Mount Blue State Park, Maine
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Within the continental United States, Maine has some of the country’s most scenic forested wilderness. Throughout the state, you’ll encounter lush evergreen and deciduous forests, majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes and streams. If you’re traveling through western Maine in your rental RV, you can find all of these natural wonders in one place at Mount Blue State Park.
The geography of the 8,000-acre state park (Maine’s largest) was formed via massive ice sheets that moved through the area nearly 20,000 years ago, creating valleys with rivers and lakes among the rolling mountains. Although the area’s forests took a heavy blow in the 1800s, revitalization efforts by the government during the Great Depression protected and nurtured the area to return to a haven for local wildlife and a pristine outdoor playground for the public.
The park’s namesake mountain reaches a peak elevation of 3,202 feet and serves as the most prominent landmark in the area. Once you reach the top, climb on up to the observation deck and get a panoramic view of the entire area. This is an especially awesome experience in the fall months when the leaves are changing.
The only way to get up to the peak is on foot. Although the surrounding trails are designated as multi-use (snowshoes, cross-country skis, etc.), the final stretch to the observation tower is for hiking only. Be aware that weather atop the mountain can be significantly colder so dress appropriately.
Mount Blue State Park features five primary trails of varying degrees of difficulties for all visitors. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hour-long stroll through woods or an aggressive uphill excursion to reach Mount Blue’s summit, there is a trail for you. Be aware that significant portions of trails are designated “multi-use” and you can encounter everything from ATVs, to horses, to cross-country skiers.
If you are looking for a little more variety, you can also head over to the neighboring Tumbledown Public Lands. These additional 12,000 acres feature 25 more hiking trails designated as “natural heritage hikes.” Designed to engage visitors with the natural history of the ecosystem and wildlife, each hike has its own guide (like this).
In the summer months, take some time to explore Webb Lake. The 2,146-acre lake is fairly deep (42 feet) and connected to nearly a dozen different rivers and brooks. This makes the lake perfect for exploration in a canoe or kayak without having to get out into the large waves in the middle. As you paddle around, be sure to look up and appreciate the fantastic views with Mount Blue in the distance.
You will find the boat launch at the park’s campground. In case you do not have your own canoe or kayak, they are available for rent at the beach in the summer. If you want to try something a little different, they also have stand-up paddle boards for rent. Mastering the paddle board is both fun and challenging; you’ll be sure to get a good core and arm workout.
One of the favorite activities of park visitors is fishing the cool waters of Webb Lake. Whether you cast a line from shore or hop in a rowboat, anglers will enjoy excellent fishing for smallmouth bass, white perch, and chain pickerel. In addition, the cooler water and brook system has allowed brown trout to make a home at Webb Lake.
Smallmouth bass are aggressive predators, known for absolutely smashing fast moving lures. In the evening hours, a topwater lure like a popper or stick bait will drive them crazy. If you’re a die-hard trout fisherman, chances are you’ve packed your fly rod and you’re good to go. If you are using conventional tackle, however, you can’t go wrong with an in-line spinner. As is always the case when fishing out of state, be sure to get that Maine-issued fishing license and read the local regulations.
Although it’s not the most popular time to rent an RV, perhaps you and your group are up for some winter travel. If so, Mount Blue State Park will welcome you with a ton of exciting activities to enjoy among the snow and ice. The majority of the trail system is accessible by all kinds of winter conveyance including skis, snowshoes, and snowmobiles so there is virtually no limit to exploring the park.
When the lake freezes over, visitors also enjoy areas of ice skating on Webb Lake or at the special ice rink set up at park headquarters. The hilly lands also make for some fantastic sledding, so if you have the kiddos in tow, be sure to hit Center Hill for some fast fun. For the comfort of visitors, there are also a variety of warming stations positioned around key points of interest, like the ice rink.
The park’s campground features 136 beautifully wooded sites which are all RV-accessible. About a dozen sites do offer water/electric hookups, but the majority have none. If you would like a site with hookups, it’s best to get a reservation ahead of time. Amenities for the campground include a dump station, bathhouses, and picnic areas. The campground is also seated right on Webb Lake so campers will enjoy quick access to boating, fishing, and swimming as well as an amphitheater with fun nighttime programs in the summer months.
Mountain View Campground is one of the closer campgrounds outside the park (14 miles) and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. There are plenty of water/electric and full hookup RV sites available, with pull-through options if you prefer. On top of the usual amenities, campers will enjoy the swimming pool, rec center, stream fishing, hiking, and candy bar bingo. There is also a camp store with snacks and essentials for your convenience.
A little further away (33 miles), the Coos Canyon Campground has 30 RV-sites seated on the scenic Swift River. You can choose from rustic, water/electric, or full hookup sites with options for riverfront camping. One of the coolest aspects of this campground is its namesake canyon, a more than 30-foot gorge along the river which is a unique place to swim. Some folks even pan for gold! If you don’t feel like cooking, there is also a little restaurant on site that serves up quick favorites like pizza, chili dogs, and fries.
Another option for waterside camping is the Silver Lake Campground (33 miles). This quaint family-owned and -operated campground is right across from Ellis Pond, which is a great location for fishing, swimming, and paddling around. RV campsites are water/electric only, but you will have access to a dump station. In the summertime, the campground also provides some great entertainment including dance and movie nights.
Believe it or not, Lone Mountain Riverfront Campground is also on a river (38 miles). RV campsites are water/electric only or primitive and you can choose your level of desired seclusion. Sites are located in open fields, in the woods, or along the riverfront. In addition to direct river access, campers will enjoy lawn games, seasonal apple picking, and a swimming and fishing beach.
Unfortunately, there are no dining facilities at Mount Blue State Park. You will, however, find a variety of picnic areas offering both lakeside and hilltop views. Pack a few sandwiches and enjoy the fresh forest air for a relaxing lunch.
The closest restaurant hub to the park would be along Highways 2 and 27 in and around the town of Farmington (22 miles). Although it’s not that close, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll find a solid variety of options including pizza, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, and of course, seafood. There are also a number of coffee shops and small cafés/diners that make for great breakfast stops. If you’re looking for a nightcap, there is also a craft brewery in town.
No matter where you stay, the rugged forest beauty and active outdoor sporting opportunities at Mount Blue State Park are definitely worth a stop along your RV road trip through The Pine Tree State.