Camping near Bath, Maine offers unique coastal woodland settings with tidal river access points that change with Maine's dramatic 9-11 foot tide shifts. Located in Maine's Midcoast region, camping options extend from Boothbay Harbor to Old Orchard Beach, with many campgrounds operating seasonally from May through mid-October due to the region's cool autumn temperatures that often dip below 45°F by late October.
What to Do
Beach access with shuttle service: Wild Acres Sun RV Resort provides transportation directly to Old Orchard Beach. "There is a trolley that will pick you up from the campground and take you to Old Orchard Beach. Kid activities were done regularly," shares Jill P.
Kayaking in tidal areas: Explore the Scarborough Marsh from Wild Duck Adult Campground. "This campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh. Kayaks/canoes available at the front desk," notes Alec G., though other reviewers caution about tidal navigation: "In theory, you can launch a kayak from the campground, but I would not recommend it. There is a culvert under Rt 9 that you need to pass under which is dangerous."
Island exploration: Take the ferry from Camden to nearby islands. "We loved taking the ferry to Vinalhaven Island for the day and picking up prepared food at the Market Basket and eating it along the Rockland Harbor waterfront watching the boats come and go," recommends Nancy W. from Camden Hills RV Resort.
What Campers Like
Brewery access: Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort combines camping with craft beer. "The brewery is really cool, and the wood fired pizza is some of my favorite. The folks who run this place are really friendly and accommodating," says Joe R., while Kwan C. adds, "Found this place on the Dyrt. The brewery and restaurant are phenomenal! Some of the best pizza I have ever had and of course being in Maine tried the lobster pizza."
Wooded privacy: Shore Hills Campground offers secluded sites away from the crowds. "The campground is spacious and clean, and has a nice walkway onto a small island in the lake," reports Olaf. Nancy W. elaborates: "They also have some sites tucked in the woods that are super wide with huge patios and lots of privacy between you and your neighbor and great for families or large gatherings."
Seasonal atmosphere: Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach provides varied camping experiences through different seasons. "We tent camped at Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA. This KOA is close to Old Orchard Beach, the city of Portland, and towns of Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Wells and Kittery Outlets," says Ben P., while Rachel P. notes "K16 was a single room cabin that could comfortably sleep 4, furnished with a full-sized bed and a bunk bed."
What You Should Know
Seasonal limitations: Most parks in the Bath region operate between May and mid-October. "Shore Hills is open May 15 to Oct 14," while Saco's season runs "May 1 to October 15." Camden Hills RV Resort opens later, from "June 15 to October 15."
Mosquito preparation: Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park requires serious bug protection. "My husband and I stayed here in our popup for two nights in June 2018. 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," cautions Megan W.
Noise considerations: Train tracks impact some waterfront sites. Bryan from Wild Acres Sun RV Resort warns: "The campground map is missing the train tracks that are between the campground and the ocean. The trains all blow there horn and you will hear it if your at one of the site 'by the ocean'."
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity scheduling: Shamrock Campground provides family entertainment options. "Kids had a blast with Friday and Saturday movie nights," notes Leona, and Jan D. adds it "Has a heated pool for de kids to enjoy. In the woods but close to Kennebunkport."
Site selection for privacy: Choose wooded areas for better family camping. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, Rachel P. advises: "Tent sites 96, P5, P4, P3, P2 and P1 were also among the best spots, offering full shade and privacy."
Off-season visits: Consider shoulder season for quieter family stays. "During the shoulder season dogs are allowed on the beach but not the summer," notes Nancy W., and many reviewers mention that campgrounds become much quieter after Labor Day weekend.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: At Wild Acres Sun RV Resort, site choice impacts experience significantly. "We have a 25 ft trailer and stayed in the A70s with friends. The area had a lot more space than other areas, the sites were level and groomed with a rocky parking area," recommends Erin M., but cautions about other sections: "Our friends were in the V section and they would not stay in that area again. The campers were on top of each other with just enough space for their awnings which they had to retract to have a fire."
Tree clearance: Watch for low-hanging branches when navigating RV camping near Bath. Nancy W. notes at Camden Hills: "Lots of tall pine trees provide shade but also make it a little difficult to navigate the roads. We had to go pretty slow to avoid hitting tree branches. Parking under the pines also meant a lot of sap on our roof which was a bear to remove."
Leveling preparations: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. "Luckily our site was level but some are not very level and would have been a problem for us," warns a Camden Hills RV Resort reviewer about RV camping in the Midcoast Maine region.