Camping in Maine

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

97% (9021 reviews)
  1. Maine
97% (9021 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Maine

Community favorites in Maine

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Maine

Stories from the community

Under $50

Star Hosts in Maine

12 top campgrounds in Maine

97%
(1759)

Four Acre Woods Campground

14 sites Ā· Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres Ā· 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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$52.20
 / night
97%
(491)

Elmer's Cove

9 sites Ā· RVs, Tents6 acres Ā· Edmunds Township, ME
450 feet of cove frontage next to Cobscook Bay State Park. Paved boat launch next door, with a dock, thick stand of trees along the road, and a clearing inside. People marvel at the property and relax. Hand carry launch very close to the campsites. This area of coastal Maine is a stop on your journey. #Next to Cobscook Bay State Park!# #Voted - Routinely in HipCamp's Top Few Best Campsites in Maine# 4 Sites - 2 for Tents and 2 for RVs Good clearance on driveway - no 4WD needed. Tent/sm. veh. sites (tent area 9x14): 1 and 5 best for tents; 3 and 7 for RVs. All sites generally levelled w/fire pits. (firewood included) 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, also a small spring fed pond to cool off in. Carry in here, or launch for free next door. Good cell signal, (Verizon, AT & T) tower 1.2 miles away. Smart phone hot-spot works for me. GPS: 285 South Edmunds Road, Dennysville, ME. Video - YouTube: "Elmer's cove"
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$33.25
 / night
100%
(1033)

Slippery Rock Trails LLC

6 sites Ā· Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres Ā· 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(3)

Pinederosa Campground

57 sites Ā· Lodging, RVs, Tents37 acres Ā· Wells, ME
Located in Maine’s Friendliest City, Pinederosa Campground has been pleasing guests for more than 30 years. Now, new owners Jeremy and Jenna Reynolds pledge to continue the tradition of friendliness with even more campsites and more amenities. Swim, Fish and Hike near the Seashore We have tent camping and RV sales too! All secluded sites are shaded by tall trees and feature gorgeous scenery, a fire pit, and picnic table. Delight in 37 Acres of Forest Amenities Drive down a lovely tree-lined road to be greeted by picturesque stone walls and rhododendrons. Find serenity in the pond, the lighted fountain, and the banks of the Ogunquit River. Refresh yourself in the heated swimming pool. Plus, we are just 3 miles from white sand beaches! Things to Do Have fun hiking with your doggie right here at Pinederosa. Fish in the Ogunquit River – it borders the campground. Or hop in your car to visit nearby parks, beaches, farmers’ markets, and the historic locations in Wells. We are just 3 miles from white sand beaches.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
98%
(320)

Tir na nOg Farm

6 sites Ā· Lodging, Tents30 acres Ā· Pownal, ME
Highland cattle graze at the forest's edge on our Celtic-heritage farm: a gentle retreat with options for woodland wandering, farm-fresh breakfasts (weekdays only, must be requested one week in advance), and campfires complete with traditional Gaelic music! Our 40-acre farm includes heritage-breed animals, 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 maintain pollinator habitats, tend an orchard of heirloom-variety fruit trees, and conserve rare heritage-breed animals, including Tamworth 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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
98%
(154)

Tucker N.’s land

2 sites Ā· Lodging, Tents105 acres Ā· Alna, ME
Our cabin is an off grid post and beam structure that we built 8 years ago. It's has a full kitchen, wood stove, and screened porch. There are jugs provided for doing dishes etc and a large (150 gallon) tank outside for refills. There are a generous supply of lanterns (both battery and inflatable solar) flashlights and string lights for lighting. 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$30
 / night
99%
(585)

The Point

8 sites Ā· Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres Ā· Gouldsboro, ME
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
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$89.10
 / night
88%
(20)

