The varied landscapes of Maine make for an idyllic backdrop for a wide choice of glamping adventures on offer throughout the state.
(Photo: Four Acre Woods Campground / Courtesy Hipcamp)
Known for its rocky coastline, rich maritime history and areas of natural beauty, Maine is a magnet for lovers of the great outdoors. And for those keen to experience its abundance of nature during an overnight adventure, there are a variety of camping opportunities across the state – including several glamping sites, where the simplicity of your surroundings is combined with the kind of luxurious touches you might only expect from a boutique hotel. We’ve picked out 7 of Maine’s best glamping spots below.
Four Acre Woods Campground
Set amid lush forest and woodland on the Sunshine Island off the mainland of Maine, Four Acre Woods combines the best of coastal and rural scenery all in one. Visitors can participate in a wide range of activities including biking, boating, fishing, hiking and horse-riding amid picture-postcard scenery, with the site’s secluded setting adding to the sense of tranquility and calm. Accommodation options include 3 glamping pitches and 8 motorhome / tent pitches, all tucked away under 100-year-old birch trees, where guests can kick back and relax in comfort after a long day enjoying nature.
Deer Isle, Hancock / www.hipcamp.com
Spacious Skies Balsam Woods
(Photo: Spacious Skies Balsam Woods / Courtesy Hipcamp)
Situated on the banks of the Piscataquis River in the town of Guilford in the heart of the Maine Highlands, Spacious Skies Balsam Woods offer a choice of six rustic cabins complete with picnic tables and fire rings for outdoor cooking. Other notable on-site amenities include a heated pool, a playground, a camp store and a snack bar, and there are also regular kids’ activities including gem mining. There are also several attractions on the site’s doorstep, including Piper Pond, a two-mile-long lake with public boat launch and beach access, and Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine, a half-an-hour drive away.
Guilford, Piscataquis / www.hipcamp.com
The Point
Spread across 8 acres of land on the Schoodic Peninsula in Downeast Maine, close to the majestic Acadia National Park, The Point is home to two glamping pitches, as well as two motorhome / tent pitches, with direct access to a beach as well as activities including fishing, kayaking swimming and an abundance of wildlife spotting opportunities. There are also several nearby hiking trails where you can pick from varying difficulties including routes that take you through the Schoodic Mountains in Acadia, Black Mountain and Bakers Hill Preserve.
Gouldsboro, Hancock / www.hipcamp.com
Island Tent Overlook
(Photo: Island Tent Overlook / Courtesy Booking,com)
Scenic lake views, an outdoor fireplace and dining area, and an array of outdoor recreation are just some of the highlights guests can look forward to at Island Tent Overlook in the town of Monmouth. Luxury tents are ready and waiting with all the amenities you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay, including towels and bed linen so you can keep the packing to a minimum. Snorkelling, fishing, canoeing, hiking and walking tours can all be enjoyed nearby and there are also communal barbecue facilities so you can cook up an al fresco storm. Guests arriving in their own transports can make use of the free private parking.
Monmouth / www.booking.com
Lakeside Mini A-Frame
Located in the small town of Holden in Central Maine, Lakeside Mini A-Frame is small but perfectly formed, spanning just an acre of land but rich in wildlife and natural scenery. Their high-end cabins sleep two people and come with their own outdoor kitchen, grill and outdoor bathroom, with a hot shower and composting toilet. Guests can enjoy their own private waterfront space with free kayak use, hammocks and firepit with complimentary firewood. Many guests enjoy kayaking over to a private island to pick some blueberries, go for a swim and spot the island’s mating pair of eagles. A 15-minute drive takes you to Bangor with its many local breweries, restaurants, concert venue, theatres, shopping and nightlife.
Holden, Penobscot / www.hipcamp.com
Huttopia Southern Maine
(Photo: Huttopia Southern Maine / Courtesy Booking.com)
French camping brand Huttopia have campsites and forest villages dotted across France and four other countries, including one in Samford, Southern Maine. Situated within easy reach of the beach and with direct access to a small lake, the site offers luxury accommodation in the shape of glamping tents and wood cabins, with sun terraces. On-site amenities and services include a swimming pool, restaurant, table tennis table, outdoor fireplace, yoga classes, children’s playground and dedicated kids’ club running daily activities during peak months. Guests can also hire paddle boards and canoes to take out onto the lake at their leisure. All units include bed linen and towels and there’s also free private parking and an electric vehicle charging station.
Sanford / www.huttopia.com
Sandy Pines Campground
Renovated and reopened in 2017 with a heated saltwater pool, sparkling new bathhouses and a swanky, modern lodge filled with rustic fixtures, Salty Acres Campground in the coastal town of Kennebunk in southern Maine draws guests from far and wide. All of its glamping tents and retro mobile homes are decked out with real furniture and accessories by local designers, with themes ranging from nautical to bohemian. For families, they also have teepees next to them for kids to stay in. There is prepared food available to purchase in the General Store and a weekly rotating programme of campground events. As for activities, the campsite is nestled next to a marsh brimming with wildlife and offers canoe and kayak rentals that can be put in for some adventure on the water.
Kennebunkport / www.sandypinescamping.com