Luxury glamping developments in Maine, which gained momentum during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, are encountering increasing resistance even as demand for coastal lodging remains strong.
Despite some local pushback, the industry shows signs of ongoing investment, suggesting that glamping projects may continue to expand across the state.
In Hancock County and other parts of rural Maine, developers began proposing glamping projects as travelers sought outdoor experiences during the pandemic.
These projects typically offer high-end accommodations such as yurts, domes, and tents outfitted with amenities like heating, air conditioning, WiFi, and kitchen appliances.
While some communities welcomed the added tourism revenue, others responded with restrictions, including moratoriums and ordinances in towns like Lamoine, Tremont, and Deer Isle-Stonington.
According to a report published on Bangor Daily News, industry surveys indicate that glamping cooled slightly post-pandemic, but national growth is still expected. Proximity to Acadia National Park, one of Maine’s top tourist destinations, continues to drive interest in new projects.
Caleb Scott, a Deer Isle campground owner, has proposed a 48-unit glampground on Caterpillar Hill in Sedgwick. His plan includes 16 geodesic domes, 16 tiny cabins, and 16 tent sites.
Scott said he was motivated by customer demand at his existing campground, where he often had to turn visitors away during the summer.
“I can definitely see the benefits of tourism … but there are also inherent drawbacks when it’s harder for people to afford property on-island,” Scott said, noting that his project would not affect local housing availability. A public hearing regarding his proposal is scheduled for May 1.
Local opposition to the project has grown, including the creation of a Facebook group opposing the glampground.
Residents have raised concerns over issues such as water availability, traffic increases, environmental impacts, and the potential strain on Walker Pond.
According to Sedgwick Code Enforcement Officer Duane Ford, Scott initially began work on the property’s roads before contacting the town, which contributed to local suspicions.
Scott stated that he expects no more than 113 campers at the site on a given night, despite the project’s potential capacity of 250 visitors.
He emphasized that the development would create jobs, support neighboring businesses, and contribute to the local economy. The Sedgwick site would be an early franchise of Ferncrest, a Pennsylvania-based glamping company.
Meanwhile, Under Canvas, an established glampground in Surry, plans to expand its operations.
The Montana-based company, which offers tents with water views ranging from several hundred dollars to more than $900 per night, intends to add 10-20 tents and adjust its stormwater system within existing permits.
A company representative confirmed that customer demand over the past four years has driven the expansion plans.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, these developments highlight both opportunities and challenges. The continued interest in glamping underscores the importance of balancing growth with community engagement, environmental stewardship, and sensitivity to local concerns.
Industry stakeholders looking to expand or invest in Maine may benefit from proactive communication strategies and thorough planning to address regulatory and community expectations.
Opposition to new developments, particularly from residents concerned about the state’s changing character, remains a factor. Increased visitation to Acadia and rising tensions over tourism-related development have made some communities cautious.
“This is setting a precedent for more campgrounds, more glamping resorts … Do we want to become Trenton and do we want to become Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor?” a resident said at a 2023 hearing, reflecting broader concerns about overdevelopment in coastal Maine.