Big Moose Inn Cabins & Campground

63 sites Ā· Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres Ā· Millinocket, ME
Big Moose Inn Cabins & CampgroundIrving O. Hunt and his brother Lyman built some rough camps on Millinocket Lake before they became interested in the Nesowadnehunk Stream region. Whether or not their old camps were at the same site as the present camps on Millinocket Lake we do not know.The Millinocket Lake Camps, known today as Big Moose Inn, are located on a narrow spit of land separating Ambejejus Lake and Millinocket Lake. Before a dam controlled Ambajejus’ water level, it was possible to pole up the short stream from Millinocket Lake into Ambejejus.Fred Spencer build the camps, originally named Camp Eureka, in 1899 or 1900 and ran them with his brother. With the founding of Millinocket only a few years earlier and lumbering roads nearing Katahdin, the two lakes became more easily accessible. Camp Eureka was advertised as the only camp reachable by both boat (from Norcross) and road (from Millinocket). In 1905, the rate was $1.50 per day, meals included. Spencer also claimed the lakes had no flies or mosquitoes during spring and summer- a phenomenon caused by the way winds blow across the lakes, which makes it difficult for insects to gain a foothold.The camps’ name changed to Camp Spencer and later to Spencer’s Camps. Around 1929 the lease was transferred to Elmer Woodworth, who lived with his wife on a nearby island while they operated the camps. Elmer, a well-known guide, trapped over the winter, and his wife served as the camp cook. The couple soon renamed the camps Millinocket Lake Camps and Trading Post. They also maintained an outlying camp on Sandy Stream for their guests. In 1941, a major fire broke out in the area. The Woodworths saved the camps by wetting them down, but lost their island home when a stray spark jumped the cove. There is some evidence that, for a short time, a gentleman named Johnny Given either held the lease or managed the camps for the Woodworths. Except for that brief change the Woodworths operated the camps for many years until they passed the lease on to their son Ray, who ran them with his wife Muriel.In 1977, the lease was transferred to Bob and Frederica (ā€œTeddyā€) Boynton, who in 1981 sold the trading post to Erwin and Maureen Bacon. The Boyntons retained the sporting camp operation and later added a public restaurant. Teddy renamed the camps Big Moose Inn. Bob and his son Bruce made many renovations to the camps, while Teddy decorated and furnished them. The Boynton Family has remained involved in the success of the inn and restaurant. After Teddy’s death in 1991, management passed to Bruce and his sister Laurie, but Bob and other family members are still very involved.The dam separates the flowages of the two lakes. Millinocket Lake is about eight feet above its original level, and Ambajejus is now some 21 feet above its original level. Today several West Branch rafting companies make the inn their seasonal center of operations.At Big Moose, we bring you a rare blend of friendly service and lovely surroundings that successfully reflects our unique personality. Located on Millinocket Lake, Big Moose is the closest full service accommodations to Baxter State Park. Our central Katahdin Region lodging offers easy access to many of Baxter State Park's magnificent natural resources.Our Katahdin lodging packages consist of inn rooms, suites, lakefront and trailside cabins, and campgrounds. Fredericka's restaurant offers casual fine dining between two lakes while the Loose Moose Bar & Grille offers comfort food after a long day outdoors.-Dine in our newly remodeled dining room with friends and family. Our authentic solid oak tables and chairs make this room adaptable to any decor you choose when hosting weddings, reunions or anniversaries. A great place for corporate retreats and workshops. Our new side dining room offers intimacy and privacy for gatherings of 25 or less. Call to reserve it for your special celebration.•Big Moose Vacation Packages-Big Moose selects the best businesses to deliver a complete vacation package to you. We team with local and regional experts to offer guided tours, photography workshops, guided fishing trips and more. Choose one of the complete all inclusive packages from the list on the left and you will be assured a wilderness outdoor vacation that you won't soon forget. Want a weekend trip to Maine all your own, checkout the "Guides & Tours" section under Maine Adventures. Find great outdoor activities to do or take a guided excursion from one of the many knowledgeable tour guides who cater to Big Moose guests. The Big Moose Inn's location affords our guest many opportunities to enjoy the Maine outdoors. It is only a short distance from Baxter State Park and the North Maine Woods, where our guests enjoy the recreational adventures they come to the Katahdin region for. Explore the area by yourself or join a guided tour looking for wildlife or hike into remote wilderness areas with a Registered Maine Guide. The Penobscot River offers many recreational opportunities from fishing, canoeing to whitewater rafting.Our PoliciesPets: Dogs are welcome in our campground. However, we do not have any pet-friendly cabins. Pets are not permitted inside the Inn. Please follow these rules and expectations:• Pet must be on a leash at all times• Pet must not be left unattended because of the summer heat, barking, and possible damage.• Must pick up after your pet.If you would rather board your pet contact Katahdin Kritters Pet Resort - 207-746-8040Tax: All rates are subject to 9% Maine sales tax.PLEASE NO SMOKING IN CABINS OR INN ROOMS/SUITES, FINES MAY OCCUR.Cancellations: As an independently owned and operated inn, we do not overbook our accommodations - each reservation is made for a specfic date, accomdation, number of guests and we are expecting you! Cancellations and changes made with short notice impact us significally. We do sympathize, however, we must maintain our business policy due to limited season and accommodation demands.Prior to 30 days of arrival, full refund; cancellation within 30 days, no refund/forfeiture of deposit. No adjustments or refunds for early departures. Please note: There are no exceptions to our cancellation policy whether it be for reasons of sickness, family emergency or weather. Check-in: 4pm-10pmCheck-out: 10am.Cabin guests must bring their own towels, or they may call in advance to arrange for towels to be rented.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$30
 / night
96%
(134)

