Best Campgrounds near Auburn, ME

The Auburn, Maine area encompasses a variety of camping environments within a short drive of the city center. State parks and private campgrounds offer experiences ranging from rustic tent sites to full-service RV accommodations. Martin Stream Campground in nearby Turner provides 21 sites with water and electric hookups, while Poland Spring Campground offers boat-in access and glamping options just northwest of Auburn. Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground, approximately 25 miles southeast, remains open year-round with drive-in sites suitable for tents and smaller RVs. Most campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets and showers.

Camping seasons typically run from May through October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites which tend to fill quickly. According to one camper at Martin Stream Campground, "This is the place to be for relaxation, activities, and a friendly camping environment." Winter camping options are limited but available at select locations like Bradbury Mountain State Park, where visitors must bring their own water and prepare for minimal facilities. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near Auburn proper and diminishing reliability in more remote camping areas.

Many campgrounds in the Auburn region feature water access as a primary draw. Lakefront and riverside sites command premium rates but provide direct water access for swimming, fishing, and boating. A reviewer of Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground noted, "A beautiful place with a farm, campground and state park all together!" Sites with tree coverage are particularly valued for shade and privacy. The proximity to Freeport (home to L.L. Bean) and Portland makes the Auburn area appealing for campers seeking both outdoor recreation and access to shopping and dining. Road noise can be an issue at some campgrounds, particularly those situated near major routes, so requesting sites farther from highways is advisable for those seeking quieter experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Auburn, Maine (181)

    1. Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    42 Reviews
    South Freeport, ME
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 865-9307

    "There are bathrooms close by to all, the main lodge is nice and the food at the snack shack is sooo good!! burgers, pizza, salad- all local and from their gardens."

    "Restrooms were close by but the only downside was that the showers were at the main store so you had to drive all the way up there!"

    2. Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Pownal, ME
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 688-4712

    "Sites are a good size, generally level and most are quite close to the road, so you’ll contend with road traffic. There are a few walk-in tent sites with lean-tos."

    "Close to Freeport and not far from Portland, this is a good affordable camping option for visitors to the area. The park has just enough hiking trails to spend a morning or afternoon exploring."

    3. Poland Spring Campground

    8 Reviews
    West Poland, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 998-2151

    $27 - $52 / night

    "We had a great time at Poland Spring, the campground was nice, our site was reasonably spacious and very well located."

    "The pool is nice and has a great little playground next to it. It has a very rustic feel but the facilities are clean, updated and inviting."

    4. Martin Stream Campground

    11 Reviews
    Buckfield, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 740-2240

    $40 - $82 / night

    "The atmosphere is always positive, the activities are well varied and everyone is encouraged to participate."

    "Outside we had a canopy, fire ring and grill. The kids had a blast in the heated pool and on the playground."

    5. Freeport / Durham KOA

    9 Reviews
    Pownal, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 688-4288

    "The haunted house is scary enough that I waited by the exit! (This part is NOT for the little kids). The campground fills up for this event so make reservations early."

    "The location is good as it is about 10-15 minutes far from the town of Freeport(home to L.L."

    6. Desert of Maine Campground

    14 Reviews
    Freeport, ME
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 850-3025

    $45 - $55 / night

    "We were tucked back into T8 which is a walk down campsite under the trees near a small stream."

    "Desert of Maine campground is an excellent choice just 4-5 miles from the heart of Freeport at interstate exit # 22. This campground is well-imagined."

    7. Sebago Lake State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Naples, ME
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 693-6613

    $25 - $30 / night

    "Sebago Lake State Park is close to Portland, Maine and neighboring towns. Nice to be close to home so the drive to arrive isn’t so long. Nice scenery and helpful staff. An enjoyable weekend."

    "The campsites were very tight, but there was nobody around us so we had plenty of privacy. All campsites are short walk to the beach and very pleasant."

    8. Winslow Park And Campground

    24 Reviews
    South Freeport, ME
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 865-4198

    $14 - $35 / night

    "A nature trail and covered group picnic pavilion. A game room where children can play board games and foosball."

    "Town park located on a peninsula. Some sites directly on the ocean with most slightly off the water. Walking trails all around mostly in wooded areas."

