Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Damariscotta, ME

Duck Puddle Campground's spacious sites and family-friendly atmosphere accommodate pets at their lakeside location in Nobleboro, just minutes from Damariscotta. Campers with dogs can reserve tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations within the wooded property. Shore Hills Campground & RV Park in nearby Boothbay Harbor also welcomes pets with similar accommodation options including yurts. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with full hookups, showers, and drinking water available for campers and their four-legged companions. Sites at Duck Puddle feature direct lake access, some with private docks for fishing or sitting, while others include small beach areas perfect for dogs who enjoy swimming. The campground's tree-lined sites provide shade during summer months, with many campers noting the decent spacing between neighbors creates a more private feel for those traveling with pets.

Local trails surrounding Lake Pemaquid Campground offer pet exercise opportunities, though some visitors note this particular campground can become crowded during peak season. Several reviewers mention Duck Puddle Campground becomes notably quieter during spring and fall shoulder seasons, making these times ideal for campers seeking more peaceful experiences with their pets. The campgrounds position visitors within easy driving distance to coastal towns including Damariscotta, Wiscasset, and Boothbay Harbor, where pet owners find additional recreational opportunities and services. Waterfront sites at both campgrounds allow pets to enjoy swimming access, though all require pets to remain leashed in public areas. Campers should note that weekend activities at Duck Puddle, including evening bonfires and occasional live music events, create a lively atmosphere that may not suit all pets.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Damariscotta, Maine (69)

    1. Duck Puddle Campground

    11 Reviews
    Waldoboro, ME
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 563-5608

    "The waterfront sites (61-66) offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel. Some have a private dock for fishing or sitting, others have a small beach area."

    "It’s also close to other fun coastal towns. Definitely worth a visit."

    2. Shore Hills Campground & RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Trevett, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 633-4782

    "The campground is pet friendly- I think almost everyone we saw had a dog."

    "Well manicured, about 4 miles or so into Boothbay Harbor Maine.  Great shopping, hiking, being a tourist, go to Damariscotta or get a lobster down one of the peninsulas. "

    3. Chewonki Campground

    9 Reviews
    Wiscasset, ME
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 882-7426

    "Chewonki is a wonderfully run private campground near Bath, Wiscasset, Damariscotta and the beaches. The grounds are beautifully maintained and with modern. clean utilities /amenities."

    "Spent a late September weekend with kids and pets at Chewonki, and had a great time. Such a friendly atmosphere, the golf green was a blast!"

    4. Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Isle of Springs, ME
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 633-3411

    $40 - $60 / night

    "Riley was super helpful over the phone and was outside greeting all the campers at the entrance. The brewery and restaurant are phenomenal!"

    "Sites are not secluded, but you can't beat walking distance to a brewery. The food at the taproom was also good! Online booking was easy and the campsites were well priced."

    5. Lake Pemaquid Campground

    5 Reviews
    Bremen, ME
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 563-5202

    "tent sites are on top of each other, but easy walk to camp store and bath houses. beach access for swimming in the lake."

    "The sites are right on the lake with gorgeous views. Some sites even have their own pier to sit out on and fish or swim from or simply watch nature. They rent kayaks and canoes to explore the lake."

    6. Sherwood Forest Campsite

    4 Reviews
    Chamberlain, ME
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 677-3642

    $42 - $75 / night

    "No traffic noise from outside. The path to Pemaquid beach is right at the end of the driveway and not much further to the historic fort. The Pemaquid Point lighthouse is 15 minutes away."

    "This campground is also very close to a public beach and a very short drive to Darmascota, so overall, I am very happy with the location and experience!"

    7. Pemaquid Point Campground

    5 Reviews
    South Bristol, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 677-2267

    "It is located close to the coast and Pemaquid Point Light house is right down the road. We rode our bikes to the beach and grocery store everyday."

    "The campground is about a mile from the lighthouse, an easy drive or bike.  "

    8. Sagadahoc Bay Campground

    18 Reviews
    Phippsburg, ME
    21 miles
    Website

    $56 - $170 / night

    "The most unique feature of this campground happens at low tide when you can walk over a mile out towards the lighthouse on Sequin Island ([https://www.seguinisland.org/).]"

    "Biggest dog beach ever when the tide runs out on the sand flats!"

    9. Camden Hills State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Camden, ME
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 236-2498

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Camden Hills SP is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas. 9 out of 10 times I visit Camden (one of my favorite places in Maine), I stay at this campground."

    "As with all real estate, location, location ! The camp is well situated amongst many Maine towns all of which are worth a visit to."

    10. Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    42 Reviews
    South Freeport, ME
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 865-9307

    "There are bathrooms close by to all, the main lodge is nice and the food at the snack shack is sooo good!! burgers, pizza, salad- all local and from their gardens."

