This text on tenting the Maine coast is dropped at you by Crimson Ledge. Crimson Ledge’s thunderlight jacket is a top-tier choice in relation to packable, waterproof gear that’ll hold you dry all through your Maine coastal journey.
The great thing about the Maine coast is outlined by rugged cliffs, flourishing wildlife, and the long-lasting lighthouses which have impressed writers, artists, and outside fanatics alike for generations. Whereas already well-known for its peaks and inland terrain, Maine’s shoreline is a particular place to go to, whether or not you’re a first-time camper or a neighborhood trying to get away from the weekend. Between the innumerable coastal cities that supply an eclectic number of actions to the gorgeous and nature-rich Acadia Nationwide Park, there are literally thousands of issues to do this will hold you and your loved ones or associates occupied for days on finish.
For the keen adventurer trying to make a visit of it, we’ve compiled our prime 20 locations for tenting the Maine coast, starting from the southern a part of the state up into Acadia Nationwide Park and past.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Anna C.
Ever wished to get up to the sound of the Atlantic lapping on the shore of a non-public seashore? Ever puzzled what it might be like to participate in an old-school East Coast lobster bake? Tenting the Maine coast has by no means been simpler, and, thanks to those campgrounds, it’s by no means been extra enjoyable!
Situated in New Harbor, Pemaquid Level is a brand new campground that provides engaging facilities to households and solo vacationers alike. Whereas the campground facilities are nearly as good because it will get, the property additionally gives entry to a premier swimming and kayaking seashore, in addition to the well-known Pemaquid Level lighthouse park. With over 50 RV and tent websites, in addition to a dump station, playground, a camp retailer, and an array of family-friendly video games and actions, this campground is a superb place to function a base camp whilst you discover the rugged Maine shoreline.
“The employees is superb and really hardworking. Household-run campground, we stayed through the 4th of July weekend and so they placed on a firework show for the campground. It was above and past and enjoyable for everyone. It’s positioned near the coast and Pemaquid Level Lighthouse is correct down the street. We rode our bikes to the seashore and grocery retailer on a regular basis…It has every thing you want if need to be away from a metropolis. Peace and tranquility, however shut sufficient to sights and eating places.” — The Dyrt camper Kyle S.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Steve V.
Set in Cape Reddick, Dixon’s campground is a big and widespread vacation spot for hikers and outside fanatics trying to expertise the great thing about tenting the Maine coast. It’s 87 websites are divided between RVs, tents, and yurts, which means that everybody has a spot to remain to suit their wants. Dixon’s even gives a handful of seasonal websites for longer-term RV tenting. Facilities embody a pool, bathe services, a pond and wooded areas for strolling and mountain climbing, and a playground for households with youthful youngsters. The campground is kind of near Nubble Lighthouse, in addition to the notorious Ogunquit Playhouse.
“Nice, properly maintained campground! The websites are shut collectively however most spots are tucked neatly among the many timber so it nonetheless feels such as you’re within the woods. Different campers have been very pleasant and respectful; we have been there for the Fourth of July. Bogs are trendy and clear.” — The Dyrt camper Jenny M.
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Wells Seashore is positioned on a barrier island on the southern coast of Maine, which means that the campground gives prime entry to miles of beautiful seashores. This campground is widespread with households trying to get pleasure from tenting the Maine coast, as its location amongst a number of different resorts in southern Maine offers a vacationers ambiance that’s powerful to beat. The Wells Seashore Resort gives pull-thru websites with full hookups in addition to restrooms, a camp retailer, a health heart, and a trolley on the entrance to the resort for simple entry to the Wells Seashore space. Child-friendly facilities embody a swimming pool, a mini golf course, two playgrounds, and quite a lot of sport courts for countless household enjoyable.
“Proper on Rte 1, however nonetheless fairly quiet within the campground. Nice location if you wish to hit the seashores, Perkins cove, and so on.” — The Dyrt camper Steve Ok.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Maryanne S.
Megunticook campground is ready on Penobscot Bay, a tranquil location well-known for its picturesque views and wonderful crusing and windjamming. This widespread campground gives 87 campsites and 10 cabins for lease, together with quite a lot of hookups and electrical energy ranges. The Porpoise Level Waterfront space permits campers to view wildlife from the comfort of the campground. The swimming pool and playground are the right locations for teenagers to unwind, and close by Rockland is known for its Lobster Pageant in addition to the North Atlantic Blues Pageant. Megunticook additionally gives a weekly lobster bake (climate allowing) for fortunate company!