Blueberry Land Tent Platforms

8 sites Ā· RVs, Tents12 acres Ā· Pembroke, ME
We have four raised platforms, accessible by car, each with a canvas-covered A-frame, and each with a double or two single mattresses in it. Each platform is nested in their own private setting around the edges of our 12-acre organic blueberry barren. All four platforms are fully screened-in, with stylish canvas-covered timberframes and circular red doors. These canvas tents are relatively bug-proof and waterproof; you do not need to bring a tent! You do need to bring your own bedding. ***If you are particularly sensitive to bugs, you may want to bring your own tent (to put inside our tent) or a mosquito net. This is the Northeast during the summertime, we cannot ensure there will be no bugs. Blueberry Land is part of Smithereen Farm, but is located around the corner from our Home Farm on Youngs Cove Road, near Reversing Falls. This is an off grid, rustic site with only a port-a-potty. If you need to use any other amenities, you are welcome to use the WIFI, fill your water bottles, charge your electric vehicle and buy supplies at the Smithereen Farmstore (12 Little Falls Road, Pembroke). We sell cold drinks, beer and wine, frozen fish, meat, our own fruit popsicles, also organic veggies, honey, products from many local and Maine farms, camping supplies, ready to eat food, snacks, chocolates and even fresh baked cookies. Park at the store, and then jump into the Pennamaquan River (two dams, a rope swing) to cool off after exploring the town. Note: there is no potable water at the site, you will need to bring a vessel and fill up in town. There are beautiful walking, biking and canoeing opportunities in every direction—check out Cobscook Shores, Downeast Coastal Conservancy trails by Reversing Falls, Maine Coast Heritage trails on the Bold Coast and at Sipps Bay, Nature Conservancy trail at Hersey Point, Shackford head at Eastport, and of course much more on Campobello. Blueberry bushes are low, native, fruit-growing, covered in flowers in spring and then berries in summer, turning bright bright red in the fall when kissed by frost. Our blueberries are certified organic by MOFGA and surrounded by birch, fir, spruce and flowering perennial beds to improve insect habitat. Please DO NOT DRIVE/ tread ON THE BERRIES, they are food that we harvest and sell! Park in the parking lot, three sites are immediately visible, the fourth site is a further drive down the road, past the port-o-potty, in the back field, to the left. Low hung vehicles beware! If in doubt park in the parking lot. Upon booking, we will send you a PDF welcome packet filled with helpful information about the farm, local sites to see, and a comprehensive list of our recommendations. We will say it again: remember to prepare for MOSQUITOES in summer! We really recommend you approach Washington County as an opportunity to PICNIC! The "dining out" options are limited. Bring a pocketknife, a frying pan, a big cooler for butter and milk with ice packs so you can pick up local crabmeat (Betty's Crabmeat) and mayo and salads (Smithereen Farmstore) and eggs from ends of driveways, bring a cutting board—a big water jug, a camp stove/kettle, more warm socks than you think you need... and a sense of adventure! We have a EAT DOWNEAST digital map, guidebook and brochure at the Farmstore you can pick up a copy or download from our website. Thank you for taking the time to support supporting local farmers and food businesses of Washington County! We wish you a pleasant stay all the way DOWNEAST!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$45
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

Other options in Maine

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

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.

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.

Top regions in and near Maine