10 Best Camping Spots in Maine: A Comprehensive Guide to Outdoor Adventures

Maine, known as the “Pine Tree State,” is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting rugged coastlines, dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rolling mountains. Its vast public lands—including national parks, state forests, and coastal reserves—offer some of the most scenic camping experiences in the U.S. Below, we highlight 10 of Maine’s top camping destinations, each with unique attractions, ideal visiting times, nearby amenities, and essential tips to ensure an unforgettable trip.

1. Blackwoods Campground (Acadia National Park)
1. Special scenic spots: Nestled within Acadia National Park—one of America’s most visited national parks—Blackwoods Campground is surrounded by granite peaks, boreal forests, and tide pools. Hikers can access iconic trails like the Precipice Trail (steep but rewarding) or the Jordan Pond Path (scenic and flat). Nearby, Thunder Hole (a natural rock formation that “booms” during high tides) and Sand Beach (a rare ocean beach with smooth stones) are must-sees. At night, stargazing over Cadillac Mountain (the first U.S. site to see sunrise in winter) is magical.

2. The best time: Summer (June–August) for warm weather and full trail access; fall (September–October) for vibrant foliage and fewer crowds. Book 6 months in advance for summer stays—this campground sells out fast.

3. Surrounding facilities: Limited on-site amenities (restrooms, potable water, and a small camp store). The nearby town of Bar Harbor (15 minutes away) offers supermarkets (e.g., Shaw’s), restaurants (lobster rolls at Stewman’s), gas stations, and gear shops. Public transit (Island Explorer shuttles) connects Bar Harbor to park trailheads.

4. Precautions: Black bears frequent the area—store all food, toiletries, and coolers in bear-proof lockers. Mosquitoes and ticks thrive in summer; bring repellent. Cell service is spotty; download offline maps.

2. Seawall Campground (Acadia National Park)
1. Special scenic spots: Located on Mount Desert Island’s wild “quiet side,” Seawall Campground overlooks a 4-mile stretch of rocky coastline. Hike the Seawall Trail for sweeping ocean views, or kayak to nearby islands like Baker Island. At low tide, explore tide pools teeming with starfish and crabs. Don’t miss the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (10 minutes north), famous for its dramatic sunsets.

2. The best time: Summer (June–August) for swimming and wildlife; late spring (May) for wildflowers, or fall (September) for quiet hikes and fall colors.

3. Surrounding facilities: On-site restrooms, showers ($), and a camp store (limited supplies). The closest town is Northeast Harbor (10 minutes away), with a general store, bakery, and art galleries. Bar Harbor is 30 minutes south.

4. Precautions: Windy conditions are common—bring sturdy tents. Ocean water is cold (50–60°F even in summer); swim with caution. Reservations open 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov.

3. Mount Willard Campground (Greeley Ponds Recreation Area)
1. Special scenic spots: Just 30 minutes from Mount Washington Valley, this campground sits at the base of Mount Willard, a 3,100-foot peak with panoramic views of the White Mountains and Franconia Notch. Hike the 1.6-mile trail to the summit at sunrise for breathtaking vistas. Nearby, Greeley Ponds offers fishing (brook trout) and kayaking, while the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) provides scenic drives through fall foliage.

2. The best time: Summer (June–August) for hiking and swimming; fall (September–October) for foliage; spring (May) for wildflowers. Winter camping is possible with snowshoeing/skiing access.

3. Surrounding facilities: Basic campground amenities (flush toilets, water spigots). The town of Lincoln (15 minutes away) has a grocery store (Market Basket), restaurants (The Common Man), and a gas station.

4. Precautions: Bears are active—use bear canisters. Ticks are prevalent; check for them after hikes. The campground fills quickly in fall; book 3–4 months ahead.

4. Cape Porpoise Campground (Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport)
1. Special scenic spots: A family-friendly beachfront campground on Maine’s southern coast, Cape Porpoise sits across from Cape Porpoise Harbor (famous for lobster boats). Swim at the sandy beach, paddleboard in the harbor, or hike the nearby Goosefare Brook Trail. Visit the historic Kennebunkport Village (10 minutes north) for boutique shops and seafood dinners at Dock Square.

2. The best time: Summer (June–August) for warm ocean water (60–70°F) and beach days; spring (May) for birdwatching (migratory shorebirds).

3. Surrounding facilities: On-site restrooms, showers, and a camp store (snacks, firewood). The town of Wells (15 minutes away) has a Walmart, Hannaford supermarket, and ice cream stands.

4. Precautions: Ocean tides can flood low-lying sites—check tide charts. Bring bug spray (mosquitoes in July). No hookups; generators are restricted to 8 AM–10 PM.

5. Eastport Campground (Eastport, Passamaquoddy Bay)
1. Special scenic spots: America’s easternmost city, Eastport is a quirky coastal gem. Camp along the Passamaquoddy Bay (shared with Canada) and explore tidal pools, or kayak to nearby Treat Island (historical Native American site). Visit the Tides Institute (art gallery) or watch lobstermen haul traps at dawn. In summer, catch the “Eastport Pirate Festival” for family fun.

