Camping options near Arundel, Maine include both traditional sites and luxury accommodations across several well-maintained facilities. The area sits in York County along the southern Maine coast, characterized by tidal marshlands, pine forests, and sandy beaches. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F, while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler 45-65°F temperatures with occasional rain.
What to do
Kayaking the salt marshes: At Wild Duck Adult Campground, paddlers can access the Scarborough Marsh directly. One visitor noted, "We stayed for 3 nights in late July. This adult only campground is peaceful and quiet, with the sounds of birds and the trees being the main thing you hear - it is quite relaxing."
Biking coastal trails: The Eastern Trail offers excellent cycling opportunities near several campgrounds. According to a camper at Wild Duck Adult Campground: "It is 1.3 miles of the Eastern Trail, a multi-use gravel path which is a better place to walk, bike, or run. It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one."
Winter camping options: While most Arundel area campgrounds operate seasonally, Sea Vu Campground remains open year-round, providing accommodations during Maine's off-season. A visitor mentioned, "It was beautiful and well cared for with flowers galore. There was a nice pool and it was right on our way to Bar Harbor."
What campers like
Adults-only environments: For couples seeking quieter glamping near Arundel, Maine, Wild Duck Adult Campground offers a peaceful alternative to family-oriented resorts. A reviewer shared, "This is a beautiful campground that caters to adults only. It feels very secluded but it's close to everything."
Entertainment venues: Bentley's Saloon and Campground combines camping with live music and dining. One camper reported, "9 days at the cabin, entertainment was awesome, great riding along the coast line, staff was no less then the best."
Trolley beach access: Many campgrounds offer shuttle services to nearby beaches. A visitor to Paradise Park Resort commented: "This is a family friendly campground that is a short shuttle ride (offered by the staff) or drive to the amusements and boardwalk at Old Orchard Beach. The pond is great for fishing but not swimming."
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Coastal marshlands mean insects, especially in wooded campsites. A camper at Wild Duck noted, "The only negative of this place was the mosquitoes. They were TERRIBLE. In the time it took after we parked the camper, to when I could dig the bug spray out of our truck I was covered in bites."
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds advertising proximity to beaches may have railroad tracks between them and the ocean. A visitor to Wild Acres Sun RV Resort advised, "The campground map is missing the train tracks that are between the campground and the ocean. The trains all blow their horn and you will hear it if you're at one of the sites 'by the ocean'."
Off-season quiet: Fall camping offers fewer crowds and seasonal color changes. A camper at Sandy Pines Campground noted, "We stayed here to see the fall colors. The park is laid out very nice. The sites are nice size with gravel. They are under trees so we could watch the colors change."
Tips for camping with families
Look for age-specific activities: Some resorts program events for different age groups. A visitor to Old Orchard Beach Campground shared: "This is a rockstar of a campsite. They have everything you need, minus an ATM. There is a general store with the normal gear. They have a pool and hot tub. There is a small, but very well-kept dog park. On top of all that there is pinball, Pac-Man, and pool table!"
Scout tent placement carefully: For tent camping with kids, check site specifications. One camper at Old Orchard Beach Campground cautioned: "The most significant con was that this campground is truly only for RV camping. Us tent campers were on sites with zero trees. It almost felt as if they were trying to dissuade tent campers from coming here."
Consider weather contingencies: Maine weather can change quickly, especially in shoulder seasons. A Paradise Park Resort visitor noted, "Tent site unfortunately flooded with an inch of rain during storm."
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: When glamping in luxury RVs near Arundel, review site maps carefully. A Sandy Pines camper suggested, "While I love having all the amenities, I think we would have enjoyed one of the electric only sites closer to the marsh."
Connectivity considerations: Working remotely while camping requires planning. A visitor to Sun Outdoors Old Orchard Beach Downtown observed, "Unfortunately, the wifi was pretty terrible. We paid extra for what was supposed to be fast, streamable wifi, but at times that didn't work at all or was very slow."
Shoulder season advantages: September camping offers better site availability and quieter atmosphere. A camper at Sandy Pines reported, "This is our first visit to Sandy Pines and we are so impressed with how well groomed this property is. We took a mid-September vacation and love how nice it is with fellow campers spread out."
