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Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping

Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping: Sites, Fees and Reservations

Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping gives tent campers and smaller RV travelers a wooded base in Pownal, Maine, with 35 numbered individual campsites, drinking water, restrooms, showers, and direct access to park trails. The main planning challenge is choosing a site that fits your equipment and understanding which sites can be reserved.

This guide covers the campground map, tent and RV options, current fees, 2026 reservation rules, group camping, campground facilities, and the separate requirements for primitive winter camping.

Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping at a Glance

Planning detailCurrent information
Location528 Hallowell Road, Pownal, Maine
Individual campsites35 numbered sites on the current map
Tent campingYes
Walk-in tent campingYes
RV/camper campingYes
Largest mapped camper categoryUp to 35 feet
Water/electric hookupsNo individual hookups listed
ReservationsSome sites reservable; others non-reservable
Maine resident camping fee$15 per site/night
Non-resident camping fee$25 per site/night
Lodging tax9%
Reservation fee$5 per site/night
Group campingTwo tent-only group sites, up to 50 campers each
Winter campingPrimitive tent camping by prior arrangement

The official campground map shows numbered campsites 1 through 35 and distinguishes reservable, non-reservable, and an administrative campsite. It also shows drinking water, restrooms, showers, a dishwashing station, trash and recycling, accessible facilities, a playground, and a campground host.

Where Is Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground?

Bradbury Mountain State Park is at 528 Hallowell Road in Pownal, Maine, along State Route 9. The campground entrance is separate from, but close to, the main park headquarters and day-use trail area.

The location can work well for campers who want a state park setting while staying within reach of communities such as Freeport and the greater Portland area. The campground itself, however, should be evaluated on its own site sizes and facilities rather than simply on its convenient southern Maine location.

If Bradbury Mountain is one stop on a longer vacation, it also helps to plan your route and backup campsites before departure. That is especially useful when campground availability, arrival time, weather, or another stop on the trip could change your schedule.

The official Bradbury Mountain campground map is the best starting point because campsites vary considerably in the size of camper they are intended to accommodate.

Bradbury Mountain Campsites: How to Read the Campground Map

Maine uses letters on its campground maps to indicate the type or maximum camper size associated with each site.

At Bradbury Mountain, the current map uses:

  • T — Walk-in tent site
  • S — Small: tent or pop-up up to 20 feet
  • M — Medium: camper up to 25 feet
  • L — Large: camper up to 30 feet
  • X — Extra Large: camper up to 35 feet

These categories are a useful screening tool, but they should not be read as a promise that every campsite within a category will fit every RV configuration. Your tow vehicle, slide-outs, awning needs, maneuvering space, and exact equipment dimensions can also matter.

When making a reservation, Maine’s system allows you to enter an Equipment Size so it can return campsites intended to accommodate your tent or RV.

Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping
Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping

Reservable and Non-Reservable Campsites

Not every numbered campsite at Bradbury is handled the same way.

The current campground map uses separate symbols for:

  • Reservable campsites
  • Non-reservable campsites
  • An administrative non-reservable campsite

That distinction matters when looking at an appealing site on the static map. A numbered campsite being shown does not necessarily mean you can book it online.

Use the campground map to understand location and size, then use Maine’s live reservation system to confirm which sites can actually be reserved for your dates.

Bradbury Mountain Tent Camping

Tent campers have the widest range of potential site sizes because the campground includes regular tent-compatible campsites as well as three sites specifically marked as walk-in tent sites.

The current map identifies sites 6T, 12T, and 16T as walk-in tent sites.

A walk-in campsite can appeal to campers who do not mind carrying equipment a short distance from vehicle access, but it is not automatically the best choice for every tent camper. Consider how much gear you have, whether you are camping with children, and how often you expect to return to the vehicle.

Each family campsite is listed by Maine as having a picnic table and fire ring or fireplace. Bradbury’s campground map also states that firewood is available for purchase in the park.

If you plan to have a fire, use the provided facility and check current park restrictions first. Maine State Parks asks visitors to buy local firewood, and untreated firewood from outside Maine is prohibited. State guidance also recommends not moving firewood more than 50 miles even within Maine.

Bradbury Mountain RV Camping

Bradbury Mountain accepts RVs and campers, but it is not a full-hookup RV campground.

The campground map includes sites in the S, M, L, and X categories, with the largest mapped category intended for a camper up to 35 feet. That does not mean all 35 campsites can accommodate a 35-foot RV. Only specific sites carry the X designation.

Maine’s current RV information also confirms two limitations worth knowing:

  • Bradbury Mountain is not one of the state park campgrounds offering water and electric hookups.
  • Bradbury Mountain does not have an RV dumping station.

That makes Bradbury more suitable for RV travelers who are prepared to camp without campsite utilities.

Before booking, enter your actual equipment size in CampWithME rather than choosing a campsite solely because it looks large on the map. The reservation search is designed to filter for an appropriate equipment size.

