14 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In Maine
With the nickname "Vacationland," it is no wonder so many travelers flock to this gorgeous New England state during the summer months. Unfortunately, that means accommodations and activities can rack up hefty fees, as they are in such high demand. Luckily, there are affordable summer vacation spots in Maine, if you know where to look, book ahead, and don't mind rustic accommodations.
Experience the state the authentic (and cheap!) way, and camp out like a true Mainer! These destinations offer premium spots to camp for cheap with great amenities, surrounded by natural beauty, and close to towns with a lot to do. Many sites are right within one of Maine’s legendary state parks, where you can witness wildlife up close, hike mountains with breathtaking views, and plunge into refreshing lakes and oceans. Tons of affordable restaurants, activities, and shops lie within these destinations and nearby towns. So even if you’ve had enough wilderness, you still won’t have to spend much money to have a great time inside.
Acadia National Park
Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park has long been a bucket-list summer destination for many adventurous travelers, and it’s no wonder why. With more than two dozen majestic mountains, stunning ocean vistas, and an unbeatable view of the Milky Way, Acadia is a timeless vacation spot full of endless fun. Campgrounds like Blackwoods Campground, Seawall Campground, and Schoodic Woods Campground all offer great nightly rates and are in close proximity to all of Acadia’s top attractions.
Thunder Hole is a free, can’t-miss natural wonder to behold. The partly submerged cave sits just right against the raging Atlantic Ocean to create a booming sound like thunder as the tide comes in, and the ocean sprays as far as 40 feet. Beautiful public hikes like Cadillac Mountain and Precipice Trail are all a quick drive away, and the popular yet expensive tourist town of Bar Harbor is about five minutes down the road. Experience all the shops and flavors Bar Harbor offers without the hefty hotel prices.
Bristol
The town of Bristol is a charming conglomeration of five different quaint Maine villages, crowned by the legendary Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, an authentic Maine lighthouse that you can climb for a small donation of $1 to keep the facilities running. Fort William Henry, built in 1692, is another free, educational, and exciting place to visit in Bristol. You can climb to the top of the fort and get a great view of the ocean (as well as a great photo op!) and learn about all of the interesting artifacts showcased inside, like authentic Native American jewelry and weaponry.
The best place to stay in Bristol is Sherwood Forest Campground, an adorable collection of sites tucked into the beautiful Maine forest with top-notch bathroom facilities, a big pool, and a large pond perfect for the kids to catch some frogs. It is only 800 feet from Pemaquid Beach Park, a gorgeous stretch of white sand beach, free to enter, perfect for splashing around in the waves and catching the rays.
Lily Bay State Park
Located on Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in the state of Maine, Lily Bay State Park is an amazing summer spot with plenty of low-priced and free things to do. Inside the park, there is a beautiful pebble beach with a designated swimming area, plenty of great places to fish and catch the native smallmouth bass, picturesque picnic spots, and a beautiful trail spanning the shore of the lake. Camping is available right in the park for only $30 a night, with trails connecting straight to the beach.
A unique historical site to visit for free in the nearby town of Greenville is the B52 crash site, an 8-mile, beautifully-wooded hike to a 1963 US Airforce crash site that lays untouched to serve as a powerful memorial to our troops. For evening entertainment and food, head to the Stress-Free Moose in Greenville, where there’s plenty of low-price classic pub food and drinks alongside free live music and trivia nights.
Freeport
Freeport is a bustling summer vacation spot for tourists looking to shop for great deals and experience great culture. Many flock to walk the grounds of LL Bean’s flagship store, attend their free concerts that have included the likes of popular artists like Passenger, The Fray, and Brandi Carlile, and shop at the multitude of discount outlet stores around town. In LL Bean alone, there is plenty of fun, free activities for the kids, like standing inside the dome in their Riverbed Aquarium and drawing on the massive chalkboard in LL Bean’s designated kid's area.
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park in Freeport is a longtime staple for locals looking to camp out right on the ocean, soaking in the salty air and the amazing views. It has very affordable rates, its own trails scattered between the sites, and is a quick 5-minute drive from all of downtown Freeport’s great attractions. For food, grab a cheap, tasty bite from Lily’s Food Cart, a local favorite vendor serving amazing dumplings and noodles, or get a quick slice of Derosier’s famous pizza. Bradbury Mountain is also a short drive away and has a great collection of trails, parks, and views of Maine’s beautiful summer foliage.
Rangeley
Home to Rangeley Lake State Park, a gorgeous 869 acres of land with hiking, swimming, fishing, and a great view of Saddleback Mountain, Rangeley, Maine, is the ideal location to book a summer vacation. Lakefront campsites with close beach access are only $30 per night within the park, with showers and a playground free for use. In the area, hike the nearby Bald Mountain, an easy trek with a great view of the lake awaiting those who reach the peak, or cool off at Smalls Falls, where you can swim around, or if you are feeling particularly daring, cliff jump.
