Shore Hills Campground & RV Park and Sherwood Forest Campsite offer practical camping options within 10 minutes of Bristol, Maine. The mid-coast region sits at approximately 100 feet above sea level with a moderate summer climate averaging 75°F during peak camping season. Many campgrounds in this area operate seasonally from May through October due to Maine's harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Kayak at low tide: The tidal waters around Georgetown create unique paddling opportunities. At Sagadahoc Bay Campground, "When the tide goes out you have the entire inlet to walk around in and explore. At night the stars were absolutely amazing!" The bay transforms completely between high and low tides, offering two distinct experiences.
Explore historic sites: Within 15 minutes of Bristol, you'll find colonial-era structures and maritime landmarks. "Pemaquid Point lighthouse sits just 15 minutes from several glamping accommodations," according to one visitor at Sherwood Forest Campsite, who mentioned it's "a nice short walk to the white sands beach and short drive to sightseeing."
Visit working farms: Some campgrounds incorporate agricultural experiences into your stay. At Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground, a camper shared, "The working farm is open to visit and walk around. Pet the baby cows and see the pigs and goats. They have a ton of activities going on through the summer."
What campers like
Freshwater swimming options: Lake Pemaquid Campground offers alternatives to ocean beaches. "There are several playgrounds for the kids and even a small arcade for rainy days. We loved it here and found everyone to be very friendly. It turns out this is where the locals come to camp when they want to take a weekend trip," notes a regular visitor.
Quiet, off-grid experiences: Some campers prefer the more secluded settings. A Chewonki Campground guest observed, "Unplug at the beach! Great place to take the family! Many beaches to choose from for a scenery change when you need it! Bike and hiking trails when you've had enough of the sand."
Yurt accommodations: Yurt camping in Bristol, Maine and surrounding areas continues to grow in popularity. At Shore Hills Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The sites are large. The camp ground is beautiful an extremely well maintained with everything you could possibly need."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary widely: Some campgrounds use traditional booking methods. One Duck Puddle Campground visitor mentioned, "We actually got married here. We stayed in the cabins and a few of our guests camped. Obviously we're fond of it for emotional reasons but it's also just a great spot. The owners are great people."
Seasonal considerations: Maine's camping season runs approximately 20 weeks. "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."
Site selection matters: Campsite characteristics vary significantly even within the same campground. At Sagadahoc Bay, "The water views are great from the Oceanside sites. There is plenty of things to do in the area. July is VERY buggy! The staff are very friendly and accommodating."
Tips for camping with families
Pack insect protection: Maine's coastal camping can involve significant bug challenges. At Hermit Island Campground, a visitor warned, "Be prepared to deal with mosquitos! Many people use screen tents. We've always had good results using thermacell units."
Consider primitive vs. developed sites: Families should match amenities to their comfort level. "Small beautiful campground right on the water. Away from the busy stuff but close enough to visit it if you want," noted a Sagadahoc Bay guest, highlighting the balance between seclusion and accessibility.
Seek out yurt options for kids: Yurt camping near Bristol, Maine offers an ideal compromise between tent and cabin camping. Shore Hills features "waterfront yurt options with waterfront views along the tidal river," making them popular for families wanting more structure than tents provide.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some RV sites require extra preparation. A Meadowbrook Camping visitor cautioned, "The sites are not level and most are not shaded or very wide. We also had brown water and were extremely thankful for our multiple water filters."
Tidal considerations for parking: Oceanfront camping requires awareness of tide schedules. "The oceanfront sites (in the open field) are directly on the water. When the tide goes out you have the entire inlet to walk around in and explore," mentioned a Shore Hills RVer, noting how dramatically the landscape changes.
Electrical load management: Some campgrounds face power limitations. "We paid for a 30 amp service, but had low voltage the entirety of our stay. They had several campsites on the same breaker, something we have never seen at any campground in our 3 years of travel."
