There is nothing quite like camping by oceanfront campgrounds in Maine. Imagine being greeted by the gentle ocean breeze in the morning, watching the sun fill the endless horizon with color, and falling asleep to the sweet symphony of ocean waves. You can’t dispute the fact that oceanfront camping refreshes the soul.
The allure of the Maine coastline lies in its magical landscape. The rugged cliffs, carved masterfully by nature over millions of years, are a constant reminder of what mother nature is capable of.
The soft sandy beaches evoke a sense of freedom, inviting you to shed all your worries and snuggle up with your special someone in nature’s soft embrace. The tall lighthouses dotting the coastline give the sense of a guardian angel watching over you and all the mysteries the ocean has to hide in its belly.
But wait, it’s not just the serene landscape and peaceful atmosphere of the ocean campgrounds in Maine that makes them so special; they also offer endless opportunities for adventure seekers like you and me to satiate our inner hunger for adventure.
One of my favorite things here is hiking through the lush green trails with my family. It’s a way to have a wholesome family gathering while taking in incredible views.
You, too, can enjoy oceanfront camping in Maine. Don’t know where to start? If your answer is a yes, don’t fret, I have written this article just for you. I cover some of the most popular oceanfront campgrounds in Maine.
I hope the insights in this article will help you choose the perfect campground for you and your family. So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Types of Oceanfront Campgrounds in Maine
Whether you seek a remote and rustic camping experience or desire the luxuries and conveniences of a modern campsite, Maine’s coastline has a spot just right for you.
Private Campgrounds
Sprinkled generously all across the picturesque Maine coastline, private campgrounds are known for their modern amenities and comforts. These privately owned campgrounds are perfect for families, couples, and socializing enthusiasts.
Although these campgrounds can be pretty expensive, they are worth every dollar, as you get access to free WiFi, recreational rooms, swimming pools, full RV hookups, and much more. However, remember that you must reserve a spot well in advance in peak season as they tend to fill up very quickly.
State Park Campgrounds
State parks, operated by the State of Maine, offer basic amenities, including picnic tables, fire pits, and a limited electricity supply. However, with minimal amenities, it’s the splendor of nature that takes center stage.
Picture pitching your tent in the midst of towering cliffs and lush forests and falling asleep to the sweet melody of waves whooshing along the shore. This is what Maine’s state parks offer all the adventure seekers that set foot on their grounds.
State parks are perfect for budget-conscious adventurers, as they are the most affordable among all oceanfront campgrounds in Maine. Moreover, they allow you to connect with your adventurous side with various activities like hiking, fishing, camping, boating, kayaking, wildlife watching, and much more.
National Park Campgrounds
Owned and operated by the federal government, national park campgrounds are often the most expensive. Maine is home to just one National park; the Acadia National Park. It offers a unique experience compared to privately owned or state park campgrounds.
The Acadia National Park perfectly blends breathtaking landscapes and recreational facilities. Some of the most popular activities among visitors include rock climbing, ranger-led exploration programs, and hiking. Reserve a spot at one of the three campgrounds in Acadia National Park to immerse yourself in nature.
Choosing the Perfect Campground
Choosing an oceanfront campground that perfectly aligns with your preferences can be a bit of a challenge. However, I am here to help you out. I have some handy tips to help you find your perfect oceanfront campground in Maine.
Consider Your Budget
Oceanfront campgrounds can cost anywhere between $20 to $100 a night. For National Parks, you mostly have to pay a fixed price for a nightly stay. On the other hand, private and state-owned campgrounds may vary in price depending on the amenities and recreational facilities.
Research the Campground
Choose a few campgrounds that fall within your budget and research them thoroughly. Look into the amenities and recreational opportunities they offer, and consider how accessible they are. Read reviews from other campers to get an accurate idea of what you are paying for.
Book Early
Be mindful that finding a decent camping spot during peak season in Maine can be challenging. So, once you’ve decided which campground is best for you, make a reservation as far in advance as possible.
Making the Most of Your Camping Experience
Once you arrive at your perfect oceanfront campground, it is time to untie the restraints on your adventurous spirit and make the most of your camping experience. Here are some of the activities I enjoy most:
- Coastal exploration: Given that you will be close to the ocean, it is only fair to spend your time exploring the coastline, enjoying watersports, and indulging in beach activities.
- Local seafood: If you want to do justice to your trip to coastal Maine, you must try the delectable seafood the state is known for.