    9. Runaround Woods

    4 Reviews
    Durham, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 200-7376

    $70 - $130 / night

    "I flew out from Minnesota this December to ski in Maine. Had some good riding at Sunday River!  I really enjoyed my stay at Runaround Woods in Bobcat for three nights!"

    10. Two Lakes Camping

    6 Reviews
    Otisfield, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 539-4851

    "We set up at two lakes campground for a week, very happy. 2 adults and 2 dogs with plenty of room at our campsite. Some sites look much tighter but our space was great!"

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Recent Reviews near Auburn, ME

850 Reviews of 181 Auburn Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    Beautiful spot!

    We had a beautiful waterfront site, 10 minutes from downtown Freeport. The campground is a working farm that would be great for the kids. We will definitely be back.806

  • Oksana S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis

    Read before booking

    PLEASE READ BEFORE GOING We went to Jellystone Park at in Glen NH. We originally booked from Sunday to thursday. We left on Tuesday due to several issues with the cabin that the office staff refused to fix. Issues we had was 1. Cabin was filthy and had bugs inside. 2. Stove top wasnt working. 3. Fridge smelled so bad I had to wash it with warm water and dish soap. 4. Our cabin reeked like cigarettes to the point I couldn't bath my kids because when the bathroom got steamy the smell got sooo bad. I tried to adress the issues and was told they had a no smoke policy so its not their issue if it smelled because they did their part in putting a policy down. For it being filthy I was told they trust their cleaner so it qas me that made it filthy..(attached is one picture that I have this is just the bathroom on our first day their. Everything was covered in dirt, sand and soo dusty and bugs everywhere). I first spoke to James who yelled and was saying ridiculous excuses as to why its ok. Then the manager(dont remember name but she was older and blonde hair) screamed at me while I had my 2 year old with me. I was telling her calmly and very nice my concerns to which she was yelling to get out of the office. Then I was threatened to have the cops called if I complained again. I lost alot of money I cant afford to loose. But most important I was want to make people aware. I told them the website should state these things to be fair cause if I knew this i wouldn't have paid since they said its normal for stoves not to work and its out of their controll if someone smokes in the cabin. They said no one would stay if they posted those things. I left litterally shaking and crying because I couldn't believe it. They are nice if you dont complain. Discusting customer service horrendous management. Will be reporting everywhere already let my friends know so they dont go next year.

  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins

    Fantastic

    Its a really cool spot to explore. I went when the water was low and was able to adventure where youre not meant to and man was it a blast.Found my own pride rock(lion king) and was able to meditate in silence and be away from all the boaters and atvs was super peaceful with a water near by. The tent campers around me were really solid people aswell.

  • S
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Crocker Pond

    Beautiful spot!!

    7 campsites in a really beautiful place!! We went in early October and about half the sites were full. It was very peaceful and great hiking nearby!

  • Phillip H.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Chewonki Campground

    Friendly campground

    From booking to check in it was warm and welcoming. Pull in full hook up site. Coin operated shower. Clean and very well maintained. Property is very nice. Some Rt 1 noise at a distance but nothing unbearable.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Grafton Notch Campground

    Amazing place!

    We stayed here 2 nights in late September. The campground is very neat and tidy with lots of nice touches like flowers and seasonal decorations. The sites are gravel & the paths are covered in wood chips - both make walking cleaner because you are out of the dirt and mud. There is a path to the river and 2 picnic tables by the river. The bathhouse is clean and has a large shower with plenty of places to put your soap, shampoo, etc. There are also lots of hooks in the shower and bathroom for your stuff and the shower has a large bench to sit on as you get dressed. There are 2 dishwashing stations outside the bathhouse. Horseshoes and corn hole are on site and there is a well stocked camp store. Lots of information and brochures on the area. The owner is very kind and personable - I am looking forward to coming back!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    Few Solar/Starlink Options

    If all we needed was a campsite with no solar or starlink, this would be 5 star review. Lots of options, great hiking in the area. But if you need solar or starlink, there’s only 1 or 2 viable spots. We were lucky to snag on one a Monday afternoon (last site before turnaround on FR38) and stayed all week.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Duck Puddle Campground

    Great waterfront sites!

