Camping in Maine

With rocky shores, sandy beaches, and forested mountains, Vacationland is made for campers.

96% (8956 reviews)
96% (8956 reviews)

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Star Hosts in Maine

12 top campgrounds in Maine

96%
(503)

Hidden Valley Nature Center

8 sites · Lodging, Tents1000 acres · Newcastle, ME
HIDDEN VALLEY NATURE CENTER IS 1,000 ACRES OF PROTECTED LAND IN JEFFERSON, MAINE - RICH WITH A VARIETY OF HABITAT AND TERRAIN INCLUDING OVER A MILE OF SHORE FRONT ON LITTLE DYER POND. Miles of multi-use trails great for hiking and biking, rolled and groomed XC ski trails, and several rustic huts and tent sites are waiting for you. Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) is your forest. HVNC is part of Midcoast Conservancy, and a portion of the booking fees goes to support our mission to protect and restore vital lands and waters on a scale that matters. PLEASE NOTE: ALL of the cabins and campsites are WALK-IN ONLY. No pop-up campers or vehicles of any kind are permitted within the preserve or in the parking lot. Midcoast Conservancy members receive a 40% discount. Not a member? Visit the Midcoast Conservancy website and join through the "donate" button at the top right of the home page. Your membership confirmation email will include your discount code. Thank you!
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$24
 / night
99%
(160)

Searenity Beachfront Land Off Grid

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Jonesport, ME
Searenity Coastline Beachfront Land - Off Grid - Private Seashore Beach Land - Pristine unspoiled Bold Coast Down East Maine Waterfront Shoreline. Pristine Oceanfront Land part of our 20+ acre private Seaside Homestead. All Private secluded land away from it all. Rare - Deep Water Frontage, with over 2000' of our own private beach ! Guests are free to roam anywhere beyond, on all the shoreline. Where seals and seabirds relax and forage in the water, and on the rocks, in front of the property. Now is your chance to experience this private Oceanside retreat, on the beautiful un-developed Bold Coast shores of Jonesport Maine. A traditional heritage fishing village. All areas are NO GENERATORS and Primitive Dry Camping OFF GRID and BYOEI ( Bring your own EVERYTHING in ) and BYOEO ( Bring your own EVERYTHING out ) and leave no trace. ALL wastes from guests and their pets MUST be taken away by guests. Guests will need to be self contained. No Burying or Burning Waste. There are NO amenities here. NO CHILDREN UNDER 12 and NO GENERATORS at all. Note: this is the Beautiful Off-Grid Oceanfront Land part of our homestead on hipcamp. Completely separate, on different acreage and access of our homestead. We also have Searenity Private Oceanfront Cottage available for lodging here on hipcamp just search Searenity Cottage Jonesport. We provide the spectacular one of a kind truly special place, and would like to share the beauty and experience with others. All of our pictures are from Our Land that you will stay on... it is an amazing destination ! All areas have their own stone fire ring. Dramatic mesmerizing elevated views of the beautiful ocean and islands. Enjoy and Explore beaches, and rocky shores, Anytime ! Kayaking/Paddling You can hand carry your gear thru the beach path, and down the stairs to launch right at the beach, or launch at the town marina 2 miles away. Both options are free. Lobster fishing takes place in the deep water right in front of the property. Watch the boats and fishermen out for the days catch. You can enjoy the catch too ! There are several lobster piers in town, to purchase lobsters, crabs and other seafood right off the boat. Enjoy the most spectacular sunrises over the ocean you will ever see ! With an easterly view, you can't get any better. On a clear day, when the solar positioning, and atmosphere is just right, you may witness the elusive green flash just as the sun breaks on the horizon... truly amazing ! Don't forget about the Moon Too ! The same dramatic easterly ocean view, also has the best moon rise viewing available. If the lunar cycle is right, the Moon Man will will greet you with awe inspiring colors, and brightness, that you will never forget ! Bald eagles nest in the Forest Surrounding the property, other seabirds, and wildlife are commonplace. The pure uninterrupted darkness of the clear skies, offers ultimate celestial gazing. Stars, constellations, and even other planets can be easily seen with the naked eye. Good Binoculars will enhance the experience. Also, distant lighthouse beacons can be seen from the islands nearby, and offshore. Artists, Photographers, and Writers can get creative here. Quiet, Magical, Inspiring, rugged landscape and ocean views, are sure to get the imagination going. You may want to experience the land everyday, but if not, there is also the option of Hiking in the many public wild conservation, and wild preserve lands in the nearby area. There are also many Historical locations and other natural features, to visit in surrounding areas, and there is a historical society in town. Another option is day or half day trips. World famous Acadia National Park makes for a wonderful day trip. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec, is another fine example and a great place to see. If you like to make little side trips, make a plan, as there is a seemingly endless amount of worthy visits within a drive from the property. There is a supermarket, hardware, lumberyard, and marine supply stores in town for supplies, gasoline, diesel, propane, and other necessities. Eating out options are possible as well. There are some options right in town, but more options a short drive to other neighboring areas. You will need to acknowledge, and agree to the rental agreement / liability waiver / Rules before you will be allowed to experience a stay at Searenity. This information is available in the RULES section of the booking and site details. By requesting to book, or booking, or staying at Searenity, You automatically acknowledge and agree to all of the terms listed. Searenity is off-grid private land, with no lighting, with gravel access roads only. The access during dark hours, is difficult for new arrivals, we REQUIRE THAT GUESTS ARRIVE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY. We have a working farm and DO NOT have Cell phones. We are near the computer or our LAND LINE phone, maybe a few times a day. If you need to contact us, e-mail or Call and leave a message with your contact info, on our land line message machine, if there is no answer. There is NO TEXTING. We also will drive through the Searenity guest area several times a day to check on things, and if you need anything you can always ask in person. Come to Searenity for a Memorable experience in the true Downeast Maine !
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$46
 / night
100%
(1001)