Head to Moose Alley in the evening for great beers and live music, or stop by a little earlier for bowling and arcade games with the whole family at budget-friendly prices. While you are driving through the area, make sure to take the National Scenic Byway, where you have access to some of the greatest vistas in Maine all from the comfort of your car, like the Whip Willow Farm Overlook and the Shelton Noyes Overlook.
Brunswick
This historic Maine town that was once home to legendary figures like Civil War General Joshua Chamberlain and author Harriet Beecher Stowe, is now a busy summer destination for people of all ages. With its restaurant-packed gorgeous Main Street, aptly named "Maine Street," and its close proximity to both the Androscoggin River and the Atlantic Ocean, there is plenty to do and see around this town. For cheap accommodations, book a site at Thomas Point Beach & Campground and get an all-inclusive stay. Camp right on the ocean with a private beach, huge playground, and volleyball courts. If you are lucky, you may catch one of their annual music and arts festivals hosted right in the campground.
Even if you don’t decide to stay overnight, it’s only $5 a day to enjoy all of the same amenities. As the sun sets, pick up a cheap dinner and a show, at the gazebo at Brunswick Mall. On Wednesday nights during Brunswick’s free summer concert series, Music on the Mall, beloved local food trucks like Taco the Town and Wrappers gather on the green offering great deals and even better meals.
Sebago Lake State Park
Sebago Lake State Park is a classic summer vacation spot for Mainers, as it is affordable, fun for the whole family, and surrounded by some of Maine’s greatest natural wonders. As the second largest lake in Maine, Sebago Lake itself is one of the best spots for swimming, watersports, and fishing in the state, with many avid fishers searching for the popular lake trout. It is surrounded by a tall, beautiful forest with plenty of hiking and nature-watching opportunities.
You can camp right in the park for as low as $35 a night and witness all the beauty of the region up close. For food, there are plenty of diners nearby with low-price, home-cooked meals. Chutes Cafe & Bakery has many great hot meals as well as takeaway options like fresh doughnuts and coffee. In the mood to shop but not to spend? Any born and raised Mainer would tell you to head to the two-story Reny’s located in nearby Bridgton, where you can pick up souvenirs, clothing, and snacks at prices so low, you won’t find them anywhere else.
Wiscasset
Known by travelers as "the prettiest village in Maine," it is no surprise that Wiscasset is a hugely popular summer destination. Luckily, Chewonki Campground spanning 50 acres near Maine’s stunning coastline, provides a great alternative to expensive hotels and rental houses. There are on-site, low-price kayak and canoe rentals, a playground, a recreation hall with ping-pong and foosball tables, a tennis court, a big saltwater pool, and a small wading pool for the kids.
Although a lobster roll from Red’s Eats may be on some travelers’ bucket lists, the price and wait times leave much to be desired. Instead, head over to Sarah’s Cafe for seasonal, local flavors and an affordable lobster roll that tastes just as amazing. The Wiscasset Old Jail, established in 1811, is a free and unique opportunity to see how prisoners lived back in the 19th century, authentically preserved to the point where you can still see graffiti and messages prisoners left each other on the walls.
Bethel
Although Bethel is known for hosting winter crowds heading to the Sunday River Ski Resort, it comes alive in the summer and is the perfect place to stay for travelers on a budget. The best campground in the area is hands-down Bethel Outdoor Adventure, as it offers unbeatable rates (as low as $8 per person!), on-site kayak rentals and shuttles, and a gem sluice where you can dig for your own stones.
After you have dug up your gems, learn about them at the Maine Mineral Museum, home to the largest piece of the planet Mars in the world. Tickets are cheap, and you get to see some of the most unique gemstones in the world. For a free way to cool off in nature, take the whole family to Angevine Park and Swim Pond. There is a sandy beach, changing rooms and restrooms, and great picnic spots. Afterward, grab a cheap bite at Smokin Good BBQ, a local legend food truck that has been around for years, serving the greatest smoked meats around out of their iconic orange trailer.
Camden
Known for its historic downtown and quintessential Maine harbor view, Camden is a popular yet affordable summer destination if you know where to go. Camden Hills State Park is the best place to stay, as you can camp out and watch the stars beneath the trees, taking in all the beautiful natural sights for only $35 a night. Be sure to take the hike (or drive!) up Mt. Battie while you’re in the park for amazing views of the ocean and to take unforgettable pictures, and hike Maiden’s Cliff overlooking the gorgeous Lake Megunticook.
