Camping near Chebeague Island, Maine offers options across inland and coastal environments with tide variations between 9-11 feet affecting shoreline activities. Sites along Casco Bay experience significant seasonal temperature swings, with summer highs reaching 80°F and spring evenings dropping to the 40s. Most campgrounds in the region operate from May through October with limited winter availability.
What to do
Hiking near camp: At Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground, trails connect directly to campsites for convenient exploration. "Lots and LOTS of trails surrounding the campground. Great for biking and trail running," reports one visitor. The park offers enough hiking trails to fill a morning or afternoon without driving elsewhere.
Farm experiences: Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground provides unique agricultural activities alongside camping. "This campground is located on an organic dairy farm. There is a farm cafe on site with local food. We loved that!" explains one camper. Children can interact with farm animals including baby cows, pigs and goats, with scheduled activities throughout summer.
Beach exploration at low tide: At Sagadahoc Bay Campground, tidal fluctuations create natural exploration opportunities. "When the tide goes out you have the entire inlet to walk around in and explore," notes a visitor. Clamming licenses, digging tools and cooking pots are available at the office for those interested in harvesting their own seafood.
What campers like
Fresh seafood delivery: Sagadahoc Bay Campground offers direct-to-site seafood service. "Fresh lobsters cooked and delivered to our campsite. Who could ask for anything more in ocean front camping," shares one satisfied camper. Lobster bakes can be ordered from the office and delivered at your scheduled dinner time.
Private wooded sites: The Desert of Maine Campground offers secluded camping spots with natural separation. "There was nice tree cover and ample space between sites. The rates were reasonable," reports a camper. Sites are generally level and have been graded for comfortable tent or small RV setup.
Adult-only options: For campers seeking quieter environments, Wild Duck Adult Campground provides a 21+ atmosphere. "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," describes a visitor. The campground offers both tent and RV sites with varying hookup levels.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds in the region open in May and close by late October, with exact dates varying. At Freeport/Durham KOA, the season runs "April 28 to October 30" while other facilities have shorter operating windows. Reservations for prime summer weekends should be made months in advance.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly at coastal and wetland sites. One camper at Wild Duck Adult Campground noted, "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." Thermacells and screen tents provide effective protection at sites near water.
Generator regulations: Campgrounds without electrical hookups typically restrict generator usage hours. At Winslow Park And Campground, "There are no hookups and fairly strict generator hours," according to one RVer. Most facilities prohibit generator use during quiet hours, which typically begin at 10 PM.
Tips for camping with families
Community kitchen access: Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground offers shared cooking facilities. "The kitchen/dish washing lean-to was a wonderful addition!! Loved that it had a coffee maker," reports one family. This campground also features "the most adorable communal outdoor covered kitchen that had a sink, microwave, free library, and donation boxes with beverages, snacks and veggies."
Playground proximity: When selecting sites with children, consider distance to play areas. At Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground, one camper recommends "sites near playground that overlook Vasco bay," noting that "kids really enjoy running in field and that there is a working farm within the camp ground." Many campgrounds designate specific family-friendly loops near amenities.
Beach access considerations: Tidal schedules significantly impact water activities. At Sagadahoc Bay Campground, one visitor explained, "When the tide goes out you can walk for forever. Lots of people come here to clam." Check tide charts when planning beach days, as some shorelines become mudflats during low tide.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Desert of Maine Campground, RVers should carefully consider site options. "Site 18 was not level and we had difficulty leveling our small motorhome," warns one visitor. Large RVs should avoid this campground as sites are designed for smaller units, with many reviewers noting it's better suited for tents and compact campers.
Seasonal pricing variations: Substantial off-peak discounts are available at many campgrounds. At Bayley's Camping Resort, "Nightly rates in peak season are outrageous but you can find much cheaper rates if you stay in the shoulder season or go with 30 amp electric and no sewer." May and September typically offer lower rates and less crowded facilities than July and August.
Water access for larger vehicles: RV camping with water views often means open field parking. "The RV spots are in a very open field, but they are directly on the water," explains a visitor to Sagadahoc Bay Campground. Wooded sites typically accommodate smaller vehicles, while premium waterfront locations often lack natural shade or privacy between sites.
