Parks Pond Campground Introduce
For those of us in Maine who appreciate the tranquil beauty of a lakeside retreat combined with the convenience of a well-maintained campground, Parks Pond Campground in Clifton offers a truly refreshing experience. Nestled on 14 acres of picturesque land directly on Parks Pond, this spot is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a serene escape where you can wake up to the glass-like surface of the pond and unwind amidst nature’s quiet embrace. As Mainers, we understand the desire for a camping spot that feels both removed from the everyday hustle and yet conveniently located for exploring our beautiful state. Parks Pond Campground perfectly strikes that balance.
Praised by visitors for its accommodating staff, spotless facilities, and peaceful atmosphere, Parks Pond Campground has cultivated a loyal following, including many seasonal guests who consider it their summer home. Whether you're passing through on a road trip, looking for a quiet weekend getaway, or seeking a seasonal spot for endless summer adventures, this campground is designed to cater to a variety of needs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Parks Pond Campground, from its idyllic location and accessibility to the wide range of services and highlights that make it a premier choice for Maine locals.
Parks Pond Campground is ideally situated at 827 Airline Rd, Clifton, ME 04428, USA. This location places it conveniently on Route 9 (Airline Road), making it easily accessible for travelers from various directions within Maine and beyond. Specifically, it's located about 16 miles east of the Bangor/Brewer area on Route 9. If you're coming from the Calais area in eastern Maine, it's approximately 70-72 miles west on Route 9.
One of the significant advantages of its location for Maine locals is its proximity to major attractions and amenities while still maintaining a peaceful, rural feel. You're just about 45 minutes to an hour's drive from the renowned beauty of Acadia National Park and the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor, making it an excellent base for day trips to these iconic destinations. Nearby, visitors can also explore local hikes like Parks Pond Bluff, Chick Hill (Peaked Mountain), and Eagles Bluff. For golf enthusiasts, Sawmill Woods Golf Course is conveniently located directly across the road. This balance of being "along the highway close to the border" (as one reviewer noted) for easy travel, yet offering a quiet, scenic retreat, makes Parks Pond Campground exceptionally accessible and appealing to a broad range of campers looking to explore Downeast Maine.
Parks Pond Campground offers a variety of services and amenities designed to make your camping experience comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable for both short-term visitors and seasonal guests.
Diverse Campsite Options: The campground provides a range of sites to accommodate different camping styles. These include partial hook-up sites (with water and electric, available in 30 and 50 amp options for RVs) and traditional tent sites for a more rustic experience.
Clean Facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the on-site facilities. There are clean bathrooms with hot showers, providing a comfortable experience even in a natural setting. A well-maintained laundry room is also available, which is particularly convenient for longer stays or for seasonal campers.
Dump Station and Honey Wagon Service: For RV campers, a convenient dump station is available. Seasonal campers and those staying for more than 10 consecutive days at a camper site with water and electric hookup can also benefit from a weekly "honey wagon" pump-out service, adding to the convenience.
Camp Store and Game Room: A wonderful on-site store stocks items you might have forgotten, along with essential camping supplies and treats. Behind the store, a game room provides indoor entertainment, especially useful on rainy days or for keeping kids entertained. The Rec Hall space is also available for rent for events.
Waterfront Access and Rentals: Direct access to Parks Pond allows for various water activities. The campground offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals at reasonable hourly, half-day, or full-day rates. There's also a designated roped swimming area for guests (no lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk).
Firewood and LP Gas: Firewood is available for purchase at The Old Mill Store, ensuring you can enjoy a campfire. LP gas is also available on-site for RV needs.
Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome at Parks Pond Campground, provided they are friendly, kept on a leash, and cleaned up after. However, pets are not permitted in the roped swimming area.
Group and Event Facilities: A 30' x 40' Pavilion and the Rec Hall space are available for rent, complete with tables and chairs, making it suitable for family reunions, weddings, birthday parties, or other gatherings.
Parks Pond Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among Maine campers, particularly those seeking a tranquil and family-friendly environment.
Beautiful Lakeside Setting: The campground's location directly on Parks Pond is a major draw. Visitors rave about the "beautiful" pond, often describing it as "like looking across glass in the morning." This provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and offers stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Quiet and Serene Atmosphere: Despite accommodating many RVs and seasonal guests, the campground consistently earns praise for being "quiet and serene." Even during busy times, visitors note the peaceful environment, allowing for true relaxation and an escape from noise pollution.
Exceptional Ownership and Staff: Reviewers frequently highlight the "great owners" and "accommodating and kind staff." Their dedication to providing all necessary information and resolving any issues quickly contributes significantly to a positive camping experience.
Family-Friendly Activities and Theme Weekends: Parks Pond Campground is well-known for its vibrant schedule of "Theme Weekends" throughout the season. These can include fun events like "Christmas in July" with Santa and wagon rides, "Halloween in August" with trick-or-treating, karaoke nights, potluck suppers, dances, ice cream socials, movie nights, and various tournaments (cribbage, horseshoe). These planned activities foster a strong community feel and keep all ages entertained.
