Maine is a beautiful state known for its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities. Camping is a popular pastime in our state, and there are a plethora of campgrounds in Maine to choose from. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot in the woods or a family-friendly campground with plenty of amenities, Maine has something to offer. To help you plan your next camping trip, we've put together a list of the best campgrounds in Maine, including top-rated and hidden gems. So get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in the Pine Tree State!
Best State Park Campgrounds in Maine
Maine is home to some of the best state park campgrounds in the country. From the rugged coastline to the pristine lakes and forests, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, Maine's state parks offer something for everyone. Here are some of the best state park campgrounds in Maine to add to your camping bucket list.
1. Camden Hills State Park
- Location: Camden, Maine
- Popularity: Family-friendly.
- Park Info: Tent and RV sites, pet-friendly, BBQ grills, drinking water, dump station, electrical hookups, RV hookups, fire pits, fire rings, picnic tables, hiking trails, showers, toilets available, visitor center, biking, fishing, climbing, and Wi-Fi.
- Price: Maine Resident: $24/$35/night, Non-Resident: $35/$45/night
Camden Hills State Park in Maine is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. The view from Mt. Battie is breathtaking, with vistas of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands. Hiking trails are available, with a moderate climb to the peak of Mt. Megunticook. Camden is nearby for town exploration and harbor activities. In the fall, leaf peeping is popular.
With 107 campsites, some are first-come, first-serve. Set for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 40 feet, 44 have water and electric hookups. The park is open year-round, and the campground is open from April to early December. Amenities encompass water spigots, flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and a playground. Firewood's sold, and most sites offer Wi-Fi as well.
2. Rangeley Lake State Park
- Location: Rangeley, Maine
- Popularity: A popular camping destination.
- Park Info: Sites 11-23 are closest to the water. There are eight campsites with water and electric hookups.
- Price: Maine Resident: $20/$30/night, Non-Resident: $30/$40/night
Explore the great outdoors at Rangeley Lake State Park, in the heart of Maine's Western Mountains. This park covers 869 acres of land and offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Take a hike, have a picnic, go camping, observe wildlife, capture photographs, and participate in winter sports.
The campground provides 50 spacious tent and trailer sites near the lakeshore, with a beach that boasts stunning views of Saddleback Mountain. The campground offers various amenities such as flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, a picnic area, a playground, and a boat launch. Additionally, each campsite comes equipped with a table, fire ring, and grill. Group camping facilities are available, and some campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Lily Bay State Park
- Location: Beaver Cove, Maine
- Popularity: Particularly busy during the summer months.
- Park Info: Best campsites are 1, 3, 6, 17, 25, 33, 36, 37, 40, 41, 44, 200, 206, 207, 208, 210, 211, 214, 219, 221, 222, 228, 233, 240.
- Price: Maine Resident: $20/night, Non-Resident: $30/night
If you're looking for outdoor fun in New England, Lily Bay State Park on Moosehead Lake is the place to be. This park boasts the largest lake in the region, spanning 117 square miles. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, water sports, swimming, hiking, biking, and picnicking.
With 90 campsites, you'll have plenty of options for waterfront camping at the gateway to Maine's North Woods. The campsites are located in two distinct areas, Rowell Cove and Dunn Point, with some sites accommodating RVs up to 35 feet.
You'll find amenities like drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a camp store. In addition, the park offers a marina, boat ramp, playground, picnic area, hiking trails, and firewood for sale. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October, and in September, all sites become first-come, first-serve.
4. Sebago Lake State Park
- Location: Naples, Maine
- Popularity: Popular and large family-friendly spot.
- Park Info: Best campsites are 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 22, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 97, 117, 128, 138, 140, 149, 151, 163, 175, 202, 204, 206, 217, 229, 237.
- Price: Maine Resident: $25/$35/night, Non-Resident: $35/$45/night
Maine's second-largest lake, Sebago Lake, borders Sebago Lake State Park. The campground is also near the Sebago River. The park spans 1,400 acres and has sandy beaches, woodlands, ponds, bogs, a river, and diverse habitats for various plants and animals. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. In the winter, you can also try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
There's no shortage of choices when it comes to camping at this location. With 250 campsites, there's something for everyone. Whether you're staying in a tent, trailer, or RV, you're sure to find the perfect spot. And no matter which site you choose, you'll have access to a table, fire ring, and grate for cooking up your meals.
The campground also offers drinking water, flush toilets, and hot showers for a minimal fee. Other amenities include an amphitheater, dishwashing station, playground, electric and water hookup, boat ramp, and boat/trailer parking area.