Slippery Rock Trails LLC

6 sites · Lodging, Tents400 acres · Greene, ME
Forty five years ago, our family started assembling 400 acres of woods and fields on the banks of the beautiful Androscoggin River. We enjoy actively managing the property for wildlife habitat and tree growth. The diverse landscape includes over 1/2 a mile of river frontage, a 10 acre wildlife pond, rolling hills in the meadows and steep forested terrain with more than 10 miles of multi-use trails running throughout. Our lands have long been open to local hikers, bikers and cross country skiers, we are excited to share this beautiful property with a larger community. Scout for wildlife and birds, on our private 400 acres of forests and fields. Tire yourself by hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing the 10 miles of private trails.  Located across the river from Riverlands State Park, just minutes from Lewiston-Auburn, Bates College, local breweries and just 2 1/2 hours from Boston. Wildlife abounds both on the property and across the river at Androscoggin Riverlands State Park.Quite often, a gentle breeze off the water will offer relief from black flies and mosquitoes, but the right bug repellent is recommended especially to fend off those pesky ticks that are so common in Maine.
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$45
 / night
99%
(184)

Magical Mountain River retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Rumford, ME
Scars in the polished granite streambed tell the story of saw mills from the 19th century. Not far from the foundation of one of the more established farmsteads of the era, this campsite is tucked away from the road down by the rushing Bull Branch of the Sunday River. Whether you bake on the rocks after dipping, or toss a fly in a quiet pool, the river will soothe your soul. Explore endless mountains streams, trails to the Appalachian Trail, and remote dirt roads in the heart of the Mahoosucs from your secluded walk-in low impact tent site with privy. Deep swimming holes and trout fishing beckon. There are three sites: #1: Riverside (more secluded),#2:Hillside(closest to the parking), and #3: Fireside. The hillside and fireside sites can combine for a group although are at a short distance from each other. If weather conditions permit, all campers can share the fire circle and table. The Riverside has its own table.
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$45
 / night
98%
(144)