Strategic Location for Day Trips: Its proximity to major tourist destinations like Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor (approximately 45 minutes away) makes it an ideal base for exploring Downeast and coastal Maine without having to move your camping setup.
Recreational Opportunities: Beyond water activities on Parks Pond (swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing), the campground offers various land-based recreation options. These include badminton, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and easy access to local hiking trails such as Parks Pond Bluff, Chick Hill, and Eagles Bluff.
Community of Seasonal Campers: A large portion of the campground is occupied by seasonal guests, which creates a friendly, established community. This contributes to the welcoming atmosphere and a sense of "neighborhood" that many campers appreciate.
Parks Pond Campground offers various rates and specials designed to accommodate different types of stays, from short visits to full seasonal commitments. While specific time-limited "promotions" may vary, their rate structure inherently includes value for longer stays. For instance:
Extended Stay Discounts: A rate of $34 per night is available for camper sites with water and electric hookups for stays longer than 10 consecutive days. This includes a weekly "honey wagon" pump-out service, making longer visits more convenient.
Seasonal Rates: For those looking to make Parks Pond their summer home, seasonal rates are available at $2300 (plus 9% Maine State Sales Tax). This comprehensive rate includes lawn care and weekly pump-out service as needed, providing excellent value for an entire season of camping.
Group and Event Rentals: While not a discount on camping, the ability to rent the 30' x 40' Pavilion for $450 (including tables, chairs, and visitor fees for up to 65 people) or the Rec Hall Space for $175 (including tables, chairs, and visitor fees for up to 50 people) offers special value for hosting gatherings, parties, or reunions directly at the campground.
Watercraft Rentals: Canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals are offered at very reasonable rates ($5 per hour, $10 half-day, $15 full-day), making water recreation accessible without needing to bring your own equipment.
It is always advisable to check their official website or contact Parks Pond Campground directly for the most current rates and any potential seasonal specials or unadvertised offers that might be available, especially during shoulder seasons (early May or late October).
For reservations, inquiries, or any further information about Parks Pond Campground, Maine residents and visitors can use the following contact details:
Address: 827 Airline Rd, Clifton, ME 04428, USA
Phone: (207) 843-7267
Mobile Phone: +1 207-843-7267
Email: mglufkin@adelphia.net or parkspond@gmail.com
Website: www.parkspondcampground.com
While the campground is known for being accommodating, especially for last-minute arrivals during off-peak times, reservations are generally recommended, particularly during the busy months of July and August, where a two-night minimum stay is preferred for Friday and Saturday nights. Contacting them directly via phone or email is the best way to confirm availability and discuss your specific camping needs.
Parks Pond Campground is an ideal choice for Maine locals seeking a balanced and enriching outdoor experience. Its location in Clifton, along Route 9, offers the perfect blend of easy accessibility and a serene natural setting. For Mainers, it means less time driving and more time enjoying the picturesque Parks Pond and the surrounding Downeast region. The campground’s strong emphasis on a quiet, clean, and friendly environment, as consistently highlighted by visitors, resonates deeply with those who appreciate a peaceful retreat without sacrificing comfort.
The array of amenities, including spotless bathrooms, laundry facilities, and a convenient store, ensures a hassle-free stay. More importantly, the diverse recreational opportunities—from fishing, swimming, and boating on the pond to various sports and themed weekend activities—cater to families and individuals alike, fostering a lively yet relaxed community atmosphere. Its strategic position makes it an excellent home base for exploring iconic Maine destinations like Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor on day trips. For locals looking for a welcoming, well-appointed campground that feels like a home away from home, whether for a weekend or an entire season, Parks Pond Campground truly embodies the best of Maine's outdoor hospitality.
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Parks Pond Campground Reviews
Perfect refresh spot after many days of driving. We were happy to find anything along the highway close to the border. The staff was so accommodating and kind. They have clean hot showers, dump stations, and laundry.The pond is beautiful. The camp is used for seasonal guests. We were there on a Sunday night in early June and even though there were tons of RVs the place was quiet and we barely saw anyone.
Jun 13, 2025 · Misty CarterBeautiful and serene campground with a small lake that is like looking across glass in the morning! Great owners that give you all the information you need. Clean bathrooms and laundry facilities. Game room behind a wonderful store with items you may have forgotten. Great location for day trips to Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and eastern Maine! Highly recommend staying for the weekend or several weeks!
Oct 14, 2021 · Kevin BarrettBeautiful campground, clean washrooms and showers. The manager was helpful in finding us a spot last minute. Great place to stop along route 9
Jul 23, 2024 · Wendy PetersAwesome place to take family. Very kid friendly, nice quiet Pond big enough to tube, sail, troll. Fun fishing from shore or on boat. Sunfish, small/largemouth Bass, Perch, Catfish. Just wish WiFi reception was better for phone use....further away from office/store=less signal.
Jul 25, 2018 · Karen CarrOur first camping trip in our new R-Pod. Kept it kind've close to home. Was a very nice campground. Staff was VERY friendly. Showers / Restrooms were a lot nicer than I expected for a campground. We'll go back if we do another local camping trip for sure.
Jun 13, 2024 · Brian Emerson
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