“Actually the most effective campground I’ve ever been to. It’s on the ocean with a fantastic space to hang around by the water. The employees and homeowners the place completely pleasant and even got here to say whats up and hang around for a bit. Bogs have been tremendous clear and the showers are of comparable development to a sauna and it looks like a sizzling bathe outside. 11/10” — The Dyrt camper Rafi Ok.
Moody Seashore sits simply minutes from Ogunquit Seashore, and gives premier entry to fishing excursions within the Atlantic together with buying, mountain climbing, and the east coast’s finest choice of seafood. Facilities embody a swimming pool, playground, a recreation room, and even a canine park in your furry associates to get pleasure from tenting the Maine coast! Moody Seashore gives 208 RV websites and 30 tent websites to accommodate quite a lot of tenting teams.
“Near the seashores and foremost strip. You possibly can both stroll, catch the trollies or take a supplied shuttle. Very household pleasant!” — The Dyrt camper Caitlin B.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Erin G.
An iconic KOA on the Maine shoreline, Saco / Previous Orchard Seashore is a conventional KOA with upscale facilities and quite a lot of campsites, together with cabins, tent websites, and full hookup RV websites. The campground is lower than 4 miles from Previous Orchard Seashore and is in shut proximity to Portland, Maine, in addition to Ogunquit and Wells Seashore. Whale watching, fishing, biking, and beachgoing are widespread actions amongst guests to Saco / Previous Orchard! This KOA gives practically two dozen cabins for lease in addition to 158 RV websites. 39 tent websites are scattered all through the property.
“We actually loved our keep right here. The employees was pleasant, the loos and grounds have been very clear, actions have been enjoyable, the playground/pool was good and the Maine blueberry pancakes have been superb! There was a trolley to the seashore however heaps to do on the campground too.” — The Dyrt camper Erin M.
Simply down the street from the Saco / Previous Orchard Seashore KOA, Previous Orchard Seashore Campground is a dwelling testomony to the number of tenting experiences out there on the Maine coast. With websites as rustic as they’re cheap, campers can keep inside strolling distance to the water, whereas nonetheless getting access to the campground’s big selection of facilities (swimming pools, jacuzzis, and fishing ponds). On the opposite aspect of the campground, RVers can get pleasure from full hookups whereas nonetheless being a stone’s throw from the seashore path and direct entry to downtown Orchard Seashore. Between the miniature golf, hayrides, tennis courts, and the a number of waterslides out there on the premises, there’s little cause to depart this northeastern coastal paradise.
“Latest renovation and give attention to the services have yielded wonderful outcomes. We’ve been thrice now and can go many instances once more. Pull-thru and back-in RV websites are very roomy and properly laid out.” — The Dyrt camper Steve Ok.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Megan W.
Situated on the Maine Audubon’s Scarborough Marsh, the state’s largest saltwater marsh, this campground gives guests wildlife viewing alternatives native to the realm in addition to discover the area by kayak or canoe. Because the title suggests, Wild Duck is an grownup solely (21+) campground that’s supposed to offer a quiet, coastal getaway to younger {couples} and retirees alike. RV websites supply 50 amp service in addition to full hook-ups and cable. Tents and pop-up tenting areas are additionally supplied, with full restrooms and showers.
“This can be a stunning campground that caters to adults solely. It feels very secluded but it surely’s near every thing. The tent websites are fairly shut to one another however we had no points with noise. Bathhouse and loos have been very clear. I’d undoubtedly keep right here once more!” — The Dyrt camper Kelli T.
Hermit Island is positioned on the beautiful peninsula in Small Level. With 270 campsites out there to company, together with cabins, tent campsites, and pop-up websites (no RVs), this campground is a wonderful place to remain for entry to the seashores and cliffs that pepper the shoreline. Tenting the Maine coast has by no means been simpler than at Hermit Island, as they provide websites with direct ocean views and seashore entry, in addition to websites tucked away within the deep Northern woods. Mountain climbing trails and the small marina and wharf close by are widespread choices for campers searching for each day adventures.
“My household and associates have been going for years. Such a enjoyable, laid again, rustic tenting expertise. Keep for per week and unplug on the seashores. Swimming, biking, mountain climbing and boating…and a lot enjoyable for teenagers.” — The Dyrt camper Michele S.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Naomi M.
Grey Homestead contains 40 RV websites in addition to seasonal campsites with premier entry to the ocean and the quaint city of Boothbay Harbor. As a small, family-owned and operated tenting vacation spot, Grey Homestead is an outstanding location for households searching for the proper steadiness between seclusion and proximity to native Maine sights. Along with their RV websites, Grey Homestead gives oceanfront cottages and condos, in addition to a non-public seashore good for lounging or kayaking.
