The best camping in Maine

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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% (13.3K) • 9,391 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Maine

Green Apple Grove

1. Green Apple Grove

98%
(21)
Ellsworth, ME · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape to Green Apple Grove, a peaceful Maine retreat where you can relax and reconnect with nature. Nestled in a quiet country setting near Ellsworth and within easy reach of Acadia National Park, this cozy campsite is the perfect base for exploring the area's scenic coastlines, charming towns, and outdoor adventures. Spend your days hiking, sightseeing, or simply unwinding by the campfire under Maine's starry skies. Keeping to the properties origins, we've arranged sites among the woodlands and apple trees of the early farming community who's artifacts and history still can be found here along the coastal inlets of Downeast Maine.
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The Howling Woods

2. The Howling Woods

96%
(318)
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 :)
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Wild Soul Serenity Campground

3. Wild Soul Serenity Campground

100%
(57)
Waltham, ME · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Starting Oct 13th the camp will remain open with a big discount. Enjoy Fall colors and cool air. Amenities will be limited, bathrooms will be converted to waste bags only, bell tents will be put away. Bring your tent and enjoy the end of the season. 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.
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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.
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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.
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Hidden Valley Nature Center

6. Hidden Valley Nature Center

95%
(576)
Jefferson, ME · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley is 1,000 acres of protected land in Jefferson, Maine. It is rich with a variety of habitat and terrain, including over a mile of shorefront on Little Dyer Pond, nearly 25 miles of multi-use trails are great for hiking, birding, and exploring. Try our rolled and groomed cross country ski trails in the winter. Hidden Valley is a Community Forest, part of over 16,000 acres protected and stewarded by Midcoast Conservancy, a non-profit. A portion of the booking fees supports the organization’s mission to protect and restore vital lands and waters in midcoast Maine on a scale that matters. NOTE: ALL of the cabins and campsites are walk-in only. There is no overnight camping allowed in the parking lot.
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Searenity Beachfront Land Off Grid

7. Searenity Beachfront Land Off Grid

100%
(273)
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 !
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Raven's Rest Tiny Cabin

8. Raven's Rest Tiny Cabin

97%
(226)
Alna, ME · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
FAQ: Our cabin is an off grid (very limited power, now way to charge or plug in AC devices) post and beam structure that we built 9 years ago. It has a full kitchen, wood stove, and screened porch. There is a large (150 gallon) tank of water for doing dishes and camp showers but we do not suggest drinking it. There is a generous supply of lanterns (both battery and inflatable solar) flashlights and string lights for lighting. We have wired lights that run off DC power when there is enough solar and we provide some battery packs for charging phones. We highly suggest bring some way to charge any of your personal electronics. There is no reliable way to do that in the cabin. This is a small two story timber frame cabin off grid and secluded deep in the woods. It has a separate outhouse as well as shower stall to use the solar shower bags in. The cabin has a king sized bed in the loft with a child size fold down bunk above it; there is also a pull out couch on the first floor. As well as a kitchen, screened in porch and fire pit. Linen, dishes and utensils are not included please bring all that you need. There is a propane 4 burner stove with oven and solar shower bags. Trash and campfire wood is included. We are very busy with kids and work, we try our best to clean and re-supply between guests but it is not always possible, please let us know if something needs attention!
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A safe place to stay on the way

9. A safe place to stay on the way

98%
(201)
Topsham, ME · 1 site · Tent, RV
Lovely spot behind our home, available to travelers for tenting or RV. A safe place to stay as you're stopping through. Exactly 4.8 miles from the 295 off-ramp and Route 1. A private wooded lot on a road with farms and woodland. Some road noise from Middlesex road during commuting times that quiets down for sleeping. Topsham is lovely and I'm grateful to live here and share this space with travelers! My site is designed to be low-priced, easy in-out, and a convenient stop-over for the traveler. Learn more about this land: Camping area is ~1 acre. Total property size is 3.5 acres. Keep on property please. Water and respite available here for a day or two, if this area is your destination or if you're on the road toward an adventure. A single private site. We are not a campground, this is the back part of our land that we hope to offer as respite and safety for travelers looking for this kind of place to stay. We give absolute privacy to campers in the hours 4pm-11am. Please consider that we might be on the lower property during the middle of the day: 11am-4pm, which matches most of our visitors needs as they are using the property as an evening and morning stopover. Fires are not allowed when the fire danger is High through Extreme. We will talk about fire safety if the danger level is Moderate. Thanks for being safe! Things to do in area: Midcoast Maine has an endless bounty of treasures for visitors in all seasons. Hiking, biking, boating, history, art, swimming, food, and cultural events with beautiful nature surrounding it all.  Closest to site: The Tarbox Preserve, a Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust property with hiking and skiing, is 2 lots up the road. The lovely Head of Tide park with a small waterfall is 2.2 miles to the west. Grocery: Our towns (Topsham and Brunswick) have several grocery stores: Hannaford, Shaw's, Market Basket, and a wonderful natural foods store.  We have many farm stands with organic and locally grown produce closely nearby - ask us to help you locate them! Food: Brunswick is restaurant and brewery heaven! Amazing beers, wood fired pizza, sushi, Thai, Vietnamese, Greek, German, Filipino, deli, Fusion and more! Harpswell Heritage Land Trust trails are dog-friendly and on the beautiful Maine coast.
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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.
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White Mountain National Forest

