My Absolute Favorite Campground in the USA

This isn’t a paid or sponsored endorsement…although I did get a free hat! :-) 

I have stayed in campgrounds around the country, although I typically prefer boondocking.  I typically book a campground site once a month for a night or two just to recharge myself and my RV.

In my ‘unbiased’ opinion Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls (OCRK) in Brooklin, Maine is the absolute best place to stay! I rate it 9 stars out of 5. 

I found OCRK 3 years ago online, I was waiting around for my brother and his family to arrive in Bar Harbor for their vacation and just needed a place to post up for a few nights.

I emailed Lori, the owner (more about her and her husband and mom Carol later) and inquired about staying for a few nights. She replied that they had an opening on my requested days and that I was all set. I responded asking her about a deposit, every campground I’ve stayed at requires a deposit, she replied that they ‘kick it old school, no deposit required just show up’ WOW

Last year I booked a site for 2 weeks and ended up staying 6 weeks, mainly because the people/place is so awesome. Added bonus is the weather is perfect here in the summer, rarely gets close to 80 degrees here!

This year I didn’t mess around and booked 2 months right from the jump and I’m so glad I did. What a perfect summer retreat.

So why is OCRK so amazing? The owners, Lori and Paul and her mom Carol are the simply the BEST!

Lori handles the office. She’s kind, efficient, knowledgeable, and gives great hugs to all her guests!

Paul handles everything outside. Mowing the grass, maintenance, firewood cutting, and he has some great stories, especially the ones about his time in the Coast Guard…and the time he gave his weapon to the enemy! 

Carol does everything else around the property. Cleaning, sweeping, and chatting with everyone. Rusty and Judy help out around the campground too, making sure everything is perfect.

It’s one big happy family!

They made me feel like family from my very first visit. They have created a very special place here for people to camp, relax, enjoy the beach, and to just chill.

It’s a small campground with about 40 sites scattered amongst the trees, a combination of tent sites and RV sites. There is electric at the sites but no water or sewer connections. There is a place to fill up water and dump your tanks right at the office, so no issues there…and the water is excellent! The office has a bunch of free books and DVD’s to use or take along with you, maps of the area and a good list of restaurants to check out.

The sites are spread out so you’re not packed in like sardines. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The outhouses/privies are the cleanest I’ve ever seen and the outdoor showers (free) are wonderfully relaxing with unlimited hot water. Firewood is available and it’s cheap. 

There is a great place to sit and look over the Reach and watch the sunset..one of my favorite spots. The trail down to the beach is great and the furthest site is only 950 feet from the beach. There is also a swim float/platform just off the beach to enjoy. There are several sites that overlook the water but they do
book up fast!

If you like lobster, they have a lobsterman that lives on the property and will deliver fresh, just off the boat lobsters directly to your site. They have pots to cook your lobster in, shell crackers, and picks to use, and a great recipe, all in the office for guests to use.

The location is excellent, 20 minutes to Blue Hill, 15 minutes to Deer Isle and 30 minutes to Stonington on Deer Isle, 45 minutes to Ellsworth, and 1 hour and 15 minutes to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. You have all the beauty of Maine without the crowds and traffic!

If you want a relaxing weekend, week, or like me an entire summer, Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls is the best place!

There are so many repeat guests you better make your reservations for the 2026 season soon to get the days you want. 

Contact Lori at Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls at:

Phone: 207-359-5555

Email: oceanfrontcamping@reachknolls.com

Website: reachknolls.com

Owners Lori & Paul Gallo began building OCRK in 2014 on Lori's grandparent's property. Opening in 2015, Lori fulfilled her grandfather's dream by inviting guests to experience this magical corner of paradise on the Maine coast.

I guarantee you will absolutely LOVE IT!