“The seashore is small however has every thing you can need. Low tide is a blast – mountaineering, creature looking, sea treasure looking, and so on. Excessive tide add leaping off of a giant rock into the ocean as a substitute of the floating dock. Your solely limitation is your want & creativeness.” — The Dyrt camper Naomi M.
With over 626 acres to its title, Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront tenting is an enormous campground that provides websites that run the gamut by way of surroundings and entry. The inland websites embody non-public tent websites in addition to RV websites with full hookups and direct entry to the camp retailer, showers, and different key facilities. Different websites embody no hookup RV websites and tent websites on the West Bay, which gives wonderful entry to each the recreation subject and the ever-popular playground. Within the Center Bay, campers can discover solace at websites positioned each deep within the forest or straight on the water. Total, Wolfe’s Neck gives over 900 campsites, every with a unique view of Maine’s expansive shoreline.
“Visited this website whereas up in Maine seeing the in-laws and had an exquisite time! This can be a stunning website proper on the water and so near Wolfe’s Neck State Park which has fantastic mountain climbing.” — The Dyrt camper Asher Ok.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Chad G.
This well-established campground is ideal for campers searching for a extra distant expertise whereas tenting the Maine coast. Lobster Buoy contains 40 RV websites in addition to 2 cottages, a lot of which supply direct ocean views. Campsites embody 20 and 30 amp energy in addition to water service. Whereas not formally marked, the eclectic campground gives a tent tenting space the place company are capable of keep if not tenting in an RV. Based in 1969, this campground has maintained its popularity as a small, family-friendly tenting space with out a lot fanfare or bells and whistles. For guests hoping to do some exploring together with their peaceable tenting expertise, downtown Rockland is simply minutes away.
“One in every of my favourite locations to be. The ocean views are nice. It’s very laid again. Not plenty of facilities however you don’t want something. Only a tent, kayak and a camp chair. You’re good to go!” — The Dyrt camper Chad G.
Situated on Georgetown Island, Sagadahoc Bay Campground is a top-tier choice in relation to tenting the Maine coast. Because it sits proper on the water, virtually each website has direct views of the ocean, and through low tide, the favourite exercise of campers is the mile-long trek out to Sequin Island, usually unimaginable throughout excessive tides. Together with over 100 tent campsites, Sagadahoc Bay gives cabins for lease. Each day actions embody swimming, clamming (gear is on the market for lease on the workplace), mountain climbing, and wildlife watching.
“When you’ve got children and canine, this can be a fantastic campground to convey them to. We love, love, love Sagadahoc Bay Campground!” — The Dyrt camper Ming R.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Nancy W.
Moorings campground gives oceanfront RV tenting alongside Penobscot Bay with direct entry to native coastal villages and the rugged Maine shoreline that guests love. The very best of Moorings’ 44 campsites supply oceanfront entry, though the entire websites at Moorings are in view of the Atlantic. Widespread actions at Moorings embody kayaking (launchable from the non-public kayak ramp), beachgoing, horseshoes, cornhole, and a playground space for the children. Every campsite at Moorings gives full hookups and cable. The huge array of actions together with the smaller ambiance have made Moorings a staple for regulars who love tenting the Maine coast all through the summer season.
“Total, this can be a nice little non-public RV park with superior views (from some websites) and nice entry to the ocean….Park facilities embody non-public ocean entry, horseshoes, playground, laundry, showers/loos, free espresso within the morning, free weekend papers delivered to your website, free donuts on Sunday mornings, and a restaurant on-site.” — The Dyrt camper Nancy W.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Steve T.
Situated on the center coast of Maine, Searsport is one other favourite in relation to tenting the Maine coast. Situated simply between Camden (a enjoyable coastal village) and Acadia Nationwide Park, Searsport Shores gives 125 campsites, together with RV and tent websites with full hookups. Distinctive to Searsport Shores is their artist in residence program, which gives fortunate individuals the prospect to discover quite a lot of actions together with pictures, weaving, and different crafts. The quarter-mile non-public seashore is dwelling to common music exhibits (each Wednesday) and oceanfront lobster bakes.
“We’re full time RV’rs and have stayed at a lot of campgrounds however this place holds a particular place in our hearts…Good mountain climbing trails across the property that out canine simply loves. Typically there are artists and musicians at occasions or giving some form of classes. In case your searching for a spot to remain that isn’t like a nationwide chain, you may have discovered it! Get pleasure from!” – The Dyrt Camper Dan G.