Tucker N.’s land

2 sites · Lodging, Tents105 acres · Alna, ME
Our cabin is an off grid post and beam structure that we built 8 years ago. It's has a full kitchen, wood stove, and screened porch. There are jugs provided for doing dishes etc and a large (150 gallon) tank outside for refills. There are a generous supply of lanterns (both battery and inflatable solar) flashlights and string lights for lighting. This is a small two story timber frame cabin off grid and secluded deep in the woods. It has a separate outhouse as well as shower stall to use the solar shower bags in. The cabin has a king sized bed in the loft with a child size fold down bunk above it; there is also a pull out couch on the first floor. As well as a kitchen, screened in porch and fire pit. Linen, dishes and utensils are not included please bring all that you need. There is a propane 4 burner stove with oven and solar shower bags. Trash and campfire wood is included. We are very busy with kids and work, we try our best to clean and re-supply between guests but it is not always possible, please let us know if something needs attention!
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$30
 / night
97%
(1744)

Four Acre Woods Campground

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Deer Isle, ME
A beautiful island campground thickly forested with spruce, fir, and birch, Four Acre Woods was created over 60 years ago on Sunshine Island, Maine. Under the name Sunshine Campground, it hosted people from all over the world and delivered the spirit and essence of this ancient, abundant land that so many ancestors had roamed and celebrated before. It was open to the public through to the 90s, but then sat alone for 15 years, waiting for someone to revive it and bring it back to the world. Then one day, Caleb and Wolf met on a bus, heading south from Down East Maine, where they instantly connected and joined forces. They worked together redressing a home in Stonington for visitors to experience and became brothers while doing so. Eventually, the presence and opportunity of the campground caught their attention and after working out the technicalities, they worked together to bring this beautiful land and campground back to the people under its new life and name, Four Acre Woods. After opening on July 1st 2020, the land is finally back to sharing all of her beauty and spirit with the people. So, Welcome Home. Sincerely, - Four Acre Woods Caretakers
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$52.20
 / night
99%
(567)

The Point

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Gouldsboro, ME
The Point is located in Gouldsboro, in Downeast Maine on the Schoodic Peninsula near the Schoodic portion of Acadia National Park on occupied Wabanaki land. The point is our home, offered to guests as a place for seekers of peace and solace to gain a better relationship and appreciation with nature in a world that has forgotten the importance and connection we all have with the planet that sustains us. A priority here for me is keeping this land pristine and respected. Our mission to save and protect our natural environment and keep it natural and wild can only be accomplished with the active mindfulness of you. We aim to prove that hipcamp can be a magical experience for private landowners and campers alike, to provide a means of temporal community and beneficial alternative to traditional campgrounds; one that does not degrade the environment and break the peace that small towns still contain. Please be mindful of the trash you generate and mindful of the noise you are making— we aim to provide seekers of peace a *quiet* time in nature. Together we are here to be an example to others of what mindful camping can look like in this changing world. Thanks for caring to come, see, explore, learn and being apart of the solution! <3 We hope to hear from you <3
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$84.55
 / night
99%
(140)

