Maine has a reputation for tough, hardy people and rugged, beautiful scenery—and that reputation is well-earned. It has savage winters, breathtaking coastlines, rocky beaches, remote islands, forbidding pine trees, and vast stretches of uninhabited countryside.
But despite its reputation, not all of Maine is rugged. It’s also got cheerful, welcoming cities, cute seaside towns, and great local cuisine.
What better way to explore this diverse and wonderful state than by campervan? A Maine road trip allows you to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and culture of the region and get up close and personal with the scenery.
So let’s dive into a Maine road trip guide that takes you through some of the best that Maine has to offer—from its rugged rural vistas to its charming, wonderful people.
Table of Contents
How Do I Plan a Maine Road Trip?
The first thing to consider when planning any road trip is logistics. Do you own a camper, or will you need to rent one? What time of year do you plan to go? What type of experience do you want to have? Are you an outdoorsy type who can’t wait to get sucked into some adventures? Or do you prefer a more urban vibe? The great thing about Maine is that it offers both!
Let’s dig into a few of those logistics.
Renting a Campervan
Renting a campervan can be the best way to travel through Maine. It’s relatively inexpensive (depending on the price of gas) and allows you to cook for yourself, sleep a few people without having to pay for multiple hotel or motel rooms and get to places you might not otherwise be able to see.
Before you rent, consider your needs. If you plan to do a lot of outdoor adventuring, you might need space to store things like bikes, kayaks, or hiking gear. Are you a foodie who loves to try your hand at cooking the local cuisine? Make sure the camper has a decently sized kitchen. Do you have kids? Pets? Will you be going off-road? Spending a lot of time off-grid?
Once you’ve determined the type of camper you need, the good news is that there are plenty of places to rent one. We recommend starting your Maine road trip in Portland, a major city with many rental options.
Maine Adventure Company is one of the premier luxury campervan rentals in the city, where you can find top-of-the-line, fully-equipped Sprinter vans all ready to go. For a cheaper option, check out RVEasy in Maine to get hooked up with direct rentals from people renting out their own vans (it’s like Airbnb but for campervans!)
Finally, if you’re looking for a tow trailer, Maine Campah has lots of options, as well as classic Winnebagos.
Looking for something more vintage? Check out Wander VW. In short, you’ve got options!
Checking the Weather Forecast
The weather in Maine is not something to be trifled with, and depending on what time of year you go, it could mean the difference between a breezy jaunt and a miserable slog. We personally recommend you consider planning your Maine road trip in the fall—the weather will be crisp but temperate, and best of all, the leaves will be changing (a sight not to be missed!)
Apps like MyRadar and Windy can help you stay up-to-date on weather and avoid any pitfalls. Always make sure you carry emergency equipment and weather gear like tire chains, a snow shovel, tow straps and traction boards.
Where Should I Stop on a Road Trip to Maine?
You’ve figured out when you’re going, now it’s time to figure out where! The best part of planning for your Maine road trip is getting lost in the possibilities of all this wonderful state has to offer. Here are some of our favorite stops.
Wolfe’s Neck Campground
Wolfe’s Neck is only a 30-minute drive from Portland and five miles from downtown Freeport, so it makes a great first-night stop (although we can almost guarantee you’ll want to stay longer).
Over 150 pet-friendly sites are situated along the coastline and tucked into the trees. There are sites for tents and RVs, as well as cabins and A-Frames—so if you want to spend a night taking a break from the camper, this is a great spot to do it!
The campground offers hiking trails, bike and kayak rentals, barnyard visits, and a Farm Store where you can buy local products and souvenirs. It’s a great stop for kids!
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park spans a 50,000-acre stretch along the middle of the Maine coast and includes the town of Bar Harbor, the tip of the Schoodic Peninsula, half of Isle de Haut and Mount Desert Island, and about sixteen smaller islands.
It boasts the tallest mountain on the East Coast (Cadillac Mountain) as well as beaches, glacial formations, forest, meadows, wetlands, and rich, diverse animal and plant life. There are a number of campgrounds and RV parks to choose from, but our favorites include Schoodic Woods (only a 15-minute walk from the ocean), Bar Harbor Campground, and Smuggler’s Den.
You can book most campgrounds up to 6 months in advance, and we recommend you do, as they fill up quickly!
Shin Pond Village
For those wanting a Maine road trip that stops in a place a little less rugged, check out Shin Pond Village—a 100-acre, family-owned resort with a general store, restaurant, gift shop, and bar. They offer cabins and cottages, as well as tent and RV sites, and provide access to a wealth of outdoor activities like snowmobile rentals, horseback riding, canoeing, and more.
The RV sites have water and electric hookups, fire pits, and a spectacular view of Mt. Chase. At $35/night, they’re also surprisingly affordable.
Cathedral Pines Campground
One of the best-known and most highly rated RV spots in Maine, Cathedral Pines Campground is a must-see stop on any Maine road trip. The Cathedral Pines are a noted New England attraction and a big draw for tourists to this region.
The campground has 115 tent and RV sites, some with hookups and some without. Sites are situated to maximize privacy and give you a remote, peaceful experience. From Cathedral Pines Campground, you can walk, ski, or snowshoe their private hiking trails, which form two loops around the main campsite.
Make sure to book well in advance—this is a popular spot!
Red Apple Campground
No Maine road trip would be complete without a visit to Kennebunkport, and the Red Apple Campground is one of the most popular and unique camping experiences Kennebunkport has to offer. Close to Kennebunkport Beach and Ocean Avenue, it’s a great place to stop if you want to try out some of the incredible seafood that Maine has to offer.
It’s also close to amusement parks, the Trolley Museum, Nubble Lighthouse, several golf courses, and activities like horse-drawn carriage rides, whale-watching, and a wealth of shops and restaurants.
Rated one of the top campgrounds in Maine, this place fills up quickly too, so book ahead!
Is Maine Campervan Friendly?
In a word, yes! There are so many wonderful places to visit by campervan in Maine. Did you know that 90% of the state is uninhabited? That means there are acres and acres of rural open space to explore, and there’s no better way to see all that spectacular natural beauty than in a campervan. You can utilize apps like iOverlander to find places to boondock or book campsites.
Why You Should Start Planning Your Maine Road Trip Today!
From its rugged coastline to its world-famous forests, from busy Portland to sleepy Ellsworth, Maine has much to offer both outdoor enthusiasts and those in search of a cozy, laid-back holiday.
Renting a campervan, or driving your own camper through the state, is a perfect way to explore the hidden treasures of this beautiful part of the world. With a little planning, you can experience the charm, beauty, and warmth of this land of harsh winters. So what are you waiting for? Go Find Your Outside™ in Maine!