    "I don’t associate Maine with sandy beaches, so it didn’t occur to me beforehand there would be so much of it (yeah, even at an oceanfront campground.)"

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Showing results 1-10 of 69 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Damariscotta, ME

432 Reviews of 69 Damariscotta Campgrounds


  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2017

    Moorings Campground

    Love the Ocean Access and Views

    Overall, this is a great little private RV park with awesome views (from some sites) and great access to the ocean. The park is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Belfast (a sweet little Maine town) which offers plenty to do and see. Plus, you are just five miles from the cute town of Searsport which houses the wonderful Penobscot Marine Museum and two miles from Moose Point State Park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and more gorgeous views.

    The park offers a variety of sites (44 total) depending on if you want oceanfront, ocean view, or a pull-thru. All sites have electric (50 or 30 amp), water, cable and wifi. The five pull-thru sites also include sewer. A mobile sewer pump-out service is available for guests staying one week or longer and there is a dump station. Roads and sites are gravel with grass patios and level. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Our Verizon 4G phone and Hotspot worked great but we mostly used the free wifi which worked very well.

    Park amenities include private ocean access, horseshoes, playground, laundry, showers/bathrooms, free coffee in the morning, free weekend papers delivered to your site, free donuts on Sunday mornings, and a restaurant on-site. The park organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, and free wine and beer during Friday Happy Hours. The laundry has two wash machines/dryers and was clean and tidy.

    The Moorings is in a great location. It is just a few miles from downtown Belfast where you will find restaurants, a brewery, boutiques, a movie theater, art galleries, historic museums/sites, and plenty of water-related activities. Grocery stores and fuel stations are within a few miles of the RV Park. Just a mere 20 miles away is the popular coastal town of Camden.   

    What we liked about this park is the town of Belfast and how close the RV park is to downtown. Also, the parks small size and friendly people make this an enjoyable place to stay. We like the fact that they had social activities (like free happy hour and donuts) that bring people together. The ocean access in this park is great! A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out. 

    The biggest downside for us was the price and lack of sewer and 50 amp at some sites. Our site was $66/night for a FHU (50 amp) pull-thru on the hill in the front of the park without much in the way of a water view. Premier oceanfront sites (with no sewer and 30 amps) are $72/night during high season. That being said, there are not too many options for campgrounds in the Belfast area and we really did like staying here. 

    From a dog owners perspective this park gets mixed reviews. The rules ask that dogs be on a 4’ or less lease, you may only have two pets (unless you get prior approval), they must do their business in one small area and are not allowed on most grassy areas throughout the park. We make a consorted effort not too let our dog pee or poop in others yards but we don’t always have control over where that happens. We did like the fact that you could take them down to the ocean to play in the water and on the beach when the tide was out. Within two miles of the RV park is Moose Point State Park with a few miles of hiking trails, picnic area and water access (a daily use fee is charged). Downtown Belfast does have a fenced off-leash 1.4 – acre dog park with water for dogs and benches for owners.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Freeport / Durham KOA

    Good Location, Clean, Lots of Camping Options

    I have a love– hate relationship with KOA campgrounds. They tend to be overpriced and not consistent. You will find one that has nice sites at a decent price. Then, there are the others which are complete opposite. This KOA is on my good side.  There are lots of site choices, cabins, yurts, and tent sites to choose from.  The location is good as it is about 10-15 minutes far from the town of Freeport(home to L.L. Bean and tons of outlet stores), the pretty coastal town of South Freeport, four craft breweries and a cidery, and Bradbury Mountain State Park. The owners and work campers are very friendly and the super welcoming. Normally I am not concerned how nice people are but they go out of their way to make sure you get all the discounts you can and put you in a site that you prefer. 

    We have stayed here a few times and are always impressed how well-cared for the grounds are and how and clean the common areas, bathrooms, and pool are. The grass is always cut, weeds trimmed, fire pits cleaned and there is no trash lying on the ground. There are lots of seasonal sites but they are in the back portion of the park with the transients being in the front. The park has nice super long 50 amp FHU pull-thrus in the front of the park which will fit any length RV and tow vehicle. Some of these sites are “buddy” sites with a shared patio, but are so wide that even if you don’t know your neighbors, it would not be a bother because you are far enough apart. The only downside to these pull thrus is there is no shade. We tend to be there in cooler months so shade is not a problem. However, the rest of the campground has a very park-like feel with over 50 acres there is plenty of room to roam and even a short nature trail through a wooded area. Many sites backup against the woods or are in wooded areas so keep that in mind when making your reservation. We give this park two thumbs up for their dog park which is ten times the size of the average KOA dog park. My lab had plenty of room to run and chase a ball and there were never any other dogs there which was nice. Plus, it was clean and free of dog poop! Normally, there are plenty of activities like s’mores by the fire, crafts, pony rides (yes, they have their own ponies on site), ice cream social, hay rides but this year they were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We don’t use those amenities anyway so that wasn’t a problem but can see that would be fun activities for kids. We were in a buddy sites with our friends and liked the shared patio. Since we were in the open area, we were able to get both satellite with our roof-mounted dome and some over-the-air channels from Portland which is about 45 minutes away. All of our hook-ups were in an accessible place but we were also in a long pull thru and could position the RV in the site accordingly. 

