If you’re looking for a way to stretch your legs, get a lot of fresh air, and beat the heat of summer on the east coast, Maine has to be on your list. You will find plenty of hiking, from family-friendly to rugged, fresh and saltwater swimming and fishing, and lots of wildlife to observe.

Freshwater Lakes in the North

1.  Eagle Lake

 

South of the Canadian border is the Eagle Lake Sporting Camps. This region offers cabins in a wide variety of sizes in a lush forest that will allow you to time travel. Many of these cabins are open all year round, so if you love to watch the leaves change color, this is your spot! Bring a fishing pole and your binoculars. The birds up here are abundant.

2.   Long Lake

 

Whether you like to tent camp, RV, or stay in a cabin, you can find a spot for yourself and your clan on Mud Lake in the Water’s Edge RV Park. This park offers a party side if you need some connection and a quiet side that will allow you to relax more deeply. You can also migrate!

Unique Topography of Central Maine

When we think of Maine, we think of lighthouses and sea spray. However, you will also find great beauty and peace further inland.

3.   Main Peaks Kenny State Park

 

Looking for a solo camp where you can rest your spirit? Main Peaks Kenny State Park offers a glamping site just for you. There is fishing, hiking, and just hanging out, watching the trees, and listening to the birds.

4.   Legacy Acres Farmstead

 

If a small tent just doesn’t work for you and your clan, consider glamping in Maine at the Legacy Acres Farmstead. You’ll be close to a meadow and a pond so the birds can help you start your day.

5.   Naughty Pines

 

If you’ve never been camping, you may have worried about the cost of gear. With a great glamping site like the one at Naughty Pines, the investment is made, and you can learn your way around a camp kitchen without having to store it all! You’ll also find great river hikes and a spot to bathe in the forest.

Head to the Central Coast

6.   Sebago Lake Campgrounds

 

Just west of Portland, you’ll find Sebago Lake Campgrounds. You’ll find plenty of fishing, hiking, and woodland with a major city nearby for supplies.

7.   Agassiz Village Summer Camp

 

At the southern end of Thompson Lake is Agassiz Village Summer Camp. This region is loaded with interesting hikes, long stretches of undisturbed forest for a bit of privacy, and great swimming and fishing. Take care to follow all rules about packing in and packing out as the wildlife are abundant!

8.   Range Pond Campground

 

Your stay in Maine may include a bit of glamping in a rented RV. If you’ve never managed such a big vehicle, the pull-thru sites at Range Pond can reduce your stress and your setup time so you can easily relax or join up for a big group activity.

Northwestern Maine

9.   The North Branch

 

If you love a bit of quiet and some stargazing, the North Branch campsite near Eustis is for you! You’ll be fairly close to the Vermont border and buried in the trees. There’s a small lake nearby for bird watching and very little light pollution.

10.   Aziscoos Valley Camping

 

If roughing it in a tent sounds awesome to you but you also long for a table to cook on, the Aziscoos Valley Camping region is ideally suited. There are full hook-ups for RVs and tent sites for those who like things a bit more rustic, but all sites have a table.

11.   The Last Resort

 

If you’ve ever longed to stay in a log cabin, the Last Resort is the spot for you. Bring binoculars, your camera, and your hiking shoes. This is a gorgeous spot to celebrate the end of the summer season!

Get to the Southern Coast

12.   Forest Ridge Campground

 

Forest Ridge is the place to see the spring open up and the leaves change. You’ll be 30 minutes from Acadia National Park and in one of the quietest campgrounds in Maine. If you need a break from the bustle, stay here!

13.   Bass Harbor Campground

 

If you love the scent of the sea, you can find a lovely spot at Bass Harbor Campground. You’ll be just south of Bar Harbor, so take a day and visit the shops before returning to your camp. Get in a walk and go see the lighthouse!

14.   Head Beach Campground

 

Just south of Brunswick, Maine, you’ll find the Head Beach Campground and Cottages. Stay within a hike of the water, enjoy your time in a tiny cottage on the sea, and relax.

 

15.   Pinederosa Campground

 

At the southern edge of the Maine coast, you’ll find the Pinederosa Campground. There are many tent sites and utilities as needed, but if you’re looking for a place to disconnect and get off the grid, Pinederosa is your spot!