Union, Maine camping options range from lakeside tent sites to yurt accommodations within a 30-minute drive of coastal attractions. Located in Knox County at an elevation of approximately 200 feet above sea level, this rural area experiences warm summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season with occasional fog from the nearby Atlantic coast. Winter camping in yurts provides year-round options with overnight temperatures dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking trails on campground property: At Camden Hills State Park Campground, visitors can access numerous trails directly from their campsites. "The park sits on both sides of Rt. 1, and the bottom side is more of a day use area with a pavilion and walking trails and sits on the water. The top portion of the park, where all the campsites are, has direct access to Mount Megunticook, and Mount Battie, and offers easy to advanced hikes," notes camper Heather C.
Kayaking on Sennebec Lake: The lake provides excellent paddling opportunities with shallow entry points for beginners. "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming," reports camper Pam A. Rental equipment is available on-site at several campgrounds or bring your own watercraft.
Exploring historic coastal towns: From Chewonki Campground, campers have convenient access to nearby coastal communities. "Chewonki is a wonderfully run private campground near Bath, Wiscasset, Damariscotta and the beaches," explains Randy F. Most attractions are within a 20-30 minute drive, making day trips practical.
What campers like
Quiet family atmosphere: Many campgrounds maintain peaceful environments even during peak season. At Duck Puddle Campground, visitors appreciate the family focus: "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 Sat night and large bonfire. Everyone was invited to attend if they wanted to," shares Rachel S.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and organized grounds receive positive mentions. "Bathrooms were dated but clean. The site we had was on the water and had great views. It was surrounded by trees and had decent spacing between neighbors," notes one Duck Puddle Campground review.
Variety of accommodation types: For those seeking alternative camping options beyond tents and RVs, yurt camping near Union, Maine provides comfortable accommodations with protection from weather. Shore Hills Campground & RV Park offers various site types: "Shore hills has good prices and great views. The sites are large," explains Shawn M. Their yurts provide solid shelter while maintaining a camping experience.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-May through mid-October, with limited winter camping options. The prime reservation period runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tidal considerations for waterfront activities: Coastal and tidal river campgrounds experience significant water level changes. "The tides are crazy in Maine so be careful if you use the boat launch that you don't get stuck on a mud flat when the 9-11' tide disappears," warns a visitor to Lake Pemaquid Campground.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. "The Verizon signal on our phone and wifi on our hotspot were strong. The park does have free wifi at most campsites and the signal was very strong. (Sites #68-81 do not have wifi)," reports Nancy W. at Camden Hills State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation areas: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play spaces. "There are several playgrounds for the kids and even a small arcade for rainy days," mentions a Lake Pemaquid camper, providing options during inclement weather.
Campground activities: Weekend events often cater to children. "This was our second time going to Seawall campground, I had such a great experience last year I wanted to go back! I love the back-country feel of the hike-in campsites (loop D)," shares Kyle R. about Seawall Campground.
Proximity to swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas. "Nice small campground with the lake and lake side camping available," reports Michael E. about his stay at Sennebec Lake Campground, noting the easy lake access for cooling off during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Carefully research site dimensions before booking. "There are a limited number of sites for those over 35 feet and the gravel roads are easy to navigate in a big rig," advises Nancy W. about Camden Hills State Park.
Hookup availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "Electric and water only, there is a dump station," notes Debbie P., indicating partial hookups at Seawall Campground.
Level sites for comfort: Some campgrounds feature naturally level sites while others require adjustment. "We have a 35ft RV, and we faced no issues getting in and out of the property and the sites across the water were level, with no extra leveling needed," explains Jason G. about his experience at Sennebec Lake Campground, making it convenient for yurt camping near Union, Maine.
