Campers seeking sites near Buxton, Maine find the area's rich forest terrain offers options spanning 10-20 miles in each direction. Located just 20 minutes from Portland and with proximity to southern Maine's coast, this region provides camping options with varied terrain ranging from lakeside settings to wooded sites with varying degrees of privacy. Most campgrounds maintain standard operating hours between 7am-10pm during the May-October camping season.
What to do
Water recreation on Sebago Lake: Sebago Lake State Park Campground offers paddleboarding opportunities on calm mornings. "We had two paddleboards which are add-ons with the MainelyGlamping package and we spent some time on one of the calm clear mornings paddling around the lake which was amazing," notes one visitor who enjoyed the clear waters.
Explore Portland and surrounding areas: From Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park, travelers can easily access urban amenities. "Close to the city of Portland, about 20 minutes, but tucked away in the beautiful riverside marsh," writes one camper. The area offers a mix of outdoor and cultural experiences within short driving distances.
Fishing and kayaking: Several campgrounds provide fishing opportunities. At Bayley's Camping Resort, "The kayak/paddle board, canoe launch is great because the river is impounded so you never have to worry about the tide going out while you are paddling." The campground includes fishing ponds with both catch-and-release options and stocked areas for anglers of all skill levels.
Visit Kennebunkport: The historic coastal town is accessible from several camping locations. "It is a short drive to the beach and the town of Kennebunkport," notes a visitor at Sandy Pines Campground, making it convenient to experience Maine coastal culture during your camping trip.
What campers like
Trolley service to beaches: Old Orchard Beach Campground offers convenient transportation to the shore. "There is a trolly that will take you to the city for $2, but if you have a bicycle it is a quick 15-minute ride to the beach," explains one camper. This accessibility allows visitors to enjoy ocean access without dealing with parking challenges.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high standards for bathroom and shower facilities. A visitor to Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach noted, "We definitely enjoyed our stay-the cabin was comfortable, facilities were clean, and we were within 20 minutes of Portland and 10 minutes to Old Orchard Beach."
Adult-only camping options: For those seeking quieter environments, Wild Duck Adult Campground offers an age-restricted experience. "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," shares a recent visitor who appreciated the atmosphere.
Natural settings: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campgrounds maintain wooded environments. "The trees are quite tall and create a lovely canopy overhead," notes one camper about Wild Duck, highlighting how the natural environment enhances the camping experience even near developed areas.
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: During peak season (July-August), campgrounds fill quickly. "We chose this campground because it was close to Portland... The close proximity to Portland is one of the pluses of this campground," explains a visitor at Wassamki Spring Camping Area. Reservations 2-3 months in advance are recommended for weekend stays.
Site privacy varies significantly: Campgrounds offer dramatically different experiences regarding site spacing. "Tent sites are pretty close to each other but we had no issues with noise," reports one camper at Wild Duck Adult Campground, while others note some campgrounds have virtually no privacy between sites.
Seasonal crowds affect experience: Paradise Park Resort sees significant seasonal variation. "We're typically state park campers, but decided to stay 2 nights at a resort campground to recharge and be close to the beach," explains one visitor. Weekends during July-August bring much larger crowds and noisier environments than shoulder seasons.
Train and traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience transportation noise. At Wild Acres, "The trains all blow there horn and you will hear it if your at one of the site 'by the ocean'," cautions one reviewer. Sites further from major roads typically offer quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and playground access: Bayley's Camping Resort offers extensive recreation options. "Multiple pools and jacuzzi. Fishing pond, restaurants. One bar/pool area is for adults only. Big playground. Free trolly to transport you back and forth to ocean," shares a visitor who appreciated the range of activities for different ages.
Consider noise levels and site location: Family-friendly campgrounds often have higher activity levels. At Bayley's, one camper advises, "Depending on your site location you may get more privacy than if you stay in the big rig sites. The wooded sites tend to be more private and less loud. Staying by any of the pools will be louder."
Check campground entertainment schedules: Many sites offer organized activities. "The days are packed with actives. You will love this place!" notes a Paradise Park visitor. These can include movie nights, themed weekends, and group activities designed specifically for families with children.
Prepare for insects: Particularly near marsh areas, bugs can be challenging. "BRING BUGSPRAY!!! 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," warns a visitor to Wild Duck, highlighting the importance of preparation for comfortable camping.
Tips from RVers
Site selection based on hookup needs: Sandy Pines offers varied RV sites. "There are a myriad of sites including rustic tent, cabins, and full hook-up RV sites that accommodate the largest of RV's," explains one camper who noted the amenity differences between site types.
Rig size considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "The only reason I give if 4 instead of five stars is that there are only a few transient sites that can handle a camper over 30ft," notes a Sandy Pines visitor, emphasizing the importance of confirming size restrictions before booking.
Seasonal stay options: Many campgrounds offer longer-term arrangements. "It is family friendly, kids ride their bikes around the campground and you can hear your neighbors," explains a Bayley's visitor who noted the balance of camping styles. Seasonal sites typically require booking 6-12 months in advance and offer reduced rates for longer commitments.
