Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV, with over 20 years of travel industry experience, and is actively involved in campground associations including RVIA’s Go RV’ing committee. National landmarks are always a stopping point on his camping adventures that span from coast-to-coast.
10 Maine Destinations to See in an RV
Driving along a scenic coastline, exploring parks and hiking trails and discovering a beautiful lake for boating or fishing are part of the adventure of vacationing in an RV. Maine offers all of those attractions and more, making it a favorite among RV travelers. Here are ten destinations in Maine to see in your RV.
1. Bristol and Pemaquid Point
One of the most spectacular examples of Maine’s Atlantic Coast can be found on the Pemaquid Peninsula, about sixty miles north of Portland. The town of Bristol is a collection of five villages filled with historic sites, Atlantic views and coastal Maine hospitality. Be sure to visit the lighthouse at Pemaquid Point, the 17th century fishing village unearthed at the Colonial Pemaquid site and the reconstruction of Fort William Henry.
2. Moosehead Lake Region
Moosehead Lake serves as a gateway to Maine’s Great North Woods. The vast mountain lake offers campers tree-lined hiking trails, cruises on a historic steamship and the ability to canoe or kayak. Campgrounds in secluded spots like Seboomook and Abbot feature easy access to fly fishing streams, hundreds of miles of trails and the stunning beauty of Moosehead Lake.
3. Acadia National Park
If you long to see a place where the mountains rush down to the sea, a trip to Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor should be on your camping schedule. You can hike on over 120 trails, bike historic carriage roads, take a guided tour or enjoy the views from Cadillac Mountain*. RV insider tip: camp at Schoodic Point and then take the Island Explorer bus system to discover the highlights in and around the national park.
4. Baxter State Park
This 200,000-acre wilderness is the place to be for active RV travelers. Hiking trails, including the final stretch of the Appalachian Trail, crisscross the park. Trails on Mount Katahdin promise views of waterfalls, wildlife and miles of open wilderness.
5. Old Orchard Beach
For the full Southern Maine beach experience, set up camp at one of the large RV resorts in Old Orchard Beach and then take the beach shuttle to seven miles of unspoiled beachfront. You’ll also want to visit the town’s beachfront amusement park and bustling pier.
6. Sebago Lake
Beautiful Sebago Lake promises both luxury RV resorts and state park camping. Activities there include golfing, kayaking, hiking and exploring charming lakeside villages, in addition to boating and fishing.
7. Scarborough Marsh
A convenient RV campground near the state’s largest salt marsh allows you to explore the waterways by canoe or kayak. When you’ve paddled to your heart’s content, stop and take a guided tour or make your way south for a visit to Scarborough Beach State Park.
8. Greater Portland
Sometimes it’s nice to camp near a city where shopping, dining and attractions are within easy reach. Portland welcomes RV travelers to explore the Old Port area—take a sightseeing or charter fishing cruise in Casco Bay and get to know the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Camping in nearby Freeport or Durham keeps you close to the city while providing easy access to outdoor activities.
9. Androscoggin Lake
The Dead River/Androscoggin Lake area just west of Augusta is a bass fishing paradise. Whether you’re hoping to catch a trophy-size bass or paddle a quiet river, this is the place to set up camp. Most lakeside campgrounds feature boat launches, so bring your bass boat or kayak and enjoy your time on the water.
10. Aroostook County
Tucked against the Canadian border in Northern Maine is a region filled with lakes, thousands of acres of wilderness and plenty of outdoor recreation possibilities. Guided fishing and paddling excursions are particularly popular in the area, so be sure to book yours before your come. You’ll find picturesque Aroostook County campgrounds in towns like Presque Isle, Houlton and Island Falls.
Maine’s stunning attractions and the variety of regions allow you to have a different experience every time you travel across the state. Do yourself a favor, fellow campers, and start planning your Maine RV camping vacation now.
*From May 26 through Oct 19, vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road between sunrise and sunset.