Maine is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. With rocky rivers, glossy ponds, beautiful beaches, and lovely wooded areas, there is no shortage of places to explore. Since it’s such an amazing place to experience the great outdoors, RV camping in Maine can be a great way to spend a vacation.
The information below can help you plan your own Main RV camping trip. From where to stay to what to do and what to pack, we’ve got you covered.
- Finding Campgrounds
- Preparing for RV Camping
- Considerations for Camping in Maine
- Planning Your Itinerary
- Exploring Outdoor Activities
- Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
- Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Maine
Finding Campgrounds
There are lots of Maine campgrounds to choose from. From amazing luxury campgrounds to campgrounds in the middle of the city to remote campgrounds far from civilization, there is something for every type of camper in this beautiful state.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Maine
Let’s first lookat public campgrounds in Maine. Typically, these campgrounds are more budget-friendly and are set in gorgeous natural areas. They include state parks, national parks, and more.
National Park Camping
Maine is home to the stunning Acadia National Park. This park features a dramatic, rocky coastline with tide pools, sea caves, an amazing sandy beach, and hiking trails galore. It is easily one of the best parks in the country, and might just be our favorite park on the East Coast.
There are two RV camping options in Acadia National Park: Seawall Campground and Schoodic Woods Campground. Both are lovely camping areas, but only Schoodic Woods Campground offers RV hookups. Reservations are available at both campgrounds 60 days out.
National Forest Camping
In addition to Acadia National Park, Maine is also home to the White Mountain National Forest. This forest has beautiful mountain scenery, crystal clear lakes and streams, and lots of outdoor recreation.
You have the option of dispersed camping or campground camping. Hastings Campground in Bethel is one national forest campground that we definitely recommend. While you won’t find any hookups here, you will find a wonderful chance to escape into nature.
State Park Camping
Maine state parks are another excellent choice. These parks are set in lovely natural areas that highlight the beauty of Maine’s scenery, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.
One of our favorite Maine state parks for RV camping is Aroostook State Park. Not only does the campground in this park provide water and electric hookups, but you’ll also find some beautiful, challenging hikes here.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Maine also has a wide variety of lovely private campgrounds. You’ll find glamping sites, rustic campgrounds with little more than a dump station, and everything in between.
One of our favorite private campgrounds in Maine is Fogg Brook Resort. This gorgeous RV park is just minutes from I-95, making it easy to get around. You’ll have easy access to Moosehead Trail as well as Acadia and Bar Harbor. Amenities at this park include a pool, a golf course, shuffleboard, ping-pong, an onsite restaurant, and more.
We also recommend Balsam Woods Campground, which is located half an hour south of Moosehead Lake and within 60 miles of the famous Mt. Katahdin. Visitors to this park enjoy a pool, camp store, and playground.
Boondocking in Maine
Want to wander deep into the wilderness to find a site? Just hoping to save a few bucks? You can do both when you opt for boondocking in Maine.
There are a number of great boondocking spots in Maine. These include the primitive camping sites in Flagstaff Lake and Bigelow Preserve Public Lands as well as the primitive sites found on the public lands along the shore of Moosehead Lake.
Preparing for RV Camping
But before you head out, you’ll need to do a bit of prep work. You’ll need to find a good camper that suits your needs. You’ll also need to pack the RV with all of the camping essentials that make a trip comfortable and fun.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
If you plan on renting a rig for RV camping in Maine, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, if you aren’t comfortable driving an RV, there is the option of having it delivered. If you do want to drive, and want to rent a trailer, you’ll want to look at the tow capacity of your vehicle. If you can’t pull a large trailer, you may want a motorhome instead.
Also, consider the size of your RV. You’ll want something that can comfortably sleep your entire party. But if you’ll be driving to remote places and parking in many campgrounds, smaller is better. Think about what’s most important to you before deciding.
Once all those things are settled, you can think about things like floor plans and amenities that are included.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
Once you’ve booked your rental, you will need to plan your packing for RV camping in Maine. We’ve compiled a packing list for every travel occasion you may be traveling to in an RV.
Considerations for Camping in Maine
It’s always a good idea to find out the rules and laws for RVing in the states you plan to visit. Generally, they are similar from one state to the next, but it never hurts to confirm.
In Maine, the total length of any rig may not exceed 65 feet. Trailers should always be 48 feet or less and motorhomes should stay at or below the 45-foot mark. All rigs should be no more than 8.5 feet wide and 13.5 feet high.
Triple towing (towing one trailer behind another) is not allowed in Maine and passengers may not ride in towed RVs or truck campers. Some state rest areas do allow overnight parking, but check signs to be sure.
Planning Your Itinerary
Next, you’ll need to decide what you want to do while in Maine. There are tons of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, but you’ll also find awesome historic sites, landmarks, museums, and more. Below are the top things to do in Maine.
Features and Attractions in Maine
Maine is such a beautiful place that it should come as no surprise that it is home to some seriously stunning scenic byways. Try driving one of these gorgeous roads to get acquainted with the state. Schoodic National Scenic Byway and Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway are two of our favorites.
