Quick Breakdown Of Maine Glamping
Searching for a Maine glamping option to suit a unique budget, traveling style or size? To kick things off, Ive shortlisted the six best offerings below. If you find what youre looking for here, book it today! If not, keep scrolling and Im sure youll find the glamping site of your dreams.
The Best Romantic Glamping MaineIsland Yurt on Chebeague Island
Throughout this list, Ive included a range of video guides to a number of the Maine glamping destinations featured. Be sure to check these out for a first hand look at what to expect on your own visit. At the end of this list Ive also linked some other New England content for you that Ive created. I definitely recommend checking out my guide on the Coolest Airbnbs in Maine for more unique accommodation ideas!
What Sights Should I Absolutely Not Miss In Portland Maine
Portland, Maine is a happening place with a generous mix of boutique shops, museums, and public parks. Below, youll find a list of the best things to do in Portland, Maine during your stay.
Portland Head Light
Less than 15 minutes from Portlands downtown sits one of Maines most recognizable destinations: Portland Head Lightthe oldest lighthouse in the state.This iconic lighthouse stands atop a steep headland overlooking Casco Bay on clear days, you can expect spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby coves. The surrounding Fort Williams Park has plenty of walking trails along the coast, some of which take you down to white-pebble beaches. Theres no better spot for a picnic on a warm summers day in Maine.
The Old Port
Portlands Old Portthe site of its original harboris a warren of spindly alleys and crooked buildings that has been converted into the citys boutique shopping district. Full of quirky stalls selling everything from sailcloth tote bags to hand-made pottery, the Old Port is a mix of wacky, whimsical, and downright peculiar.
Children’s Museum and Theater of Maine
This non-profit childrens museum and theater contains fun, interactive exhibits that teach kids about science, problem solving, visual arts, culture, and community engagement. Its a great place to take the kids for an afternoon to spark their imaginations and broaden their minds.
The Portland Observatory
Old Orchard Beach Campground
Divided into four distinctly different zones, youll have lodging options at the pet-friendly Old Orchard Beach Campground: The Grove , Tall Pines , Bear Brook , and Black Forest .
There is a swimming pool, horseshoe pit, recreation center, cornhole pitch, and a playground, as well.
Location: 27 Ocean Park Rd, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
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Acadia National Park Campgrounds
Located mostly on Mount Desert Island, this 47,000-acre park is a hugely popular destination for New England campers. Home to rocky shores, evergreens, pristine lakes, and granite mountains, Acadia is nicknamed the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast.
Its no wonder that our first three of Maines most popular campgrounds are in this park!
1. Seawall Campground
- Location: 668 Seawall Rd., Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
- Campsites: Nearly 200 sites, including 40 RV sites , 25 tent-only sites, and 90 walk-in-only sites
- Fees: $22 for a walk-in tent site, $30 for a standard site, and $60 for a group site
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6. Lily Bay State Park Campground
- Location: 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441
- Campsites: 90 sites across two areas, including 38 waterfront sites, all semi-private tents, RVs , and group sites available
- Fees: $20 for Maine residents, $30 for non-residents
In northwest Maine, Lily Bay State Park sits 1.5 hours drive east of the Canadian border. This beautiful campground offers spacious sites that look out onto Moosehead Lake. Aside from backcountry camping in Baxter State Park or staying at the privately run Wilderness Edge Campground, this site is the closest youll get to the stunning Mt. Katahdin.
Other features:
- Picnic tables and grills located on the beach
- Winter camping allowed with reservation
7. Cobscook Bay State Park Campground
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8. Wolfes Neck Oceanfront Camping
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Hermit Island Campgroundphippsburg Maine
Hermit Island is located on the gorgeous peninsula in Small Point. With 270 campsites available to guests, including cabins, tent campsites, and pop-up sites , this campground is an excellent place to stay for access to the beaches and cliffs that pepper the coastline. Camping the Maine coast has never been easier than at Hermit Island, as they offer sites with direct ocean views and beach access, as well as sites tucked away in the deep Northern woods. Hiking trails and the small marina and wharf nearby are popular options for campers looking for daily adventures.
My family and friends have been going for years. Such a fun, laid back, rustic camping experience. Stay for a week and unplug on the beaches. Swimming, biking, hiking and boatingand so much fun for kids. The Dyrt camper Michele S.
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Wolfes Neck Oceanfront Campground
Images from The Dyrt camper Darin S.
Lauded as one of the most family-friendly campgrounds in the area, Wolfes Neck offers camping or glamping, a farm animal petting zoo , and an on-site store serving fresh flatbread. And perhaps best of all, its located just 20 minutes from Portland.
Wolfes Neck is split up between East, Middle, and West Bay camping areas. Whether youre camping in a tent or an RV will determine which area youll land in. But dont worry, no matter where you end up, youll still be surrounded by either forests, farmlands, or the ocean. Plus, the water is within walking distance.