- Relax and unwind: With so much to do, you might forget to take a break and immerse yourself in the natural marvel that coastal Maine is. Appreciate the soothing atmosphere and mesmerizing views surrounding you.
15 Best Oceanfront Campgrounds
Now that we have done the basics, let’s journey through 15 of Maine’s most popular oceanfront campgrounds. We will examine what makes each unique and why they deserve consideration for your camping trip.
So, how do I come up with the 15 camps on this list? I am fortunate enough to have visited seven of these camps. However, my list is based on review sites. I qualitatively analyzed what people say about these camps in reviews and found the ones everyone recommends. However, this is still a subjective list to help you get started. Ultimately, Maine’s best oceanfront RV parks will depend on individual choices and preferences.
Fort Point Campground, Kennebunkport
With its picturesque landscapes and serene sunsets, Fort Point State Park provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic camping trip with your special someone. It also offers many recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, kayaking, etc. It is also near Kennebunkport, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant market.
Total campsites: 100
Traveler’s eye: “It had many seaside picnic tables with great views of Penobscot Bay, a 200-foot (61 m) fishing pier, two map kiosks with park brochures, several interpretive historical displays, and 0.9 miles (1.4 km) of walking trails on easy grades” – MaineMountainOwl.
Ocean View Campground, Ogunquit
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a family camping trip, look no further than the Ocean View Campground. As the name suggests, it is known for its incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. However, it also offers a wide range of amenities, including full hookups, restrooms, and hot showers to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
You can also visit the nearby family attractions, including the Ogunquit Playhouse and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art.
Total campsites: 125
Traveler’s eye: “Quiet, clean, and has all you need for a great beach vacation! Close to everything and very reasonably priced! You can hear the ocean from the sites, and many have lovely views of the waterways on the bayside” – Melanie O.
Campsites at Nubble Lighthouse, York
Campsites at Nubble Lighthouse blend captivating coastal views with the fascinating history of the iconic Nubble lighthouse. Moreover, the tranquil atmosphere makes them perfect for solo travelers and nature lovers.
You can also explore the rocky coastline, discover tidal pools, observe seabirds, and take peaceful walks along the shore.
Total campsites: 15
Traveler’s eye: “I’ve been here literally hundreds of times and never get tired of the lighthouse and the views. It’s especially pretty when the beach roses are in bloom” – NHjo.
York Harbor Campgrounds, York
Campgrounds in the York Harbor area are perfect for history buffs because of their proximity to historic sites in York, including the Old York Historical Society and the John Hancock Wharf and Warehouse.
You can also engage in watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding or hike through the beautiful coastal trails.
Total campsites: 100
Traveler’s eye: “Very special place. Awesome views, cool path! Seems odd, at times, walking behind waterfront homes, but we highly recommend” – 5kclay.
Cape Neddick Campground, Cape Neddick
Known for its prime coastal location, Cape Neddick Campground allows all its visitors to experience the beauty of the Atlantic as they have never before. Moreover, with direct beach access, you can enjoy sandy shores, explore tidal pools, and swim in the ocean whenever you want.
Total campsites: 125
Traveler’s eye: “This is the most immaculately kept campground we have ever stayed in.” – Patrick O’Brien
Long Sands Campground, York
Known for its long stretches of soft sand, Long Sands Campground provides the perfect setting for beachfront camping and fun beach activities. It is also within walking distance from the vibrant town center with its delicious dining options and historic sites.
Total campsites: 250
Traveler’s eye: “Great beach in FALL. WE come every Oct for two weeks after the crowds subdue! The best, cool but not cold, foliage still great, and things still open. HIGHLY recommend watching the surfers here!” – HRoseOk.
Ogunquit Beach Campground, Ogunquit
Conveniently located near Ogunquit Beach, this campground boasts beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear water making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. One of the unique things about this campground is that you will find it within walking distance from the famous Marginal Way coastal trail, making it particularly popular among hiking enthusiasts.
Total campsites: 150
Traveler’s eye: “Nice beach. Clean restrooms. Walkable to many hotels. Food available. Good amount of paid parking, but get there early on hot days.” – Karen p
Wells Beach Campground, Wells
Situated within walking distance from Wells Beach, this campground provides easy access to the beach. This makes it an ideal location for family camping. The kids can enjoy beach activities like building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle waves. At the same time, grown-ups can explore the charming Wells Harbor area nearby.
