With a rich history of outdoor recreation, it’s unsurprising that Maine is home to hundreds of campgrounds that fill up each summer without fail. If you are looking for more than a flat patch of land, fire ring, and picnic table, book a site at one these unique Maine campgrounds that offer beautiful views and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Big Eddy Campground | Millinocket

Set on the Golden Road along the shores of the Penobscot River, Big Eddy Campground is the perfect jumping-off point to explore one of Maine’s wildest areas. Run by the Chewonki Foundation, the campground has a long history as a fishing camp and is named for a section of the river famous for harboring landlocked salmon. If fishing isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of hiking opportunities close by (with just a 15-mile drive to Baxter State Park’s southern entrance) as well as rafting, canoeing, and kayaking outlets to rent from. Featuring primitive tent sites (mostly next to the river), four large cabins, two cozy cabins, and a limited number of RV spots, Big Eddy offers a camping experience for every type of camper. $15–$60 per night, bigeddy.chewonki.org

Cobscook Bay State Park | Edmunds Township

Known for its dramatic tides of up to 28 feet, Cobscook Bay State Park offers some of the most gorgeous oceanside vistas in Maine to wake up to. Many of the 106 campsites for tents and RVs have water views. In addition to a 1.75-mile hiking trail and access to clamming (for those interested in hunting for their food), this is a perfect base camp for exploring the easternmost part of Maine, including Lubec, Eastport, the newly opened Cobscook Shores parklands, the Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land, and the reversing falls in Pembroke. $20 for Maine residents, $30 for others, maine.gov

Duck Harbor Campground | Isle Au Haut

For campers looking to get far off the beaten track while enjoying breathtaking ocean views, Duck Harbor is the campground for you. Part of Acadia National Park, the five lean-to sites on Isle au Haut are accessible by a mailboat ferry that travels from Stonington. While not for the faint of heart, experienced campers and backpackers will find themselves right at home in this tiny campground, which offers access to miles of hiking trails and is a great launch point for sea kayaking adventures. $20, nps.gov

Lily Bay State Park | Beaver Cove

An ideal gateway on Moosehead Lake, Lily Bay State Park offers water access of all kinds with a swimming beach, a boat launch, plenty of fishing spots, and a two-mile trail along the shore. Featuring 90 campsites for tents and RVs, most of which are within walking distance to the water, the campground is popular with campers who bring their own canoes and kayaks to explore Maine’s largest lake. Plus, more adventurous campers can boat out to Mount Kineo to trek the hiking trails and get a view of the famed 700-foot cliffs. $20 for Maine residents, $30 for others, maine.gov

Sagadahoc Bay Campground | Georgetown

With 1,200 feet of ocean frontage and easy water access, Sagadahoc Bay Campground in Georgetown provides picturesque campsites and quiet coastal excursions. Hosting a range of tent and RV sites (most of which have ocean views) as well as several cottages, the campground is popular for swimming, sea kayaking, fishing, and clamming. Plus, if you’re feeling fancy, live or cooked lobster can be delivered to your site. Note: All campers are required to be vaccinated and to have received a booster to make a reservation for the 2022 season. $42–$165, sagbaycamping.com

Schoodic Woods Campground | Winter Harbor

Opened in 2015 as part of Acadia National Park, Schoodic Woods Campground expanded the park’s border onto the mainland. Featuring 89 sites for tents, car camping, and RVs, including nine that are only accessible via boat or hiking in, Schoodic Woods is a great basecamp for exploring the dramatic, rocky shores of the Schoodic Peninsula—and beating the typical Acadia crowds while you’re at it. $22–$60, nps.gov

South Branch Pond Campground | Millinocket

While South Branch Pond is the largest campground in Baxter State Park, it may not be on your radar if you have your sights set on hiking Katahdin. However, if you want to avoid the crowds flocking to Maine’s tallest peak, South Branch offers access to day hikes ranging from a half-mile long to an 11-mile mountain loop, plus access to ponds in the Fowler region. With 21 tent sites, 12 lean-tos, a bunkhouse that can sleep up to eight people, canoe rentals, and access to multiple ponds for swimming, this spot provides the best of roughing it in Maine. $22–$142, baxterstatepark.org

Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve | Oquossoc

Although many campgrounds around Maine (and on this list) offer access to showers, electricity, and sites for RVs, Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve Wilderness Camping stays true to Maine’s roots of enjoying the great outdoors sans creature comforts. Each of the campground’s 67 campsites have water views and access, and many of them are on small islands sprinkled throughout Mooselookmeguntic Lake (including one island with only one campsite, if you’re looking for total privacy). $25 for two people, $10 for each additional adult, $5 for children and dogs, stephenphillipswildernesscamping.com

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