One Of The East Coast's Best Campgrounds For Unparalleled Ocean Access And Views Is In Maine

When it comes to soul-stirring nature on the East Coast, it's hard to beat Maine. New England's largest state boasts a nearly endless list of sublime outdoor attractions, some of which can be seen on this road trip route with breathtaking views. With rugged mountains, fast-flowing rivers, and thousands of pristine lakes, Maine offers the kind of wilderness experiences usually associated with the American West. And nothing is more iconic than its windswept, rocky coastline.

However, the Maine coast is more than just soul-stirring vistas. It's also home to historic (and very photogenic) lighthouses, quaint villages, and windswept islands with lobster shacks and plenty of seaside serenity. While you can experience this all by staying in the hotels and B&Bs found throughout New England, there are also scads of good campgrounds, including Libby's Oceanside Camp.

Family-run since 1923, Libby's Oceanside Camp sits on the edge of the Atlantic and offers sweeping views of the sea and coast, including one of the country's most photographed lighthouses. The fully outfitted RV sites also come with fire pits and picnic tables, along with access to one of the region's best beaches, allowing you to stroll along the soft sand while the ocean breeze blows around you.

Situated on Maine's southern shoreline just about 12 miles from the New Hampshire state line, Libby's Oceanside Camp consists of 45 oceanfront sites, 18 pull-through sites, and 12 van/pop-up sites, accommodating all sorts of four-wheeled campers. The oceanside sites sit among grass on a rocky bluff overlooking the blue waters of Lobster Cove and come with full hookups, which include water, sewer, electricity, cable TV, and wifi. Libby's also offers washing machines, shower houses, and twice-a-week motorhome service.

That said, the campground's biggest selling point is its location. Visitors can easily access Long Sands Beach, a 1.5-mile stretch of shore that's very popular in the summer for swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, and surfing. The beach's wide sands are broken up with rocky areas (it is Maine, after all), and Long Sands is also known for its tide pools which you can easily explore when the water recedes.

Libby's is also a great place to view two of Maine's historic beacons: the Nubble Lighthouse and the Boon Island Lighthouse, both of which are visible from the campground. Built in 1878, the Nubble Lighthouse sits on nearby Cape Neddick and is one of the most photographed of its kind, worldwide. As its name suggests, the Boon Island Lighthouse rises from a rocky outcropping 6 miles out from shore. It was constructed in 1855 and at 133 feet in height, is not just the tallest lighthouse in Maine, but in all of New England.

The quaint community of York (known locally as "The Yorks") is just a five-minute drive from Libby's, and offers all of the charms that you'd expect in a New England seaside settlement. It's actually four towns in one: York Village, York Harbor, York Beach, and Cape Neddick, all of which enjoy a rich maritime tradition.

While you're there, enjoy some saltwater taffy at the Goldenrod, which has been serving up homemade candy, ice-cream, and other fare since 1896. Stop by the Stonewall Kitchen, a nationally-famous company known for specialty food items such as jams, jellies, chutneys, and sauces, or sample some locally-brewed spirits at the Wiggly Bridge Distillery. For a family outing, head to York's Wild Kingdom, a zoo/amusement park that not only houses lions and tigers, but also boasts plenty of kid-friendly carnival rides such as bumper cars and a mini roller coaster.

Maine's coast is really about its incredible natural beauty, and for a good dose of the outdoors, lace up your hiking shoes and climb nearby Mt. Agamenticus. At 692 feet, it won't be winning any awards for elevation, but it offers thrilling vistas. The surrounding area also features 30,000 acres of nature preserve, as well as over 40 miles of hiking trails, making it the perfect place to lose yourself in the kind of raw outdoor bliss Maine is famous for. For incredible wildlife spotting when you're in Maine, head up to the gorgeous Acadia National Park.