Magnificent View Blueberry Hill

2 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Union, ME
Natural wild blueberry field, just as it has been for eons. 270 degree view of hills, fields, lakes and Mountains. Solitude, yet only 15 min.s to Camden and Rockland. ECOTOURISM - As seen in the May 2021 issue of MAINE the Magazine! Camp, Hike, take Photos and Pick Wild Maine Blueberries! Private quiet SINGLE SPOT on a lovely hilltop wild blueberry field with stunning 270 degree views! Solitude without being remote, 2 miles from Rt 17 (past Union Country Club 9 hole golf course). 3 miles from downtown Union (featuring 3 Convenience stores, 1 Grocery store, 2 Banks with ATMs, 2 Restaurants, Pizza, Gas and a Laundromat) and only 12 miles to Camden and Rockland. Good Cellular signal. Good access road for your RV. The amazing views include Owl's Head lighthouse and Matinicus island in the very far distance, sunrise over Ragged Mountain and the Camden hills. To the north the Dixmont, and Bangor areas are visible. Watch the sunset to the west over Sennebec pond and Appleton ridge. To the southwest Mt. Washington may be just visible on a clear day. 75 acres of open fields and woodlands to explore at your leisure. Among the hidden gems you might find are a vernal brook, a distant field that is totally secluded and an oak tree with a heart! Deer, wild Turkeys, Hawks, Owls and Bald Eagles are frequent visitors. The small town of Union also hosts the Maine Wild Blueberry Festival and the Maine Antiques Festival. The Lobster Festival is nearby in Rockland every August. Only one rental allowed at a time - so you get breathtaking beauty all for yourself - and those with you! Note: Part of the land is a working Wild Blueberry farm and as such, on rare occasions, the quiet is interrupted to care for the crop. Should that take place we will credit you with a free day's stay. WINTER CAMPING is available by request to experienced winter campers. If you are up to the challenge drop us a line.
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$99
 / night
98%
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The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Casco, ME
THOMAS POND Thomas Pond is a beautiful 533-acre freshwater pond with over 7.4 miles of shoreline. Thomas Pond’s maximum depth is 64 feet, and the mean depth is 22 feet. Our guests are welcome to kayak, canoe, swim, fish, and paddle board from the shores of The Queen’s Property, or one of 5 Right of Ways on Watkins Shores Road owned by our Association. Access to your private waterfront is a short stroll through our woods. As our guest staying at The Queen's Property, you will also have free access to the Watkins Shores Road Association's boat launch. The boat launch is just a two or three minute walk down the road from your site. Our new dock is available to dock your boat during the day.. However, there is a small fee to dock your boat overnight (see "Extras") at our site. Just make sure you check for Milfoil or any other invasive plants before launching. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS NEAR CAMP Within 5 minutes of camp, you will find all the essentials, including food items, ice, firewood, goodies, gas, and RV supplies. In fact, you can even order your groceries online for pickup, (free at Hannaford Brothers Grocery and Walmart) either on your way to your campsite or when you need to resupply your camp (we would be happy to give you the details). During your stay, you may also want to take a trip off-site to explore all that the Lakes Region offers. Explore the historic oceanfront City of Portland, or the local Towns of Windham, Naples, or Bridgton. Portland is a 35 minute drive from The Queen's Property. The coastline around Portland is rugged and attractive with world-famous lighthouses dotted along its shorelines. Numerous locally owned shops and nationally recognized restaurants can be found tucked into its many harbors and shorelines. Closer to camp, enjoy strolling through the Town of Naples. Naples sits smack-dab in the middle of the Sebago Lakes Region. Sebago Lake abuts its western border and Long Lake abuts its eastern border. A short 8-minute drive from your site, Naples spoils its visitors with boat rentals, waterfront shops, and awesome restaurants. Further north is the Town of Bridgton. Bridgton is a 20-minute drive from your campsite. It offers its visitors a quaint downtown filled with local retailers, pubs, and restaurants. Enjoy the beaches of Bridgton’s Crystal Lake which sits on the edge of its downtown borders. The towns of Raymond and Windham also offer our visitors numerous restaurants, grocery stores, hardware stores, and gas stations. Once again, all within a short drive from your campsite (3-4 minutes). NEARBY STATE PARKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES If your idea of exploring is centered around outdoor activities, then Sebago Lake State Park is a 1,342-acre park that abuts the shores of Sebago Lake. It's one of Maine’s most popular parks. Located in the towns of Casco and Naples, the park is open year-round and is less than a 10 minute drive from your campsite. Within the park, you will enjoy protected forests, bike paths, and Sebago Lake beaches. Sebago Lake is a deep glacial lake, and by itself is 44 square miles of clear waters that abut Sebago Lake State Park. The park and the lake host some of Maine's’ best sandy beaches, water sports, fishing, boating, boat rentals, camping, picnic areas, boat launches, extensive woodlands, a wide array of critters, hiking trails, and walking trails. Sebago Park hosts various play areas for children with slides and swings. The summer sun is warm and the autumn colors are always abundant and beautiful. The entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. If you are an avid hiker, The Queen’s Property is a short drive to numerous mountain ranges, forests, and peaks, all of which contain hundreds of miles of ATV and hiking trails. There are over 25 hiking trails within 10 miles of The Queen's Property and over 115 trails within 20 miles. Oh, and if you love winter sports you will love the Lakes Region. Numerous ski resorts, along with hundreds of miles of cross-country ski and snowmobile trails can be found throughout the area.
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$100
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98%
(107)

