Family-friendly forest camping in Maine

With rocky shores, sandy beaches, and forested mountains, Vacationland is made for campers.

98% (1973 reviews)
98% (1973 reviews)

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10 top forest campgrounds in Maine

97%
(1412)

Four Acre Woods Campground

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Deer Isle, ME
A beautiful island campground thickly forested with spruce, fir, and birch, Four Acre Woods was created over 60 years ago on Sunshine Island, Maine. Under the name Sunshine Campground, it hosted people from all over the world and delivered the spirit and essence of this ancient, abundant land that so many ancestors had roamed and celebrated before. It was open to the public through to the 90s, but then sat alone for 15 years, waiting for someone to revive it and bring it back to the world. Then one day, Caleb and Wolf met on a bus, heading south from Down East Maine, where they instantly connected and joined forces. They worked together redressing a home in Stonington for visitors to experience and became brothers while doing so. Eventually, the presence and opportunity of the campground caught their attention and after working out the technicalities, they worked together to bring this beautiful land and campground back to the people under its new life and name, Four Acre Woods. After opening on July 1st 2020, the land is finally back to sharing all of her beauty and spirit with the people. So, Welcome Home. Sincerely, - Four Acre Woods Caretakers
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$48
 / night
95%
(389)

Hidden Valley Nature Center

8 sites · Lodging, Tents1000 acres · Newcastle, ME
HIDDEN VALLEY NATURE CENTER IS 1,000 ACRES OF PROTECTED LAND IN JEFFERSON, MAINE - RICH WITH A VARIETY OF HABITAT AND TERRAIN INCLUDING OVER A MILE OF SHORE FRONT ON LITTLE DYER POND. Miles of multi-use trails great for hiking and biking, rolled and groomed XC ski trails, and several rustic huts and tent sites are waiting for you. Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) is your forest. HVNC is part of Midcoast Conservancy, and a portion of the booking fees goes to support our mission to protect and restore vital lands and waters on a scale that matters. Midcoast Conservancy members receive a 40% discount. Not a member? Visit the Midcoast Conservancy website and join through the "donate" button at the top right of the home page. Your membership confirmation email will include your discount code. Thank you!
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$30
 / night
99%
(144)

Magical Mountain River retreat

3 sites · Tents500 acres · Rumford, ME
Scars in the polished granite streambed tell the story of saw mills from the 19th century. Not far from the foundation of one of the more established farmsteads of the era, this campsite is tucked away from the road down by the rushing Bull Branch of the Sunday River. Whether you bake on the rocks after dipping, or toss a fly in a quiet pool, the river will soothe your soul. Explore endless mountains streams, trails to the Appalachian Trail, and remote dirt roads in the heart of the Mahoosucs from your secluded walk-in low impact tent site with privy. Deep swimming holes and trout fishing beckon. There are three sites: #1: Riverside (more secluded),#2:Hillside(closest to the parking), and #3: Fireside. The hillside and fireside sites can combine for a group although are at a short distance from each other. If weather conditions permit, all campers can share the fire circle and table. The Riverside has its own table.
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$47
 / night
100%
(893)

Slippery Rock Trails LLC

5 sites · Lodging, Tents400 acres · Greene, ME
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.
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$45
 / night
100%
(692)

