Most wildfires are preventable. Be fire safe

The best camping in Maine

·

There's much more to Maine than lighthouses, lobster shacks, and sandy beaches. The northernmost state in New England packs in surprising variety, from the rocky islands and seaside resorts of the Atlantic shore to the forests and mountains of the Appalachian Mountains. Campers can take their pick of 32 state parks and one epic national park, filled with lakes, woodlands, and beaches to hike, bike, climb, and kayak. "Vacationland" pulls in the summer crowds, especially along the coast, but our pick is fall, when the northern highlands are ablaze with foliage.

96% (12.3K) 9,437 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Maine

Elmer's Cove

1. Elmer's Cove

96%
(613)
Edmunds Township, ME · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
- my location is your vacation - 450 feet of cove frontage as part of historic and culturally relevant "Anthony's Beach" and adjacent to Cobscook Bay State Park. Paved boat launch next door, with a dock over there. Undisturbed forest surrounds my land, thick stands of trees along the road and all around. Maine classes this type of property as Remote Primitive camping. Take out your own trash, small bags for gas station trash cans, and bring some water. People marvel at the property and relax. Hand carry launch very close to the shore embankment campsites. This scant-settled area of coastal Maine is a necessary stop on your journey and meet the world's first temporary housing celebrity. #Next to Cobscook Bay State Park!# #Voted Routinely in HipCamp's Top Few Best Campsites in Maine# 4 Sites - 2 hike in tent sites, 2 further from the shore and 3/4 for RVs, 2 big, 2 smaller RVs or vans. Good clearance on driveway - no 4WD needed. sites (tent area 9x14): 1 and 5 best for tents; 3 and 4 for bigger RVs. All sites generally levelled w/fire pits. (firewood included) Only picnic area site lacks picnic table, all others have one. Book a specific site, or ask me which. Open interior land, privacy from road, - clothing-optional inquiries welcomed. Dark nights for star gazing, 20-foot tidal range - strong currents, be careful kayaking and boating, mid-tide and higher it's good swimming here. Carry in here, or launch for free next door. Good cell signal, (Verizon, AT & T) Cell tower 1.2 miles away. Smart phone hot-spot works for me. GPS: ELMER'S COVE CAMPGROUND - Google Maps works best around here. Video - YouTube: "Elmer's cove" ~make Elmer's Cove your wilderness gateway~
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Searenity Beachfront Land Off Grid

2. Searenity Beachfront Land Off Grid

100%
(226)
Jonesport, ME · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Searenity Beachfront Land - Off Grid - Quietcation - Private Maine Oceanfront Seashore Beach and Forest - Waterfront Ocean Bold Coast Down East Shoreline - Pristine unspoiled - Quiet Place We have Beachfront Sites, and Beach Access Sites, part of our 22+ acre private Seaside Homestead. All Private, Secluded, Away from it all. All Searenity Guests can explore and relax, on our private 2000' Bold Coast Ocean Shoreline Beaches. Now is your chance to experience this private Oceanside retreat, on the beautiful un-developed Bold Coast shores of Jonesport Maine. A traditional heritage fishing village. All areas are NO GENERATORS and Primitive Dry Camping OFF GRID - BYOEI ( Bring your own EVERYTHING in ) - BYOEO ( Bring your own EVERYTHING out ) ALL wastes from guests and pets MUST be taken away by guests. You will need to be self contained. No Burying or Burning Waste. There are NO amenities here. NO CHILDREN UNDER 12 and NO GENERATORS at all. We would like to share the beauty, and experience of this spectacular one of a kind truly special place with others. All of our pictures are from Our Land where you stay ! It is an amazing destination ! All areas have private stone fire ring. Here you can watch Dramatic sunrises, sunsets, picturesque shoreline and fishing boat views, and Dark Night skies for ultimate moon and star gazing. There are seemingly endless Hiking and Day trips possible Supplies, Groceries, Hardware, Gas, Diesel, Propane, and eating out options, are in town. Searenity is off-grid private land, with no lighting, with gravel access roads only. Access during dark hours, is difficult for new arrivals, we REQUIRE THAT GUESTS ARRIVE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY. We have a farm, DO NOT have Cell phones. Only near computer or LAND LINE phone, a few times a day. If you need to contact us, there may be response delay. We also drive through Searenity guest area several times a day, and if you need anything you can always ask in person. Note: Also on our 22+ acre homestead, we have Searenity Private Oceanfront Cottage Lodging available. Search Searenity Cottage Jonesport on Hipcamp. Come to Searenity for a Memorable experience in the true Downeast Maine !
Pets
Campfires
Flatrock on the River