Eagle View Coastal Campground

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Sullivan, ME
Come relax on this private 5 acre waterfront escape. A long driveway will open up into a cleared lot. The end of the driveway is a large crushed gravel parking pad which should easily accommodate any RV or trailer (make sure you back in, there's no room to turn around). The pad is mostly flat, but minor leveling on RV's is probably still needed. Site overlooks Flanders Bay which feeds into Mount Desert Narrows. Watch the family of 5 eagles fly back and forth across the cove and bring binoculars to watch them as they perch in nearby trees. The cove is filled with a variety of seabirds and the occasional harbor seal. You will have complete quiet as you listen to the sounds of forest and coastal life.Property is located 11 miles from Schoodic Peninsula of Acadia National park and a quick 35 miles from Bar Harbor. From May through mid November, site includes access to a HOT outdoor shower, well water, a working sink with hot water. Water is turned off after November 15th until late spring, weather dependent. NEW THIS YEAR- we have installed a 50/30 AMP hookup for trailers/RV's - we do charge $15 extra per night for hookups, please coordinate with us at time of booking if you will need power for your camper - There is an electric outlet for small electronics like laptops/phones/coffee pot, site includes a campfire area, lots of open spaces to pitch a tent, and an outhouse. (Yurt access NOT included- private residence)
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$85
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99%
(76)

Hillside Gateway to Acadia/Schoodic

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Sullivan, ME
Learn about the Gateway to Acadia: Some space and privacy! 3 acres to yourself, sweeping views including a glimpse of Cadillac Mountain from across the Bay. 12x18 cozy shelter! No electricity in the Timber, but there are power outlets on the electric pole at the beginning of the driveway. There is no water on site.  Feel free to bring your tent or stay in the cabin or both.  Room for 4 and a few more on the floor of the Timber Tent.   There is a small futon inside. This site is 10 miles from Acadia National Park (Schoodic side) where there are mountain bike and hiking trails. Want to swim and kayak in freshwater? Jones Pond is just a few miles away and has a public beach.  Take a ferry to Bar Harbor and then retreat to the quiet side of the Bay.  Hike Schoodic Mountain and take a swim at the end on Donnell Pond.  Restaurants and shops are ready for you in Winter Harbor.  Enjoy the sunrise trail for 4 wheelers only a few miles from the campsite. With 3 acres of clearing and 60 acres on the property to explore, you can Enjoy all that DownEast has to offer. The site is accessible by car, has a picnic table and camp grill on the premises.
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$67.45
 / night

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Camping in Maine guide

Overview

There's much more to Maine than lighthouses, lobster shacks, and sandy beaches. The northernmost state in New England packs in surprising variety, from the rocky islands and seaside resorts of the Atlantic shore to the forests and mountains of the Appalachian Mountains. Campers can take their pick of 32 state parks and one epic national park, filled with lakes, woodlands, and beaches to hike, bike, climb, and kayak. "Vacationland" pulls in the summer crowds, especially along the coast, but our pick is fall, when the northern highlands are ablaze with foliage.

