Camping Gems - Places to Go in Maine

Acadia National Park
People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. Take a hike or a bike ride, explore the tide pools, swim in the ocean, or fish the park's streams -- and don't forget to explore the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is more than 2,175-mile long footpath stretching through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia.  In Maine, the AT traces the state's highest mountains.  Head to the AT for a day hike to the top of Mount Katahdin and enjoy the outstanding views of Somes Sound, the ocean, and the neighboring mountains.

Sebago Lake
Known as one of the very best fishing spots in all of Maine, Sebago Lake is easy to reach from Portland, the coast, or New Hampshire.  Fish for the famous land-locked salmon while you enjoy views of the mountains and the rocky south coast area.

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
This green gem of an island hides a conflicted and complex past.  In 1604-1605, Frenchman Pierre Dugua housed his group of colonists there during a particularly cold and bitter winter.  The site pays homage to these early arrivals to the New World.

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge
Designed to protect wildlife (including migrating waterfowl, songbirds, and birds of prey), the refuge has 50 miles of dirt roads and trails are available for walking, biking, and skiing.  Take a stroll and watch for osprey, eagles, and woodcocks.

Mount Desert Island
This stunning island is home to the town of Bar Harbor and the Arcadia National Park. With rocky shores and throngs of seabirds, Mount Desert Island is a picture-perfect snapshot of Maine.  The island contains the 7 mile long Somes Sound, the only fjord on the East coast. Be sure not to miss a hike on the gigantic Cadillac Mountain.

Lobster Lake
Not far to the northeast of Moosehead Lake lies Lobster Lake, a well-kept secret among people who love to fish.  With its solitude, clear waters, and gorgeous forests, this is also a great place for a canoeing or kayaking trip.

Allagash Wilderness Waterway
This incredible waterway is a 92-mile-long collection of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams that wind their way through the heart of northern Maine's forests. This is a popular canoeing and kayaking spot, and it's also favored for ice-fishing and snowmobiling in winter.  Come visit the area that Henry David Thoreau once paddled!

Aroostook State Park
This 600-acre park has Quaggy Jo Mountain, Haystack Mountain, lots of wildlife to enjoy as you wander the three hiking trails, a lakeside picnic area, a swimming area, a boat dock, and canoes, paddles, and life jackets for rent. Echo Lake is stocked with brook trout and public boat access is available.

Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge straddles both Maine and New Hampshire, offering protected spaces for wildlife around 7,000-acre Lake Umbagog.  Mink, otter, muskrat, and beaver can be seen in the lakes and rivers while black bear, bobcats, fishers, marten, white-tailed deer, and a dense population of moose inhabit the uplands.