    We love coming to Duck Puddle in the shoulder season (spring and fall) when it’s quiet. The waterfront sites (61-66) offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel. Some have a private dock for fishing or sitting, others have a small beach area. The lake is great for swimming and paddling.

    The rest of the campground is more busy and has the sites closer together, which isn’t our scene. Lots of fun stuff for kids to do and evening activities if you like that sort of thing.


Guide to Auburn

Camping near Auburn, Maine, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Camden Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Nice state campground with tons of hiking trails right from the campground.”
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak at Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground and paddle along the coast. A visitor shared, “West Bay has a playground, a great shower house, water access, and kayak rentals.”
  • Fishing: Try your luck at Moose Brook State Park Campground. One happy camper said, “Pulled an 8” brook trout out of a 10’ wide stream onsite. Awesome experience.”

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Sebago Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, “The bathrooms and showers are well maintained.”
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Many families enjoy the amenities at Sandy Pines Campground. One parent said, “Lots of family-friendly amenities.”
  • Beautiful views: Campers love the stunning scenery at Winslow Park And Campground. A visitor remarked, “The sunrise over the bay view we had was absolutely incredible.”

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Expect busy campgrounds, especially at Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach. One camper mentioned, “This is a very busy campground, with RVers coming and going nearly daily.”
  • Limited privacy: Some sites are close together, particularly at Crawford Notch Campground. A reviewer noted, “Every site is surrounded by other campers close enough to make eye contact and have a conversation.”
  • Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. A camper at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park advised, “Reservation recommended.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring games and activities: Kids will enjoy the playgrounds and open spaces at Moose Brook State Park Campground. One parent said, “The campground is well maintained. We came for easy access to mountain biking trails!”
  • Watch for wildlife: Be cautious of skunks at night, especially at Sebago Lake State Park Campground. A camper warned, “There are some very friendly skunks walking around at night!”
  • Plan for meals: Many campgrounds have picnic tables, so pack easy-to-cook meals. A visitor at Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground mentioned, “Reserve early if you want hookups.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site, especially at Camden Hills State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, “If you have a bigger RV you’ll want to stay in the field sites in the front of the park.”
  • Be prepared for tight spots: Maneuvering can be tricky at some campgrounds like Crawford Notch Campground. One camper shared, “It was tricky getting our 20' trailer into site 13.”
  • Use a spotter: When backing into sites, having someone outside to guide you can help avoid mishaps. A visitor at Sandy Pines Campground suggested, “Take it slow, have a spotter and you should be just fine.”

Camping around Auburn, Maine, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of camping facilities are available in the Auburn area?

The Auburn area offers diverse camping facilities to suit various preferences. Desert of Maine Campground provides well-maintained sites with free showers, WiFi throughout, and both standard and hike-in options. For RV enthusiasts, Timberland Campground offers sites close to main roads with beautiful walking paths along the river. The region also features state parks with lakeside sites, private campgrounds with full hookups, and more rustic options in wooded settings. Many facilities provide amenities like showers, restrooms, and recreational opportunities including hiking trails and water access.

Where are the best campgrounds near Auburn, Maine?

The best campgrounds near Auburn include Lakeside Pines Campground, offering a mix of lakeside and wooded sites with easy water access on Long Lake. Grafton Notch Campground is highly rated for its mountain setting in Western Maine with 15 well-wooded sites near excellent hiking trails and natural attractions. For families, Sebago Lake State Park Campground provides spacious sites with beach access and recreational opportunities. These top campgrounds feature clean facilities, scenic locations, and proximity to outdoor activities that make them standout choices in the Auburn region.

What are the most affordable camping options near Auburn?

For budget-friendly camping near Auburn, Crocker Pond offers an economical off-the-beaten-path experience with wooded sites along a small pond where you can stay up to 14 days. Poland Spring Campground also provides affordable options with basic amenities including water and toilets. State parks in the region generally offer lower rates than private campgrounds, especially for Maine residents. Many campgrounds offer discounted rates during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or for extended stays. For the most economical option, consider non-electric sites or tent-only areas which typically cost less than full-hookup RV sites.