Best Tent Camping near Cape Elizabeth, ME
The coastal region surrounding Cape Elizabeth, Maine offers several tent camping options within a short drive. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, located about 20 miles southwest of Cape Elizabeth, provides dedicated tent campsites among tall pine trees. Tent-only camping is also available at Webbs Mills Stead, which features walk-in tent sites in a more secluded setting. For those seeking primitive tent camping experiences, Saco Bound offers tent sites along the Saco River, while Rustic Retreat provides both drive-in and walk-in tent camping options approximately 30 miles east of Cape Elizabeth.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October. Sun Outdoors Saco operates from May 1 to October 15, while other facilities follow similar schedules aligned with Maine's camping season. Tent sites generally include basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, with varying levels of additional services. Highway noise can be a consideration for tent campers at some locations, particularly at Sun Outdoors Saco where road noise is more noticeable without the sound insulation that RVs provide. Clean restroom facilities and showers are available at most established campgrounds, though primitive sites may offer only basic toilet facilities.
Tent campers frequently note the importance of selecting specific sites for the best experience. According to reviews, tent sites numbered 96, P5, P4, P3, P2, and P1 at Sun Outdoors Saco offer full shade and greater privacy compared to other areas of the campground. One camper observed that "tall pine trees offer nice shade and help alleviate some of the feel of a crowded campground." For backcountry tent camping enthusiasts, the Saco River area provides more natural surroundings, though it "gets busy in the summer" according to visitor reports. The proximity to beaches and natural areas like Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge adds value for tent campers seeking daytime activities, with several campgrounds offering convenient beach shuttle services during peak season.