Best Beach Camping in Maine
If you're looking for a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature and the sound of waves crashing, you've come to the right place. Some of the best beach camping spots in Maine include Cobscook Bay State Park, Warren Island State Park, Lamoine State Park, and Peaks-Kenny State Park. Each of these locations offers a unique experience, from sandy beaches to rocky coastlines, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and swimming.
5. Cobscook Bay State Park
- Location: Dennysville, Maine
- Popularity: Secluded, quiet, and private sites.
- Park Info: Tent and RV sites, campfires allowed, toilet available, pet-friendly, potable water, showers, picnic tables, boating, paddling, and swimming.
- Price: Maine Resident: $20/night, Non-Resident: $30/night
Cobscook Bay State Park sprawled across 888 acres, is enveloped by wildlife-rich waters on three sides, making it a haven for birdwatching and tide-gazing. Aptly named "Cobscook" by the Maliseet-Passamaquoddy tribe for its lively tides, the park boasts an average tidal range of 24 feet, soaring to 28 feet - a stark contrast to the 9-foot average along Maine's southern coast. This eastern Maine gem offers 106 family-friendly campsites along Whiting Bay, a serene inlet within the bay, and has a boat launch.
6. Warren Island State Park
- Location: Islesboro, Maine
- Popularity: Remote, hidden gem.
- Park Info: Tent sites, campfires allowed, toilets available, pet-friendly, potable water, picnic tables, boating, fishing, hiking, and paddling.
- Price: Maine Resident: $15/night, Non-Resident: $25/night
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city life and yearning for an adventure? Look no further than Warren Island State Park, a hidden gem in the Penobscot Bay. A unique experience awaits you on this tranquil island, accessible only by your personal flotation device. With no phones and limited human contact, you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings.
The island boasts a lush spruce forest and campsites featuring cozy Adirondack-style shelters. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at fishing or embark on a hike through the 70-acre island. For the ultimate primitive experience, build a shelter under a tree or dig for clams in the sand.
7. Lamoine State Park
- Location: Lamoine, Maine
- Popularity: Little-known, hidden gem.
- Park Info: Best campsites are 6, 15, 22, 28, 29, 33, 36, 40, 52, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61.
- Price: Maine Resident: $20/night, Non-Resident: $30/night
Lamoine State Park is a picturesque oceanfront campground with 62 reservable campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 45 feet. Each site has a table, fire ring, and grate, as well as drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, and an RV dump station. Firewood is available for purchase, and there's a visitor center, picnic area, playground, and boat launch/ramp for added entertainment.
8. Peaks-Kenny State Park
- Location: Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
- Popularity: Very popular family-friendly spot.
- Park Info: In peak months (June-August), the day-use area fills up fast, and lines form. To skip the wait, arrive before 11 a.m.
- Price: Maine Resident: $20/$30/night, Non-Resident: $30/$40/night
Peaks-Kenny State Park, by Sebec Lake, offers a peaceful woodland escape for boating, fishing, and hiking. With 56 sites near the lake, it's perfect for campers. The park covers 839 acres in Central Maine Highlands, close to Moosehead Lake, the Appalachian Trail, and more.
Sebec Lake's mile-long shoreline features a sandy beach with lifeguards and views of Borestone Mountain. A grassy picnic area with a playground sits nearby. Campers can rent canoes or bring their own, and there's a boat launch at Greeley's Landing.
Ten miles of gentle trails through old-growth forests are perfect for all ages. Peaks-Kenny State Park is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a serene natural retreat.
Top Glamping in Maine
Maine is the perfect destination for those who want to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing modern comforts. Glamping has become increasingly popular in recent years, and Maine offers some of the best options. From luxurious tents to cozy yurts, there is something for everyone looking to enjoy Maine's wilderness in style.
9. Sandy Pines Campground
- Location: Kennebunkport, Maine
- Popularity: Very popular.
- Park Info: Heated saltwater pool, guest services, bathhouses, private showers and bathrooms, laundry facilities, general store, playground, lawn games, paddle boards, and kayak rentals.
- Price: $81-$385/night
Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport is the ideal escape from everyday life. Choose from glamping tents, tent sites, and RV sites. Enjoy the secluded beach forest, salt marsh, and beautiful water views. With family-friendly activities and spacious grounds, you'll feel at home. And, just one mile away from Kennebunkport's most beautiful beach, you'll have everything you need for the ultimate Maine camping experience.
10. Terramor Outdoor Resort
- Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
- Popularity: Very popular, luxury amenities.
