For many, the name Poland Spring, Maine, brings to mind water. That association is suitable, as Poland Spring and surrounding areas, like Range Pond Park and Brandy Pond Park, are moist and lush. Not an entirely remote area, people have been visiting Poland Spring for its beauty and reputedly curative mineral springs since the mid-1800s. The place provides a unique combination of outdoor activities alongside modern creature comforts.
Campgrounds
Family-oriented Poland Spring Campground is located on Lower Range Pond, and campers enjoy swimming, canoeing and fishing on the shores. Not exactly "roughing it," the campground is equipped with WiFi, bathhouses, a laundromat, arcade and regularly scheduled children's activities. You can camp here in RVs or tents.
Other campgrounds within Poland Spring include Paul and Gail's Campground & Marina, with views of Oak Hill and easy access to Waterhouse Brook Dam; the wooded Range Pond Campground, Maine's most accessible campground by main roads; Empire Grove Campground, Hemlocks Camping and Mac's Camping Area.
Weather
Summers in Poland Spring, Maine, are temperate. Summertime highs are usually in the mid-70s degrees Fahrenheit, and sometimes in the 80s; in the evenings the temperature can drop into the 50s, making warm camping equipment essential. In the wintertime, temperatures range between around 0 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit. With a relatively high yearly rainfall, September is the driest month and November the wettest.
Outdoor Activities
There are many pleasant spots in Poland Spring to enjoy the outdoors. Range Pond has sandy beaches and picnic areas perfect for a leisurely afternoon. There are opportunities for white water rafting nearby at Crooked River and on the West Branch of the Nezinscot River. The Poland Spring Resort is the original American golf course resort, and it sports real grass tennis courts. From the Poland Spring Campground, visitors can spot a bald eagle living on an island adjacent to the campground. Visiting the Shaker Village at Sabbathday Lake is another interesting family activity.
Indoor Activities
Indoor activities are important when camping in Poland Spring, because rainy days are not uncommon. Many of the campgrounds, like Poland Spring and Range Pond Campgrounds, host family activities like game nights, crafts, auctions and bingo. The town of Poland Spring has an interesting history, and you can visit the 1893 Maine State Building, the All Souls Chapel, the Poland Spring Bottling Museum and a local art museum.
Getting There
Poland Spring is about 2.5 hours from Boston, Massachusetts. It's easily accessible from the north and south by the Maine Turnpike (I-95) to Route 26, and from the west via Route 11 to Route 26. The nearest larger town is Auburn, Maine, about 12 miles away. There are tent and camping stores, supermarkets and a Wal-Mart in Auburn, perfect for last-minute camping needs.
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