Camden vies with Kennebunkport, Maine, and Manchester, Vermont, for the title of “bed-and-breakfast capital of New England.” They’re everywhere. The stretch of Route 1 just north of the village center—called High Street here—is a virtual bed-and-breakfast alley, with many handsome homes converted to lodgings. Others are tucked away on side streets.
Despite the preponderance of B&Bs, though, the total number of guest rooms in town is still too small to accommodate the crush of peak-season visitors, and during summer or fall, the lodging is tight. It’s best to reserve well in advance. You might also try Camden Accommodations and Reservations (tel. 800/344-4830 or 207/236-6090) for help in finding anything from overnight rooms to seasonal rentals.
In the name of keeping these folks in business, Camden has recently cracked down a bit on townsfolk offering private rentals through Airbnb and VRBO, prohibiting standalone properties (as compared to spare rooms) from renting for any duration shorter than a week. Further permitting and inspection regulations may be forthcoming, but for now, there are still plenty of properties available in summer via these online rental platforms.
If the inns and B&Bs listed below are unavailable or out of your budget, a handful of area motels and hotels might be able to accommodate you. South of the village center on Route 1 are the Cedar Crest Inn, 115 Elm Street (tel. 207/236-4839), a handsome seasonal motel (peak-season rates $200–$300, spring and fall cheaper), and the longtime mainstay Towne Motel, 68 Elm Street (tel. 207/236-3377), within walking distance of the village (open year-round; peak season rates $134–$149 double, cheaper off-season).
Also right in town, just across the footbridge, is the modern, if generic, Camden Riverhouse Hotel and Inns, 11 Tannery Lane (tel. 207/236-0500), with an indoor pool, fitness center, and Wi-Fi. It’s open year-round; peak season rates range from $249 to $399 for a double room or suite, while the off-season is far cheaper.
CAMPING
Seasonally open Camden Hills State Park (tel. 207/236-3109), about a mile north of the village center on Route 1, has 107 campsites, which cost $35 to $45 per night for non-Maine residents in summer ($10 discount for residents), depending on whether you snag one of the new water-and-electrical hookup sites or not. There’s a discount from mid-September until the park closes.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
