Maine RV Camping and Campgrounds

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Recreational Vehicle Camping in Maine

Maine has wonderful RV camping locations throughout the state. Private RV parks and public campgrounds offer facilities from full service RV resorts to primitive campsites. Limited free dispersed camping (boondocking) is available on National Forest lands.

Free RV camping ideas follow Maine RV camping resources.

Maine Resources for RV Camping Information

Private RV Parks - Research tools for finding the best RV parks and campgrounds in Maine.

National Park Service - NPS information about National Park Service administered lands and camping in Maine.
US Forest Service - USFS information about the USDA White Mountain National Forest in Maine. Free dispersed camping as well as developed campgrounds.
US Fish and Wildlife Service - FWS information about National Wildlife Refuges in Maine.

Maine State Tourism Website - Where to go, and what to do in Maine. Includes campgrounds.
State Parks - More than just state parks, Maine offers remote camping on "Public Reserved Land". Thousands of acres of remote public lands are available for outdoor recreation. Scroll down on the state web page for maps and search options.

Camping Reservations - Maine Federal Campground Reservations
Maine State Camping Reservations - Reserved camping in Maine's many state parks.

Current Weather - From the National Weather Service.
Historical Weather - Includes monthly average highs, lows, mean temperature, GPS locations and elevation.

RV Dump Stations

RV Dump Stations - Places to dump in Maine.

Sanidumps.com - Places to dump in Maine listed by town.

RV Camping pages with more information

USFS (US Forest Service) - Describes USFS policies and rules about RV camping. Information about dispersed camping, and tips on how to find great free RV camping sites.
NPS (National Park Service) - General information about RV camping and campgrounds in US National Parks. With campgrounds in the most historic and scenic places in the country, the NPS offers some of the best places for RV camping.
Boondocking Section has more information about finding remote free RV camping locations.

We recommend the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer to help find RV camping locations. This Maine topographic atlas offers comprehensive detail including trails, back country roads, lakes and streams, boat ramps, forests, wetlands, campgrounds, public lands, and hunting and fishing locations. Information about family trips, wilderness outing possibilities, and more are included. Put that together with DeLorme Topo 6.0 Software and you have a versatile set of research tools to find the best campsites in Maine.

Maine Free Camping

Free camping is available throughout public land managed by the USDA Forest Service and Maine State Reserved Land. Click on the links above for information about free dispersed RV camping (boondocking). Some parts of the country call this "car camping".

Here's a list of places to consider when looking for a free overnight RV camping or parking location in Maine. We always recommend asking for overnight RV parking permission when looking for a free spot to spend the night. The smaller your RV, the better chances you will have finding places to stay if you choose not to ask permission. If you don't ask permission, you end up "sneaking" into places and hoping nobody bothers you or issues you a trespassing ticket before you move on.

Be smart and Be Safe...Ask Permission!

Truck Stops - Asking permission is usually not a requirement Be considerate of the big rigs!
Walmart - Not all stores in Maine allow overnight RV parking due to city ordinances. Check store for policy. Nightclubs - Had one too many or just pretending?
Grain Elevators - Ask where you can park your RV out of the way for the night.
Fraternal Organizations - VFW, Elks etc. may allow members free overnight RV camping.
Cemetery - Sounds creepy to us, but we've also heard they may have water available.
Fairgrounds - State and County facilities may allow RV camping when not otherwise in use.
Parks - City, County, State, and Community parks often have free RV camping.
Churches - You can almost make "reservations" by calling ahead for permission.
Hotel Parking Lots - Assuming a nightclub/bar is inside, had one too many or just pretending?
Truck Terminals - Parking areas for large trucks might allow you free RV camping permission
RV Dealers - Pretty brave to us, but you could fit right in.
Cracker Barrel - These nationwide restaurants usually allow free overnight RV parking.
Movie Theaters - Too tired to drive home after the late show? Highway
Rest Areas - All rest areas allow a few hours of free RV parking, but noisy.
Drive In Movies - Got a small RV, park in the back row and enjoy the show. Fell asleep by accident right?
Vehicle Repair Shops - Need to see the repairman first thing in the morning?
Big Box Retailers - Kmart, Best Buy, Sams Club often allow free RV camping.
Roadside Parks & Picnic Areas - The early day version of the rest area.

As you can see, there are a lot of free RV camping and parking possibilities in Maine. This RV camping and parking list only scratches the surface of possibilities. If you are not asking permission, it's best to keep a very low profile. If your RV has slide outs, jacks and TV antennas, don't use them so as not to draw attention to yourself. Consider your surroundings carefully and if you feel uncomfortable with the area, move somewhere else.

Maine Public Campgrounds

Thousands of campsites are available for RV camping at public campgrounds throughout Maine. Arcadia National Park alone has over 500 campsites, most suitable for recreational vehicles. The following list of is only an example of the available public campgrounds available in Maine.

BAR HARBOR Bar Harbor Camping Location Map

Arcadia National Park offers over 500 campsites, many first come first serve. This popular park hosts over 2 million visitors each year. Activities include camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

BEDDINGTON Beddington Camping Location Map

Remotely located, Duck Lake Reserved Land offers RV camping. Boating, fishing, and hiking are only some of the outdoor activities available.

BETHEL

The USDA has several developed campgrounds suitable for RV camping. The Hastings Campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, hiking and biking.

FRYEBURG

Reservations are available at the Cold River Campground. Hiking, biking, boating, fishing, fire rings, and picnic tables.

The Basin Campground offers biking, boating, fishing, fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilet and more. Reservations accepted.

PRESQUE ISLE Presque Isle Camping Location Map

Aroostook State Park offers RV and tent camping with activities for the whole family. Reservations available.

Public lands offer great RV camping in Maine, and Federal, state, and private campgrounds have basic service camping such as picnic tables and fire rings, to full hookup RV resorts. Use the links to the public lands websites above for specific information about camping and public lands access. Research and explore, and you should have no trouble finding the best RV campsites.