Sandy Pines and nearby campgrounds offer camping options from April through October, with most locations closing during winter months. Summer temperatures range from 60-80°F with cooling ocean breezes, while spring and fall bring cooler nights requiring additional layers. The camping season peaks from mid-June through August when water temperatures are warmest for marsh and ocean activities.
What to do
Explore Eastern Trail: Access the Eastern Trail directly from Wild Duck Adult Campground for cycling and walking. The trail runs through Scarborough Marsh offering wildlife viewing opportunities. "We stayed here for 3 nights in late July. This quiet campground is peaceful, with the sounds of birds and trees being the main thing you hear. It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one," notes Heather C.
Visit Old Orchard Beach Pier: From Old Orchard Beach Campground, take the shuttle to explore the beach town's attractions. "The city itself is super fun with lots of rides, good food, and you can even learn how to surf," shares Shawn B. The pier area features arcades, carnival attractions, and beach shops that are more extensive than many visitors expect.
Mountain biking near Kennebunkport: Access local preserves from nearby campgrounds. "For those so inclined, there is great mountain biking either through the Tyler Preserve down to Cape Porpoise or North through the Emmitt Smith Preserve," explains Joe R., highlighting trail options for active visitors seeking woodland exploration.
What campers like
Adult-only camping areas: Wild Duck Adult Campground offers a quieter experience without children. "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," writes Heather C. Several campgrounds in the region offer dedicated adult sections with separate amenities.
Off-season tranquility: Fall camping provides a different experience with fewer crowds. "We stayed here to see the fall colors. The park is laid out very nice. The sites are nice size with gravel. They are under trees so we could watch the colors change," explains Marilea G., highlighting the seasonal beauty of autumn camping in the area.
Entertainment options: Bentley's Saloon and Campground provides a unique atmosphere with regular events. "9 days at the cabin, entertainment was awesome, great riding along the coast line, staff was no less than the best," shares Ron B. The motorcycle-friendly establishment offers a different camping experience with on-site entertainment.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds have minimal separation between sites. "The tent sites are pretty close to each other and do not have great buffers. The sites that face the marsh are the best sites - they have some grass and lovely views," explains Heather C. about site selection considerations.
Beach access options: Most campgrounds are not directly on beaches but offer transportation. "There is a trolley 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," notes Shawn B. about Paradise Park Resort, highlighting transportation alternatives.
Bug preparation essential: Coastal marsh areas can have significant mosquito activity. "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," warns Megan W., emphasizing the importance of insect preparation.
Seasonal operations: Most Cape Porpoise area campgrounds close by mid-October. The operating season typically runs from early May through Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend, with some facilities reducing amenities in shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access priority: When selecting a family campground, consider pool facilities. "The playground and pool were a hit with the kids. The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well. The proximity to goose rocks beach was a major plus," reports Kaileigh K. about her family's experience.
Shuttle services: Many campgrounds offer beach transportation, eliminating parking concerns. "A shuttle will take you from the campground to the beach so you don't have to deal with parking," explains Nancy W. about Old Orchard Beach Campground, highlighting a family-friendly amenity.
Camping diversity options: Families new to camping can try different accommodation styles. "We tent camp but they also offer small cabins which looked adorable and glamping tents. Easy access to local trails and tourist spots," shares Virginia W., noting the variety of options available for yurt camping near Cape Porpoise, Maine and surrounding areas.
Wooded vs. open sites: Consider sun exposure when selecting sites with children. "We liked the sections in the back (Bear Brook and Black Forest) which are set away from the entrance and the majority of activities," advises Nancy W., sharing insights on quieter areas at busier campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: RVers should research campground layouts carefully. "We were in the Beach Rose section and we have full hookups. We took a mid-September vacation and love how nice it is with fellow campers spread out," shares Celeste C., emphasizing the importance of timing and location for a better RV experience.
Big rig limitations: Some campgrounds have limited large RV sites. "The only reason I give it 4 instead of five stars is that there are only a few transient sites that can handle a camper over 30ft," notes Steve K. about Bayley's Camping Resort, providing insight for travelers with larger rigs.
Level site availability: Gravel sites are common in the region. "Our gravel site was perfectly level with no potholes and the roads leading to our site were easy to navigate in our 45' motorhome," shares Nancy W., highlighting the accessibility for larger vehicles at some facilities.
Seasonal RV options: Several campgrounds offer seasonal RV sites for those wanting a regular Cape Porpoise base. Yurt camping near Cape Porpoise, Maine and seasonal RV options provide alternatives for those seeking extended stays without purchasing property in the area.
