If you have ever hauled a travel trailer up Route 1 with a stiff crosswind, you know that RVing in New England requires a healthy mix of patience, preparation, and a deep love for…
If you have ever hauled a travel trailer up Route 1 with a stiff crosswind, you know that RVing in New England requires a healthy mix of patience, preparation, and a deep love for the open road. But let me tell you: there is no state that rewards the self-contained traveler quite like Maine.
From the rugged, wave-battered granite of the coast to the whisper-quiet pine forests of the interior, Maine is built for the RVer who wants to slow down, crack open a lobster tail by the campfire, and wake up to the smell of salt air.
Have we piqued your interest? If so, here’s a list of the ultimate RV destinations and road trips in the Pine Tree State.
1. The Crown Jewel: Acadia and Mount Desert Island
You can't talk about Maine without talking about Acadia National Park. It is iconic for a reason—the breathtaking collision of dark green pines, pink granite rocks, and the deep blue Atlantic.
The Inside Scoop for Rigs
Acadia is gorgeous, but it can be a nightmare for larger rigs if you don't know the rules. Park Loop Road has a clearance limit of 12 feet 2 inches at the lowest historic stone bridges, so if you are towing a tall fifth-wheel or piloting a big Class A, skip the right lane on the two-way sections and watch your heights closely. Better yet, unhook your toad (tow vehicle) or truck at the campground and use the Island Explorer shuttle buses—they’re free, propane-powered, and have bike racks.
Where to Set Up Camp
- Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday: Located right before you cross the bridge onto the island. It handles big rigs easily, has full hookups, and if you score an oceanfront site, you can watch the tide roll in right from your living room window.
- Mount Desert Campground: If you are running a smaller rig (under 20 feet) or a Class B camper van, this is pure magic. It’s wooded, sits right on Somes Sound, and feels like old-school camping.
Pro-Tip: If you want to drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise (the first place to see the sun in the U.S. during certain parts of the year), you must get a vehicle reservation on Recreation.gov. Do not attempt to drive your RV up there; park it and take your tow vehicle.
2. The "Real" Maine: The Bold Coast & Lubec
If Bar Harbor feels a bit too crowded for your taste, keep driving north. Once you pass Ellsworth and head "Downeast," the traffic thins, the trees get thicker, and you hit the Bold Coast. This is the Maine of working fishing villages, massive tides, and complete tranquility.
The Route: Schoodic Peninsula to Lubec
Take the Schoodic Peninsula loop (the only part of Acadia on the mainland). It is far less crowded than Mount Desert Island and features a fantastic, big-rig-friendly campground: Schoodic Woods, which offers spacious sites and electricity.
From there, push north to Lubec, the easternmost town in the United States.
- Sunset Point RV Park (Lubec): A small, incredibly cozy park sitting right on the water. It's peaceful, uncrowded, and perfectly situated for exploring Quoddy Head State Park (home to the famous candy-striped lighthouse).
3. The Midcoast & Mountains: A 7-Day Classic Itinerary
For the ultimate overview of what makes Maine special, try this “Surf and Turf" route that takes you from the sandy beaches of the south, up the rocky midcoast, and swings inland toward the western mountains.
The 7-Day Coastal & Mountain Route
1.Kennebunkport & Sandy Pines: Day 1-2.
Start your trip just over the southern border. Set up camp at Sandy Pines Campground, a beautiful resort tucked into a salt marsh forest. Spend your days exploring Dock Square, walking Goose Rocks Beach, and treating yourself to a premium lobster roll.
2.The Midcoast: Camden Hills: Day 3-4.
Drive up Route 1 through the historic shipbuilding towns. Park your rig at Camden Hills State Park. Unhook your tow vehicle and drive up to the top of Mount Battie for a jaw-dropping view of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.
3.Inland to the Mountains: Bethel: Day 5-7.
Cut inland on Route 26 toward the western mountain town of Bethel. The air gets crisper, and the coastal humidity drops. Stay at Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground right on the Androscoggin River, where you can rent kayaks or canoes directly from your campsite.
4. The Wilderness Escape: Moosehead Lake & The North Woods
If your idea of RVing involves zero cell service, pristine lakes, and a very high probability of spotting a moose, you need to head to the interior.
Greenville and Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in New England, surrounded by vast working forests. The gateway town is Greenville, a charming outpost for seaplanes, hikers, and boaters.
- Lily Bay State Park: Located right on the shore of Moosehead Lake. It offers beautifully spaced, wooded sites. While it doesn't have hookups, it does have a dump station and water fill-ups. It’s prime dry-camping real estate for self-contained rigs.
RVer's Warning for the North Woods: Many of the roads north and east of Moosehead Lake (like the ones heading toward Millinocket or logging territories) are unpaved, private gravel roads owned by timber companies. They are incredibly rough, dusty, and logging trucks always have the right of way. Do not bring a large travel trailer or Class A up these roads unless you are deeply experienced with off-grid, rugged terrain. Stick to the paved scenic byways like the Old Canada Road (Route 201).
Three Commandments for RVing in Maine
- Book Your Coast Early, Fall Back Inland: Coastal campgrounds pack out six to nine months in advance for July and August. If you are a last-minute planner, look at inland state parks like Rangeley Lake or Peaks-Kenny—they have water/electric hookups and are hidden gems with plenty of space.
- Mind the Overhangs: New England is old. Towns like Wiscasset or Bath have historic, narrow streets with low-hanging tree branches and tight turn radii. Always know your dimensions and give yourself extra swing room.
- Prepare for Bugs and Weather: If you come in June, the blackflies own the woods. If you come in September, you get gorgeous fall foliage but chilly nights. Pack your thermal layers, pack your bug spray, and always check your furnace before leaving home.
Maine is a place that demands you match its pace. Put the rig in cruise control, take your time on the scenic bypasses, and enjoy the ride. Safe travels!