A dock full of dinghies in Maine
Photo by: Gregory Runyan (Stock Exchange)

Greetings, campers!

Rounding out our voyage through the charming state of Maine, AllCampgrounds turns to the greatest public parks and their offerings for tent camping and RV camping.

We already discussed Acadia National Park a bit in a previous post; it’s probably the best-known parkland in the state, and encompasses a lot of what campers value in Maine …

But it’s definitely not all!

All campsites have something unique to bring to the table, so here are a few other wonderful public spaces for you to consider.

The Maine Department of Conservation includes information on 30 state parks distributed around the state, and has an especially helpful search function that allows you to search by activities or facilities. There’s also an easy-to-understand reservation system that accepts reservations by phone or over the Internet for stays up to a full 14 nights! Maine’s park system has a very robust set of features, including full ATV and snowmobile programs, information on submerged land, and a lot more.

Baxter State Park: Featuring almost 250 sites for tent camping, lean-tos, cabins, and bunkhouses, Baxter is one of the most patronized and beloved state parks in Maine. It’s especially well known for its hiking opportunities on and around Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in the state, which marks the northern extreme of the Appalachian Trail. The overnight camping season here runs from mid-May to mid-October; winter camping is available for those up to the challenge. Reservations highly recommended!

Down East Sunrise Trail: A major initiative encompassing the work of agencies from around the state, this versatile and breathtaking natural trail is designed to accommodate multi-use recreation for just about any purpose you can name, on foot or by vehicle. Running across southeastern Maine from Ellsworth to the distant town of Charlotte, it allows activities from hiking to biking, horseback riding, ATVs, cross-country skiing, and a whole lot more. Along the trail, which is planned to run as far north as the very tip of Maine in Calais, you’ll pass a number of scenic conservation areas.

Machias River Corridor: Over 70 miles of the most inviting river recreation imaginable is yours at the Machias River Corridor, which from Third Machias Lake in the north down to Salmon Pond and the town of Beddington in the south. Tent sites, RV parks and campgrounds, and even lean-tos dot the shore for just about the entire stretch. Camp grounds vary in their composition and features and some may be fairly rugged, but the average visitor is most interested in the world class boating and fishing opportunities.

Though it’s not about camping per se, I think it’d be a waste not to mention that one of the things Maine is most famous for is its collection of historic lighthouses, lovingly preserved on every coast. Many public lands are within a short distance of some of these landmarks, and tours or short visits are usually available. There are a lot of top notch “lighthouse tourism” sites on the Internet for you to learn more. I’d recommend starting with the Maine Office of Tourism Explore Lighthouses page.

The coast of Portland, Maine
Photo by: vanora (Stock Exchange)

In yesterday’s AllCampgrounds, we started to explore the best campgrounds in Maine, a unique camping area that stands at the crossroads of Canada and the northeastern United States.

We’ve rustled up some awesome places for tent camping, so it’s time to forge ahead and talk about RV parks and campgrounds, camping RV resorts, and other topics near and dear to our friends who camp on wheels.

RV Camp Grounds around Maine

Orr’s Island Campground: Found on a “42-acre point of land” on the coast of Maine, Orr’s is a classic example of the kind of waterfront environment that really makes the camping scene in this state shine. There are bluff, water view, and non-view sites to choose from. Be aware that Orr’s is one of many local camp grounds that are entirely seasonal, so expect weekly minimum stays, and no open facilities in the winter. Even so, this means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy and soak in the great scenery.

Searsport Shores: Voted “Best of the Best” by visitors for four consecutive years since 2007, Searsport Shores is a southern Maine camp ground that can help you find just about everything Maine has to offer, from its historic lighthouses to its delicious lobster. Welcoming both tent camping and RVs, Searsport’s unique blog provides an insight into ongoing life at the camp, with plenty of beautiful photographic illustrations. You’ll feel as if you’re there, and know just whether or not Searsport Shores is right for you.

Whispering Pines: Whispering Pines bills itself as the “#1 Lakeside Campground in New England” and has been in operation for over 100 years, making it a “grandfather” in terms of camping parks, especially private ones! Family-owned and run for a number of decades, it is a small and pristine park with about 50 sites on and around Toddy Pond. The use of rowboats and canoes is free to all campers, and your seventh night in any one visit is provided gratis courtesy of the warm and welcoming management.

Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort: With 30 or 50-amp hookups and full water at all campsites, and 44 sites to choose from, Moorings gives you access to a private beach and modern facilities for laundry, bathroom, dumping stations, and more. The famous Papa J’s seafood restaurant is located on the same property and extends a complimentary discount to Moorings guests. You also receive free wi-fi and cable television at every site.

Yonder Hill: A family-oriented RV camp park, Yonder Hill is open all year around. Yonder Hill can accommodate just about anyone, including the biggest and badest RVs around, providing full sewer and electric. A huge range of activities is available, centered around the many scenic byways that visitors have access to: you can hike, bike, go four-wheeling, or enjoy fishing or hunting grounds that are literally known state-wide for their abundant game. A recreation hall and outdoor pools round out the features.

The enchanting Maine coastline
Photo by: yellowssub (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to AllCampgrounds!

In today’s post we’ll drop by New England to look at camp grounds in the beautiful state of Maine, which borders Canada in the northeast corner of the United States.

With easy access to the state of New Hampshire and two Canadian provinces, Quebec and New Brunswick, this is a great area to serve as base for camping adventures in both countries.

This time, we will discover some tent camping sites, with RV parks and campgrounds coming right up in our next visit.

There are some fantastic resources on the ‘net to learn more about Maine. The Maine Campground Owners’ Association has built an entire Maine Camping Guide for your viewing pleasure, which has information divided by region and activity. You can also opt in to the MCOA’s rewards card and find out all about participating campgrounds. Kampgrounds of America also maintains a useful list of all campsites from KOA in Maine. From their handy map interface, you can also scope out KOA properties in New Hampshire and in adjacent Canadian territories. Also, visit the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands for facts on public lands, including reservations.

Lakefront camping in the norm in Maine, with all the waterfront enjoyment you’d expect.

Top Tent Camping Grounds in Maine

Acadia National Park: The Acadia area is the most popular destination for camping in the state, and the crossroads of a huge variety of public and private campgrounds within reach of Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park, the first national park established east of the mighty Mississippi, encompasses several local islands and offers two camp grounds that welcome tent campers: Blackwoods and Seawall. There is no backcountry camping; all sites are wooded and within a short walk from the water. Note that a strict quarantine is in place for firewood from outside the park!

Honey Run Campground and Beach: Located on 93 acres around the picturesque Worthley Pond, you can choose from meadow or wooded sites for your tent camping expedition. Visitors spend a leisurely time on the private beach, and those of a more rugged disposition are encouraged to enjoy primitive camping out on the nearby mountain, offering a terrific view of crystal clear Worthley. Naturally, swimming and boating are available to all. Just be aware of the rather extensive list of rules and regulations provided by the management of this private park.

Stetson Shores Campgrounds: Found in central Maine, Stetson Shores runs alongside the three-mile Pleasant Lake. With 32 acres total, there is an especially diverse array of sites to meet your fancy: you can choose from wooded or open sites, on the lake or in more secluded areas at will. Every site includes fireplace, picnic table, artesian well and electrical hookup. Anglers can expect “bass fishing you won’t believe!” and there is ample equipment rental for kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes.