Coastal campsites near Cape Elizabeth, Maine offer diverse options from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces within 5-20 miles of the town. Most campgrounds in this region operate from May through mid-October, with variable rainfall between 3-4 inches monthly during peak season. Weather patterns create foggy mornings that typically burn off by mid-day, making afternoon swimming and kayaking optimal.
What to do
Beach access: 15-minute walk: At Wild Acres Sun RV Resort, campers can walk to Old Orchard Beach or use the campground's free shuttle. "A shuttle bus takes you from the campground to the city for $2, but if you have a bicycle it is a quick 15-minute ride to the beach," notes a visitor to Wild Acres Sun RV Resort.
Farm exploration: organic dairy farm: The working farm at Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground offers educational activities for families. "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," shares one camper.
Biking: Eastern Trail access: The Wild Duck Adult Campground provides easy access to local trail systems. "My wife and I enjoy riding our bikes on rail trails. This quiet campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh," writes a reviewer.
Kayaking: tidal marshes: Several campgrounds offer kayaking opportunities in protected waters. "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," notes a camper.
What campers like
Private oceanfront yurts: For yurt camping near Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Wolfe's Neck offers unique accommodations. "We stayed on waters edge in a band of trees, breezes, birds, and fish jumping. Thanks to the people (and animals) for making this a great place," writes a reviewer.
Adult-only camping options: Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park offers a quieter 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.
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain spotless facilities. At Sandy Pines Campground, "The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well. The proximity to goose rocks beach was a major plus!"
Heated pools: Several campgrounds offer swimming options beyond the ocean. "Great campground, it is walking distance to Old Orchard beach and has large sites. Many family activities including fishing, 2 pools, a dog park, and a snack shack," explains a Paradise Park visitor.
What you should know
Limited privacy at some sites: Site selection matters significantly. At Wild Acres, "Most sites are out in open, some have a little more privacy. Would have given 5 stars if there was a more privacy between sites."
Train noise at oceanfront sites: At Wild Acres Tent & Trailer Park, proximity to train tracks can disrupt the beach experience. "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."
Mosquito protection essential: The coastal marshes attract insects. "Very great campground. This location gives you a whole new look into old orchards scenery. During sunrise and sunset, the marshes reflect the sun and give the perfect picture for relaxation," notes one camper, though others mention insects near marshes.
Seasonal population shifts: Weekends and holidays bring crowds. "We stayed for a night in late May. Very clean. Beautiful views. Nice setting. Some sites are out in open, some have a little more privacy," shares a Wolfe's Neck visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: choose nearby sites: At Paradise Park Resort, families appreciate the convenient amenities. "My campsite was close to bathrooms, pool and playground. Staff was so kind. Kids loved it," notes one parent.
Farm animal interactions: morning visits: Wolfe's Neck offers unique agricultural experiences. "My kids enjoyed visiting with the farm animals and walking along the rocky shore each day. Plenty to do between biking, kayaking, farm experience and visiting downtown Freeport close by," writes a family camper.
Multiple pools for different ages: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas. "This campground is very cute, oriented to families and couples. There are multiple pools and playgrounds. One pool has a hot tub for kids. There's also paddleboats available to rent," shares a visitor.
Beach shuttle services: avoid parking hassles: Many campgrounds offer transportation to beaches. "For a camping resort, this was top notch. We're typically state park campers, but decided to stay 2 nights at a resort campground to recharge and be close to the beach. We had a great experience! Awesome amenities, close to the beach (they offer a shuttle too) and great pool."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: At Old Orchard Beach Campground, site location matters. "Our gravel site was perfectly level with no potholes and the roads leading to our site were easy to navigate in our 45' motorhome. The patio was gravel and there was some grass between campsites."
Seasonal timing impacts experience: Shoulder season offers quieter camping. "We visited in the off-season but can only imagine the park gets pretty busy especially in the front section where the swimming pool, arcade, camp store, and other activities are located," advises an RV camper.
Seasonal sites vs. transient areas: Many campgrounds have distinct sections. "This campground is huge with a lot of really close campsites not so private. People drive way too fast up and down the camp roads with zero enforcement with the amount of kids on bike and such I find this to be very important rule to enforce."
Laundry facility access: Facilities vary across campgrounds. "The laundry room was okay, but several machines were out of order and even first thing in the morning it didn't seem too clean. Verizon was 2 bars."
