Discover the best private sites lakeside campgrounds in Maine

United States
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Maine

100% (432 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Maine

Dog-friendly getaways

9 top lakeside campgrounds in Maine

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Slippery Rock Trails LLC

6 sites · Lodging, Tents400 acres · Greene, ME

Forty five years ago, our family started assembling 400 acres of woods and fields on the banks of the beautiful Androscoggin River. We enjoy actively managing the property for wildlife habitat and tree growth. The diverse landscape includes over 1/2 a mile of river frontage, a 10 acre wildlife pond, rolling hills in the meadows and steep forested terrain with more than 10 miles of multi-use trails running throughout. Our lands have long been open to local hikers, bikers and cross country skiers, we are excited to share this beautiful property with a larger community. Scout for wildlife and birds, on our private 400 acres of forests and fields. Tire yourself by hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing the 10 miles of private trails. Located across the river from Riverlands State Park, just minutes from Lewiston-Auburn, Bates College, local breweries and just 2 1/2 hours from Boston. Wildlife abounds both on the property and across the river at Androscoggin Riverlands State Park.Quite often, a gentle breeze off the water will offer relief from black flies and mosquitoes, but the right bug repellent is recommended especially to fend off those pesky ticks that are so common in Maine.

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Wakefield Wildlife Sanctuary

2 sites · Lodging113 acres · Gardiner, ME

The Wakefield Wildlife Sanctuary was generously bequeathed to the Kennebec Land Trust in November 2016 upon owner Kendra Wakefield Shaw’s passing. Its 108-acres feature historic cabins and 4000 feet of frontage on Cobbossee Stream in West Gardiner. The property’s coniferous and deciduous woods, vernal pools, and marshlands are important habitat for many species of birds, mammals, and plants. In 2018, the Maine Cabin Masters renovated two of the stream-side cabins, which now serve as rustic getaways for Hipcampers and the like. A small dock and canoes are available for use on the wide and deep flatwater stream! *NEW 2024 - A dock has been added to cabin 2, so each cabin now has it's own private dock. Please carry-out your trash after your stay. Thank you! Due to the sensitive wildlife habitat - no dogs are allowed at either cabin. If you're interested in staying a full week at the cabins, please message us directly for availability. Kennebec Land Trust members receive a 10% discount on reservations. Not a member? Visit the KLT website to join and find more information about the Wakefield Wildlife Sanctuary Cabin, including a full list of what is provided. Your membership confirmation email will include your discount code. Thank you!

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Jam Brook Farmstead Woodworking+Sew

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Searsmont, ME

Jam Brook Farm is a growing farmstead with a sewing studio and wood shop. We love hosting international friends and those on grand adventures! Beautiful outdoor space, free range chickens, gardens all on a secluded dirt road. Woodchipped area with fire pit and picnic table. All sorts of projects underway. 20 minutes to Camden, Lincolnville, Belfast. 30 minutes to Rockland. Visit jambrookfarm dot com to book directly from us.

Peace of Maine-1/2 Mile Waterfront

4 sites · Lodging, Tents170 acres · Palmyra, ME

Black Owned. Female Owned. Queer Friendly. Cannabis Friendly. Animal Friendly. Child Friendly. Earth Friendly. Restore inner peace as you immerse your senses in our tranquil 170 acre landscape of Central Maine woods and waterways, located directly off the ITS 84 Rec Trail– 5 min from I95 (exit 150). Once home to a thriving primitive campground, Nature’s Way, nestled along a private half-mile on Douglas Pond, we take pride in retaining that original camp charm while supplying upgrades and necessities to ensure your stay is enjoyable and memorable! Local trails provide great opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers and snowmobilers to get out and play. Easy access to I95 provides a home base for your other Maine adventures and events. We are proud to be stewards of this land, recognized as the Wabanaki Territory in origin. Our sacred space is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including songbirds, rare native bird species, deer, and unique and distinct fish populations. We are additionally proud to be cannabis caregivers here in Maine, devoted to living soil-grown, rare genetics and terpene-rich strains that express the medicinal power of the plants, particularly pertaining to the endocannabinoid system’s function within the human body. Outpost: Open to the general public (tell your friends!) and campers alike, our outpost is located ½ way to the cabin/campsite area, across from the event field. Offerings rotate seasonally that include in-house-made goods and services, curated culinary kits, DIY eco-spa, and children’s immersive activity kits, as well as a small selection of grab and go items, such as flowers, herbs, baked goods, and local eggs. We are also happy to offer cannabis caregiver services on site with a diverse selection of small batch flower and other THC/CBD products to enjoy while finding your Peace Of Maine. We occasionally host unique events and services that will be announced on our social media pages and may be requested for small groups with prior arrangements made. These options include, but are not limited to, healing sessions incorporating massage, natural aesthetics and energy work, customized ritual and ceremony, and multimodal movement and meditation offerings. WE DO NOT allow hunting or foraging on the property. WE DO allow fishing.

Cole's Moosehorn Cabins

2 sites · Lodging17 acres · Millinocket, ME

We are located on the shores of Northwest Pond part of the larger Seboies Lake in T4R9, Maine. We are about 18 miles south of Millinocket and about 10 miles north of Brownville Junction. Located just east, and with easy access to, the KI-Jo-Mary Forest & the 100-mile wilderness, we are within the Maine Public Reserve Seboies Lake Unit. We are a set of historic sporting camps originally built in the late 1800's. These Lake front, off-grid log cabins are the only cabins on Northwest Pond and offer a real slice of the Maine woods experience. Bring your ATV or gravel road bike because we are located on a multi-use trail with miles to explore.

