Community Forums

NHBoone · 10-21-2020, 12:27 PM

Making plans for 2021 and would like to spend a month in Maine. Prefer the less populated and tourist areas. We're both retired and like less stress and quiet times while enjoying the beautiful scenery's. Thinking we would like the northern areas best.

Is there a best month when traffic and crowds would be less? Any suggestions on campgrounds and things to see in northern Main? We both love seafood but I'm sure most everyplace has great seafood there!

Skip426 · 10-21-2020, 01:04 PM

We went trough in Sept a few year back , yes traffic is less and the leaves were starting to turn . Then there was a hurricane coming , and we had to head inland. Keep a close eye on the forecasts and be ready to move.
Two thirds of the RV parks were closed after Labor Day weekend, and most of the rest were ready to close , by the first week of Oct.
It's on my bucket list to get back across , and this time I'd be ready to boondock 4 nights out of five.

woodosgood · 10-21-2020, 01:07 PM

The Schoodic Peninsula of Acadia National Park is less crowded than the Bar Harbor section. Look at Schoodic Woods Campground (National Park) it does not have full hook ups, but is 50 amp.

Further up north is Lubec, ME (perhaps the eastern most point in the US). We visited there in July and it was nice. Several commercial campgrounds in that area.

Gladie · 10-21-2020, 04:07 PM

I find crowds less when the kids go back to school. We visited northern Maine in September 2019. We stayed at Shores Hill CG in Boothbay Harbor. Boothbay is touristy but not bad in September. And great seafood. 🦞

From there we headed to Acadia National Park but stayed in Winter Harbor at Mainstay Cottages and RV. Not touristy, quiet with only 10 campsites, full hookups and on an inlet with very nice views. And great seafood. We headed to Lubec but stayed on Campabello Island, Canada. You can see Campabello Island from Lubec.

We went as far as St. Andrews in New Brunswick. Stayed right by the ocean at Kiwanis CG and saw those famous tides ya hear about. While checking into the campground we were asked if we wanted cooked lobster delivered to the RV. Oh yes.

Hope this helps.

spuds · 10-21-2020, 04:39 PM

Been going to Maine for 30 years, 20 by RV.

By far our favorite time is September, right after Labor Day.

Everything is at a more reasonable pace and population. Still warm during the day and delightful at night.

Second-best would be late August after the schools are back in session there, but you will likely need reservations over the Labor Day weekend.

PanJH · 10-22-2020, 06:15 AM

We go every summer for the month of July and part of August. But we like the Bar harbor area, which doesn't meet your criteria of quiet. Be aware, that most campgrounds close after Columbus Day.

Ranger John · 10-24-2020, 08:04 PM

Mid September to mid October

NHBoone · 10-25-2020, 05:29 AM

Thanks everyone!

DangersRoad · 10-28-2020, 02:47 PM

We just returned from a trip to Maine! Our plan was to do the Northeast for the month of October and part of that plan was Acadia - however camping in the park was closed due to covid and we didn’t get to Maine until the 15th or so and most private parks closed Indigenous Peoples (Columbus) Day. We did find a good year round spot near Bethel and another at Wolfe’s Neck near Freeport but at that point we decided to turn southward as all the leaves were falling. It was not too crowded at this time but imagine things would get wild in the summer!

I agree with previous posters that September would be the sweet spot. We just love the forest mixed with the briney air - nothing quite like it in my opinion since the Northwest coast is far to windy!

Now we are already loosely planning a summer to fall version of this trip again that will take us to Canada when the borders reopen.... this list of dream trips is getting a bit long!

Winemaker2 · 10-29-2020, 06:00 AM

Columbus day is pretty much THE-END of everything camping in Maine. Some even a bit earlier. So anytime late summer early fall up to the end is nice. As others said you will need reservations early and holidays.

StevefromPA · 12-01-2020, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DangersRoad

We just returned from a trip to Maine! Our plan was to do the Northeast for the month of October and part of that plan was Acadia - however camping in the park was closed due to covid and we didn’t get to Maine until the 15th or so and most private parks closed Indigenous Peoples (Columbus) Day. We did find a good year round spot near Bethel and another at Wolfe’s Neck near Freeport but at that point we decided to turn southward as all the leaves were falling. It was not too crowded at this time but imagine things would get wild in the summer!

I agree with previous posters that September would be the sweet spot. We just love the forest mixed with the briney air - nothing quite like it in my opinion since the Northwest coast is far to windy!

Now we are already loosely planning a summer to fall version of this trip again that will take us to Canada when the borders reopen.... this list of dream trips is getting a bit long!

Spent the last week of September in Kennebunkport, at Sandy Pines. They close Columbus Day, close to beach, town, pool still open. Very wide and deep spaces with lots of privacy built in. Excellent RV campground look forward to returning again.

04fxsts · 12-02-2020, 05:20 AM

My wife wants to drive the northeast coast line Maine and south along the coast. We would not really be planning to stay in campgrounds just enjoying the scenery. So how are the "boondocking" opportunities along this area? Another part is how far south from Maine can you go before running into a lot of traffic and tolls? Thanks Jim.

Trapper2022 · 12-02-2020, 08:11 AM

This is own our list to do also. Watching. Safe travels

Enjoy the journey

GOLDandGREY · 12-02-2020, 09:17 AM

My family has a house in Boothbay Harbor on Southport Island, spent summers there most of my life escaping the Nevada heat. Anytime mid-June to the end of August would be great. There is a campground called Grey’s just down 238 from our place.