This campground is the best of many worlds: Ocean, woods store, cafe, farm, activities, you name it. Everything was easy, including check-in, and the campsites are a perfect distance away from each other.Wendy M.
Bar Harbor Campgroundbar Harbor Maine
Image from The Dyrt camper Shari G.
Bar Harbor is a family-owned destination that bears the title of being the closest campground to the town of Bar Harbor as well as Acadia National Park, making it a premier destination for visitors hoping to get the full experience when camping the Maine coast. From oceanview sites to pull-thru RV sites to tent sites with basic amenities, Bar Harbor truly has something for everyone on the camping radar.In addition to over 100 campsites, Bar Harbor campground offers a dump station, workout facility, and even a camp store. For families and tour groups looking to get around Mount Desert Island , the Island Explorer shuttle stops at Bar Harbor campground a whopping 24 times a day. Visitors should note that Bar Harbor campground is a no reservation facility, so be sure to arrive early on popular camping weekends!
This is the only campground on Mt. Desert Island near Acadia National Park that is first come, first served. But, come early! Great campsites, lots of options for both tents and RVs, clean bathrooms, 50 cent showers, dishwashing sinks, and a playground for the kiddosit makes for an easy place to retreat to if you are visiting Acadia National Park and/or Bar Harbor. The Dyrt camper Shari G.
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Glamping Wall Tent On Organic Farm~luxury Camping
Location: Franklin, Maine
Save your pennies for visits to some of Maines best craft breweries or for some relaxing outdoor activities and stay at one of Maines best glamping destinations in Franklin. This glamping tent is located on an organic farm and is one of the most in-demand Airbnbs in Maine.
The budget-friendly stay includes a tent stay equipped with a comfortable bed, kitchen essentials, outdoor hot shower, composting toilet, outdoor seating and even heating for the cooler months. Youll be neighbors with some cute farm animals, including pigs, dogs, chickens and ducks. Franklin is just 40 minutes from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, some of Maines most popular visitor destinations.
Rejuvenate Beneath The Stars In Casco Bay
If camping beneath the Maine sky is your dream vacation, Greater Portland offers some great choices. Campgrounds in Scarborough, just a few miles south of Portland, await you. Plant your pillow on a lakeside campground or close to Scarboroughs beautiful beaches. For an oceanfront campsite, youll want to check out Freeport, north of Portland. Another option is camping near the unique and renowned Desert of Maine. Bradbury Mountain State Park, situated halfway between Portland and Lewiston, is another great option for camping. Take a hike up the glacier-formed mountain for gorgeous vistas of Casco Bay.
When youre not resting near a cozy fire, take your pick of activities like fishing, hiking or kayaking in Maines stunning bays, lakes and rivers. Many campgrounds near Portland also offer live entertainment, free beach shuttles, playgrounds and swimming pools.
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Wells Beach Resort Campgroundwells Maine
Wells Beach is located on a barrier island on the southern coast of Maine, meaning that the campground offers prime access to miles of gorgeous beaches. This campground is popular with families looking to enjoy camping the Maine coast, as its location amongst several other resorts in southern Maine provides a vacationers atmosphere thats tough to beat. The Wells Beach Resort offers pull-thru sites with full hookups as well as restrooms, a camp store, a fitness center, and a trolley at the entrance to the resort for easy access to the Wells Beach area. Kid-friendly amenities include a swimming pool, a mini golf course, two playgrounds, and a variety of sport courts for endless family fun.
Right on Rte 1, but still pretty quiet in the campground. Great location if you want to hit the beaches, Perkins cove, etc. The Dyrt camper Steve K.
The Best Places For Camping Near Portland
– Last updated: August 6, 2022
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The city of Portland, Oregon is packed with things to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away from city life and explore the great outdoors. The area surrounding Portland is stunning, and luckily, there are plenty of great campgrounds that are just a short drive away.
Whether you are looking for beautiful national forests, picturesque lakeside settings, or family-friendly sites, youll be able to find it all within just a few miles of the city limits.
Find the perfect place to pitch your tent with some of the best campgrounds near Portland.
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Winslow Park And Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Laura L.
Looking out over Casco Bay, Winslow Park and Campground actually lies within a public park. The campground includes a boat launch, a pier for fishing, and lots of benches from which to sit back and admire the ocean. Its a well-maintained campground with tons of amenities for the whole family. Freeport and Portland are close by too, in case you want a more modern diversion.
Sweet little park with lovely, open sites and views of the water. More of a neighborly experience than a wilderness outing, but a perfect getaway.Jeana W.
What Are The Top Outdoor Activities Near Portland Maine
Maine offers a diverse array of outdoor activities and pastimes, many of which are located close to Portland, if not in it. Below youll find the best things to do near Portland, Maine during your next camping trip:
Hiking
Nicknamed the Pine Tree State, Maine is well known for the hiking trails that criss-cross its extensive wilderness. Thankfully, many of these trails are less than an hour from downtown Portland, making it easy to hit the trail early and get back for some well-deserved rest. A few of our favorite hikes are Back Cove Trail , Eastern Promenade Trail , Summit Trail on Mount Bradbury, Pond Meadow Trail, Morse Mountain to Seawall Beach Trail, and the Peaks Island Loop.