3. Flatrock on the River

99%
(138)
Winterport, ME · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Quiet getaway that will allow you to forget about the craziness of life. 28 aches with a beautiful river running along the edge. Kayaking, swimming, fishing and more right on site. Arcadia national park only and hours' drive. Fort Knox only 15 minutes away. Great salmon and bass fishing in Swan Lake only 20 mins away.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Camden Hills State Park

4. Camden Hills State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Maine · 107 sites
Discover the scenic vistas and outdoor adventures at Camden Hills State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cobscook Bay State Park

5. Cobscook Bay State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Maine · 127 sites
Discover Cobscook Bay State Park's tidal beauty and diverse wildlife.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Point

6. The Point

98%
(692)
Gouldsboro, ME · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The Point is located in Gouldsboro, in Downeast Maine on the Schoodic Peninsula near the Schoodic portion of Acadia National Park on occupied Wabanaki land. The point is our home, offered to guests as a place for seekers of peace and solace to gain a better relationship and appreciation with nature in a world that has forgotten the importance and connection we all have with the planet that sustains us. A priority here for me is keeping this land pristine and respected. Our mission to save and protect our natural environment and keep it natural and wild can only be accomplished with the active mindfulness of you. We aim to prove that hipcamp can be a magical experience for private landowners and campers alike, to provide a means of temporal community and beneficial alternative to traditional campgrounds; one that does not degrade the environment and break the peace that small towns still contain. Please be mindful of the trash you generate and mindful of the noise you are making— we aim to provide seekers of peace a *quiet* time in nature. Together we are here to be an example to others of what mindful camping can look like in this changing world. Thanks for caring to come, see, explore, learn and being apart of the solution! <3 We hope to hear from you <3
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Wild Soul Serenity Campground

7. Wild Soul Serenity Campground

100%
(36)
Waltham, ME · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
*Events-Sept 12th Annual Community Unity- Raffle, food, fire, music, games! Enjoy the festivities, stay at a campsite and end your summer right! BEACH TENTING is NOW OPEN!!! Founded in 2024, Wild Soul Serenity (WSS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping others heal, reconnect, and thrive through the restorative power of nature and holistic wellness. Our mission is to create a sustainable sanctuary for Veterans, First Responders, creatives, and the broader community to experience mental, emotional, and spiritual renewal. WSS was born from a desire to serve and support others while building a sustainable, passive residual income model that reinvests into the land and the people it serves. Nestled in the wilderness near Acadia National Park, our off-the-grid campground merges rustic camping on a lake. If available we offer massage therapy, yoga, energy work, and bodywork, (to name a few) in three ways: 1. When campers request private sessions during their stay. 2. When wellness professionals host ongoing services onsite. 3. During WSS-hosted events that feature healing arts practitioners. Our event space will be available for rental and collaboration with local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups—so long as their purpose aligns with our values: promoting wellness, building connection, and supporting mental health through holistic means and nature's tranquility. Each year we expand on this campground until it's full vision is a reality. For 2026 we have a few campsites, some have platforms, some without. The plan this year is to add a cabin, woodshed, bathroom and work on the trail system. Each campsite has a buffer of vegetation with the lake as a view, a fire pit and space to have more than one tent. There will be a waste bag toilet. No running water, not much cell service, no electricity. Park at the main road and bring your camping items into the woods. Your site will be labeled. Trash in, trash out. Firewood for sale, camping gear for rent. Canoe and walk the beach (if low levels). Dog friendly: must be friendly, on a leash and please be mindful of dogs digging. Here we value the land, it's sanctuary and soil erosion prevention along the shoreline. Friends and Family Market on rte 1A is the closest resupply.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss

8. Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss

96%
(450)
Penobscot, ME · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Come explore real Maine away from the crowds of Mount Desert Island/Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor at our sites at Wildberry Farm (Penobscot), Blueberry Fields Forever (Blue Hill) or Quiet Cove (Stonington)! Ask the host for tons of local recommendations, including best places to swim, hike, eat, or even have a super local experience and hop the Mail Boat out to Isle au Haut (out of Stonington Harbor 30+min drive) and explore the beautiful trails and beaches of an even more remote island off the Maine coast!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Magnificent View Blueberry Hilltop