Eggemoggin Attain is the house to this well-forested campground, which gives 20-30 amp websites for each RVs and tents. This peaceable campground is positioned only a quick stroll from the water, however every website, unfold evenly via the dense woods, offers its personal outside getaway. Knolls Attain has each RV and tent websites out there, in addition to showers, a picnic space, and a number of other wooded trails that present ample alternatives for exploring the close by coastal landmarks.
“Good spot!! Pleasant useful proprietor, Lauri and mother, Carol. Good structure and design with water entry and good view. Oh, and a terrific outside bathe.” — The Dyrt camper Chuck W.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Shari G.
Bar Harbor is a family-owned vacation spot that bears the title of being the closest campground to the city of Bar Harbor in addition to Acadia Nationwide Park, making it a premier vacation spot for guests hoping to get the total expertise when tenting the Maine coast. From oceanview websites to pull-thru RV websites to tent websites with primary facilities, Bar Harbor really has one thing for everybody on the tenting radar.
Along with over 100 campsites, Bar Harbor campground gives a dump station, exercise facility, and even a camp retailer. For households and tour teams trying to get round Mount Desert Island (together with Acadia Nationwide Park), the Island Explorer shuttle stops at Bar Harbor campground a whopping 24 instances a day. Guests ought to notice that Bar Harbor campground is a no reservation facility, so make sure you arrive early on widespread tenting weekends!
“That is the one campground on Mt. Desert Island close to Acadia Nationwide Park that’s first come, first served. However, come early! Nice campsites, a lot of choices for each tents and RV’s, clear loos, 50 cent showers, dishwashing sinks, and a playground for the kiddos…it makes for a straightforward place to retreat to in case you are visiting Acadia Nationwide Park and/or Bar Harbor.” — The Dyrt camper Shari G.
Tenting the Maine coast is at its most rustic at Quietside, a campground that comprises 35 campsites set evenly via a thick forest. Six log cabins adorn the Quietside property together with two rustic tenting cabins and a multi-level tenting cabin. All tent websites include full tent platforms, together with an outside hearth pit and a picnic desk. Whereas the tenting expertise at Quietside isn’t essentially akin to a KOA, the straightforward facilities and rustic location make it a preferred location for guests hoping to expertise some solitude whereas nonetheless being in shut proximity to Acadia Nationwide Park.
“Hidden gem. Rustic, quiet and reasonably priced. Tremendous pleasant homeowners. Cabins are superior!” — The Dyrt camper Alessia D.
19. Blackwoods Campground—Acadia Nationwide Park (Otter Creek, Maine)
Picture from The Dyrt camper Elliot B.
Mt. Desert Island is dwelling to Blackwoods campground, which practically 306 campsites that may accommodate each RVs and tents. There are not any hookups or utilities at this campground, however its location and measurement make it an especially widespread vacation spot for outside fanatics hoping to discover the long-lasting Acadia Nationwide Park. Between Bar Harbor’s pristine views and the prospect to view a few of Maine’s finest pure surroundings, Blackwoods is nearly as good because it will get in relation to a base camp for east coast adventures of all types.
“Discover Acadia from this improbable website! This website is solely superb throughout. I’ve stayed right here a number of instances, each with just some folks and with entire teams and each time it has been improbable. The final time we stayed and it occurred to rain a few instances over our 5 day journey. This didn’t cease us from biking the carriage trails or taking the free shuttle out to Bar Harbor and exploring there.” — The Dyrt camper Joseph N.
Picture from The Dyrt camper Dan G.
Schoodic Woods is positioned in Acadia Nationwide Park and offers prime tier outside recreation in relation to tenting the Maine coast. Situated on the Schoodic Peninsula, this campground is 1.5 miles southeast of Winter Harbor, simply an hour’s drive from the central portion of the park. For guests trying to keep just a little extra native, the Schoodic Peninsula offers a plethora of leisure alternatives, together with a six-mile tour loop providing previews of lighthouses and different distinctive coastal sights in addition to practically ten miles of trails for mountain climbing and biking across the space. Schoodic Woods campground primarily accommodates tent campers however can obtain smaller RVs as properly.
“We liked this campground! The websites are massive and personal … Schoodic Level and Frazier Level supply breathtaking views and are only a quick drive or bike trip away. Our youngsters liked Frazier Level at low tide and spent hours looking within the tide swimming pools. Sunsets are superb right here as properly.” — The Dyrt camper Shelley B.
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Associated Campgrounds:
- River Run Campground, Brownfield, ME
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- Sebago Lake State Park Tenting, Casco, ME
- Grownup Campground, Scarborough, ME
- Bar Harbor Tenting, ME
- Sherwood Forest Tenting, New Harbor, ME
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