11. White Mountain National Forest

95%
(94)
National forest in New Hampshire · 833 sites
Find a variety of hiking trails, camping experiences, and scenic views in this New England forest.
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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.
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Moosehead Lake

13. Moosehead Lake

100%
(3)
Park in Maine · 69 sites
Moosehead Lake: A Natural Gem with Endless Adventure and Scenic Campsites.
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Field of Dreams - Choate Farmhouse

14. Field of Dreams - Choate Farmhouse

99%
(79)
Whitefield, ME · 1 site · Tent, RV
Centrally located in MidCoast (just 20 minutes from Route 1), out in the country you'll find a "Country Getaway" situated on over 16 acres. A large field borders mostly wooded land with an old farmhouse that dates back to the late 1700's. Rumored to have been a place for travelers to stop for a hot meal and/or some shut eye before heading back out on their journey. There was an orchard here, along with a cider press and the first town meeting was also held in the main house. Come enjoy the calm, quiet air, filled with natures soothing sounds as you're enchanted by the blinking fireflies of the night.
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Camp Cochran Webb River Carthage Me

15. Camp Cochran Webb River Carthage Me

98%
(281)
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.
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Continuous Harmony Farm Camp

16. Continuous Harmony Farm Camp

94%
(156)
Lincolnville, ME · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Continuous Harmony Farm is located on the north side of Camden Hills State Park. When this area was originally settled, the farm was located on the "highway" from Camden to seasonal pastures in Lincolnville. The trails leading to the park still go by the old foundations that dotted the old Government Road from Camden. The farm has 46 acres of flowing pasture, hardwood forest and flower and vegetable gardens. At the heart of the property is a large farm pond that has been used to water livestock for generations. We hope you can visit us soon! Our farm abuts Camden Hills State Park, offering dozens of miles of trails for hiking and biking. Farm activities include looking after our flock of Katahdin sheep, laying hens, bee hives and vegetable and flower gardens. Activities nearby include rock climbing, boating, horseback riding, paddle boarding and swimming.Learn more about this land:Continuous Harmony Farm Campsite is located under a great old white ash tree beside a large farm pond on 46 acres of sheep meadow, forest and fields. Our farm abuts Camden Hills State Park, offering dozens of miles of trails for hiking and biking. Farm activities include looking after our flock of Katahdin sheep, laying hens, bee hives and vegetable and flower gardens. Activities nearby include rock climbing, boating,, horseback riding, paddle boarding and swimming.
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Camp Nepenthe

17. Camp Nepenthe

99%
(157)
East Boothbay, ME · 1 site · Tent, RV
A gracefully designed switchback driveway leads you to a cleared level landing. The spot is elevated nestled in among hardwood trees where you can pitch a tent or park a self-contained RV (No larger than 24'). Due to the switchback design of the driveway, a combination car/truck and towed camper configuration will not work. It's a two minute walk to the neighborhood association dock, 10 minute walk to the open ocean and rugged Maine coastline. East Boothbay is quiet, relaxing, and beautiful. Be sure to stop by East Boothbay General Store for delicious house made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, pizza, a selection of beers and wine; eat in on the small porch or take away for a picnic. Walk or bike along the narrow quiet road to the ocean where waves are crashing on the rocks. Don't miss the gorgeous sunsets-simply spectacular. Or just relax at the site and enjoy the beauty of the nature that surrounds you where you might spot a deer or hear an owl hooting nearby. It's a short 10 minute drive to Boothbay Harbor for whale and puffin watches, great restaurants, sunset and reggae cruises, and sailing trips. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is another must see-as it's New England's largest botanical garden.
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The Point

18. The Point

98%
(722)
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
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Rustic Retreat

19. Rustic Retreat

99%
(139)
Boothbay Harbor, ME · 2 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.
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Egypt Acres

20. Egypt Acres

99%
(175)
Franklin, ME · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
Plenty to do enjoy. Eagle soaring overhead (sometimes ) . look for colorful rocks on property. Keep in mind on any reviews . This 51 acres project some of it is being reclaimed back to nature . So gravel pit is being mined for materials to maintain whole gravel section of Egypt lane (private road.) It’s 2 miles of gravel road . Then it will be reclaimed also . The pit is not to be explored . Also is not part of the campsites that are booked . There is plenty of flat land to stay safe In the meanwhile . there are sites that are semi complete wooded partly . Until they grow back . Your booking $ helps fund all of these projects that I do . Plenty of acres to explore quiet and peaceful. . Egypt stream flows around half the property .Gated for your security. A lot of nature . Wild life present. please leash your pets there’s porcupines around ! . Peaceful Close to a few parks and Acadia national park. Lemoine state park is very close . Bar harbor also . Campfires are ok no bonfires tho. NOTE: Please do 15 MPH on gravel road occasionally farm animals and baby chickens sometime wander up on road . Please review all photos and description of each campsite . Before booking . Do not use Apple Maps! It will send you to the wrong spot .! NOTE: EGYPT LANE IS THE ONLY ACCESS ROAD . Google maps is most accurate . Thank you Michael
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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