As the weather gets warmer, campgrounds across the state are opening their gates for another summer season. But for some Maine campground owners, it wasn’t the start of the season they were hoping for, according to News Center Maine.
Things at Mystic Valley Campground in Carmel are quieter than usual this time of year. After retiring six years ago, owner Susan Stevens bought the property. She said at its peak, Canadians made up more than a quarter of visitors.
“Last year, they were less than one percent; this year, we haven’t had any,” Stevens said. Overall, reservations are down 50 percent this year.
The slowdown comes amid ongoing tensions and tariffs between the U.S. and Canada.
“It definitely takes all the profit margin out of running a business,” Stevens said.
Stevens said higher fees for non-U.S. residents entering Acadia National Park are also impacting travelers. Acadia, along with ten other us national parks, is currently charging non-U.S. residents an extra $100 dollars to enter the park in addition to a regular entrance fee
The managers of Holden Family Campground, Missi and Ed Potter, said things have also been a little quieter.
While some campground owners are reporting a slower start to the season, the Maine Campground Owners Association says many campgrounds across the state remain optimistic as they head into the peak summer travel months.