True Serendipity Homestead

10 sites · Tents25 acres · Hancock, ME
PARKING IS BESIDE THE TENT SITES AT GOOSE PARADISE, FROG NOOK, RABBIT RUN, and DUCK HILL. SHORT HIKES INTO THE WOODS: BEAR HOLLOW AND SQUIRREL HIDEAWAY. BOBCAT ISLAND IS A SHORT HIKE ACROSS A BRIDGE. (These three locations would require you to carry your camping gear to the site). This is a working, solar powered homestead, totally off-grid with chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. Available to you is fresh eggs, greenhouse vegetables and garden vegetables that you pick yourself to enjoy while you are here. There is an Artesian spring-fed 2 acre pond for fishing (catch and release only). Semi secluded tent sites are not very far from an outhouse furnished with flush toilet and a sink with fresh running water. All tent sites have a fire pit and a picnic table. Enjoy hiking trails or forge off into the woods to explore on this beautiful 25 acre homestead. Sit and relax by the pond while watching for beavers, raccoons, blue heron and even eagles! Listen to the babbling of the Artisian spring where the ice cold water is pumped to the homestead by solar power. Blueberries, wild strawberries and blackberries are fun to look for and eat. Enjoy the cool nights while star gazing, watching fireflies and listening to the frogs and owls. Watch the operation of a working sawmill, learn to tie flies and how to fly fish. In the future there will be blacksmithing demos and classes, art (painting) classes and nature photography classes. There will be a nominal fee for classes. Only minutes away is Home Depot, Walmart, restaurants, shopping, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, antique shops, Historic Downtown Ellsworth and the OCEAN!!
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$55
 / night
99%
(254)

Tir na nOg Farm

5 sites · Lodging, Tents30 acres · Pownal, ME
Highland cattle graze at the forest's edge on our Celtic-heritage farm: a gentle retreat with options for farm-fresh breakfasts, woodland wandering, and campfires complete with Gaelic songs and bagpipes! Our 40-acre farm includes heritage-breed animals, honeybees, organic gardens, and over 30 acres of conservation woodlands. We favor scythes over tractors--your stay will be quiet and fume-free! Bradbury Mountain and several trail networks are nearby, along with rivers, ocean beaches, and an excellent locavore food scene. Since the early 1800s, this land on the edge of Chandler Brook has nourished bodies and spirits alike. Sloping pastures meet well-managed woodlands, making this a haven for both humans and wildlife. Since the 1980s, we have worked to restore the soil and make a "hand-built" life as farmers using pre-industrial organic methods. We keep bees, maintain pollinator habitats, tend an orchard of heirloom-variety fruit trees, and conserve rare heritage-breed animals, including Tamworth and Mangalitsa pigs and Scottish Highland Cattle. Our shared love for Celtic folk culture has blended naturally with our love of sustainable agriculture to create Tir na nOg Farm. Today, the work of restoration continues with the help of farm partners, family, friends, WWOOFers, and other volunteers. This land is already better than we found it, but we hope it will remain a gathering-ground of culture and agriculture, tradition and innovation for generations to come.
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$50
 / night
100%
(27)

Sunnyside Family Farm Camping

24 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · Linneus, ME
We are a humble, small, family-operated, diversified farm spanning 180 acres. Alongside raising eleven children, we take pride in cultivating u-pick blueberries, raspberries, apples, and pumpkins, as well as raising meat poultry. Our farm also boasts a variety of livestock, including cows for dairy products and beef, egg-layers, and sheep. Notably, our children are actively involved in caring for and utilizing riding and driving horses. Located not too far from the North Woods, the Allagash, Mt. Kathadin, and numerous lakes, we are surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
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$12
 / night
95%
(84)

