for winter due to freezing temperatures and reduced demand. Camden Hills operates "just a few days after the park opened for the season so the campground was especially quiet," according to one early-season visitor.
Campsite variability: Site quality and size vary significantly across campgrounds and within the same facility. At Sebasticook Lake Campground, a visitor noted site 34 "was on the water, but was so bumpy and sloped it would be impossible to get level." Research specific site characteristics before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with active children, consider campgrounds with play equipment. Searsport Shores offers "a jungle gym, basketball court, volleyball, and a dog run," according to a visitor. One parent mentioned their child particularly enjoyed "a large sand box" that helped entertain them.
Pool availability: Several campgrounds include swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park has "an inground outdoor pool, playground, and the chance to feed the fish in the pond and ride bikes," according to visitors. The controlled environment provides peace of mind for parents with younger children.
Themed weekends: Many campgrounds host special events. One reviewer described Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park as "a family campground with pool, playground, bounce house, Yogi Bear, theme weeks, store, RV sites and cabins." These scheduled activities provide entertainment without leaving the campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for potentially uneven sites. One RVer at Sebasticook Lake found their site "so un-level that our refrigerator stopped functioning." Bring extra leveling blocks and consider calling ahead to discuss specific site conditions.
Hookup availability: Water and electric hookups are common, but sewer connections may be limited at some campgrounds. At Paul Bunyan Campground, reviewers note the sites are "easy to get into" and the facilities are "clean" with friendly staff. Some campgrounds offer full hookups with 50-amp service for larger rigs.
Site placement considerations: Ask about site location relative to amenities. A Camden Hills visitor mentioned, "There are a limited number of sites for those over 35 feet and the gravel roads are easy to navigate in a big rig." Some campgrounds place larger RVs in more open areas with less tree coverage for easier access.
