Martin Stream Campground in Turner
Camping in Maine: so many options
For those who enjoy camping, Maine offers many options. This is due, in part, to the diversity of the state’s geography and climate.
We are the “Pine Tree State” so you can camp under evergreens in the middle of the woods, if you like. Or in a wide-open field, if that’s your preference. There are camping sites with mountain views and others by the ocean. Tent or RV camping can take place in hundreds of locations in every region of the state. You can even go camping in a dozen of Maine’s state parks (a list is at the end of this feature and includes direct links to each state park that has camp sites).
Some campers are looking to get away from it all. Maine is a perfect fit for going off the grid as it has vast regions that are remote and secluded. Whether you want to be miles or yards from other people, you can find a spot that will satisfy your camping preferences.
A Family Camping Experience
For many families, camping in Maine is an annual adventure. Some of our state’s campgrounds have developed a great reputation for being a welcome and fun place for this summer tradition. One of these special places is Martin Stream Campground. They are the feature for the town of Turner.
If this is your first visit to Maine Features, welcome. My name is Elizabeth, and I’m on a long journey to visit every town in the state of Maine. I choose one place that reflects something of our state’s history or way of life. That location is visited, photographed, and written up. Stick around long enough and you’ll learn a little something about every part of our beautiful Maine corner of the planet. You can follow along by sliding your email into the box at the bottom of this page. Now let’s head over to Turner…
The Great Outdoors
Martin Stream Campground is located off Route 117 in Turner. That road is not exactly a freeway. It’s a rural part of our state. But as soon as you turn from it into the campground, the setting changes, and you know for sure—you’ve arrived at camp, and it’s going to be great.
To get to the center of the campground, you follow Martin Stream. Its waters add to the picturesque setting. I could have stopped and taken in the scene for hours. Instead I continued down the drive to the office and met Zach who has run the property since 2016.
About Zach
During my pre-visit research, I learned quite a bit about Zach. It was obvious from the reviews of former guests that he is enthusiastic and goes out of his way to make the stay enjoyable for all. One of Zach’s notable practices is to learn and use the guests’ names. The Friday I arrived, he was about to welcome over two dozen families for the weekend so this is quite the feat.
Despite the imminent wave of new arrivals, Zach took time to give me a tour of the grounds and the many projects he has undertaken to improve the place. There are trees everywhere, but much care has been invested to clear out the spaces around them. The resulting effect is, in Zach’s words, a “see-through forest” with an air of openness.
Around the Campground
In addition to traditional camping sites, guests can rent a cabin, an RV camper, or even a glamping (meaning “glamorous camping”) bell tent with extras that a normal tenting experience doesn’t provide (think carpeting, a mattress, a mini-fridge, and a Keurig machine).
Even if the glamping option isn’t selected, this campground has everything a family with children would need or want. The playground includes all the normal fun items (yes, it has the ever popular tetherball), but also a PIRATE ship to boot. I saw a horseshoe pit, a volleyball court, and a heated underground pool, among other amenities. In addition to these, some of Zach’s completed passion projects include a community fire pit and a pavilion event venue. Yes, you can even have your wedding on the campground!
A Camp Community
Martin Stream Campground includes 55 camp sites. Of these, thirty are seasonal. According to Zach, the guests who return year after year contribute so much to the camp’s sense of community. They take great pride in maintaining their sites and building a positive environment in their day-to-day interactions and participation in the many on-site activities that are offered.
Happy Campers
All over the campground you find little reminders of the camp’s motto: “Stay Happy.” This saying was first promoted by Merle and Shirley Braley, a couple who established Martin Stream Campground in 1970. Those two cheery words are their lasting legacy.
As I reflected on this visit, I thought more about the little phrase, “Stay Happy,” and wondered if it wouldn’t be a good motto for the entire camping industry in Maine. There’s something about this type of getaway that fosters smiles and laughter. It provides an ideal setting for memory-making.
Helpful Resources for Camping in Maine
Are you ready to plan your next camping trip? You can check out the website for Martin Stream Campground, but you may discover a waiting list (everyone wants in on this special place).
Here are some other resources to help you go camping in Maine:
Camp Maine is a creation of the Maine Campground Owners Association. The primary challenge you may face is how to choose from the 180+ Maine's licensed campgrounds they list!
L.L.Bean has many Outdoor Discovery Programs to explore.
Maine State Parks with Camping Sites (by region)
As mentioned, a dozen of our Maine State Parks have options for camping within the park. These are organized below by region. Click on the name of the state park to be taken directly to its page. Fees are lower for Maine residents. And, yes, with the exception of Sebago Lake, you can take your pets along with you.
Aroostook County
Aroostook State Park, south of Presque Isle
Highlands
Lily Bay State Park, north of Greenville
Peaks-Kenny State Park, Dover-Foxcroft
Downeast & Acadia
Cobscook Bay State Park, south of Dennysville
MidCoast
Lake St. George State Park, Liberty
Warren Island State Park, Penobscot Bay (no public ferry)
Western Lakes & Mountains
Sebago Lake State Park, Naples
Southern Maine