Fishing
Portlands natural harbor and close proximity to freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers make it an ideal jumping off point for those looking to cast some lines. Less than 20 miles away is Maines deepest lake, Sebago, where salmon and bass love to congregate in the summer. If sea fishing is more your thing, you can charter a boat in Portlands harbor and trawl for mackerel, striped bass, and enormous bluefin tuna in Casco Bay.
Swimming
Sailing
Kayaking
Paddling around the numerous islands in Casco Bay is a popular pastime with tourists and locals alike. Guided tours leave Portland daily and take you out to some of Maines most historical sites like Fort Gorges and Peaks Island.
Surfing
Biking
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Saco / Old Orchard Beach Koa Me
Maines nickname is Vacationland for a reason New Englanders absolutely love spending their vacations in the scenic little towns dotting its southeastern coastline. Each of them has its own vibe, but all offer a level of relaxation that just cant be found anywhere else but southern Maine. When you book an RV in York County, one of the best places to camp is the Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA.
When youre RV camping at Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA, youll have access to full hookups with 50-amp electrical capacity. Sites can accommodate RV rentals of up to 65 feet in length so dont worry about going too big when youre choosing one. What really makes this such a great RV campground
Somes Sound View Campground Mount Desert Me
Acadia National Park is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi. Stay in the heart of the park at Somes Sound View Campground. The campground has more than 50 sites for tents, campers, and RVs. Enjoy the heated saltwater pool or rent a canoe or kayak and discover the beauty of the old granite quarry.
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Things To Do In Maine
Maine is known for a ton of outdoor activities, from rock climbing to hiking to fishing to whitewater rafting. The best hiking trails are located in Acadia National Park, such as the rugged Beehive Loop Trail and the family-friendly Jordan Pond Loop Trail. The Grand Lake region on the eastern coast of Maine is a massively popular fishing destination complete with coldwater and warmwater fishing activities. Around the eastern coast of Maine, one can find opportunities to fish for brook trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass. Acadia National Park offers whitewater rafting along the North Country Rivers.
Old Stage Campground Nh
In the Seacoast Region of Portsmouth, which hugs the Piscataqua River along the border with Maine.
RV camping at the Old Stage Campground is pet-friendly and accessible to even the largest rigs, with campfire rings and picnic tables available at each site. Water, 30-amp electric hookups, sewer, and cable TV are also provided, with the option for either sunny or shaded settings.
Recreational facilities at the Old Stage Campground include a swimming pool, game room, and a ping pong table, as well as basketball, volleyball, and bocce
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Oceanfront Camping At Reach Knollsbrooklin Maine
Eggemoggin Reach is the home to this well-forested campground, which offers 20-30 amp sites for both RVs and tents. This peaceful campground is located just a short walk from the water, but each site, spread evenly through the dense woods, provides its own outdoor getaway. Knolls Reach has both RV and tent sites available, as well as showers, a picnic area, and several wooded trails that provide ample opportunities for exploring the nearby coastal landmarks.
Great spot!! Friendly helpful owner, Lauri and mom, Carol. Nice layout and design with water access and nice view. Oh, and a great outdoor shower. The Dyrt camper Chuck W.
Gray Homestead Oceanfront Campgroundsouthport Maine
Image from The Dyrt camper Naomi M.
Gray Homestead includes 40 RV sites as well as seasonal campsites with premier access to the ocean and the quaint town of Boothbay Harbor. As a small, family-owned and operated camping destination, Gray Homestead is a phenomenal location for families looking for the right balance between seclusion and proximity to local Maine attractions. In addition to their RV sites, Gray Homestead offers oceanfront cottages and condos, as well as a private beach perfect for lounging or kayaking.
The beach is small but has everything you could want. Low tide is a blast rock climbing, creature hunting, sea treasure hunting, etc. High tide add jumping off of a large rock into the ocean instead of the floating dock. Your only limitation is your desire & imagination. The Dyrt camper Naomi M.
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Heading To New England
Maine is one of the states of the USA that make up the New England region. The rest being Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. This stunning part of North America is worth a road trip all of its own, and Ive got a bunch of New England travel content to get your planning started!
Waterfront Tipi Campsite // Phoenix Landing
Location: Brooks, Maine
With a perfect five-star rating from many happy Airbnb guests, this tipi in Brooks is one of the best Maine glamping offerings. The sparkling clean, boho-inspired tipi is spacious and features a full sized bed, wood stove and separate outhouse.
Wander about 100 feet down to the lake to kayak, fly fish or simply sit and enjoy the wilds of beautiful Maine. This extremely private glampsite is located in the north of Maine near to New Brunswick and even Nova Scotia. If youre a Stephen King fan, why not hop in the car and visit his hometown of Bangor? Its a pretty 40 minute drive away.
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