- Park Info: Electricity, Wi-Fi, towels, linens, local pour-over coffee, electric kettle, portable heater, wool blankets, portable cooler, noise machine, lanterns, and deluxe bathroom care.
- Price: $431/night average
Terramor Outdoor Resort in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island is a top spot for scenic beauty, nestled between mountains and Maine's coastline. It's the gateway to Acadia National Park, perched on Frenchman's Bay, offering stunning ocean views.
The diverse tent selection suits adventurers, families, and romantic souls.
Slumber to bullfrog songs, awaken to bird chirps, and be serenaded by raindrops on canvas. The tents feature electricity, Wi-Fi, overhead fans, heaters, and Pendleton blankets. Designated parking preserves the peaceful atmosphere, allowing private fire experiences and uninterrupted stargazing.
11. Maine Forest Yurts
- Location: Durham, Maine
- Popularity: Very popular, rustic glamping experience.
- Park Info: Fully furnished, family-friendly, pet-friendly, kitchen, gas stove, BBQ grill, wood stove, composting toilet, hiking trails, outside shower, fire pit, and kayak rentals available.
- Price: $142/night average
Maine Forest Yurts, nestled on Durham's Runaround Pond, spans 100+ acres of wilderness. Perfect for a night, weekend, or week-long retreat. Fully furnished yurts offer unique Maine glamping. Open year-round, enjoy seasonal adventures like kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in nature. Family and dog-friendly, kids and dogs go free. Yurts boast a gas stove, kitchen essentials, wood stove, fire pit, and outdoor facilities.
12. Under Canvas Acadia
- Location: Surry, Maine
- Popularity: Very popular, luxurious glamping experience.
- Park Info: Organic bath products, on-site dining, fire pit, s'mores, complimentary activities, West Elm furnishings, experience coordinators, and USB battery packs.
- Price: $399/night average
Discover the allure of Maine with a unique safari-inspired experience at Under Canvas Acadia. You can spend your days exploring the charming coastal towns and Acadia National Park, and at night, you can unwind and relax with your loved ones around the campfire under the starry sky.
Under Canvas has a wide range of tent options that can cater to any group size, from couples to large families. Their luxurious canvas tents, including the Suites, Deluxes, Stargazers, and Safaris, provide a serene oasis surrounded by nature.
Best RV Camping Sites in Maine
Get ready to hit the road and experience the best of RV camping in Maine! Whether you're seeking ocean views or quiet forest hideaways, these top-notch sites promise an incredible outdoor getaway for you and your RV.
Whether you've got your own RV or decide to rent one from places like RVShare, these RV parks really take camping up a notch.
13. Lebanon KOA Holiday on Salmon Falls River
- Location: Lebanon, Maine
- Popularity: Popular family-friendly spot that's busy during the summer and weekends.
- Park Info: 50 max amp, 50' max length, cable TV, pool, hot tub, sauna, snack bar, propane, fishing, mini golf, firewood available.
- Price: $139/night average
This waterfront campground offers various accommodations, including traditional tent sites with water and electricity, RV sites with full hookups, deluxe cabins with hot tubs, and glamping tents with comfortable beds and mini-fridges.
There are plenty of activities to keep you and your family entertained, such as riding the giant waterslide, taking a tube ride down the river, playing mini-golf, or enjoying the campground's playgrounds and jump pad. Lebanon KOA also hosts a wide range of events and theme weekends.
If you're interested in fishing, you can fish right on the Salmon Falls River. Additionally, the campground provides convenient amenities such as laundry facilities, clean bathrooms, a camp store, and firewood and propane for an extra cost. So why not escape to the secluded beauty of Maine and enjoy all the fun activities and beautiful scenery that Lebanon KOA Holiday has to offer?
14. Searsport Shores Ocean Campground
- Location: Searsport, Maine
- Popularity: Popular family-friendly spot that's busy during the summer and weekends.
- Park Info: Pull-thru sites, pets allowed, big rig access, tent camping, kid-friendly, cabins and on-site rentals, dump station, group camping, electric 50 amp, electric 30/20/15 amp, central water spigot, restrooms, showers, laundry, camp store, pet area, clubhouse, playground, recreational trails, rec room, fishing, boating, beach, and water access.
- Price: $54-$220/night
Enjoy an old-fashioned camping experience at family-owned Searsport Shores Ocean Campground in the heart of Maine's beautiful coastline.