9. Magnificent View Blueberry Hilltop

99%
(185)
Union, ME · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Natural wild blueberry field, just as it has been for eons. 270 degree view of hills, fields, lakes and Mountains. Solitude, yet only 15 mins to Camden and Rockland. ECOTOURISM - As seen in the May 2021 issue of MAINE the Magazine! Camp, Hike, take Photos and Pick Wild Maine Blueberries! Private quiet SINGLE SPOT on a lovely hilltop wild blueberry field with stunning 270 degree views! Solitude without being remote, 2 miles from Rt 17 (past Union Country Club 9 hole golf course). 3 miles from downtown Union (featuring 3 Convenience stores, 1 Grocery store, 2 Banks with ATMs, 2 Restaurants, Pizza, Gas and a Laundromat) and only 12 miles to Camden and Rockland. Good Cellular signal. Good access road for your RV. The amazing views include Owl's Head lighthouse and Matinicus island in the very far distance, sunrise over Ragged Mountain and the Camden hills. To the north the Dixmont, and Bangor areas are visible. Watch the sunset to the west over Sennebec pond and Appleton ridge. To the southwest Mt. Washington may be just visible on a clear day. 75 acres of open fields and woodlands to explore at your leisure. Among the hidden gems you might find are the original homestead foundation, a vernal brook, a distant field that is totally secluded and an oak tree with a heart! Deer, wild Turkeys, Hawks, Owls and Bald Eagles are frequent visitors. You may even stumble upon wild raspberries and blackberries, if they're in season. The small town of Union also hosts the Maine Wild Blueberry Festival. The Lobster Festival is nearby in Rockland every August. No other campers are visible from your site - so you get breathtaking beauty all for yourself - and those with you! Note: Part of the land is a working Wild Blueberry farm and as such, on rare occasions, the quiet is interrupted to care for the crop. Should that take place we will credit you with a free day's stay. Note: No Trespassing signs are posted for the farm operation - these Do Not apply to Hipcampers! Please drive past them through the open gate to the site. Pack in and pack out! The 2 dumpsters along the main road are PRIVATE and are camera monitored. The owners require a $50 fee for unauthorized use, so please don't use them without permission.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Lily Bay State Park

10. Lily Bay State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Maine · 91 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Lily Bay State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
White Mountain National Forest

11. White Mountain National Forest

97%
(87)
National forest in New Hampshire · 833 sites
Find a variety of hiking trails, camping experiences, and scenic views in this New England forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lamoine State Park

12. Lamoine State Park

100%
(3)
State park in Maine · 64 sites
This waterfront park on Frenchman’s Bay is close to Arcadia, Bar Harbor, lighthouses, and kayaking.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Moosehead Lake

13. Moosehead Lake

100%
(3)
Park in Maine · 69 sites
Moosehead Lake: A Natural Gem with Endless Adventure and Scenic Campsites.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rustic Retreat

14. Rustic Retreat

99%
(110)
Boothbay Harbor, ME · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
🏕 Welcome to a Rustic Retreat Along the Maine Coast Tucked into the quiet woods just 5 minutes from lake access, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and Back River—and only 10 minutes from downtown Boothbay Harbor—this land offers a peaceful place to rest, reconnect, and recharge. Whether you’re staying for one night or a few, you’ll enjoy open skies, forest walks, and cozy campfires. The land includes a mix of open field edges and forested nooks, each site offering a simple, no-frills setup for tent campers, vans, and small RVs. ✨ This space is best suited to guests who enjoy calm mornings, mellow evenings, and a peaceful, nature-forward experience. 📶 Reliable cell service is available if you need to check in—or want to stay offline and unplug entirely. ⸻ 🌿 A Note on Accessibility and Stewardship I truly believe everyone deserves a chance to rest and reconnect with nature. If cost is ever a barrier, feel free to reach out—I’m open to discussing alternatives when possible. Funds from bookings help support ongoing efforts to restore native habitat, build regenerative systems, and sustainably care for the land. Your stay helps make that possible. 🌱 ⸻ 🚐 Vehicle Note The entrance gate is about 12.3 feet wide. Please double-check your vehicle width if you’re traveling in a larger rig or trailer. ⸻ 🌱 For Return Guests or Longer Visits Occasionally, I’m able to offer extended stay options or simple volunteer exchanges for folks looking to spend more time in nature. If you’ve stayed here before, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to offer a returning guest discount when possible.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
True Serendipity Homestead

