Oceanfront Camping at Reach Knolls

- 670 Reach Rd, Brooklin, ME 04616

Introduction / Overview

For Mainers seeking the genuine, uncommercialized coastal experience, look no further than Oceanfront Camping at Reach Knolls. Tucked away on the breathtaking shores of Eggemoggin Reach in Brooklin, this small, lovely campground offers a truly rustic oceanfront retreat. It’s a place where the sound of the waves replaces traffic noise, and the evening view is dominated by spectacular sunsets over the ocean. This is camping as it was meant to be—restful, relaxing, and deeply connected to Maine’s natural beauty.

Oceanfront Camping at Reach Knolls is celebrated for its commitment to quality and hospitality. The atmosphere is quiet, well-run, and friendly, with owners like Lori consistently praised for being incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and making guests feel like family. The campground offers a variety of spacious, secluded sites for both tenters and RVs, with many sites enjoying partial or full ocean views. Reviewers consistently highlight the cleanliness of the facilities, noting the showers are "always hot and sparkling clean," setting a high standard for coastal campgrounds. It is an ideal base for exploring the unique culture of Downeast Maine, from its rich maritime history to its famous lobster hauls. Open seasonally from Memorial Day until mid-to-late October, it encourages visitors to book ahead, especially for those coveted water-view spots.

Location and Accessibility

Oceanfront Camping at Reach Knolls is situated at 670 Reach Rd, Brooklin, ME 04616, USA. This location places it squarely in the heart of Downeast Maine, a region beloved by locals for its rugged beauty, fewer crowds, and authentic coastal towns. The campground is literally on the water, located on the 'reach,' or bay, providing a stunning natural backdrop for your stay.

While the setting is wonderfully secluded, the campground remains highly accessible to essential services and regional attractions. The town of Blue Hill, which offers a full-service grocery store (Hannaford), various local shops, and restaurants, is just a short 15-minute drive away. The campground serves as an excellent central location for day trips to major Downeast destinations. It is near the world-famous boat-building center of Brooklin, close to the beautiful Deer Isle Bridge, and only about an hour’s scenic drive from the attractions of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, making it a perfect base camp to explore this entire section of the coast without being caught in the daily tourist traffic closer to the park. The rural roads leading to the campground contribute to its peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, but are generally smooth and well-maintained.

Services Offered

The campground provides a simple yet thoughtful range of services, focusing on providing essential comfort and convenience while maintaining its rustic, natural charm.

• Campsite Hookups: Sites are primarily electric-only, offering 20 and 30-amp service for both tents and RVs. Water spigots for drinking and tank-filling are conveniently located throughout the grounds, and level sites are common.
• Restroom Facilities: Highly-praised, spotless showers with consistently hot water are available near the office. The toilet facilities are clean, well-maintained vault toilets (privies), which are housed in sturdy, large wooden sheds.
• Waste Management: A dump station is available near the office for registered campers. The campground also offers portable waste tanks (30-36 gallons) for campers to borrow as needed.
• Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi service is available at the office area, allowing campers to connect when necessary, though it is not available at the individual campsites, promoting a more unplugged experience.
• Essentials and Rentals: Firewood is available for purchase at the office. The office also features a book and DVD library for guest use.
• Lobster Ordering Service: A unique and highly-rated service allows campers to order fresh lobster directly from a local lobsterman who lives on the grounds, with the owners even providing pots for cooking!
• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, requiring only that shot records be presented upon registration and that dogs are leashed and cleaned up after at all times.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Oceanfront Camping at Reach Knolls are the natural features and the personalized, friendly hospitality that define the Downeast Maine experience.

• Direct Oceanfront Access: The campground sits right on the Eggemoggin Reach, offering direct access to a beautiful, quiet rocky/stone beach area.
• Spectacular Sunset Views: The beach is noted as the 'perfect place to catch the sunset,' providing a memorable nightly feature over the ocean water and islands.
• Ocean View Sites: Many of the campsites, including specific tent and RV sites, are intentionally designed to offer partial or full ocean views, allowing you to wake up to the sight and sound of the sea.
• Unique Recreational Features: Hidden 'surprises' around the campground include things like wild black raspberries, a rope swing, and access paths to the beach that are fun to explore.
• Welcoming and Attentive Staff: The staff, particularly the owner Lori, is frequently mentioned in reviews for their friendly, accommodating nature, ensuring a genuine and pleasant stay.
• Proximity to Coastal Culture: The location is a superb gateway to Downeast Maine's history, boatyards, local fishing, and charming towns like Blue Hill, Castine, and Deer Isle.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: The wooded, spaced-out, and secluded sites contribute to a highly restful environment, a perfect contrast to busier, more commercial campgrounds.

Contact Information

To secure your spot and experience this lovely oceanfront sanctuary in Brooklin, please use the following contact details. Reservations are highly suggested, especially for waterfront sites.

Address: 670 Reach Rd, Brooklin, ME 04616, USA

Phone: (207) 359-5555

Mobile Phone: +1 207-359-5555

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Maine residents, Oceanfront Camping at Reach Knolls represents an opportunity to experience a quieter, more genuine side of the famous coast, distinct from the heavily-trafficked tourist centers. This small, well-run park is ideal because it provides a true 'unplugged' experience—you get the serenity of a secluded, wooded setting combined with the unparalleled feature of direct oceanfront access and spectacular views. The focus on immaculately clean, simple amenities (hot showers, clean toilets) allows locals to enjoy the essentials of camping without the unnecessary resort trappings.

Moreover, the incredibly friendly and welcoming staff fosters a community atmosphere that resonates deeply with local values of hospitality. The ability to source fresh, local lobster directly to your site is an amenity that speaks volumes about the authentic Maine experience offered here. Whether you are tenting beneath the stars or using a small RV as a basecamp, this campground offers a perfect blend of peaceful rest and a central location for exploring the entire Downeast region, from the scenic Deer Isle to the wonders of Acadia National Park, all while offering a truly superior, clean, and welcoming camping environment.

Oceanfront Camping at Reach Knolls

670 Reach Rd, Brooklin, ME 04616, USA