maine
 

Alright, I want to go to Maine this summer, but I don't know where I should go. I'd like to go somewhere where I could camp in a relatively quiet area. Now, I would prefer if it were somewhere in the more southern end of Maine, as gas is expensive and I live in Rhode Island, but I am not totally against going further north if needed.

I wouldn't know the first thing about camping out in Maine. We lived in Topsfield, MA, almost NH. And if you live in RI then you must know to eat as much lobster as you can. And Kennybunkport is nice. We've also stayed way up on one of the many pennisulas. It's real quiet and rustic up that way.

My sister and our kids are also going to drive through Maine this summer- from the southern tip to the top of the state so I'm also interested in any Maine info.

I'm too high maintence to camp - - but pretty much all of southern maine is relatively quiet - you just want to stay away from Bangor, Portland, and the other cities...

http://www.campmaine.com/ has a pretty extensive list of campgrounds based on region...

I'm real partial to the south coast region Ogunquit is beautiful, but a little touristy - kind of like the cape but wiht much fewer people. Kittery would appeal to the shopper in your, if it exists, it's got tons and tons of outlet shopping.

The midcoast region is also a little more rustic, but wiht tons of history - and much of maines maritime history comes from that area (I like boats and boating, so this is my favorite area). Whale watching is also available

Further north is the Moosehead area and moosehead lake-- stunning scenery... it doesn't get any better than t hat.

I loved Mount Desert and Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor is quaint, busy and a little pricey but not to be missed. There are hiking trails throughout the island that kids will love. There’s even a beach for swimming, if you can stand the cold water. Add a free shuttle bus around the island, and carriage trails built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. that you can hike, bike or rent a carriage: http://www.acadiamagic.com/CarriageRoads.html

Bass Harbor on the other side (the bus goes here, too) has a whole cove of colorful lobster boats and very few tourists. It’s worth a ride over there to see.

Maine is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen, and I only saw the parts accessible by boat. I hope to go back someday and drive through the rest of it. I envy you!

Ditto. My family has a summer house on Long Pond on Mount Desert Island, and I go stay for about a week every summer. Absolutely stunning area. It can get crowded with tourists, but even when it is, if you know where to go, you can get away from it very easily. Beautiful area, youre going to love it.

i think generally, the farther north you go, the more remote - if that's what you want.

mal mentioned shopping.... freeport and the 24 hr. LL Bean store is not to be missed if you're into that. they've got good camping stuff at least. and in the wee hours, you're not likely to run into too many others.

there's a lake called Alamoosook that is gorgeous. is pretty small and has only one hotel on it. the rest are private residences. there is a fish hatchery nearby which was interesting to me. i don't know if you can camp on it though (sorry, guess that doesn't help.)

if you go to Acadia, don't miss Thunder Hole - make sure to check the tide timing so you get to see it "explode" it's awesome.