Whenever planning for a vacation in summer, Camping is the first activity that comes to our minds. Just the thought of spending some tranquil time under the stars, with nothing but wilderness and nature to keep you company, is an exciting one. The north-eastern state of Maine has always been a top contender in the race of top-rated camping spots in the US. This is not surprising, considering that the state houses the lush North Maine Woods and various remote lakes. There are several camping options available in Maine – from shore camping to forest camping and camping at popular resorts. Here’s presenting you with a list of the best campgrounds in Maine.

1. Hermit Island Campground - Have a fun family outing

A family-friendly campground, Hermit Island Campground, is a rustic and a laid back place which is one of the most popular and oldest of the Maine camping sites. With over 271 sites spread across the southern end of the island, this camping spot has been welcoming campers with tents and pop-up trailers since 1952. Despite being an ancient camp site, it is well equipped with amenities that suit all types of campers. A fire pit, a picnic table, room for your equipment, a parking space for one car as well as free hot showers and clean bathrooms are the facilities that every camper camping here is provided with. It is imperative to note that pets are not allowed at this camping site. 

Distance from nearest city: 8 miles from Phippsburg

2. Sebago Lake State Park, Casco and Naples - Best of the Maine camping state parks

The best part about Sebago Lake State Park is that most campsites do not need a prior reservation. One of the largest campgrounds in Maine, Sebago Lake State Park has campsites that offer sandy beaches, restrooms with hot showers, and fireplace on each site. Also worth mentioning is the fact that a camping trip in Sebago Lake State Park provides you with an opportunity to camp on the shores of the deepest lake in Maine where you can enjoy a plethora of interesting activities like fishing and boating. 

Distance from nearest city: 6 miles from Naples

3. Cobscook Bay State Park, ME - Enjoy secluded camping

Cobscook Bay State Park bequeaths you with an opportunity to camp amidst aromatic spruces lining the Whiting Bay. The huge diversity of flora and fauna found in this region make it an ideal campsite for wildlife and nature lovers are there are ample bird watching and animal spotting prospects. In addition, there is also a scope to indulge in activities like biking, hiking, and boating. Unlike other popular campgrounds in Maine, this one is less crowded and so, you can enjoy the pleasure of secluded-camping amidst beautiful scenery here. The ideally located campsites perched over the water’s edge offer campers with excellent vantage points to the ebb and flow of the tides. This park is also a preferred option for RV camping in Maine. 

Distance from nearest city: 3 miles from Edmunds

4. Lily Bay State Park, ME - Variety of recreational activities while camping 

With a capacity to accommodate everything from walk-in tents to mixed tents, Lily Bay State Park is located along the east shore of the beautiful Moosehead Lake. another plus point of the Lily Bay State Park is that it also functions as an RV Park with RV semi-private waterfront sites. In addition to the regular amenities, this campsite also offers visitors with facilities like a swim beach, two boat ramps with boat slips, a playground, and a two-mile shoreline walking trail. The well-spaced and wooded campsites offer rustic accommodations to visitors who usually camp in this state park to indulge in activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting during summers and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing during winters. 

Distance from nearest city: 3 miles from Beaver Cove

5. Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area - Live amidst untouched wilderness 

Accessible only by hiking or paddling, Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area contains the highest concentration of pristine, remote ponds in New England. One of the relatively unexplored camping places in Maine, the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area is an ecological reserve owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. So, camping at this campground will bequeath you with a plethora of exciting prospects like hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and hunting, all amidst the serene and untouched wilderness. The campsites and cabins are equipped with picnic tables, huge firepits, and clean toilets.

Distance from nearest city: 30 miles from Millinocket

6. Baxter State Park, Millinocket - Experience the best of rustic camping

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Picture this: No cooking or sleeping supplies, no showers and only water from natural sources. Welcome to camping at Baxter State Park. This park boasts of 10 non-fussy campgrounds and numerous rustic campsites which are perfect for old-school campers looking for a true rugged camping experience. Camping facilities at the campsites include tent sites, bunkhouses, cabins, and Adirondack-style lean-to shelters. Most of the campsites also offer an outdoor fireplace, wooden stoves and a picnic table. 

Distance from nearest city: 17 miles from Millinocket

7. Bayleys Camping Resort, ME - The epitome of luxury camping

A highly recommended name on the list of Maine camping resorts, Bayleys Camping Resort redefines the term ‘luxury camping’. Equipped with three heated pools, four hot tubs, a game room, playgrounds, and Wi-Fi, Bayleys Camping Resort is perfect for camping at the Maine coast. Offering activities that suitable for people of all age groups and interests, Bayleys Camping Resort is ideal for spending some quality family time outdoors. 

Distance from nearest city: 6 miles from Scarborough

8. Bradbury Mountain State Park - Camp under a canopy of trees 

Hike across an extensive network of trails during your stay at the campsites in Bradbury Mountain State Park. From simple pop-up tents to robust camps, there is a provision for all sorts of camping at this state park in Maine. Horse riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing and picnicking are some of the activities that make camping at Bradbury Mountain State Park a fun prospect. The campsites are equipped with basic facilities like showers and drinking water. 

Distance from nearest city: 1 mile from Pownal

9. Recompence Shore Campground, Freeport - Relish spectacular views of the farms and sea 

130 oceanfront, wooded and field campsites, along with three rustic camping cottages, await campers at the Recompence Shore Campground, Freeport. This award-winning campground lets you experience the best of living amidst wilderness without venturing too far from the comforts of city. Also known as Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Camping, this campground is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation, thanks to the huge number of recreational opportunities like fishing, kayaking, biking, and hiking. The myriad of family-friendly amenities and top-notch facilities make this one of the best camping spots in Maine. 

Distance from nearest city: 5 miles from Freeport

10. Cape Neddick Oceanside Campground - Wake up to the ocean

Nestled between York Beach and Ogunquit on the Shore Road, Cape Neddick Oceanside Campground is one of the most preferred spots for beach camping in Maine. Bequeathing you with a chance to wake up to the ocean views and the sea breeze, this camp site is perfect to pitch a tent or set up a tent camper. The fact that it is located just across the Lobster Pound, makes camping at Cape Neddick Oceanside Campground all-the-more interesting and exciting.

Distance from nearest city: 10 miles from Portsmouth

What are you waiting for? Grab your hiking shoes, rucksacks and other camping gear and head to the Maine campsites for a refreshing time outdoors!

You May also Read:

10 Best Places for Glamping in California

Best Rock Climbing Spots In The USA

Best Camping Sites Near Chicago

The Family-Friendly Guide to Camping in Texas