Camping in Maine

[happily single]

i can't believe I am even asking about camping!

But..I would like to go camping for 1-2 nights in Maine in early July. I am looking for somewhere very private with views of mountains or water if possible.

Any suggestions?

 

[bcla]

Well - very private and great views is sort of something that don't generally go together unless you're talking about some expensive private retreat. Maybe if you go backpacking.

 

[Westcoastwild]

I haven't been yet but given my research, I'd go as far north as possible. Acadia and points north. and even then I'm not sure private is really an achievable thing. The harder to reach though- such as walk in camping or further out islands- the fewer people. There are some really great looking waterfront campgrounds, but they won't be private at all. There are some kayak-in campgrounds which would be great fun...if you like kayaking and don't mind a lack of toilets or any other amenities.

I guess what I'm wondering...is how rustic do you want to go? Your post doesn't really make you sound like a hard core camper. I like developed campgrounds. They aren't private but a shower and flush toilets is not something I consider optional.

The trouble is, the harder to reach means the longer it takes you to go there!

 

[happily single]

I haven't been yet but given my research, I'd go as far north as possible. Acadia and points north. and even then I'm not sure private is really an achievable thing. The harder to reach though- such as walk in camping or further out islands- the fewer people. There are some really great looking waterfront campgrounds, but they won't be private at all. There are some kayak-in campgrounds which would be great fun...if you like kayaking and don't mind a lack of toilets or any other amenities.

I guess what I'm wondering...is how rustic do you want to go? Your post doesn't really make you sound like a hard core camper. I like developed campgrounds. They aren't private but a shower and flush toilets is not something I consider optional.

The trouble is, the harder to reach means the longer it takes you to go there!

Thanks for the reply. I consider The Wilderness Lodge camping lol. But my bf enjoys camping and I would like to surprise him. Since it is for only 1-2 nights showers are too important.

 

[bcla]

Thanks for the reply. I consider The Wilderness Lodge camping lol. But my bf enjoys camping and I would like to surprise him. Since it is for only 1-2 nights showers are too important.

Maybe you can split the difference with a rustic cabin. The issue is that any actual tent/RV campground with the kind of views you're talking about would probably be popular and most definitely not come with any kind of privacy. You can search for cabin rentals in Maine. That might give you more options for something that's more private.

 

[Westcoastwild]

I think cabin rental would be a great idea then. For one thing- no set up, which I don't mind but don't consider worth doing for 1 or two nights.

Sort of a wild idea- I don't know how cheap you are going for but you could consider and overnight tour with a company like this one, as long as money is not an issue-

https://mainekayak.com/kayaking-trips/sea-kayaking/island-camping-sea-kayak-trips/

(If you are going for super cheap though, I think you'll have to give up on views or privacy. Maine is seriously expensive during high season. Even developed campgrounds are not really cheap, and any kind of lodging is definitely not what I'd consider cheap. I am splurging a little because I don't find budget hotels/cabins to be worth what they charge, so I'm going whole hog in a few places).

It hasn't got privacy but searsport oceanfront campground has waterfront campsites and lobster bakes every Saturday night during summer if I remember right. If I had been able to go in July, that would be my top pick. But like I said, I like amenities. It's, um, also the same price as fort wilderness almost, so your definition of cheap might not be mine lol.

 

[HeatherC]

Hermit Island Campground. Beautiful spot. Rustic, but beautiful.

 

[dish rag]

Mt Desert Island.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I know nothing about Maine and camping but this looks gorgeous! It is roughing it though. No electricity.

https://visitmaine.com/organization/moose-mountain-cabin/?uid=vtmA37BF1F15A91E3AA7

 

[3boymthr]

If you are up for an adventure you could consider going white water rafting on the Kennebec river. Many of the outfitters have rustic cabins or platform tents.

ETA - if you strictly wish to go camping you could try the Oceanside KOA on Mt Desert Island - super close to Acadia National Park. They have waterfront sites. Pricey but beautiful views of the ocean. (there are two KOAs so you want to make sure to book Oceanside). You do need to bring a screen house though - there can be lots of mosquitos. If the views of the ocean found in Bar Habor and acadia National Park are enough then Hadley's Point Campground is busy but very very nice. Clean showers and toilets.

 

[Pooh2]

Hermit Island Campground. Beautiful spot. Rustic, but beautiful.

One of our favorite spots on the planet!!
Ocean front campsites and harbor view campsites are awesome!

 

[HeatherC]

One of our favorite spots on the planet!!
Ocean front campsites and harbor view campsites are awesome!

Mine too. That's why I mentioned it. Grew up camping there for two weeks every summer. The place never changes. Which is what makes it so special.

 

[DopeyDame]

If you are up for an adventure you could consider going white water rafting on the Kennebec river. Many of the outfitters have rustic cabins or platform tents.

ETA - if you strictly wish to go camping you could try the Oceanside KOA on Mt Desert Island - super close to Acadia National Park. They have waterfront sites. Pricey but beautiful views of the ocean. (there are two KOAs so you want to make sure to book Oceanside). You do need to bring a screen house though - there can be lots of mosquitos. If the views of the ocean found in Bar Habor and acadia National Park are enough then Hadley's Point Campground is busy but very very nice. Clean showers and toilets.

We stayed at the Oceanside KOA in one of their cabins last summer. It was amazing and truly one of my favorite family vacations. But it is the exact opposite of private. The tent/RV spaces are packed on top of each other and the cabins have only slightly more room between one another.
I would *highly* recommend it for a family vacation, but it's not a quiet, remote, private retreat.

 

[happily single]

If you are up for an adventure you could consider going white water rafting on the Kennebec river. Many of the outfitters have rustic cabins or platform tents.

ETA - if you strictly wish to go camping you could try the Oceanside KOA on Mt Desert Island - super close to Acadia National Park. They have waterfront sites. Pricey but beautiful views of the ocean. (there are two KOAs so you want to make sure to book Oceanside). You do need to bring a screen house though - there can be lots of mosquitos. If the views of the ocean found in Bar Habor and acadia National Park are enough then Hadley's Point Campground is busy but very very nice. Clean showers and toilets.

haha. No, no, no white water rafting, kayaking, etc. we are NOT adventerous!

 

[happily single]

I know nothing about Maine and camping but this looks gorgeous! It is roughing it though. No electricity.

https://visitmaine.com/organization/moose-mountain-cabin/?uid=vtmA37BF1F15A91E3AA7

This looks purrfect! Thank you

 

[leebee]

Search for campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, Trenton, and BarHarbor. There are quite a few campground at the head of the island, in addition to the KOA mentioned previously. There are also many cabins. Price will be lower if you are not right in Bar Harbor, but there's an Island bus service that'll take you to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, etc. http://exploreacadia.com