Renting an RV in Maine

Maine is one of the country’s most interesting states. From its beautiful seaport towns (complete with cruise ship ports of call) to its thick, dense pine forests, to its shining cities, it’s got something for everyone. One of the best ways to see the state and all of its sights? By renting an RV, obviously. Between the coastal highways to the winding roads in the inland forests, you’ll see a lot of Maine from a rental RV.

While tourism is definitely popular in Maine, it’s very easy to find a lot of peace there. Certain areas will be busier, but others will offer plenty of space. It’s a very enjoyable area to take in by road. The recreation is an outdoorsy type’s dream: surfing, swimming, fishing, hunting, roller coasters, kayaking, camping, and boardwalks are all within range of your rental RV.

Why Renting an RV in Maine Is the Way to Go

Renting an RV in Maine makes taking in the state really easy. The landscape can change so quickly, from sandy beaches to urban areas to thick forests, seeing it happen as you’re driving down the road makes for a fun vacation. You can see the awe in your travel companions’ faces as you move along.
Rent an RV

Renting an RV in Maine means you can spend as much (or as little) time as you want in any area. While many campsites do require reservations, there’s more freedom to see the things you want when you wake up right in the middle of an attraction. You can wake up, get ready, and hit the trailhead that’s practically right outside your RV.

Otherwise, renting an RV saves you the hassle of maintenance and upkeep of an RV. It can also act as a test period to see just how much you enjoy it, and if you do, whether or not you want to buy one.

10 Wild Places to See in Maine in Your Rental RV

There’s a lot to see in Maine, and that can make planning a trip hard. Do you stay along the coasts more or hit the pine tree forests first? It’s hard to say. To help, we’ve put together a list of 10 wild places that should be high on your list.

Bristol and Pemaquid Point

Much of Maine’s coast is made up of bays and waterways. Bristol (formerly known as Pemaquid in the 1600s) sits on one of those areas. Given that it has existed since then, you can tell it’s had a long history with England and has even seen a pirate raid. Today, it’s a small fishing and resort town.

South of Bristol is Pemaquid Point. Inside the park, which sits on the rocky outcropping of the coast, you’ll find the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse (the same lighthouse featured on the Maine quarter). It was commissioned by President John Quincy Adams in 1827 and is still an active lighthouse today. Elsewhere in the park, you’ll find a Fisherman’s Museum in the Keeper’s House and the Pemaquid Art Museum.

Learn more about Bristol and Pemaquid Point

Acadia National Park

One of the biggest, most impressive, and wildest parts of the country (and especially the Atlantic North Coast) is Acadia National Park. Acadia sees almost 3.5 million visitors every year making it one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the country. It’s a backpacker’s and hiker’s dream with 158 miles of hiking trails.

Acadia technically sits on an island. That means there’s also miles of coastline to walk along and discover while you’re visiting. You’ll find mountains, pines, and wildlife throughout the park. Look for Cadillac Mountain, but shouldn’t have trouble finding it—it’s the highest point on the eastern seaboard. As far as wildlife, expect to see various species of birds including peregrine falcons and sea ducks. And while it’s rare, you may even spot a moose. 

Learn more about Acadia National Park

Sebago Lake

Located just north of the east coast’s Portland is Sebago Lake—Maine’s second-largest lake. It’s also the deepest at 316 feet. It’s a haven for vacationers and locals alike. It’s a particularly popular fishing location, with lake trout, crappie, bass, perch, and other fish coming in from its many inlets.

Sebago Lake is considered one of Maine’s purest and cleanest lakes. When visitors see it for the first time, they’re often shocked at the water clarity. Five public beaches surround the lake as well as golf courses for those less fishing inclined. Camping is abundant around the area too. That said, because of its proximity to the Atlantic, the area can be temperamental when it comes to weather, and nice days can turn iffy very quickly. 

Learn more about Sebago Lake

Camden Hills State Park

Camden Hills State Park sits outside the quaint New England town of Camden. Particularly gorgeous during the fall, it’s a fun spot for hiking and enjoying the scenic vistas. Near the coast, the most iconic sight in the park is Mount Battie, from which you can see unparalleled views of Penobscot Bay and Camden Harbor.

Twenty different trails run through the park and range from easy to moderate. Mount Megunticook—the highest inland point in Maine—is a moderate climb. Spend a day hiking and enjoying the views, then visit Camden and take a boat cruise to see whales or puffins out on the islands off the coast.  

Learn more about Camden Hills State Park

Mount Blue State Park

Mount Blue State Park is Maine’s largest park, at about 8,000 acres separated by Webb Lake. It’s a favorite spot in the western mountains for hiking, trail riding, swimming, and picnicking. You can also rent boats and kayaks and enjoy the sandy beaches near the many campsites available.

As you’re out hiking, keep out an eye for wildlife—moose, squirrel, coyote, fox, and even black bear all call the area home. The park is also connected to the Tumbledown Public Lands, another area known for its year-round recreation and enjoyment. Should you choose to visit the area in winter, you’ll still find plenty to do, including cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and more.

Learn more about Mount Blue State Park

Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest freshwater body. It sits in the highlands region, near the middle of the state. At over 40 miles long and covering nearly 75,000 acres, it also has a multitude of inlets, channels, islands, rock piles, and shorelines. Another popular spot for fishing, you’ll find salmon, lake trout, and brook trout.

