Camping options near Waterville, Maine extend throughout the surrounding regions with varying seasonal availability. Sites in central Maine typically see high winds during spring and fall months with temperatures ranging from 45-75°F during peak camping season. Lakes and river access points shape many of the camping experiences, with water activities forming a central part of the recreational offerings.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing access: Two Rivers Campground in Skowhegan offers complimentary water equipment for guests. "Free use of canoes and kayaks are a nice bonus," notes one camper. The campground sits at the confluence of the Kennebec and Wesserunsett Rivers, providing multiple paddling routes.
Hiking opportunities: Several nature preserves surround the Two Rivers Campground area. "You are about fifteen minutes to downtown Bangor which has some good restaurants... Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are about an hour away and definitely worth a visit," reports a visitor to Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Disc golf course: Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake (formerly Beaver Brook Campground) features an on-site course. "Very nice campground with a good camp store and disc golf course. We will stay again!" mentions one reviewer. The facility also includes mini-golf among its recreational amenities.
Wildlife viewing: Waterfront sites often provide opportunities for wildlife observation. At Augusta West Kampground, a camper reported, "We had an incredible stay at this lovely little family owned brewery and RV park... listened to the loons, watched Canadian Geese with their goslings and saw a bald eagle swoop down and try to get something."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Shore Hills Campground offers sites with direct water views. "We got a space on the water (82) and the view is so beautiful. Picnic table is clean and sturdy, bathrooms very clean," notes one visitor. The campground includes a walkway to a small island in the lake.
Adult-oriented spaces: Some campgrounds cater more to grown-ups than families with children. A visitor to Pumpkin Patch RV Resort noted, "This campground caters more to adults and does not have too much for kids to do. Most of the campers were seasonals whose campsites were well-kept and they were quiet."
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the cleanliness of campgrounds. "The restrooms and laundry were spotless and cleaned daily," reports a visitor to Two Rivers Campground. Another camper noted, "The laundry has two wash machines/dryers and was clean and tidy."
Special amenities: Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort combines camping with craft beverages and food service. "We had an incredible stay at this lovely little family owned brewery and RV park," mentions one reviewer. Another adds, "My wife and I just spend an overnight here. The brewery is really cool, and the wood fired pizza is some of my favorite."
What you should know
Tidal considerations: Shoreline access varies with tide schedules. "The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide," notes a camper at Shore Hills Campground. This affects water activities planning.
Road noise: Several campgrounds experience road noise from nearby highways. "At night, one can clearly hear the noise from route 2 just at the edge of the campground. The river amplifies the sound of cars passing by," reports a visitor to Two Rivers Campground.
Terrain variations: Site surfaces range from gravel to grass to dirt. "Our patio was a mix and sand and dirt which made for a mess in the RV and not a great place for our dog to lay in," notes a camper at Two Rivers Campground.
Dump station fees: While most campgrounds include dump station access with stay, non-guests typically pay additional fees. Many campgrounds charge $10 for non-guest dump station use, consistent with regional practices.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Augusta West Kampground offers water recreation options. "Loved our site right on the water and access to the docks for fishing & kayaking! Kids caught many sunfish & had loads of fun!" mentions one family. Swimming pools provide alternatives to lake swimming at several facilities.
Playground options: Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake features multiple play areas. "Has a lot of stuff for kids including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing, kayaking, mini golf and disc golf. Great sites and plenty of them," notes one visitor.
Family-specific campgrounds: Not all campgrounds cater equally to children. "This campground caters more to adults and does not have too much for kids to do," notes a visitor to Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, indicating the importance of researching child-friendly options.
Game room access: Indoor recreation spaces provide rainy day alternatives. "The campground offers a game room area, horseshoes, a pool and playground," mentions a Two Rivers Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Pay attention to site grade when reserving. "Most sites are level and there are long pull thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night," reports a visitor to Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Tree clearance: The Moorings Campground and other tree-lined campgrounds require careful navigation. "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 a camper.
Wi-Fi considerations: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Wifi was a service you had to pay for which is almost unheard of in todays campgrounds," notes a visitor to Camden Hills RV Resort.
Pull-through site availability: For larger rigs, reserving appropriate sites is essential. "Sites are very clean, good space, well laid out and pretty level," notes a visitor to Pumpkin Patch RV Resort. Most campgrounds offer a mix of back-in and pull-through sites with varying dimensions.