15. True Serendipity Homestead

100%
(989)
Hancock, ME · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
NOTE: GOOSE PARADISE, FROG NOOK, RABBIT RUN, and DUCK HILL (Parking is available on these four sites) NOTE: BEAR HOLLOW, SQUIRREL HIDEAWAY, AND BOBCAT ISLAND (You will need to transport your camping gear to these three sites). This homestead operates solely on solar power and is completely off-grid, featuring chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Guests can savor fresh eggs, as well as vegetables from the greenhouse and garden, which they are welcome to pick themselves. Additionally, there is a natural spring-fed pond spanning 2 acres, where guests can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, rowing, and pedal boating with all equipment, including paddles and life jackets, provided on site. All sites are within walking distance of a very clean restroom, which is equipped with a flush toilet, a sink with running water, and a solar-powered light that turns on automatically. Additionally, there is an ample supply of toilet tissue and paper towels, and it also smells good too! NOTE: NO SHOWER AVAILABLE Each tent site features a fire pit and a picnic table. Guests can take pleasure in the hiking trails or venture into the woods to discover the natural beauty of this 25-acre homestead. Relax by the pond and watch for beavers, raccoons, blue herons, and even eagles. Enjoy the sound of the natural spring well as its ice-cold water is pumped to the homestead using solar power. Searching for and eating blueberries, wild strawberries, and blackberries can be a delightful activity. Savor the cool evenings by stargazing, observing fireflies, and listening to the chorus of frogs and owls. Conveniently located just minutes away are Home Depot, Walmart, various restaurants, shopping centers, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, antique stores, the historic Downtown Ellsworth, and the ocean!!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Four Acre Woods Island Campground

16. Four Acre Woods Island Campground

97%
(1875)
Deer Isle, ME · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Tucked among spruce, fir, and birch on Sunshine Island in Deer Isle–Stonington, Four Acre Woods began more than 60 years ago as a small, family-run campground known as Sunshine Campground. Travelers from across the world visited this quiet island forest, drawn to its raw beauty and the peaceful energy that generations before us had loved and cared for. The campground eventually closed in the 1990s and sat untouched for over 15 years—its trails, clearings, and old campsites slowly reclaimed by the woods. The land waited, quietly, for someone to bring it back to life. In the years that followed, Caleb, a longtime local operator on the island, took interest in the property. Recognizing both its history and its potential to offer people a deeper experience of Deer Isle’s natural beauty, he began the process of carefully restoring and reopening the land. Working season by season, Caleb rebuilt the sites, added new infrastructure, re-established utilities, and designed a campground that honors the land’s roots while offering a comfortable, modern, and nature-forward experience for today’s guests. In July 2020, the property reopened under a new name: Four Acre Woods. Today, it blends the spirit of the original Sunshine Campground with thoughtful stewardship, simple comforts, and a deep respect for the forest that surrounds it. Visitors once again gather under the birches and spruces—sharing campfires, slow mornings, quiet nights, and the timeless island calm that makes this land so special. So— Welcome Home. Sincerely, The Caretakers of Four Acre Woods
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Howling Woods

17. The Howling Woods

95%
(296)
Southwest Harbor, ME · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
A mystical 7 acres of mossy woods on the edge of Acadia National Park. Listen for coyotes, owls and even loons on the lake. We are just a 1.5 mile walk from the border of the Park. Just a short drive from the most popular spots. Yet even at the height of summer, it’s really peaceful here on the quiet side of the island. Sometimes called the wild side :)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Slippery Rock Trails LLC

18. Slippery Rock Trails LLC

100%
(1174)
Greene, ME · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Forty five years ago, our family started assembling 400 acres of woods and fields on the banks of the beautiful Androscoggin River. We enjoy actively managing the property for wildlife habitat and tree growth. The diverse landscape includes over 1/2 a mile of river frontage, a 10 acre wildlife pond, rolling hills in the meadows and steep forested terrain with more than 10 miles of multi-use trails running throughout. Our lands have long been open to local hikers, bikers and cross country skiers, we are excited to share this beautiful property with a larger community. Scout for wildlife and birds, on our private 400 acres of forests and fields. Tire yourself by hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing the 10 miles of private trails.  Located across the river from Riverlands State Park, just minutes from Lewiston-Auburn, Bates College, local breweries and just 2 1/2 hours from Boston. Wildlife abounds both on the property and across the river at Androscoggin Riverlands State Park.Quite often, a gentle breeze off the water will offer relief from black flies and mosquitoes, but the right bug repellent is recommended especially to fend off those pesky ticks that are so common in Maine.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Camp Cochran Webb River Carthage Me

19. Camp Cochran Webb River Carthage Me

98%
(273)
Carthage, ME · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful campsites right on the Webb River. DO NOT USE COORDINATES PROVIDED BY HIPCAMP. Use the address provided. We are on RT 142 in CARTHAGE, ME. Pitch your tent ON the bank of the Webb River In CARTHAGE, MAINE Campsite layered with a thick bed of sawdust, a swimming hole, and a great river view/sounds. ALL sites have fire pits, picnic tables, trash cans and recycleable cans. Mt Blue State park is about 5 miles, lots of great hiking trails within 10-15 miles. New in 2026 we have 2 electrical and water hook ups.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Land Kindred