Total campsites: 200
Traveler’s eye: “The campground is very well maintained and clean. The bathrooms were spotless too.” – karenandbrian
Pine Point Campground, Scarborough
At Pine Point Campground, some campsites are right by the beach, allowing you to fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to breathtaking ocean views. Here you can also indulge in water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Total campsites: 100
Traveler’s eye: “This place was overwhelming big! The sites are packed liked sardines” – Jenniferb.
Ferry Beach State Park Campground, Kittery
With direct beach access, stunning coastal landscapes, rolling dunes, and lush forests, this state park campground has it all. The park is home to a wide range of bird species making it a bird-watching hotspot.
Total campsites: 100
Traveler’s eye: “Bathrooms, lifeguards in the summer, and a wonderful sandy beach. Not crowded, and if it is, the beach goes on for miles” – David B.
Popham Beach State Park Campground, Phippsburg
Situated inside the Popham Beach State Park, this campground is surrounded by beautiful walking trails, rocky outcrops, and breathtaking landscapes. It also allows you to explore the park’s walking trails, spot shorebirds and seabirds, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders.
Total campsites: 200
Traveler’s eye: “We love Popham Beach because it’s so spacious, and if you visit during the week, it can be uncrowded. You can walk through the water to an island that is really fun to explore. Showers and bathrooms are available” – Wildflower.
Reid State Park Campground, Georgetown
Within walking distance from the scenic hiking trails of Reid State Park, this campground tends to be filled with hiking and wildlife enthusiasts. It gives you direct access to the park’s diverse habitats, including woodlands, dunes, and marshes.
Total campsites: 150
Traveler’s eye: “Body surfing, ice cream, lifeguards, and bath house. There is also a shallow warmer back bay for small children” – Ascutney.
Cutler Coast State Park Campground, Cutler
If you are looking for a remote and untouched wilderness experience, Cutler Coast State Park Campground is the place to be. This is one of the most remote campgrounds in the state and offers unparalleled natural beauty with dense forests, rocky cliffs, and sweeping ocean views.
Total campsites: 100
Traveler’s eye: “I have never seen scenery like I did here. From the mossy covered rocks to the tree-root staircases, we felt like we were in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings” – Ann P.
Acadia National Park Schoodic Woods Campground, Winter Harbor
Situated within the stunning Schoodic Peninsula, this campground is a natural gem within Acadia National Park. With direct access to the Schoodic Peninsula, you can go for scenic walks, bike rides, explore the rugged coastal terrain, and discover hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and secluded beaches.
Total campsites: 147
Traveler’s eye: “By far the nicest campground we have stayed in. Staff were very welcoming, the site was clean, level and VERY private” – Kathleen G.
Acadia National Park Seawall Campground, Southwest Harbor
Surrounded by towering trees and rocky shores and offering panoramic ocean views, this campground is unlike any other. With some campsites just a few steps away from the rocky shores, you get a unique camping experience. A picnic area is also adjacent to the campground, an excellent spot for meals and relaxation.
Total campsites: 135
Traveler’s eye: “Relatively quiet and clean campground. Most of the sites appear to be level and roomy. A lot to see in the area and great food nearby.” – NYC_traveler_nomad
Conclusion
We have explored some of the most picturesque campgrounds in coastal Maine. These campgrounds offer an unparalleled camping experience. Whether you are an introvert and need to spend alone time with nature or want to indulge in family fun, the Coastal Marine has something for everyone. So, get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in the enchanting realm of Maine’s coastal campgrounds.
FAQs
Where can I park my camper for free in Maine?
Most public areas do not permit free parking. However, some public lands managed by the Bureau of Parks and Lands allow dispersed camping where you can park for free.
How much does it cost to camp at Maine State Parks?
Camping at Maine State Parks costs $30 to $60 per night for a campsite with no hookups and $40 to $80 for a campsite with electric hookups.
Do Maine state parks have RV hookups?
Availability of RV hookups may vary from location to location. However, most state parks offer RV hookups.
Does Maine have state campgrounds?
Main has plenty of state campgrounds inside state parks owned and operated by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
How can I camp for free in Maine?
Free camping on established campgrounds is not possible. However, if you explore dispersed camping options on public lands, you can camp for free or at a very low cost in Maine.
Can you sleep in your car in Maine?
Sleeping in your car is allowed in designated areas such as established campgrounds or parking areas permitting overnight stays.