The lake is home to Barrett’s Cove, a great freshwater beach that largely remains calm even during the summer months, so you can cool off and soak up the sun without worrying about crowds. There are also public bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, a playground, and outdoor grills. For cheap entertainment, visit Camden near one of its many festivals, such as the Camden Jazz Festival and Maine Windjammer Days, and experience Maine’s love of community, culture, and good times.
Lubec
The easternmost town in the US, Lubec is a simple bay away from Canada and has plenty of great things to offer. It is famous for its candy-cane striped West Quoddy Head Light, which you can explore around and learn more about in the Visitor Center Museum, which is a preserved 1858 Light Keepers’ house. There is plenty of free entertainment over the summer in Lubec, as SummerKeys hosts free concerts at the Congregational Christian Church all season long, and there are plenty of free art studios and galleries around town to browse through and admire the local art.
For the cheap price of a paddleboard rental, you can afford the hefty fees of a whale watch and paddle out yourself for the chance to see whales and seals in their natural habitat. Sunset Point RV Park is the best place in the area to stay as it offers affordable rates ($35/night), clean restrooms with showers, free wifi, and premium ocean-front views. Narrow Escape is a great, low-price cafe in Lubec offering amazing breakfast pastries, yummy sandwiches, and espresso drinks.
Phippsburg
Known to many as the site of one of Maine’s most popular beaches, Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg is the perfect place to experience Maine’s coast. Bring snacks, towels, a swimsuit, and a couple of dollars for the entrance fee, then dip into the cool waters on Popham’s massive stretches of beautiful beach. Down the road, you can visit the Fort Popham State Historical Site sitting right on the beach, garrisoned during World War I, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War, and the Fort Baldwin State Historical Site a bit deeper into the forest.
The best place to stay on a budget is Hermit Island Campground, deemed by the local Downeast Magazine as the "Best Saltwater Camping in Maine." It has nearly 300 sites steps away from the ocean, a snack bar serving all three meals of the day as well as Gifford’s ice cream for dessert, a fully-stocked camp store with live clams and lobsters ready to cook, and a central check-in hub named the "Kelp Shed" with plenty of video games, a ping pong table, and restroom facilities. If you are looking to hit another great state park, Reid State Park is just down the road, with a huge beach, clean restroom facilities, and great picnic areas.
Baxter State Park
Home to Mt. Katahdin, the tallest mountain in Maine, Baxter State Park is a beautiful, iconic, and affordable spot to visit over the summer. Climbing to the top of Katahdin is a bucket-list item for many Mainers. However, there are over 40 other peaks available to climb in the park and over 215 miles of trails ready to hike, so you can find one that matches your level of adventure and rigor. Baxter is known for its dedication to remaining truly wild; it is so remote you may see a live moose, black bear, or lynx up close. You also will not find regular amenities here, just the great outdoors.
This means that it is incredibly cheap to camp out, and even rentals like kayaks and canoes are low-price for the grand experience you will have exploring the park. If you are looking for a break from the wilderness, the town of Millinocket is close by and has plenty of great eats like the River Drivers Restaurant, Sawmill Bar & Grill, and The Blue Ox Saloon. If you decide to visit the park near the Fourth of July, be sure to attend Millinocket’s Independence Day Festival, where you can watch the parade and fireworks for free, and eat fair food from local vendors at low prices.
Presque Isle
In spite of what its name might indicate, Presque Isle is not an island off the southern coast of Maine, but rather, the largest city in Aroostook County, the northernmost region in Maine right on the Canadian border. There’s plenty to do on a budget in Presque Isle, like hiking the Aroostook Valley Trail, biking around the Potato Country Bike Loops, or spending time exploring Aroostook State Park’s natural wonders on foot or by canoe. You can even view the world’s largest scale model of the Solar System that stretches from Presque Isle all the way to Houlton for nothing but the gas money it takes to span it.
Arndt’s Aroostook River Lodge & Campground is a great, low-price choice for campers and has an in-ground pool, laundry and showers, a campground store, and kayak and canoe rentals along with a shuttle service to the local rivers. Similar to Millinocket, Presque Isle also has a great Independence Day celebration with plenty of cheap eats and free entertainment, yet also features the Northern Maine Agricultural Fair in June and the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest in August, so there’s plenty of budget-free fun no matter which month you visit.
Many hopeful Maine travelers may get discouraged by expensive summer prices, however, if you visit these locales, you can experience Maine’s legendary summer season without breaking the bank. If you have a tent, gas money, and a couple of dollars for local eats, you can afford a trip to any of these towns and parks while seeing some of the greatest things Maine has to offer. Climb the tallest mountain in Maine, see the biggest piece of Mars on planet Earth, and dive deep into the largest lake in the state with plenty of cash to spare. Just because you are on a budget does not mean you cannot still have a life-changing vacation in "Vacationland," the stunning state of Maine.
