Youโre heading to Maine in July, not just for a vacation, but because your camper has been writing letters about bunkmates and bug bites, and itโs finally time for a visit.
Youโre probably headed to the Belgrade Lakes regionโthat cluster of quiet lake towns west of Augusta, where the roads are narrow, the views are great, and the cell service drops exactly when you need directions most.
This guide is here to help you make your trip to Maine in July for Visiting Day more than just a quick hello.
Where to stay. What to eat. And a few spots to stretch the trip just enough to make it feel like a summer getaway.
Navigating the Belgrade Lakes Camp Region in July
Zero traffic, full serenity. Just the way Maine in July should be.
Most sleepaway camps are tucked into a few quiet towns in central MaineโBelgrade, Rome, Mount Vernon, Readfield, Smithfield, and Kents Hill, with a few farther south near Poland.
Youโll be circling lakes like Great Pond, Long Pond, or Echo Lake, driving pine-lined roads with just enough signage to make you think youโre almost in the right placeโuntil you lose service and pass the turn anyway.
Thereโs good food, beautiful hikes, and plenty of low-key ways to enjoy Vacationland while youโre here.
Where to Stay in Maine in July That Isnโt a Motel Off the Highway
Lodging in this region is limited, and the good spots go fast.
Most places have a two-night minimum in July, and many of them book up the minute camp calendars go live.
Here are a few places worth checkingโwhether youโre staying the night, meeting up with family, or just want somewhere to regroup after camp drop-off.
The Skowhegan by Kasa
Proof that camp drop-off can come with hardwood floors and peace.
The Skowhegan by Kasa
Location: 7 Island Ave, Skowhegan, MEย
Website: kasa.com
Think modern Airbnb energy, but in hotel form. Clean, pet-friendly, and designed for easy arrivals with keyless entry and self-check-in.
Highlights:
Stylish, minimalist suites with high ceilings
Pet-friendly and great for families
Easy parking + walkable to Skowheganโs downtown
TLJ Tip: Youโre about 30โ40 minutes from most camps, but if youโre arriving late or want something low-fuss, this spot nails it.
Seven Lakes Inn
Like staying with that friend who nails the lakeside vibe.
Seven Lakes Innย
Location: 168 Main St, Belgrade, MEย
Website: sevenlakesinn.com
A newly renovated 4-bedroom lakefront home rental that feels like a vacation, not just a place to crash. Great for larger families.
Highlights:
Full-house rental with a modern kitchen and stylish design
Lakefront setting with views and outdoor space
Perfect for multi-gen stays or sibling-packed weekends
TLJ Tip: A solid pick if youโre traveling with grandparents or other families and need room to spread out.
Lockwood Hotel
If your idea of roughing it includes room service, this oneโs for you.
Lockwood Hotel
Location: 9 Main Street, Waterville, ME
Website: lockwoodhotel.com
Feels like a polished chain hotel with a local edgeโand the location is hard to beat if you’re staying near town or passing through.
Highlights:
Comfortable rooms with sleek, modern design
Walkable to downtown shops, coffee, and groceries
Across the street from Ticonic Falls and the Kennebec River
TLJ Tip: Great pick if you want convenience without going full rustic. Easy in, easy outโwith dinner options just steps away.
Senator Inn & Spa
Yes, those clouds are painted. Yes, your kids will still cannonball.
Senator Inn & Spa
Location: 284 Western Avenue, Augusta, ME
Website: senatorinn.com
Yes, itโs a little datedโbut the rooms are spacious, thereโs a full spa on-site, and itโs right off I-95 if youโre passing through or just need a night.
Highlights:
On-site spa with hot tub, steam room, and fitness center
Large guest rooms and family amenities
Super convenient location just off the highway
TLJ Tip: If youโre crashing for one night and want a little peace (or a spa moment before heading back to camp chaos), this one delivers.
Wolf Cove Inn
Comfy, woodsy, and yes, a pillow that says โGo jump in the lake.โ
Wolf Cove Inn
Location: 5 Jordan Shore Drive, Poland, ME
Website: wolfcoveinn.com
Romantic B&B vibes with front-row lake views. This oneโs ideal if you’re flying solo, traveling as a couple, or tacking on a grown-up getaway.
Highlights:
Lakefront location with private dock and Adirondack chairs
Gourmet breakfast included daily
Peaceful setting, perfect for parents near southern camps
TLJ Tip: Not the place for kids to run wildโsave this one for your solo parent moment or when you’re off-duty for a night.
Want to turn Visiting Day into a real getaway?
Here are some of the best oceanfront places to stay in Maine if youโre heading toward the coast after camp.
Maine in July: Where to Eat When You're Done with Bunk Tours
Between the driving, the planning, and the million tiny things you didnโt know youโd be doing this weekend, finding a solid meal shouldnโt be hard.