Bradbury Mountain Group Camping

Groups larger than the six-person family-camping limit should look at Bradbury’s separate group camping options rather than reserving ordinary individual campsites.

Maine currently lists two group campsites, each accommodating up to 50 campers. Both are tent camping only, and each includes a large Adirondack shelter that the state says can accommodate approximately six to eight campers.

Group reservations are not handled through the ordinary family-camping online system. For Bradbury Mountain, Maine directs groups to call the park at (207) 688-4712.

The 2026 state fee schedule lists:

  • $50 nonrefundable group camping reservation fee
  • $5 per person, per night
  • $50 minimum group camping charge per night

Camping fees are subject to Maine’s 9% lodging tax. These prices were rechecked on August 31, 2026 against the state fee schedule revised February 4, 2026, and may change.

Bradbury Mountain Campground Reservations: How Booking Works

For parties of six or fewer, Bradbury Mountain campground reservations are available through Maine’s State Park reservation system, CampWithME.

A practical booking process is:

  1. Choose Bradbury Mountain in the reservation system.
  2. Enter your arrival date and number of nights.
  3. Enter your tent or camper size accurately.
  4. Review sites that fit the equipment.
  5. Compare the available campsite with the official map.
  6. Review the camping fee, lodging tax, and reservation charge.
  7. Complete payment.
  8. Save the numbered reservation permit.
  9. Bring the permit and valid identification for check-in.

Maine states that the person listed as the campsite occupant must be the person who checks in and must show valid identification along with the reservation permit.

2026 Reservation Dates

For the 2026 season, reservations for Bradbury Mountain and the other Maine state parks in its reservation group opened at 9 a.m. Eastern on February 5, 2026.

The state’s current schedule says:

  • Online reservations remain available through September 12, 2026 at 4 p.m. Eastern.
  • The online reservation season covers arrivals from May 18 through September 13, 2026.
  • Beginning September 14, 2026, campsites become first-come, first-served.
  • Bradbury Mountain’s regular campground closes at noon on October 15.

The first-come period does not mean a site will necessarily be available. Maine recommends contacting the park for current information during the off-season transition.

Weekend Minimum Stays

If a reservation involving Friday or Saturday was made before July 1, Maine generally requires a two-night consecutive reservation. A Friday can be paired with Thursday or Saturday, and a Saturday can be paired with Friday or Sunday.

For reservations made on or after July 1, a one-night reservation is available even on weekends.

Maximum Stay

During the peak-season period from the last Saturday in June through the third Saturday in August, Maine limits stays to 14 nights per person, per state park. The reservation guidance states that this maximum-stay limit does not apply during the off-season.

Check-In and Late Arrival

Campers must arrive and register between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern and be set up before quiet hours begin at 10 p.m. Maine states that late arrivals will not be admitted and are not eligible for a refund for that night.

Check-out on the current reservation permit is by 11 a.m.

Bradbury Mountain Camping Fees

Current standard family-camping charges are straightforward:

ChargeCurrent 2026 amount
Maine resident campsite$15 per site/night
Non-resident campsite$25 per site/night
Lodging tax9%
Reservation fee$5 per site/night

These rates apply to family camping groups of six or fewer and were verified on August 31, 2026 against Maine’s current fee page and fee schedule revised February 4, 2026. Prices may change in future seasons.

The $5 reservation charge is separate from the campsite rate. Maine’s cancellation rules say the reservation fee is nonrefundable when you cancel.

To qualify for Maine-resident camping rates, Maine requires appropriate proof of residency at check-in, such as a current Maine driver’s license or Maine vehicle registration.

Campground Amenities and Facilities

Bradbury’s current campground map shows more facilities than a primitive campground, but fewer services than a full-service RV park.

The map identifies:

  • Drinking water
  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Dishwashing station
  • Trash and recycling
  • Playground
  • Campground host
  • Accessible facilities and campsites
  • Picnic area
  • Control station

Each family campsite has a picnic table and fireplace/fire ring.

These are campground-wide facilities; they should not be mistaken for water, sewer, or electric connections at each individual site.

Facilities can also be affected by maintenance or seasonal shutdowns. Maine notes that water, restrooms, and buildings at state parks are shut down for the winter as weather and staffing require. Check directly with the park when a particular facility is essential to your trip.

Plan Food Before You Leave Home

Because Bradbury provides developed campground facilities but no campsite hookups, meal planning is still worth doing before the trip. Bringing a clear food plan can reduce extra grocery runs and simplify cooking after a day on the trails.

If you want a ready-made framework, use this simple 3-day camping meal plan to organize breakfasts, lunches, dinners, cooler foods, and a backup meal before departure.

Whatever menu you choose, also check current fire restrictions before assuming you can cook over a campfire. A camp stove or no-cook backup can make the plan more flexible.

Bradbury Mountain Winter Camping

Winter camping at Bradbury is very different from staying in the regular campground during summer.

The regular campground closes at noon on October 15. Maine separately allows primitive winter tent camping at Bradbury Mountain, but the park specifically instructs campers to contact staff before visiting to make arrangements. No water is available.

