Maine is one of the most rural states in the US, with vast open spaces dedicated to wilderness and a truly awesome coastline. The coastal area is sought after in summer months, and Maine State Parks camping is a great bargain for summer travel. The challenge is avoiding crowds in summer, or taking a risk in Spring and Fall where overnight stays can get a bit chilly.
The best lodging values are found in US National Forests, National Parks, and State Parks. For this article, we’ve chosen four campgrounds out of Maine’s 36 total state parks, to showcase just some of the highlights of Maine State Parks camping.
Rangeley Lake State Park Campground
Rangeley Lake State Park, situated near the New Hampshire border, is one of Maine’s most natural state parks. It is definitely one of those spots where its isolation is also one of its key benefits. The boundaries of this state park are home to black bears and moose, and it borders Rangeley Lake where many of the campsites can be reserved. This park is fabulous for quiet camping, as well as swimming and hiking around Saddleback Mountain.
Lamoine State Park
Lamoine State Park is a unique coastal state park just minutes from the uber-popular Acadia National Park. This park wraps around the scenic Maine shoreline, and the tent cabins available at this Maine State Park campground are a cozy way to enjoy the surroundings. Nearby you can easily cross the bridge to Mt. Desert Island, home to the stunning wonder of Acadia National Park and the quaint town of Bar Harbor. This park offers hiking trails and several semi-primitive campsites as well as open-faced shelters.
Peaks-Kenny State Park
Peaks-Kenny State Park is a fabulous destination for swimming, with a sandy beach on the southern shore of Sebec Lake. Plus, with over 800 acres to roam, the scenery and wildlife sightings alone can keep you entertained for days. There are 56 developed campsites here. Peaks-Kenny takes some effort to reach, as it's located smack-dab in the middle of the state. But don’t let the trip deter you from visiting, the destination is well worth the travel time.
Mount Blue State Park
Mount Blue State Park is one of the largest in Maine, at nearly 7,500 acres. It offers 136 campsites and is open year round. This destination makes the list for Maine State Parks camping for its variety of summer and winter activities, and an extensive trail system. In summer, the swimming beach offers plenty of space, even when the park is at peak visitation. Mount Blue is located in western Maine, near the town of Weld, where it sits on the edge of scenic Webb Lake.