20. The Land Kindred

99%
(73)
Gray, ME · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
Welcome to The Land, 42 acres of woodlands in Maine. We are a family run event and retreat center open to walk-in campers when we are not hosting retreats. While you’re here book a sauna and cool off in our spring fed pond, swim the brook, and enjoy the serenity of nature. Currently, we do not allow dogs as we have two farm dogs on the property who appreciate their own territory. Arrive ready to spend your time among the pines with communal fire pits, private camp sites, and an environment that will leave you feeling reconnected to the land. Thank you from Elk and Nicole!
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Maine camping guide

Where to go

Aroostook & the Highlands

Maine’s mountainous north is the stuff that hiker’s bucket lists are made of. The sprawling wilderness of Baxter State Park is the starting point of the epic Appalachian Trail and home to Maine’s highest peak—the 5,267-foot Mount Katahdin. Miles of hiking trails run through the highlands, along with some of the state’s best snowmobiling and cross-country skiing trails. To get on the water, head to Moosehead Lake, or try paddling and backcountry tent camping along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

Maine Lakes & Mountains

The hills and valleys of western Maine are peppered with high peaks and hundreds of glacial lakes, affording plenty of opportunities for a back-to-nature camping experience. Drive the High Peaks Scenic Byway for some of the most spectacular views, enjoy family camping at Sebago Lake State Park, or check into an RV park near Bethel, Naples, or Lewiston. In winter, rent a cozy ski chalet and hit the ski resorts of Sugar Loaf, Shawnee Peak, and Sunday River.

Southern Maine Coast

When summer temperatures soar, some of the most popular Maine campgrounds and beaches are found along the southwest shore. Head to the beach towns of Kennebunkport, Freeport, and Portland for old-fashioned seaside fun; go boating or kayaking around Casco Bay; then snag an RV site or cabin rental at the oceanfront campground in Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park.

Downeast & Acadia

Maine’s only national park, Acadia National Park, is the headline act of DownEast, the state’s rugged and rocky southeastern coast. Opt to stay on the mainland at Bar Harbor and head over to admire the park’s historic lighthouses and ocean views, or choose from multiple camping areas on the islands. Further north, the 15 coastal parklands of Cobscook Shores have picnic tables, boat launches, and backcountry camping sites.

Guides to camping experiences near Maine

Frequently Asked Questions

Maine is an excellent destination for camping, offering a diverse range of landscapes and outdoor experiences. From coastal campgrounds to lush forests, the state boasts numerous public and private camping options for both tent and RV campers. Maine's natural beauty, including Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and the famous Appalachian Trail, provide ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, canoeing, and fishing. To explore some of the best camping options in Maine, check out Hipcamp. Keep in mind that the camping season in Maine is typically from May to October, with peak season falling between June and August. During the off-season, some campgrounds may be closed or have limited services available.

Yes, there is free camping in Maine, particularly in the state's vast public lands, such as the North Maine Woods and the Downeast Lakes Land Trust. These areas offer primitive, dispersed camping opportunities with limited or no facilities. Keep in mind that you should always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment when camping in these areas. Additionally, some locations may require a small fee or permit for access, so it's essential to research specific areas before your trip. For more information on camping in Maine, visit Hipcamp.

No, it is not legal to camp anywhere in Maine. Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds, state parks, and national forests. In some cases, you can camp on private land with the landowner's permission. Wild camping, also known as dispersed or primitive camping, is allowed in some areas of Maine, such as the White Mountain National Forest and the Appalachian Trail. However, it is essential to follow the specific rules and regulations for each area where you plan to camp. You can find more information about camping in Maine on Hipcamp.

Boondocking, also known as dry camping or dispersed camping, refers to camping without any hookups or amenities, typically in remote areas or on public lands. In Maine, boondocking usually means camping on public lands, such as national forests or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, where you can camp for free or with minimal fees. Boondocking in Maine allows campers to enjoy the state's natural beauty, solitude, and wildlife while being self-sufficient and leaving no trace. Some popular boondocking areas in Maine include the North Maine Woods and remote parts of Downeast Maine. It's essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and local regulations when boondocking to ensure these pristine areas are preserved for future generations.

For the best fall colors in Maine, plan your visit during late September to early October. This timing typically coincides with peak foliage in various parts of the state, including Acadia National Park and the Maine Highlands. For the most accurate fall foliage predictions, check out Hipcamp's interactive foliage map.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top national parks and forests in Maine

Top regions in and near Maine