You’ll also want to include some of Maine’s iconic landmarks in your itinerary. Portland Observatory is a must-see, as is the lovely Victoria Mansion. You might also want to make time to see the Nubble Lighthouse.
National sites are also worth checking out during your time in Maine. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is 100% worth your time, as is a walk along the famous Appalachian Trail.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Maine
It’s always fun to add an event to your trip itinerary. Fortunately, Maine has a variety of wonderful events happening throughout the year (especially in the warmer months).
Some of the best events in Maine include Maine Restaurant Week in Portland in March, Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland in August, Wilton Blueberry Festival in Wilton in August, and Maine Potato Blossom Festival in Fort Fairfield in summer.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, swimming, or fishing, there is something for you to do in this beautiful state.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
Let’s start by discussing the trails that wind their way through the state. From simple strolls through the woods to hardcore bike rides, we’re betting you’ll find a trail that suits your needs.
For hikers and walkers, we recommend the following.
- The Beehive Loop in Acadia National Park – Hard
- Jordan Pond Path in Acadia National Park – Easy
- Gorham Mountain Loop in Acadia National Park – Moderate
- Pleasant Mountain via Ledges Trail in Pleasant Mountain Preserve – Hard
- Scenic Trail Cut-Off and Maiden Cliff Trail in Camden Hills State Park – Moderate
Looking to do some cycling? The trails below are great options.
- Eagle Lake Carriage Road Trail in Acadia National Park
- Fore River Sanctuary White Trail in Fore River Sanctuary
- Witch Hole and Pond Carriage Trail to Eagle Lake in Acadia National Park
- Mount Battie Trail in Camden Hills State Park
- Bradbury Mountain Park Boundary Trail in Bradbury Mountain State Park
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Maine is home to a whole lot of water. From fishing spots to swimming beaches, be sure to enjoy some water fun during your visit.
Anglers will appreciate the huge number of amazing fishing spots in Maine. Belgrade Lakes is located just 10 miles outside of Augusta and offers great fishing for largemouth smallmouth bass. Meanwhile, Sebago Lake can be found 20 miles outside of Portland and offers fish in the 2-3 pound range.
There are several great beaches that offer swimming, sunbathing, sand play, and more in the state of Maine. One of our favorites is Sandy Beach in Acadia National Park. Longs Sands Beach in York is pretty fantastic as well.
Maine is also home to some pretty great waterfalls. If you were hoping to catch a glimpse of a scenic waterfall during your visit, we recommend heading to Houston Brook Falls where you can take a short hike to see a beautiful cascade.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
As mentioned before, there is no shortage of wildlife in the state of Maine. While in Maine, you might see otters, moose, foxes, and even black bears.
The parks already mentioned are great places to look for critters, but Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge and Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge offer even more great wildlife viewing opportunities.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
There are tons of awesome things for families with kids to see and do in Maine. Besides the wonderful outdoor activities mentioned above, they might also like the museums, amusement parks, and other attractions listed below.
Historical Sites and Museums
We love adding a bit of learning to our trips, especially when the kids are in tow. This is super easy to do by visiting places like historic sites and museums.
In Maine, you’ll find history lessons at Saint Croix Island International Historic Site and social studies lessons at the Maine Acadian Culture site. As far as museums go, we highly recommend Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine in Portland, and Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland.
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Amusement parks provide a wonderful way for the whole family to have a blast together. Why not plan to add one of Maine’s amusement parks to your list of things to do. Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco is a great pick, as is Palace Playland in Old Orchard Beach.
Want even more family fun? Zoos are another attraction that can keep everyone entertained. York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park in the town of York is one of the best in the state. We also love Maine State Aquarium in Boothbay Harbor.
Safety and Preparedness When RV Camping in Maine
Obviously, you will want to stay safe while RV camping in Maine. Generally, this is easy enough to do with a basic first aid kit and some common sense. However, there are a few things you should know about going in.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
As far as natural disasters go, the one that is most likely to come up during your visit to Maine is flooding. This usually happens during the spring when snowmelt and rain cause rivers and streams to overflow.
To avoid problems with flooding, we recommend parking far from rivers and streams during the spring and when lots of rain is expected. It’s also a good idea to download a weather app with push notifications so you know if a flash flood warning is issued for your area. If this happens and you can drive away safely, do so. If you can’t drive safely, get to higher ground by foot.
Winter weather can also be challenging. Make sure your RV is well-insulated and that your plumbing and other systems are protected for extreme cold. Check weather apps for storm warnings, and avoid driving during major snowstorms.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
While Maine’s wild animals are beautiful to watch from a distance, you do definitely want to make sure you give them their distance. Avoid approaching wild animals and never feed them.
Make plenty of noise when hiking in order to alert bears and carry bear spray while outdoors in case of an animal attack. If you do come face-to-face with a bear, raise your arms to make yourself tall and slowly back away. If a moose charges or chases you, hide behind something solid.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you to plan an amazing Maine RV trip! If this is your first RV camping trip, you may also want to check out our tips for beginners!