Maine Guide Company

4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Carmel, ME

Welcome to Maine Guide Company. Our cozy A-frame cabins and Tent Sites are nestled on our homestead in the small town of Carmel in the southern Maine Highlands, this unique accommodation is the perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful experience a short distance from Maines premier Rivers, Mountains, Coastal towns, and the Bangor Maine concert series.

Carter's XC Ski Center

4 sites · Lodging200 acres · Bethel, ME

Carter's Cross Country Ski Center and Shop has been a family-owned business since 1984. The land on which the trails have been built on has been in the Carter family since the late 1700's. The first Carter who came to Bethel was the first doctor in the area that helped Mollyocket, a Native American medicine woman. All the different generations that came along after were either farmers or loggers or both. Carter's XC Ski Center is located on the banks of the Big Androscoggin River. Our private established skiing/walking trails meander through the Maine woods all the way up to Farwell Mountain, overlooking Sunday River Ski, the Presidential and Mahoosuc Mountain Ranges and Mt. Washington. Nearby is Middle Intervale Farm, owned by John Carter, who produces his own vegetables and meat. He has a small, self-serve farm stand right on Intervale Road, next to Carter's. Guests can enjoy the property's views and amenities, such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, snowshoeing, biking, bird watching, and relaxing. Enjoy the peacefulness and tranquility in one of our three cabins in the Maine woods.

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Twin Brook Farm

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · Mt Chase, ME

Welcome to our Twin Brook Farm Homestead !! We are situated in the Shadows of Mt. Katahdin, in Northern Penobscot County in the Town Of Mount Chase. The property consists of 160 acres, comprised mostly of woods and smaller fields. Feel free to explore our property during your stay We are just minutes from Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument. Located directly on an ATV access route. Great fishing, hiking, canoeing, biking and other recreational opportunities lie at our doorstep. We offer fantastic views right from our property. Come visit, relax, explore the farm and surrounding Northern Maine Area. Our Sunrise and Sunsets are second to none !!!

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Ironside Farm

4 sites · Tents87 acres · Norway, ME

Discover the epitome of outdoor serenity at our property, where carefully selected camping sites provide breathtaking vistas of both sunrise and sunset, framed by the majestic embrace of surrounding mountains. Immerse yourself in nature's canvas, with each moment offering a panoramic spectacle that paints the sky with hues of dawn and dusk. Embark on a multitude of outdoor escapades in our local haven. Traverse the expanses of our 87-acre property, inviting you to explore hidden trails and embrace the beauty of untouched landscapes. For a more elevated experience, venture to the renowned Buck's Ledge, where nature's grandeur unveils itself in a spectacular display. For thrill-seekers, nearby Mt. Abrams offers exhilarating mountain biking trails, ensuring an adrenaline-fueled journey through rugged terrains. Alternatively, surrender to the tranquility of local ponds as you embark on a kayaking adventure, letting the gentle waters guide you through serene landscapes. Your next adventure awaits—whether it's a leisurely hike through our expansive property or an adrenaline-pumping mountain biking expedition. Feel free to reach out to us via private message for more information, and let the anticipation of your next outdoor escapade begin.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Private sites lakeside camping in Maine guide

Overview

There's much more to Maine than lighthouses, lobster shacks, and sandy beaches. The northernmost state in New England packs in surprising variety, from the rocky islands and seaside resorts of the Atlantic shore to the forests and mountains of the Appalachian Mountains. Campers can take their pick of 32 state parks and one epic national park, filled with lakes, woodlands, and beaches to hike, bike, climb, and kayak. "Vacationland" pulls in the summer crowds, especially along the coast, but our pick is fall, when the northern highlands are ablaze with foliage.

Where to go

Aroostook & the Highlands

Maine’s mountainous north is the stuff that hiker’s bucket lists are made of. The sprawling wilderness of Baxter State Park is the starting point of the epic Appalachian Trail and home to Maine’s highest peak—the 5,267-foot Mount Katahdin. Miles of hiking trails run through the highlands, along with some of the state’s best snowmobiling and cross-country skiing trails. To get on the water, head to Moosehead Lake, or try paddling and backcountry tent camping along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

Maine Lakes & Mountains

The hills and valleys of western Maine are peppered with high peaks and hundreds of glacial lakes, affording plenty of opportunities for a back-to-nature camping experience. Drive the High Peaks Scenic Byway for some of the most spectacular views, enjoy family camping at Sebago Lake State Park, or check into an RV park near Bethel, Naples, or Lewiston. In winter, rent a cozy ski chalet and hit the ski resorts of Sugar Loaf, Shawnee Peak, and Sunday River.

Southern Maine Coast

When summer temperatures soar, some of the most popular Maine campgrounds and beaches are found along the southwest shore. Head to the beach towns of Kennebunkport, Freeport, and Portland for old-fashioned seaside fun; go boating or kayaking around Casco Bay; then snag an RV site or cabin rental at the oceanfront campground in Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park.

Downeast & Acadia

Maine’s only national park, Acadia National Park, is the headline act of DownEast, the state’s rugged and rocky southeastern coast. Opt to stay on the mainland at Bar Harbor and head over to admire the park’s historic lighthouses and ocean views, or choose from multiple camping areas on the islands. Further north, the 15 coastal parklands of Cobscook Shores have picnic tables, boat launches, and backcountry camping sites.