Best Camping in Maine

Camping in Maine

By Alex Murphy

With endless acres of wilderness and densely covered forests, and a picturesque coast, Maine is a popular destination for travelers from all over the country. Whether it's Acadia National Park, mountain peaks like Mt. Katahdin, or stopping in Portland for a lobster roll, Maine has a lot to check out.

Here's a look at some great places to stay while visiting The Pine Tree State.

See a map of all camping in Maine.

Maine State Parks

There are 48 Maine State Parks and historic sites, including everything from sandy ocean beaches on the Maine coastline to hikes up tall mountains. When it comes to history, like most of New England, you'll find colonial towns and battle sites from the American Revolution.

One of Maine's most popular stops is Cobscook Bay State Park, which sits near the Canadian border. Visitors can find both tent and RV sites with waterfront views right on the Bay.

Further inland, travelers can climb the highest peak and the famed end of the Appalachian Trail with Mt. Katahdin inside Baxter State Park. The park has multiple campgrounds, including Katahdin Stream Campground and South Branch Pond campground.

Maine National Parks

About halfway up the Maine coastline sits Acadia National Park. The park is mostly made up of islands directly off the coast and is known for its rocky shoreline with some high drops into the ocean below. Some of the best campgrounds in Maine can be found here.

Two popular places to camp within the park are Schoodic Woods Campground and Blackwoods Campground. Both have quick access to trails, and at night it's easy to hear the ocean rolling in against the rocky coast.

Visitors will want to make reservations beforehand, as Acadia National Park is one of the nation's most visited parks.

Free Camping in Maine

Maine is the least densely populated state on the East Coast, and much of it is covered in wilderness. For campers, that means there's a lot of free camping in Maine.

Just over the state line from New Hampshire, visitors will find Kittery Trading Post, an outdoor store with plenty of gear for anyone planning to camp. The store has two RV parking spots for overnight guests.

Heading towards Portland, parking lot camping is permitted at Oxford Casino.

Finally, further north near Acadia National Park is Reversing Falls Park, located near Cobscook Bay.

Maine RV Parks

With a lot of state to explore, there are a lot of Maine RV Parks.

Starting near Portland, for anyone looking to enjoy the town and the New England seafood they offer, visitors can stay at Wild Duck Adult Campground and RV Park, and those with kids can stay at the nearby Bayley's Camping Resort.

Further north travelers will find both ocean and lakefront camping sites depending on what they're looking for. Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Camping is right on the coast, and Point Sebago Golf and Beach RV Resort is located on Lake Sebago.

National Forests in Maine

Maine shares White Mountain National Forest with New Hampshire, and it's easy to find camping spots in both states.

The forest is named for the mountains, including Mount Washington, a place notorious for bad weather, including a record for the highest wind speeds ever recorded in the world. That shouldn't stop you from visiting, though, as the forest is loaded with hiking trails, rock climbing, and plenty of beautiful views.

On the Maine side of the forest, Hastings Campground sits on a brook with several hiking trails. Another option with nearby water is Crocker Pond.