RV camping near Thorndike, Maine offers seasonal access to coastal and inland attractions throughout mid-coast Maine. Located in Waldo County at approximately 400 feet elevation, this rural area serves as a convenient base for exploring the region's natural features. Most campgrounds in the Thorndike vicinity operate between May and mid-October, with many closing by Columbus Day.
What to do
Explore Acadia National Park: Located about an hour from many Thorndike area campgrounds, Acadia offers diverse outdoor activities. "This campground is in a great location to Acadia and nearby towns," notes one visitor to Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground. "Located near Stonington, it is near the harbor, restaurants, a sand beach and the ferry to Isle au Haut."
Visit historic coastal towns: The nearby towns provide cultural attractions and shopping opportunities. "You are about fifteen minutes to downtown Bangor which has some good restaurants (we like Timber Kitchen and Bar and Blaze), a casino, and a large outdoor concert venue which has big name musical acts throughout the summer," reports a camper at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Water activities: Many campgrounds offer water access for recreation. "The site was easy to get into, and reasonably level. Lots of shade, and a steady breeze off the water," writes one visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort. "There is a kayak launch as well, and pool, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds in the region vary in layout and spaciousness. "This is a small, wooded campground with large private sites. They are working to improve the campground everyday," notes a visitor at Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground. "The site was wooded, and would have been tight for a larger rig."
Ocean views: Waterfront camping is available at several locations. "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!" shares a camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort. Another adds, "Beautiful view, quiet and serene. Not far from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor."
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the quiet setting of area campgrounds. "If you are looking for pools and activities this is not the place for you. This is a no frills campground and is absolutely wonderful. It is quiet and so peaceful," reports a visitor at Narrows Too Camping Resort. "The campground is very nice and well maintained. The sites are adequate and provide plenty of space."
What you should know
Variable site conditions: Site quality and amenities differ between campgrounds. "Overall, this was a nice place to stay. The laundromat was helpful. The bathrooms were fairly clean. We had a beautiful view from our campsite! Not all campsites had full hookup and we were told that one of the dump stations worked, but as we were leaving, we realized it didn't," notes a visitor to Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Reservation policies: Some campgrounds have flexible booking systems. "Once your reservation is made (we texted the owner to make ours) reservations are on the honor system that you show up. No prepayment was required. An invoice is emailed to you with payment options the morning after you check in," explains a camper at Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground.
Internet connectivity: Access varies significantly between locations. "We did not use the wifi during our stay," mentions one camper. Another notes, "Our AT&T reception was fine for streaming, internet access and calls."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with amenities: Some locations offer more family-friendly features than others. "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide," shares a visitor at Patten Pond Camping Resort. "There is a small beach at the lake where you can swim and kayak (for rent)."
Consider timing carefully: Seasonal factors affect experience quality. "We went at the end of September to visit Acadia National Park and the foliage was Beautiful! It wasn't even at its peak. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful trees," notes a Patten Pond visitor.
Check for grocery access: Some areas have limited services. "Tip: Grab groceries in Ellsworth if you want to save $," advises a Mt Desert Narrows camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big RVs comfortably. "Sites are very clean and the park is well-groomed with maintenance people always mowing or cleaning sites. There is pretty good space between sites so you don't feel cramped or right on top of your neighbor. Most sites are level and there are long pull thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night," explains a visitor to The Moorings RV Resort.
Seasonal considerations: Weather and crowds vary throughout the operating season. "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 camper at Narrows Too.
Parking challenges: Some campgrounds present navigation difficulties. "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," warns a visitor.
