Branch Lake Camping Area, Ellsworth, ME

Introduction / Overview

Branch Lake Camping Area, nestled on the shores of the beautiful and famously clear Branch Lake, offers Maine residents a truly tranquil and authentic Downeast camping experience. Unlike some of the larger, more crowded resorts, this family-owned and operated campground has been a local favorite since 1978, prioritizing peace, cleanliness, and friendly service above all else. With a beautiful natural setting, the focus here is on relaxation and immersion in the Maine wilderness, centered around the stunning 2,942-acre lake, which boasts a maximum depth of 124 feet and a perimeter of over 26 miles.

The campground features a mix of spacious, cozy, and mostly shaded campsites, many offering picturesque water views or direct waterfront access. Guests consistently praise the quiet atmosphere, the crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and kayaking, and the personal touch provided by the owners. It is the perfect escape for those who want to be "out of the busy areas" but still within comfortable driving distance of Maine's most popular attractions.

Location and Accessibility

Branch Lake Camping Area is strategically located at 180 Hanson Landing Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA, offering a secluded feel while remaining highly accessible to major hubs and coastal highlights. This positioning on the serene north shore of Branch Lake ensures that campers are well away from highway traffic and noise, which contributes significantly to its peaceful reputation.

For local users in Maine, the campground's proximity to the "Gateway to DownEast Maine" provides significant logistical advantages:

Ellsworth Convenience: The campground is a convenient, short drive to the city of Ellsworth, which serves as the major commercial center for the region. This accessibility means quick trips for groceries, supplies, dining, and other necessities, preventing the need to haul everything from home.
Acadia and Bar Harbor Access: While far enough away to ensure quiet—about a 45-minute drive to the Acadia National Park entrance and the lively town of Bar Harbor—it remains an easy day trip destination. This allows locals to enjoy the beauty of Mount Desert Island without having to contend with the constant traffic and parking struggles of the closer accommodations.
Bangor Connection: Situated conveniently between the Downeast Coast and Central Maine, the campground is within easy reach of Bangor, offering access to larger city attractions like the airport, the casino, concert venues, and extensive shopping.
Secluded Setting: The specific location on Hanson Landing Road, well into the wooded area surrounding the lake, ensures that the atmosphere is one of natural retreat, despite being close to urban centers.

Services Offered

As a family-owned operation committed to guest comfort, Branch Lake Camping Area provides a range of essential and recreational services designed to make your stay hassle-free and enjoyable:

Campsite Utilities: Sites are equipped with utility hookups, catering to both RVs and tent campers. Options include electric (30-amp and 50-amp available), water hookups, and a centralized dumping station on-site, with full hookups available on select sites.
Diverse Site Selection: The resort offers 50+ campsites, including large, cozy, waterfront, water-view, and secluded sites, allowing guests to choose the setting that best suits their needs, whether near the playground or deep in the woods.
Campground Facilities: Clean, well-maintained facilities are a hallmark, including heated restrooms and hot showers, which are a welcome comfort after a day on the lake or the trail.
Waterfront Recreation: Provides a private beach area for swimming, along with boat docking and boat launching facilities. Small watercraft like kayaks can be easily rented on-site for a reasonable hourly fee.
Essential Provisions: A camp store is available for immediate needs, selling essential items such as ice and firewood for the individual picnic tables and barbecue pits provided at every campsite.
Family Amenities: Includes a dedicated playground area for children and a public telephone for emergencies or connectivity, though cell service is often reliable.
Community Events: The welcoming owners often host community activities, such as the highly praised Saturday morning pancake breakfasts for guests, fostering a friendly, familial atmosphere.

Features / Highlights

The features that distinguish Branch Lake Camping Area often revolve around its natural beauty and exceptional hospitality:

Crystal-Clear Branch Lake: The undisputed main feature is the pristine, large lake. The water quality is so clear it’s perfect for swimming, and the quiet cove areas are ideal for kayaking and watching local wildlife like loons and eagles.
Unmatched Peace and Quiet: A major draw for many Maine residents is the campground's serene environment. Despite having over 50 sites, guests consistently describe it as incredibly quiet and peaceful throughout the day and night.
Warm, Family-Owned Management: Operating since 1978, the owners are praised for being kind, helpful, and highly accommodating. They are actively involved in the campground's daily life, ensuring everything is well-maintained and that guests feel welcomed like family.
Perfect Day-Trip Basecamp: Its slightly longer commute to Acadia (about 45 minutes) is viewed as a benefit by many, who prefer the tranquility of the lake over the congestion of the coastal towns, making the drive a small trade-off for nightly relaxation.
Diverse Recreation: Beyond water activities, the surrounding area offers hiking trails in the Branch Lake Public Forest, and the campground itself fosters community through group fire pits and scheduled events.
Excellent Condition and Cleanliness: The grounds are noted for being well-kept and clean, reflecting the dedication of the owners to maintaining a high-quality camping environment.

Contact Information

To reserve your peaceful spot on the clear waters of Branch Lake, please use the contact details provided below. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season.

Address: 180 Hanson Landing Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA

Phone: (207) 667-5174

Mobile Phone: +1 207-667-5174

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Branch Lake Camping Area is a hidden gem that is particularly well-suited for Maine locals seeking an authentic and high-quality recreational retreat. It perfectly embodies the spirit of a traditional Maine lakeside getaway—quiet, clean, and family-focused. For those living in the state, it offers a refreshing change of pace from the typical tourist routes, providing a true sanctuary where one can unwind after a busy week.

The hands-on, family-owned nature of the campground ensures a level of personal care and community that is often lost in larger corporate resorts. Local users can rely on the owners for friendly service and a well-maintained property, year after year. By providing a beautiful, peaceful lake environment while still being minutes from the convenience of Ellsworth, and offering a strategic, quiet alternative to the traffic around Acadia, Branch Lake Camping Area is not just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV—it's a trusted retreat for creating lasting family memories close to home.