Happy Hippie Lane Maine

10 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Wiscasset, ME
WELCOME to Happy Hippie Lane Maine! Get your "groove" on or hang loose here on a precious little island with a big bridge just off route one in the heart of Midcoast. Hundreds of guests report the perfect balance of upbeat fun and chill time and call our place and hospitality "magic", "amazing" and "holy guacamole!". We have been hosting guests for 8 years at our eclectic, nature filled, good vibe overflowing, quirky lodging. Come and expect some interaction with host, to your comfort, and possibly bumping into another guest or two as you are mesmerized by the evening call of the hermit thrush on route to the campfire or spontaneously planned lobster/vegan/other bake in the back yard. Enjoy great conversation at the fire and burn a few marshmallows. Bend your ear for that haunting barred owl or coyote call. I support your relaxing beverage or two at the fire or around the property but this definitely not a party place. We will consider your pet with $35 fee and a conversation ahead of time. We have a jack russell and black cat so have to protect their interests and those of other pets and guests coming as well. Your pup must be on leash at all times unless/until we decide they are safe, others are comfortable and that it works for all to have them run free at times. Thanks! Lounge on stunning porch busy with wildlife, walk or bike a woodsy trail, nod out or challenge your son to a game of tetherball. Just minutes from busy Route One, this lovely island oasis is convenient to local favorites like Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Popham Beach, Reid State Park, the quaint towns of Bath and Damariscotta and all the midcoast has to offer. You can find yoga, pottery, preserves to explore and organic beer on the island as well. Ask Cary about signing up for a reiki session, foraging/wild edibles walk and nibble, a workshop on kombucha with your own "scobie" to go, arts and crafts to include tea cup bird feeders and solar bird baths, a boardgame, a lead road ride or a mountain bike rental to explore gravel here. Continue the "community story" by adding a line or more, add your touch to the hippie bus with a little paint....so much more. Cary loves to help you plan your day based on your interests. Ask about lobster or vegan backyard dinners (additional price), her famous blueberry muffins and fresh veggie frittatas at breakfast with enough interest and other "extras" on the property. You can rent a bicycle, enjoy a relaxing, healing Reiki session, or inquire about a workshop on a variety of nature based subjects or an art or craft activity. You will LOVE this spot. See you soon! Once you have booked, I will want to chat with you about your plans and prospective time of arrival. I do not offer meals on a regular basis, but if there is enough interest I can consider. I accept guests generally between the hours of 4-9 pm but have a fluctuating schedule like most of us. Thanks in advance for your understanding and care.
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$48
 / night
100%
(18)

Flagstaff Lakeside Campsite Retreat

1 site · Tent1 acre · Eustis, ME
This beautiful campsite is located right on Flagstaff Lake under large red pines in a fenced-in wooded lot in a private neighborhood. There is a dock to swim off of, launch your kayaking adventures from, or to relax on in the summer evenings. There is ample space to set up multiple tents, a fire pit, weber charcoal grill, and picnic table. You have your own port-a-potty, ceramic water cooler for drinking water, and a potable water spigot. You are located adjacent to Cathedral Pines Campground, just half a mile from grocery amenities and only a few miles from local area restaurants.The neighborhood has its own private boat landing and the best views of the Bigelow Mountain Range around. Situated in the heart of the Western Maine Mountains you will find plenty of outdoor activities in the area - hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and golfing, to name a few. If you don't have your own kayaks, paddle-boards, or canoes, you can rent them from us or at a spot just 1/2 mile down the road! Close to hiking trails, an extensive mountain bike network and just 11 miles from Sugarloaf Ski Resort this campsite is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast or for just relaxing in a beautiful nature oasis.
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$99
 / night
99%
(101)

Camp Smiling Pine

4 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Gardiner, ME
Beautiful waterfront tent sites. Very secluded, private campsites along Cobbosseecontee Stream/River. Many hidden natural gems, trails, and paths. Snowmobile trails are located throughout the land for your winter adventures. Campsites are very unique and have individual access with private water frontage and are separated by a heavily wood shorefront. Check out the real Smiling Pine located on the way to your site Cobbossee Stream is "the key to the entire lake system of Kennebec County." It was part of an Indian trail running from Gardiner on the Kennebec to Moosehead Lake. The last tribal trip down from Canada to the sea was made in 1796, perhaps by way of the old "aboriginal highway" through Cobossee Stream and Pond. Long before the white man's arrival, the braves of the Abenaki tribes returned each spring to favorite fishing stations near river falls and rapids. One such station, used by the Sturgeon (Cabassa) families of the Kennebec Indians, was located above the Gardiner falls on Cobboseecontee ("Land where the sturgeon are taken") Stream. There the men came, accompanied by a few squaws to cook meals and smoke the fat salmon and sturgeon speared as they leaped over the falls on their way upstream to spawn.
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$39
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

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Family-friendly forest camping in Maine guide

Overview

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.

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.

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