Maine’s current statewide winter-camping information describes the winter period at participating state parks as December 15 through March 15.

Winter campers should expect:

  • Primitive tent camping only
  • No water
  • No normal campground amenities
  • No cleared campsites or trails
  • Walk-in, snowshoe, or ski access depending on conditions
  • Camping only at designated sites
  • Seven-day maximum stay
  • On-site self-registration
  • Standard camping fees for groups of one to six
  • Local Maine firewood only
  • Fires only at designated fire pits

Bradbury’s winter listing specifically notes walk-in access as well as ski and snowshoe access.

Maine also states that winter camping experience and self-sufficiency are expected. That matters because normal summer services should not be part of your winter plan.

Before a winter trip, call Bradbury Mountain State Park at (207) 688-4712 and check current trail, snow, parking, and weather conditions.

Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping
Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping

Campground Rules to Check Before Your Stay

Pets

Pets are permitted at Bradbury Mountain’s campground. Maine requires pets to remain on a leash under the physical control of the handler, prohibits leaving them unattended, and requires owners to clean up pet waste immediately.

Quiet Hours and Generators

The current reservation permit sets quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Generators, where allowed, may operate only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and must not disturb other visitors.

Campfires and Firewood

Use only the grills, campfire pits, or fireplaces provided for fires in Maine state park camping and day-use areas. Fires must be attended and fully extinguished before you leave them.

Maine prohibits bringing untreated firewood from outside the state. Park guidance encourages campers to purchase local firewood and avoid transporting firewood long distances even within Maine.

Always check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire, regardless of whether the campsite contains a fireplace.

Bradbury Mountain State Park Trails Near the Campground

Camping here also provides access to Bradbury Mountain State Park trails, but you do not need a full hiking itinerary to make use of the park.

Three straightforward examples from the state’s current trail information are:

  • Summit Trail — 0.3 mile: rated moderate/intermediate because the ascent is short but steep.
  • Terrace Trail — 0.3 mile: rated easy, with a gradual ascent.
  • Tote Road Trail — 1.0 mile: rated easy and described as flat and wide.

Hiking is allowed on all park trails. Bicycles are allowed only on trails marked with the bicycle symbol, so do not assume every hiking trail is open to bikes.

Trail conditions can change after heavy rain, storms, snow, or maintenance work. Check the park’s current trail conditions before setting out.

A Practical Bradbury Mountain Camping Checklist

Before departure:

  1. Decide whether you need a standard tent site, walk-in tent site, RV/camper site, or group campsite.
  2. Measure your camper or trailer before choosing a size category.
  3. Compare the official campground map with the live reservation system.
  4. Confirm whether your preferred campsite is reservable.
  5. Review the current total fee, including tax and reservation charges.
  6. Save your reservation permit and bring matching identification.
  7. Plan to arrive between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.
  8. Check current water, restroom, and shower availability.
  9. Plan meals and cooler storage before leaving home.
  10. Review pet, firewood, and campfire rules.
  11. Check weather, park alerts, and trail conditions.
  12. For winter camping, contact park staff before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many campsites are at Bradbury Mountain State Park?

The current official campground map shows 35 numbered individual campsites. They include walk-in tent sites as well as campsites sized for tents, pop-ups, and campers up to the map’s 35-foot maximum category. Bradbury also has separate group camping areas.

Does Bradbury Mountain State Park have RV hookups?

No individual water/electric hookups are listed for Bradbury Mountain. Maine currently identifies water/electric hookup sites only at Aroostook, Camden Hills, Mount Blue, Peaks-Kenny, Rangeley Lake, and Sebago Lake. Bradbury also does not have an RV dump station.

How much does Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping cost?

For Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping, the current 2026 family campsite rate is $15 per night for Maine residents and $25 for non-residents. Maine also charges 9% lodging tax, and an advance reservation adds a $5 per-site, per-night reservation fee. Rates were verified August 31, 2026 and may change.

How do Bradbury Mountain campground reservations work?

For parties of six or fewer, use Maine’s CampWithME reservation system and enter your actual equipment size. In 2026, online reservations continue through September 12 at 4 p.m., with campsites becoming first-come, first-served beginning September 14. Group camping must be reserved directly through the park.

Can you camp at Bradbury Mountain State Park in winter?

Yes, but winter camping is primitive tent camping rather than normal campground operation. You must contact the park beforehand. Maine’s winter guidance says there is no water or normal amenities, campsites and trails are not cleared, designated sites must be used, and winter campers should be experienced and self-sufficient.

Conclusion

Bradbury Mountain State Park Camping is a practical choice for tent campers and RV travelers who are comfortable without campsite hookups and who select their site according to the official equipment-size categories. The campground also offers group options and a much more primitive winter camping experience.

Before your trip, open the current campground map and CampWithME reservation system, match your equipment to the site, confirm the total fee, plan your meals, and check current park conditions and facility availability.

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