I understand. You love Acadia’s rugged coastlines and granite lookouts but want fewer crowds. Consider Maine’s “little Acadia,” Camden Hills State Park.
Perching over Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay is a perfect destination. Camden Hills State Park is a quieter, smaller version of that classic Maine experience. Camden Hills gives you the same “mountains-meet-the-sea” vibe without the Acadia traffic. It’s perfect for RVers who want dramatic views, short hikes, and easy access to a charming coastal town.
A quick overview
Camden Hills State Park is located about two miles north of downtown Camden on U.S. Route 1. The park headquarters and main campground entrance are on Belfast Road. This beautiful state park contains roughly 5,700 acres of woods, ridgelines, and coastal views.
Why is this park often called “little Acadia”? Camden Hills delivers coastal granite outcrops, island-dotted ocean views, and a dense trail network quite similar to Acadia. The park’s just on a smaller scale and usually with less traffic.
RVers love Camden Hills
Why have RVers come to love Camden Hills State Park? There are lots of reasons! You can walk to epic lookouts without long drives. The park offers short but rewarding hikes that put you on panoramic overlooks within minutes.
In addition, Camden’s restaurants, galleries, and harbor activities are an easy drive, so you can mix outdoor days with cozy evenings in town.
The campground
The Camden Hills State Park campground contains about 107 sites of varying sizes (some can accommodate rigs in the 35’–40′ range). A portion of sites offer water and electric hookups, and many sites are back-in on a hillside setting. There are flush restrooms, hot showers, and a dump station on site. Reservations are handled through Maine’s camping reservation system. Here’s a map of the campground. (pdf)
Note: While some “U” or XL sites can handle larger rigs (40’+ reported), the campground is hilly. In addition, many pads are gravel and not perfectly level. If your RV is large, pick sites near the front field if you need easier access, along with level sites. Or call park reservations to confirm which sites match your rig length. Summer: 207-236-3109. Winter: 207-236-0849.
Nearby RV parks
Below are three privately owned campground options if you prefer alternate campground styles.
Sea Swell. Camden Hills/Camden Hills Campground (Rockport)
Located right in Rockport, this Sea Swell property offers a convenient private alternative to the state campground. You’ll find full or partial hookups, heated pools, sports courts, laundry, and planned activities. Sea Swell is pet-friendly and has a store, too. Check out its resort-style amenities and more here.
Megunticook Campground (Rockport)
Another Sea Swell property in Rockport, with a focus on easy access to coastal attractions, Megunticook Campground offers a nice balance of services and nature. This campground features both full and partial hookups, some pull-through sites, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Visitors report level campsites.
Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort (Belfast/Belfast area)
If you choose Moorings Oceanfront, expect dramatic bay views and ocean access. This privately run resort is just a short drive north of Camden. Great if oceanfront parking, full hookups, and on-site conveniences are priorities. Bonus: Many sites have unobstructed Penobscot Bay views.
More oceanfront options
Note: If you want even more oceanfront options, Searsport Shores Oceanfront Campground and Lobster Buoy Campsites are also nearby coastal choices popular with RVers and families.
Planning tips
• Reserve early for summer weekends. Camden is a popular Mid-Coast destination. State and private sites fill up fast in July/August.
• Bring leveling gear and long sewer hoses. Some sites require extra hose and leveling gear because many pads are gravel on a hill.
• Check entry/day-use fees and gate hours. Maine Parks posts seasonal changes. The park gate may close for winter or staffing reasons.
• Wildlife and ticks. Use standard Maine trail precautions (e.g., tick repellent) on brushy or wooded trails.
Have you RVed in Maine or at Camden Hills? Tell us about it using the comments below.
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RVT1232
Same deal at Big Bend National Park. Stay in Terlingua outside the west entrance. FHU RV specific sites with amazing views. Easy (free with our senior pass) access to the park. Terlingua is a busy ghost town (yes something of an oxymoron) with a lot of history and some unique restaurants with great food.
Thanks, good to know about. I had one disastrous visit to Acadia NP and nothing would get me to use their campground again.
What, when and where? When posting a critical comment some info on why would be helpful.