No Miss Camping in Maine

[Black_Fly]

After our shake down trip to GA, the wife and I are ready to go camping in Maine. We don’t want to do the sardine can campgrounds, therefore I’m hoping Mainers here will suggest routes and campgrounds that won’t disappoint.

Day trip paddling opportunities are welcome, but we really want to see the coastal sights, as well as the inland mountains, lakes and rivers. Trails, sightseeing and scenery are the priorities, and good local food is always welcome. We can go self-contained, don’t need showers, electric and water hookups, playgrounds, or paved roads. If you don’t want to post your suggestions publicly, you can DM me in confidence. I’ll look up suggestions and see when/if reservations are possible.

We were WAY too late to get prime spots this trip. October used to mean uncrowded camping. With a year to plan (next Fall), I’m hoping we can build the bucket list trip of a lifetime!

I’m searching previous posts for ideas also.

Thanks for your help,
Tony

 

[Erica]

Many, many years ago we were car camping and spent a night or two in a commercial campground. The proprietor came along and wanted to know if ewe wanted any lobsters. He would buy them, steam them and deliver to the campsite. That was great.

We used the Delorne maps for Maine to find hidden campsites.

Then, there is always Poland Pond. Accessible by road. One campsite, a nice one, on the island.

 

[Boatman53]

Buy a Maine gazetteer, lots of things to plan a trip.
If you are in the Rockland area let me know and we can get some lobsters.
Jim

 

[Black_Fly]

Buy a Maine gazetteer, lots of things to plan a trip.
If you are in the Rockland area let me know and we can get some lobsters.
Jim

I do have a 2007 Gazetteer and some river guides. 20 years ago I was planning a long river trip. My general plan now is to make a circuit route, catching some uncrowded coastal areas with lighthouses and scenic shorelines and towns, then head north and back west to camp on lakes and streams. I feel like we need some destination camps to build around.

 

[Alan Gage]

I haven't been there in 20 years but the reversing falls in Pembroke has a little used and free campsite in a nice location. You could easily set up camp and spend a few days day tripping from there. I liked that part of the coast the two times I went to Maine. Quiet and not a touristy feel at all. Like I said, that was 20 years ago though.

Alan

 

[Robin]

I’m not too familiar with campgrounds here in Maine but Camden Hills State Park is close to some nice attractions and has nice sites from what I have heard. Cobscook Bay is nice, I have been there, nicely spaced sites and those big tides are interesting.
Third Machias Lake has a couple of nice spots to camp with a trailer at the put in, as does Second Machias Lake and First Machias Lakes, all free camping and decent paddling.
Unfortunately many of the free sites seem to have vacant trailers parked at them this time of year to guarantee a spot for the November 1st opening day of deer season.

 

[ppine]

Rangely Lakes were like a dream in 1958 and 1960 doing family trips on Lake Cupsuptic. We rented an aluminum fishing boat and had it on shore next to the campsite. I did a honeymoon there in 1972 but have never been back since.