    Some of the cons for this park are the lack of cable, so-so wifi, and the dusty gravel roads and pot holes. There are a few restrooms buildings scattered around the park which may not be close depending on what site you are in.

  • Christina V.
    Sep. 18, 2022

    Winslow Park And Campground

    Incredible View - with an RV Park Feel

    Winslow Park and Campground is a busy 100 campsite and park run by the town of Freeport, ME.

    We stayed in site #1 and were pleasantly surprised to not have any neighbors that night, which meant our site seemed larger than it ordinarily would have. The sites are small- similar to what you would find in an RV park. They are large enough to fit long class A and large tow vehicles into, but not much room is left between you and your neighbors, and there are few if any trees separating the sites.

    There are warm showers, but we did not find them to be very clean. Regardless, we did enjoy our stay at Winslow. There was a concert going on when we arrived, but the park was less busy when everyone left for the night. The sunrise over the bay view we had was absolutely incredible- we loved our waterfront view and it was definitely the best park about this site.

    At $50, this was also one of the more expensive sites we’ve stayed at. The view was definitely worth the price, but I don’t know if I would stay again simply because the RV park feel isn’t really our favorite aesthetic.

    Either way, we appreciated the proximity to Freeport and the amenities and view at the time!

    Of note: we visited the House of Hounds on Sniffspot the next morning so our dog could run and play- that ended up being one of our favorite things we have done on this trip. Omar has a beautiful open field that he lets people bring their dogs to play in and it was absolutely divine- especially since our guy doesn’t love other dogs so we can’t rely on dog parks for exercise. He enjoyed having the whole field to himself!

  • Tiffany N.
    Aug. 5, 2018

    Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    Wonderful!

    A beautiful place with a farm, campground and state park all together! There are tenting spots, camper spots and field spots. I recommend any with tree coverage. There are bathrooms close by to all, the main lodge is nice and the food at the snack shack is sooo good!! burgers, pizza, salad- all local and from their gardens. 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. Our huge tent site was $60 for a busy August weekend. totally reasonable! we had a lovely time despite the rain and will try to go again next year! The grounds are a short drive to downtown Freeport for shopping at the outlets and LLBean.

  • Jacquelin P.
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Old Quarry Ocean Adventures (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

    Perfect pet friendly campground near Acadia but far enough away

    Perfect pet friendly campground near Acadia but far enough away from it all. Friendly staff, peaceful nature setting on the water, and starry nights. Clean bathrooms and large campsites. Couldn’t have asked for more. Great also if you love kayaking or paddling!!

  • M
    Aug. 28, 2018

    Shore Hills Campground & RV Park

    Great Campground only minutes from Boothbay

    We just spent the weekend here and were very impressed with the water views and the size of the sites. The campground is pet friendly- I think almost everyone we saw had a dog. The facilities were clean although I did not use the showers as we have a travel trailer.There are many sites along the river that flows with the tide. Overall a great place to stay!

  • D
    Sep. 12, 2020

    Martin Stream Campground

    Hidden gem!

    This is a beautiful, family and pet friendly campground. Very well kept. The bathrooms and showers were always clean. Plenty of activities. There is a beautiful nature trail along the stream!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2021

    Searsport Shores Ocean Campground

    Small RV park

    Well maintained. Pet friendly BUT must be in leak at all times. Cannot be left alone in RV or vehicle. No sewer. Friendly atmosphere

  • R
    Jun. 19, 2023

    Chewonki Campground

    Terrific and Convenient

    Chewonki is a wonderfully run private campground near Bath, Wiscasset, Damariscotta and the beaches. The grounds are beautifully maintained and with modern. clean utilities /amenities.
    The boat launching area is limited by the tidal stream, but offers terrific, quiet experiences not expected as close to route 1.
    The ownership is on site and they’re friendly, helpful and proud of their property. Strong Verizon cell service too!


Guide to Damariscotta

Situated just 15 miles inland from Maine's rugged Atlantic coastline, Damariscotta offers diverse camping options with pine-studded landscapes and access to freshwater lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-78°F while nights can dip into the 50s. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with peak crowds in July and August.