These places to eat in central Maine make it easyโฆ quick stops, sit-down wins, and sweet treats that feel like a summer reward.
A1 Diner
A legit train car diner. If you know, you stop.
A1 Diner
Location: 3 Bridge Street, Gardiner, ME
Website: A1 Diner on Facebook
A real-deal 1946 Worcester Lunch Car thatโs been serving locals and road trippers for decades. If youโre heading through central Maine, this is the kind of place you pull over for.
Highlights:
Classic diner menu with rotating specials
Indoor counter seating + outdoor red patio tables
Walkable to downtown and the Kennebec River trail
TLJ Tip: Itโs first-come, first-servedโand itโs not big insideโso plan for a short wait if youโre coming at peak lunch.
Daddy Oโs Diner
Yes, the burgers are as good as the walls are busy.
Daddy Oโs Diner
Location: 1570 Main Street, Oxford, ME
Website: daddyosdiner.com
Classic neon, checkered floors, and milkshakes in metal cupsโthis spot feels like a road trip highlight even if you’re just stopping for breakfast.
Highlights:
Huge portions, diner classics, and homemade pie
Car cruise nights in the summer = instant family fun
Retro vibe thatโs kid-approved and selfie-ready
TLJ Tip: Come hungry. And if you see classic cars out front, you picked the right night.
Fast Eddies Drive-In
Neon, Elvis, checkerboard floorsโฆ and even a playground out back.
Fast Eddieโs Drive-In
Location: 1308 US-202, Winthrop, ME
Website: fasteddiesdrivein.com
Burgers, shakes, and an outdoor playground make this more than just a pit stop. Itโs part drive-in, part diner, part kid-approved mini break.
Highlights:
Classic drive-in menu with carhop service available
Indoor booths, picnic tables, and a vintage-style playground
Great soft serve with lots of flavor options
TLJ Tip: Let the kids run wild on the playground while you wait for your foodโthis is the kind of break that actually works.
Ottoโs on the River
Itโs giving quirky-cool wine bar with lounge vibes.
Ottoโs on the River
Location: 287 Water Street, Augusta, ME
Website: ottosontheriver.com
Riverfront views, seasonal cocktails, and a menu that feels just a little more special than the usual camp weekend stop. Casual, but still feels like a night out.
Highlights:
Appetizer selection, seafood specials, and seasonal cocktails
Outdoor patio with views of the Kennebec River
Walkable downtown location, just off Water Street
TLJ Tip: Make a reservation if you want that riverfront tableโand skip the foil-wrapped sandwich today. Youโve earned it.
HJ Blakeโs for Goodness Sake
When your lunch spot looks like a Crayola box... in the best way.
HJ Blakeโs for Goodness Sake
Location: 945 West Rd, Belgrade, ME 04917
Website: facebook.com/hjblakes
This low-key corner spot delivers bigโwhether you need sandwiches for the lake, sweets for the car, or just a solid iced coffee before you hit the road.
Highlights:
Great sandwiches, breakfast, and homemade baked goods
Grab-and-go items perfect for road trip snack duty
Friendly, local vibe that keeps regulars coming back
TLJ Tip: Itโs easy to miss, but totally worth the U-turn. Ideal for a quick stop on your way to or from camp.
Dayโs Store
Not pictured: the sandwich in your hand and zero cell service.
Dayโs Storeย
Location: 182 Main St, Belgrade Lakes, ME
Website: daysstorebelgradelakes.com
Everyone ends up here at least once. Sandwiches, snacks, and cold drinks you can walk across the street and eat by the lakeโitโs a Belgrade rite of passage.
Highlights:
Made-to-order sandwiches, coffee, and baked goods
Public dock and picnic area right across the street
Great selection of wine, dips, and rental-ready extras
TLJ Tip: Skip the grocery store run. Grab everything you need for a lakeside lunch or cocktail hour and make it a moment to remember.
Too tired to shop after Visiting Day?
We get it.
These shippable Maine food gifts are an easy way to savor the trip once you’re back home.
Best Ice Cream Shops and Sweets in Maineโs Camp Country
Fielder's Choice Ice Cream
Twist cone? Best of both worlds.
Fielderโs Choice Ice Cream
Location: 937 Western Ave, Manchester, ME
Website: fielderschoiceicecream.com
Soft serve, sundaes, and portions that lean aggressive in the best way. Fielderโs Choice is a must-stop if your camp route takes you near Augusta.
Highlights:
Giant cones, dozens of flavors, and fan-favorite sundaes
Outdoor ordering window with picnic table seating
Quick, kid-friendly stop just off Route 202
TLJ Tip: A small is never actually small here. Order accordinglyโand bring wipes.
The Log Yard Dairy Bar
Pull over. This is a no-regrets ice cream stop.