Where to go

Aroostook & the Highlands

Maine’s mountainous north is the stuff that hiker’s bucket lists are made of. The sprawling wilderness of Baxter State Park is the starting point of the epic Appalachian Trail and home to Maine’s highest peak—the 5,267-foot Mount Katahdin. Miles of hiking trails run through the highlands, along with some of the state’s best snowmobiling and cross-country skiing trails. To get on the water, head to Moosehead Lake, or try paddling and backcountry tent camping along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

Maine Lakes & Mountains

The hills and valleys of western Maine are peppered with high peaks and hundreds of glacial lakes, affording plenty of opportunities for a back-to-nature camping experience. Drive the High Peaks Scenic Byway for some of the most spectacular views, enjoy family camping at Sebago Lake State Park, or check into an RV park near Bethel, Naples, or Lewiston. In winter, rent a cozy ski chalet and hit the ski resorts of Sugar Loaf, Shawnee Peak, and Sunday River.

Southern Maine Coast

When summer temperatures soar, some of the most popular Maine campgrounds and beaches are found along the southwest shore. Head to the beach towns of Kennebunkport, Freeport, and Portland for old-fashioned seaside fun; go boating or kayaking around Casco Bay; then snag an RV site or cabin rental at the oceanfront campground in Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park.

Downeast & Acadia

Maine’s only national park, Acadia National Park, is the headline act of DownEast, the state’s rugged and rocky southeastern coast. Opt to stay on the mainland at Bar Harbor and head over to admire the park’s historic lighthouses and ocean views, or choose from multiple camping areas on the islands. Further north, the 15 coastal parklands of Cobscook Shores have picnic tables, boat launches, and backcountry camping sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maine is an excellent destination for camping, offering a diverse range of landscapes and outdoor experiences. From coastal campgrounds to lush forests, the state boasts numerous public and private camping options for both tent and RV campers. Maine's natural beauty, including Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and the famous Appalachian Trail, provide ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, canoeing, and fishing. To explore some of the best camping options in Maine, check out Hipcamp. Keep in mind that the camping season in Maine is typically from May to October, with peak season falling between June and August. During the off-season, some campgrounds may be closed or have limited services available.

Yes, there is free camping in Maine, particularly in the state's vast public lands, such as the North Maine Woods and the Downeast Lakes Land Trust. These areas offer primitive, dispersed camping opportunities with limited or no facilities. Keep in mind that you should always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment when camping in these areas. Additionally, some locations may require a small fee or permit for access, so it's essential to research specific areas before your trip. For more information on camping in Maine, visit Hipcamp.

No, it is not legal to camp anywhere in Maine. Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds, state parks, and national forests. In some cases, you can camp on private land with the landowner's permission. Wild camping, also known as dispersed or primitive camping, is allowed in some areas of Maine, such as the White Mountain National Forest and the Appalachian Trail. However, it is essential to follow the specific rules and regulations for each area where you plan to camp. You can find more information about camping in Maine on Hipcamp.

Boondocking, also known as dry camping or dispersed camping, refers to camping without any hookups or amenities, typically in remote areas or on public lands. In Maine, boondocking usually means camping on public lands, such as national forests or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, where you can camp for free or with minimal fees. Boondocking in Maine allows campers to enjoy the state's natural beauty, solitude, and wildlife while being self-sufficient and leaving no trace. Some popular boondocking areas in Maine include the North Maine Woods and remote parts of Downeast Maine. It's essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and local regulations when boondocking to ensure these pristine areas are preserved for future generations.

For the best fall colors in Maine, plan your visit during late September to early October. This timing typically coincides with peak foliage in various parts of the state, including Acadia National Park and the Maine Highlands. For the most accurate fall foliage predictions, check out Hipcamp's interactive foliage map.

Top parks in Maine

Top regions in and near Maine

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