2. The best time: Summer (June–August) for mild weather and festivals; fall (September) for bird migration (peregrine falcons).

3. Surrounding facilities: Basic campground amenities (vault toilets, water). The town has a small grocery store (Eastport Market) and a few restaurants (The Black Bear Bakery). St. Stephen, NB (Canada, 10 minutes north) offers larger stores.

4. Precautions: High tides can submerge low sites—arrive early to claim elevated spots. Canadian currency is useful for cross-border purchases. No cell service in parts of Eastport; plan accordingly.

6. Mooselookmeguntic Lake Campground (Western Mountains)
1. Special scenic spots: A sprawling lakeside campground in western Maine’s “100-Mile Wilderness,” Mooselookmeguntic Lake is renowned for its turquoise waters (fed by glacial silt). Swim, fish (landlocked salmon), or rent a canoe. Hike the nearby Bald Mountain Trail for views of the lake and surrounding peaks. In winter, snowshoe to frozen waterfalls like Lower Wilson Falls.

2. The best time: Summer (June–August) for swimming and boating; fall (September) for foliage and quiet camping; winter (December–March) for cross-country skiing.

3. Surrounding facilities: On-site restrooms, showers, and a camp store (firewood, snacks). The town of Rangeley (20 minutes away) has a grocery store (Rangeley IGA), restaurants (The Rangeley Inn), and a golf course.

4. Precautions: Bears are common—hang food 10 feet high and 4 feet from trees. Deer ticks are prevalent; treat clothing with permethrin. The campground is first-come, first-served in summer—arrive by 10 AM to secure a spot.

7. The Birches Campground (Kennebec River, Benton)
1. Special scenic spots: A riverside gem on the Kennebec River, The Birches offers calm water perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing (smallmouth bass). Explore the nearby Benton Falls Trail, or visit the town of Waterville (20 minutes north) for the Colby College Museum of Art. In autumn, the river valley explodes with red and gold foliage.

2. The best time: Summer (June–August) for warm river water (70–75°F); fall (September–October) for foliage and hunting season (deer, moose).

3. Surrounding facilities: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer) at some sites, plus restrooms, showers, and a camp store (groceries, firewood). Benton has a Walmart, Hannaford, and several diners.

4. Precautions: Mosquitoes are thick in June—bring a bug tent. River currents can be strong; supervise children near the water. Check for low-water conditions in late summer.

8. Rockland State Park Campground (Rockland Harbor)
1. Special scenic spots: Overlooking Penobscot Bay, this campground combines coastal beauty with easy access to Rockland’s cultural scene. Hike the 1.5-mile Rockland Breakwater Trail (ending at a lighthouse), or visit the Farnsworth Art Museum (home to Winslow Homer works). In summer, take a ferry to Vinalhaven Island for lobster rolls and sunset views.

2. The best time: Summer (June–August) for harbor activities; fall (September) for storm-watching (dramatic coastal storms).

3. Surrounding facilities: On-site restrooms, showers, and a camp store. Rockland has a downtown with restaurants (The Galley), a brewery (Atlantic Beer Company), and a grocery store (Rockland Co-op).

4. Precautions: Ocean spray can dampen tents—bring a rainfly. Parking at the breakwater is limited; arrive early for parking. No RV hookups; max trailer length is 25 feet.

9. Sieur de Monts Campground (Acadia National Park)
1. Special scenic spots: Located in the heart of Acadia’s “wild gardens,” Sieur de Monts offers shaded sites under maple and birch trees. Explore the nearby Wild Gardens of Acadia (native plant displays) or hike the Jordan Pond Path to the Bubbles (twin peaks with epic views). At night, enjoy s’mores under the stars without the crowds of Blackwoods.

2. The best time: Spring (May–June) for wildflowers; summer (July–August) for warm weather; fall (October) for foliage.

3. Surrounding facilities: On-site restrooms, showers, and a camp store (limited supplies). The town of Bar Harbor is 10 minutes away, with full amenities.

4. Precautions: This campground is first-come, first-served—arrive by 9 AM in summer. Squirrels are bold; secure food in bear lockers (even though black bears are less common here).

10. Popham Beach State Park Campground (Phippsburg)
1. Special scenic spots: A coastal campground at the mouth of the Kennebec River, Popham Beach features a 2-mile stretch of sandy shoreline (rare in Maine). Explore the nearby Popham Colony Site (1607 English settlement ruins) or kayak to Fox Island (seal colonies). In summer, watch for sailboats racing in the bay.

2. The best time: Summer (June–August) for beach days; fall (September) for birdwatching (ospreys, terns).

3. Surrounding facilities: On-site restrooms, showers, and a camp store (firewood, ice). The town of Bath (20 minutes north) has a grocery store (Bath Food Co-op) and seafood restaurants (The Black Cat).

4. Precautions: Rip currents are common—swim near lifeguard towers (seasonal). Sand fleas (no-see-ums) can bite at dawn/dusk; bring repellent. Reservations open 6 months in advance.