Much of the area surrounding the lake is unspoiled wilderness. That means you can get as much tranquility and peace as you can imagine. Don’t miss Mount Kineo (it’ll be difficult to) and it’s 700-foot cliffs rising out of the water. If you find yourself in need of some socialization several towns border the lake and offer shopping and restaurants.

Learn more about Moosehead Lake

Fort Williams Park

Maine wouldn’t be Maine were it not for its many lighthouses. And one of its most famous is the Portland Head Light, located in Fort Williams Park. You’ll find it and a museum on the rocky shores. While you’re there, you’ll find incredible views of the ocean and even ruins showcasing the area’s maritime history.

Named for the mostly-demolished Fort Williams—a fort used during WWI and WWII—today the park also houses Goddard Mansion, another ruin that’s a big draw. Recreational areas abound in the park, including a baseball diamond, basketball and tennis courts, and more.  

Learn more about Fort Williams Park

Sugarloaf Mountain

Particularly popular as a ski location, Sugarloaf Mountain is also a popular year-round spot in Maine. It’s Maine’s second-highest peak and is a particularly wild part of the state. There are rocky outcroppings, loads of pine trees as far as the eye can see, and two rivers. Obviously, the hiking—as well as the skiing—give you plenty to look at.

The hiking trails around the area are rated highly, but some are also strenuous. In fact, the Appalachian Trail runs near the summit of the mountain. Near the mountain are several shops and restaurants for restocking and refueling.

Learn more about Sugarloaf Mountain

Reid State Park

Maine’s coastlines tend to be rocky and jagged, unlike the beaches found in other parts of New England that are wide and sandy. That’s not the case in Reid State Park, where there are both wide sand beaches and dunes. It’s otherwise known for being the first saltwater beach that the state of Maine owned. Whether for that or another reason, it’s one of the most popular parks in Maine.

It’s a haven for several seabirds, so it makes for great birdwatching. If you’re looking to enjoy the ocean, there’s both Mile and Half-Mile Beaches (aptly named) and surfing is also very popular in the area. There are lovely hiking trails on mostly easy terrain, but they can run upwards of a few miles so pack snacks and water accordingly. Head up to Griffith Head, a rocky overlook, for wide-sweeping views of the ocean.

Learn more about Reid State Park

Popham Beach State Park

Popham Beach sits on the south side of the Kennebec River, and it’s one of the state’s busiest beaches. It has a very rare-to-Maine sandy beach, drawing sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers. From the beach, you can see both Fox and Wood Islands, and you can even walk to Fox Island during low tide. (Fair warning, though: when the tide comes back in, you can get marooned.)

Swimming and surfing are both fair game, and you’ll find lifeguards on duty during the summer months. You can take a geologic tour of the beach to learn about the dynamics of the surf and the impact it has on the area. Bird watching, sea kayaking, and fishing are all other activities to enjoy near the beach.

Learn more about Popham Beach State Park

Campgrounds and RV Parks in Maine

Between all of Maine’s public lands, its numerous state parks and Acadia, and others, Maine is a veritable hotbed for campgrounds and RV parks. In and around almost any area you want to camp, you’ll likely be able to find a place to suit your needs. While some of these areas may be limited to backcountry and primitive camping, there are plenty that have full RV hookups so you can make good use of your rental.

Maine’s a popular vacation spot, so be prepared for campsites to fill up very fast. It’s rare to show up to a location and be granted a spot. Most Maine campgrounds require reservations ahead of time. It helps to plan your route through Maine ahead of time, find the places you’re most interested in, and book your stays. Good Sam maintains a list of RV parks in Maine worth checking out.

Things to Note About Camping in Maine

Maine has a lot of different kinds of land and depending on where you are, your camping experience may vary drastically from place to place. During the summer, Maine is famously comfortable. Temperatures rarely get too warm, and if you’re near the coast, you’ll feel a lovely breeze come off the ocean.

Nights can get quite chilly, even in the summer. It’s a good idea to pack and dress in layers, so you can plan accordingly. Even if you’re not near the coast, hiking up onto a high mountain can see the temperature drop significantly and leave you wishing you had a jacket. In winter months, the cold can be quite bitter at times and snow can drop in large amounts very quickly. Having extra blankets and jackets or coats is a good idea.

In heavily wooded areas, bugs can be particularly vicious—especially mosquitoes. Be prepared with lots of bugspray. Maine has wildlife too, including bears. Your RV will be perfectly safe but follow protocol for what to do if you encounter wildlife. 

Dry Camping or Boondocking in Maine

Maine has a ton of public land, and it’s encouraged to find your own places to camp. Many of Maine’s “backcountry” campsites won’t be accessible to an RV, but there are lots of other areas that are. Exploring the state and finding public lands gives you an opportunity to get the most remote camping experience possible.

Dry camping or boondocking refers to camping in an RV without access to water, electricity, or sewer hookups. You have to rely on the water in your tank and usually a generator for power. It’s a more rustic form of RV camping, but one many people enjoy—it gets them closer to nature and allows them to camp for free. If you’re boondocking, make certain you’re on public land and not private property, but otherwise, get out and enjoy Maine’s wild nature.