What to do

Kayaking at tidal inlets: Sagadahoc Bay Campground provides direct access to water exploration where tide changes create unique paddling opportunities. "When the tide goes out you have the entire inlet to walk around in and explore. At night the stars were absolutely amazing!" notes Michael H., who stayed at an oceanfront RV spot.

Lighthouse visits: Camp within short driving distance to Maine's iconic lighthouses. Pemaquid Point Campground is "about a mile from the lighthouse, an easy drive or bike" according to Kenneth K., who recommends visiting the "wonderful breakfast spot right next door — I'd recommend the blueberry pancakes."

Farm-based activities: Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground provides a unique agricultural experience. "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," reports Michele S.

Trail hiking: Local campgrounds connect to extensive trail networks. "The park has a short trail across to an island which our dog loved to run around on and jump in the water," shares Nancy W. about Shore Hills Campground. She adds, "Nearby is the Ovens Mouth Preserve which has great hiking and nice water views."

What campers like

Shoulder season tranquility: Many campers recommend timing visits to avoid summer crowds. "We love coming to Duck Puddle in the shoulder season (spring and fall) when it's quiet," reports K R., describing waterfront sites that "offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel."

Brewery camping: For craft beer enthusiasts, Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort combines camping with handcrafted beverages. "My wife and I just spend an overnight here. The brewery is really cool, and the wood fired pizza is some of my favorite," shares Joe R., noting the convenience of "full hookups. 50, 30, and 20 Amp, water and sewer."

Waterfront views: Coastal sites provide distinctive Maine vistas. At Chewonki Campground, campers enjoy "beautiful scenery with a river to highlight Maine's tidal environment. Kayaking, salt water pool and scenic walking trails blends in with the variety of singing birds under several tall pine trees," according to Cheryl R.

Pet-friendly sites: Dog owners praise accommodations that welcome four-legged companions. "We just spent the weekend here and were very impressed with the water views and the size of the sites. The campground is pet friendly- I think almost everyone we saw had a dog," notes Marje F. about Shore Hills Campground.

What you should know

Tidal considerations: Water access changes throughout the day at coastal campgrounds. Nancy W. explains at Shore Hills Campground, "The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide."

Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds maintain traditional booking methods. "Old school in that you have to call to make reservations and they do not accept credit cards," notes Rachel S. about Shore Hills, while other parks offer online booking.

Seasonal bugs: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly in wooded sites. When relocating within Sagadahoc Bay Campground, one camper found a "more remote, forested site—quieter, yes, but also swarming with mosquitoes all night."

Site layout differences: Campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy. At Wolfe's Neck, Kelly A. notes, "Some sites are out in open, some have a little more privacy. Would have given 5 stars if there was a more privacy between sites."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Damariscotta feature play areas for children. At Wolfe's Neck, Jessica M. reports, "One of our families favorite camping spots. We prefer sites near playground that overlook Vasco bay."

Educational opportunities: Farm-based camping provides learning experiences. "This campground was really beautiful. My kids enjoyed visiting with the farm animals and walking along the rocky shore each day," writes Michele S. about Wolfe's Neck.

Swimming options: Camden Hills State Park Campground offers nearby water access. "The closest place for this the Camden City Park, which is 2.5 miles away, and is a great place to launch a kayak. Rockport Marine Park at Rockport Harbor is another - it has easy kayak launch access and a very very small beach, which is mostly used for kids to splash around in the water," shares Heather C.

Weekend activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events. "Everyone was invited to attend if they wanted to. Nice family friendly campground," notes Rachel S. about Duck Puddle, mentioning they "had a band play on Sat night and large bonfire."

Tips from RVers

Electric options: Most campgrounds offer both 30 and 50 amp service. At Camden Hills, Heather C. notes, "About half the sites have water and 30/50 amp electric and the others are no hookups. The campgrounds website has a very helpful map showing which sites are reservable and what they offer."

Site selection for privacy: Consider location carefully when booking. "The sites are large and have nice privacy," says Nancy W. about Camden Hills, though she cautions "some of the smaller RV sites are more compact."

Navigational challenges: Some properties present access difficulties. Boothbay Craft Brewery provides "new level sites, easy in and out," according to Mike H., but other campgrounds may have narrower roads or tighter turns.

Off-season availability: Fall camping offers fewer crowds. "It's early October, and I learned that Maine State Parks are first come first serve at this point. I was pleasantly surprised to arrive and find plenty of vacant spots," shares Missy R. about camping at Camden Hills in autumn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Damariscotta, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Damariscotta, ME is Duck Puddle Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Damariscotta, ME?

TheDyrt.com has all 69 dog-friendly camping locations near Damariscotta, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.