The Log Yard Dairy Bar
Location: 1184 Maine St, Poland, MEย
Website: facebook.com/thelogyarddairybar
A beloved roadside ice cream stop with the kind of old-school charm (and portion sizes) that keep families coming back every summer.
Highlights:
Full menu of hard and soft serve, sundaes, and flurries
Generous portions at super reasonable prices
Picnic tables and outdoor seating with plenty of space
TLJ Tip: If you’re in the area, this is worth the detour. And yes, your kid will need help finishing that cone.
Hello Good Pie
More than good pie. But yes, definitely get the pie.
Hello Good Pieย
Location: 39 Main St, Belgrade Lakes, ME
Website: hellogoodpie.com
Small-batch pies, soups, and baked goods that actually taste homemadeโbecause they are. A sweet little stop just off the main drag in Belgrade.
Highlights:
Blueberry crumble pie is a Maine in July must
Great for lunch, takeout, or a road trip treat
Cozy cottage vibe with outdoor tables
TLJ Tip: Grab an extra slice to goโthey wrap it up perfectly for backseat snacking or as a late-night parenting reward.
What to Do in Maine in July Around the Belgrade Lakes Region
Is it even Maine in July if you donโt see a rock stack?
Whether you have a couple of hours before pickup or want to make the most of your trip to Maine in July, here are some easy, rewarding ways to experience the Belgrade Lakes region.
French Mountain Hike
Location: Trailhead on Watson Pond Road, Rome, ME
Short trail, big views. Itโs just under a mile round trip and takes about 30 minutes totalโgreat for a quick leg-stretcher between camp events.
TLJ Tip: Totally doable with kids, even if they complain the whole way up (theyโll forgive you at the summit). Bring bug spray.
Mount Phillip Trail
Location: Trailhead on Route 27, Rome, ME
A slightly longer loop with light elevation and pretty lake views. About 1.5 miles totalโjust enough to feel like you did something outdoorsy.
TLJ Tip: No need to overpack. Youโll be back to the car before anyone can ask how much farther.
Watson Pond Road Adventure Drive
Location: Starts near Route 225 and ends near Route 27, Rome, ME
One of the prettiest five-mile stretches in the region. Dense woods, crumbling stone walls, and trailheads around every bendโitโs like driving through a Maine postcard.
TLJ Tip: Even if you donโt hike, itโs worth the detour. But if you do? French Mountain and Blueberry Hill are quick, satisfying stops.
Kayak, Paddleboard, or Rent a Boat on Great Pond
Location: 25 Marina Drive, Belgrade, ME
Website: greatpondmarina.com
No boat? No problem. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or motorboats and get out on the lakeโno experience required.
TLJ Tip: The staff will walk you through everything. Itโs an easy win for families who want to feel outdoorsy without going full wilderness.
Belgrade Lakes Farmers Market
Location: 100 Main Street, Belgrade Lakes, ME
Hours: Sundays, 8 am โ 1 pm (June through September)
Small but mighty. Think fresh produce, local jams, baked goods, and maybe a fiddle player if you catch it at the right time.
TLJ Tip: Go for the cookies, stay for the vibe. It’s the kind of stop where you’ll find something you didn’t know you needed.
TLJ Tips for Visiting the Camp Region of Maine in July
โ๏ธ Visiting Day traffic is no joke.
If youโre heading up for camp Visiting Day, plan for a backup on the tiny local roadsโespecially near big-name camps. Add 30+ minutes to wherever youโre trying to go.
โ๏ธ Book early or prepare to get creative.
July is peak everything in Maine. Hotels, Airbnbs, even boat rentals are often full by spring. If you’re reading this last-minute, try inland towns or family-run motelsโsome donโt even list online.
โ๏ธ Not all of Maine is overrun.
Portland and Bar Harbor will feel packed, but youโll still find space (and sanity) in lesser-known towns like Hallowell, Newcastle, or Wayne. Itโs worth zooming out on the map.
โ๏ธ Do the popular stuff early.
Want to hike, hit the farmers market, or get a lobster roll without a 45-minute wait? Go before 11 am. Crowds build fast, but mornings in Maine are cool and quiet.
โ๏ธ Cell service disappears fast.
Once you’re near the lakes and camps, it’s flip-phone vibes. Screenshot directions, confirm hours, and download offline maps before you leave town.
Making the Most of
Central Maine in July
Whether you’re in central Maine for Visiting Day or turning your trip into a few extra days of summer fun, July is one of the best times to visit.
The lakes are calling, the farm stands are overflowing, and even the backroads feel like part of the adventure.
You donโt need a packed itineraryโjust a few great ideas, some good meals, and maybe a boat rental if you’re lucky.
Save this guide, share it with your camp crew, and make the most of wherever drop-off (or pick-up) takes you.
Happy Travelsโฆ