With 40 acres of ocean, gardens, and pastures, including a quarter-mile private beach, there's plenty of space for exploring tidepools, swimming, and hunting for sea glass. The beach is a unique mix of gravely sand, cobblestones, and glacial rocks and is wheelchair accessible and child-friendly.
The park offers 125 camping sites, perfect for huge RVs, while others are great for backpacking tents. Cabins, a garden kitchen, and an oceanfront dining pavilion are also located throughout the park.
15. Shin Pond Village
- Location: Mt Chase, Maine
- Popularity: Popular for those seeking on-site outdoor activities.
- Park Info: Picnic tables, electricity hookup, water hookup, fire ring, 30 amp, pet-friendly, free parking, and ATV accessible.
- Price: $35/night
Shin Pond Village is a fantastic recreational resort in Maine's Katahdin Region. This family-owned property spans 100 acres and offers a wide array of accommodations. You can opt for one of the seven spacious campsites, four of which are situated along the brook. Alternatively, you could park your RV at one of the 25 water/electric RV sites. If you prefer a bit more luxury, there are eight cozy cottages, three guest suites, and two waterfront homes on Lower Shin Pond.
The resort's main building is a hub of activity, with a general store, gift shop, restaurant, and bar. You can also fuel your vehicle with regular and non-ethanol gas, and there's even an ATM on-site.
If you're looking to immerse yourself in nature, you'll love the campsites. They're roomy and relaxed, and you'll feel completely surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors. The RV sites are also great for nature lovers, with water and electricity hook-ups, picnic spots, fireplaces, and a stunning view of Mt. Chase.
Best Primitive Tent Camping in Maine
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we delve into the best of primitive tent camping in Maine! These hidden gems promise cozy nights under the stars and days filled with outdoor fun. Let's explore the beauty and rustic charm that these campsites have to offer.
16. Baxter State Park
- Location: Millinocket, Maine
- Popularity: A bucket list state park for outdoor enthusiasts. A true wilderness experience.
- Park Info: All sites lack spigots but offer natural water sources, requiring treatment. No cooking or sleeping supplies are sold in the park's wilderness area. Outhouses only, no showers.
- Price: $18-$42/night.
When Maine Governor Percival P. Baxter wanted to create a new park, he aimed for something truly distinct. Starting in 1930, he acquired nearly 6,000 acres of northern Maine's natural beauty, which eventually grew to become the 209,644-acre Baxter State Park. The park has over 40 peaks, including Katahdin, Maine's tallest mountain, 215+ miles of trails, 10 campgrounds, and various backcountry sites. Visiting Baxter is no ordinary park outing. Rustic facilities, narrow dirt roads, and a bring-your-own-everything approach await, yet the park's unique charm and solitude attract a dedicated fan base. Moose, black bears, deer, and lynx roam freely, and the park's weathered granite lures rock climbers. From gentle walks to backcountry camping, Baxter offers a genuine wilderness experience for those willing to embrace it.
17. Natanis Point Campground
- Location: Eustis, Maine
- Popularity: An excellent campsite if you're seeking a peaceful location that's largely disconnected from modern amenities.
- Park Info: Dump station, store, rec room, swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, and hiking.
- Price: $30/night
Natanis Point boasts an extensive and rich history that provides campers with an authentic wilderness camping experience. With a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from, campers can enjoy the great outdoors of Maine or simply unwind by a cozy campfire. The 61 spacious sites are perfectly situated, with many located right on the waterfront. For those seeking a little extra adventure, they also offer a secluded site that can only be accessed by boat or canoe.
18. Allagash Wilderness Waterway
- Location: Hermon, Maine
- Popularity: Remote, primitive campsites popular with paddlers.
- Park Info: Campfires allowed, toilets available, potable water, and picnic tables.
- Price: Maine Resident: $6/night, Non-Residents: $12/night
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway, part of the National Wild and Scenic River System and created by Maine, stretches 92 miles, a quintessential route for Eastern paddlers. Adventurers can either embrace the full journey, spending over a week on the water, or opt for shorter multi-day trips.
Campsites along the water are abundant but rustic. Think tent spaces, tarp poles, outhouses, and a couple of picnic tables. This is genuine backcountry camping, where moose sightings outnumber people.
Have you stayed at any of these campgrounds in Maine? What are your favorite places for a Maine camping trip? Whether you're looking for a spot that includes miles of hiking in Southern Maine or more of a glamping experience at a camping resort, let us know - we'd love to hear from you!
Don't forget to take a look at our ultimate hiking essentials packing list if you're planning on hitting the trails while you're camping.
For more beautiful Maine scenery, check out this stunning footage from Acadia National Park:
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