7 Best Campgrounds for Camping near Portland, Maine
Maine is a state like no other. With deserts, ocean vistas, and countless miles of craggy shoreline, camping near Portland, Maine is a truly special experience.
These seven campgrounds run the gamut—from backcountry camping to expansive campgrounds that are chock full of amenities. So, no matter what type of camping you prefer, you’re sure to have plenty of options in The Pine Tree State. And hey, you might even see a moose!
Images from The Dyrt camper Darin S.
Lauded as one of the most family-friendly campgrounds in the area, Wolfe’s Neck offers camping or glamping, a farm animal petting zoo (on its working farm), and an on-site store serving fresh flatbread. And perhaps best of all, it’s located just 20 minutes from Portland.
Wolfe’s Neck is split up between East, Middle, and West Bay camping areas. Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV will determine which area you’ll land in. But don’t worry, no matter where you end up, you’ll still be surrounded by either forests, farmlands, or the ocean. Plus, the water is within walking distance.
“This campground is the best of many worlds: Ocean, woods store, cafe, farm, activities, you name it. Everything was easy, including check-in, and the campsites are a perfect distance away from each other.”– Wendy M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-100
- Number of sites: 115
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Image From The Dyrt Camper Ross C.
The Desert of Maine Campground is like a compilation of all the great things that Maine has to offer. All while being only a 20-minute drive from Portland.
The campground is closeby to the famous and beautiful sand dunes of the Desert of Maine, a nearly 100-year-old tourist attraction that has wonderful activities for kids including a one-of-a-kind natural playground, Gemstone Village, and a Fossil Dig experience. It is also great for nature lovers, and history and science buffs.
If you’re in Portland or Freeport for the breweries, Bradbury Mountain State Park, or Freeport, this is a highly convenient campground. Visit the dunes, the barn, the forest, or bring your kids to the one-of-a-kind playground. And the campground’s modest size makes it feel secluded and private.
“What a lovely campground! We were tucked back into T8, which is a walk down campsite under the trees near a small stream. The benefits were not only a little bit of privacy, but also close access to the bathrooms and showers.”– Maggie K.
Campground Details:
- Price: $45-55
- Number of sites: 27
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Image from The Dyrt camper Laura L.
Looking out over Casco Bay, Winslow Park and Campground actually lies within a public park. The campground includes a boat launch, a pier for fishing, and lots of benches from which to sit back and admire the ocean. It’s a well-maintained campground with tons of amenities for the whole family. Freeport and Portland are close by too, in case you want a more modern diversion.
“Sweet little park with lovely, open sites and views of the water. More of a neighborly experience than a wilderness outing, but a perfect getaway.”– Jeana W.
Campground Details
- Price: $14-35
- Number of sites: 100
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
The Easy Way to Find Last-Minute Campsites
Did you know some campers have:
- Pre-saved lists of hand-picked free camping across the US
- Text messages for last-minute openings
- Scans set up for National Park site openings
This is the easiest, most surefire way to find last-minute campsites every time, and it’s all included in the #1 camping membership called The Dyrt PRO. It costs just $35.99 per year and is an easy way to make sure you have better camping trips every time — and that you can actually find a spot last minute.
You can check it out for free today, you can even use it for free for 7 days to make sure you like it. After the trial it is $35.99 for a full year — most campers find it pays for itself after a night or two. If you camp more than 2 times per year, it may be perfect for you.
Image from The Dyrt camper Debbi B.
Although very chilly, winter visits to Sebago Lake can be as breathtaking as time spent here during the summer. While it lies only 29.8 miles from Portland, the trip is a unique experience which includes the use of ferries and waterways.
This campground gives you access to excellent day trips such as Frye Island and Blueberry Island. Sebago Lake is glacial, so it’s icy to swim in, and covers 45 square miles. Large wooded sites and full bathrooms with showers add comfort to the natural beauty of this spot.
“We thoroughly enjoyed this campground with our grandchildren! So much for them to do. The beach and like was really nice too. Very friendly and helpful staff.” – Patricia H.
Campground Details:
- Price: $41-70
- Number of sites: 250
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Images from The Dyrt camper Michelle .
Set in salt marshes, amid stands of beech trees, Sandy Pines is aptly named. Close to Maine’s Kennebunkport area and only 28 miles from Portland, Sandy Pines Campground has both sand and pines. It’s a large campground with a slew of amenities, so you have all the comforts of home, but with the unmistakable romance of the Maine coastline in the air.
“So many choices of cabins or glamping tents to rent. Dogs are welcome. Big-rig friendly. Very close to attractions and restaurants and stores. We will be back next year with friends.”– Celeste C.
Campground Details
- Price: $41-70
- Number of sites: 300+
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Images from The Dyrt camper Rachel P.
This place has it all. A perennial favorite for many Maine campers, Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA has tent sites, cabins, and plenty of spots for RVs—including both pull-through and back-in sites. Only 17 miles from downtown Portland, enjoy the pines, sea breezes, and blooming flowers at this delightful campground. There is an on-site restaurant as well as a truly impressive list of amenities.
“The staff was friendly, the bathrooms and grounds were very clean, activities were fun, the playground/pool was nice and the Maine blueberry pancakes were amazing! There was a trolley to the beach but lots to do at the campground, too.”– Erin M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $41-70
- Number of sites: 197
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Images from The Dyrt camper Lori M.
Set amid 150 acres on the shores of Lake Androscoggin, sits Beaver Brook Campground in Central Maine, just one hour from Portland. Laundry services, four comfort stations with hot showers, and other on-site amenities make this rustic camping experience a fantastic way to explore Maine’s interior.
The sites are dirt, and most RV sites are back-in, not pull-through. Showers cost a quarter to run, and the Safari Area is for tents only.
“Amazing campground. Has a lot of stuff for kids, including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing, kayaking, mini-golf, and disc golf.”– Peter F.
Campground Details:
- Price: $39-61
- Number of sites: 205
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Camping in Maine near Portland is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re right on the Atlantic or farther inland. These campgrounds only scratch the surface of what Portland and Maine as a whole have to offer. For more than 300 additional campground options, check out the Dyrt’s full list of the best camping near Portland, Maine.
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Source: https://thedyrt.com/magazine/local/best-camping-near-portland-maine/
