Best Campgrounds in Maine: 2026 Guide
Acadia's granite coast, North Woods silence, and island camping by ferry
Maine is the wildest state east of the Mississippi. Acadia National Park draws millions to its granite headlands and ocean-crashing surf, but the camping goes far deeper: Isle au Haut offers ferry-access island camping in one of the most remote corners of the national park system. The White Mountain National Forest extends into Maine's western mountains with quiet campgrounds along mountain streams. And the North Woods — millions of acres of spruce, moose, and lakes — remain one of the last great wildernesses in the eastern United States.
Why Maine Stands Out
Acadia is the anchor. The Schoodic Peninsula — the park's quieter mainland section — offers modern camping with none of Mount Desert Island's summer crowds. Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut requires a ferry from Stonington and limits visitors to a handful of lean-to shelters, creating one of the most exclusive camping experiences in the national park system. Western Maine's portion of the White Mountain National Forest adds mountain-stream camping that connects to New Hampshire's trail network. The combination of ocean, island, and mountain camping in a single state is uniquely Maine.
Top Campgrounds to Explore
Schoodic Woods Campground
On the Schoodic Peninsula of Acadia National Park, this modern campground offers the Acadia experience without the Mount Desert Island crowds. Reservations release monthly six months ahead.
Duck Harbor Campground
On Isle au Haut, a rugged island off Stonington accessible only by ferry. One of the most remote and sought-after camping experiences in the national park system — reservations open April 1st.
Hastings Campground
On Route 113 near Evans Brook in western Maine's portion of the White Mountain National Forest. Rustic and remote, with hiking, fishing, and mountain solitude near the New Hampshire border.
Planning Tips
Maine camping peaks from late June through mid-September. Acadia campgrounds — especially Schoodic Woods — sell out fast; set calendar reminders for the monthly reservation drops. Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut requires planning months ahead due to ferry schedules and extremely limited capacity. Fall foliage in late September through early October is spectacular. Blackflies are notorious from late May through June; July and August are more comfortable. Maine nights are cool even in summer — bring warm layers. The water never gets truly warm; wetsuits help for ocean kayaking.
Find More
Browse all Maine campgrounds on our Maine camping page, or explore the full campground directory to plan your next trip.
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