Area Attractions
Camden Hills Campground gives you access to all you could want for an unforgettable family camping vacation. You can explore harbor towns, rocky beaches, and remote islands. Hike mountain trails, sailor paddle Penobscot Bay, and fish from lake or ocean waters. At the end of the day, return to one of Maine’s finest campgrounds and relax on our oceanfront deck or swim in the heated pool before heading back to your campsite for a night of campfire stories and star gazing. You will discover for yourself why our area is called the Jewel of the Maine Coast.
Coastal Villages
Get lost exploring the scenic harbors, historic lighthouses and unique shops, galleries and restaurants of Camden, Rockport and Rockland. Pack a lunch and take a drive or hike to the top of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park where unforgettable panoramic views of Penobscot Bay await.
Islands
Visit one or more of the beautiful islands that lie just offshore. The Laura B from Port Clyde will take you to magical Monhegan Island, where footpaths lead past artists’ studios and galleries through ancient forests to high granite cliffs. You might be lucky and see a whale. From Rockland board the ferry for Vinalhaven, an island with a bustling fishing community. The ferry from Lincolnville Beach takes you to Isleboro, an ideal island to explore by bicycle.
Lighthouses
Maine has more lighthouses than any other state. In addition to Indian Island Light, which can be viewed from our sister campground, Megunticook By The Sea, we can provide directions to three (3) other local lighthouses, and altogether there are 10 within an hour’s drive, passing through several pretty fishing villages along the way.
Beaches
Although our coastline is beautifully rocky and rugged, we will show you where to find the secluded, sandy beaches perfect for a day out with the kids or the sea kayaks. Birch Point Beach in Owl’s Head is one of the finest.
Museums
Several world class museums can be explored, including the brand new Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland, the outstanding Owl’s Head Transportation Museum, and art lovers will not want to miss the Farnsworth Museum, one of the finest regional art museums in the country and which houses a permanent collection of Andrew, Jamie and NC Wyeth works.
Outdoor Recreation
Penobscot Bay is home to the largest schooner fleet in the world. Take a 2-hour cruise on one of our historic schooners such as the Schooner Heron or the Morning in Maine or a lobster cruise aboard the Lively Lady Too. If you have more time, take a 3-day sail on a larger windjammer like the Schooner Ellida. You can also paddle your own kayak or canoe around Camden Harbor or scenic Megunticook Lake. Guided tours and rentals are available at the harbor. In addition to boating, you can explore 30 miles of hiking trails in Camden Hills State Park, golf at your choice of four local courses, choose from lake or ocean fishing, or explore the coastal roadways by bicycle.
Day Trips
Using Camden as your home base, you can take many short day trips to some of the other well known attractions in Maine. Acadia National Park is only 75 miles from the campground. Explore Pemaquid Point, a lovely drive with vistas of sea and forest to a lighthouse perched on spectacular glacier carved rocks. Boothbay Harbor, Bar Harbor and LL Bean in Freeport are some other easy destinations.
Our Festivals
The North Atlantic Blues Festival draws headline blues performers the second weekend in July. Lobster lovers will enjoy the 5-day Maine Lobster Festival the first weekend in August. The newest addition to our summer festival lineup, the Maine Boat and Harbor Show, happens the 3rd weekend in August. The Maine Antiques Festival and the Union Fair are both held in August. Labor Day weekend in Camden hosts the largest single gathering of windjammers at the Windjammer Weekend gala. Check with the Rockland or Camden Chamber of Commerce for dates.
Restaurants
Naturally seafood, and specifically lobster, is on almost everyone’s “must eat” list when they visit Maine, and we will be happy to share with you our favorite lobster shacks. But our local restaurants can do much more than just the catch of the day. Two of the best, and featured in Gourmet and Bon Appétit among others, are Primo Restaurant, owned by chefs Melissa Kelley and Price Kushner, and The Hartstone Inn’s restaurant under chef Michael Salmon. Let us know if we can assist you with obtaining reservations.
