Wells Beach and its surrounding area offer camping options near the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Located along the southern Maine shore, Wells experiences cool, foggy mornings even in summer, with daytime July temperatures averaging 78°F. Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with limited availability during the shoulder seasons.
What to do
Beach access near campgrounds: Sandy Pines Campground provides a convenient base for beach exploration. "The proximity to goose rocks beach was a major plus!" notes Kaileigh K. The campground is just a short drive from one of the area's most popular beaches.
Coastal biking opportunities: Several preserves offer mountain biking trails near the campgrounds. As Joe R. from Sandy Pines Campground shares, "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."
Water activities on protected waterways: Kayaking and canoeing are popular at Bayley's Camping Resort where the river is damned to prevent tidal issues. "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," explains Nancy W.
Seasonal festivals and events: Many campgrounds host special themed weekends. One camper at Beaver Dam Campground notes, "The grounds include lots of activities for young and old" while another mentioned visiting during a "Vintage Camper weekend" at Sandy Pines.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: The glamping experience at Wells varies by location, with some offering more seclusion than others. "I love that there was a tent only area that felt a little more secluded and quiet with some nice privacy between sites," writes Kaileigh K. about Sandy Pines Campground.
Clean bathroom facilities: Campers frequently comment on bathroom quality. At Beaver Dam Campground, a reviewer mentioned "Bathrooms are modern and spotless. Owners on site are wonderful." This sentiment is echoed across several properties.
Proximity to coastal towns: Dixons Coastal Maine Campground offers easy access to multiple coastal destinations. Robert S. explains, "The location to the coastal beaches of York, Wells, Agunquit and Kennebunkport is the main reason we stayed here. It's one of our favorite locations in Maine."
Glamping accommodations: For those seeking upscale outdoor experiences, Chris from Sandy Pines notes, "Sandy Pines has impeccably maintained campsites for all style of camper and tent. If you do not have either one, you can rent one of their super funky Gypsy Wagons, A Frame chalets or Glam-tents on the platform."
What you should know
Site variations within campgrounds: At many locations, site quality and privacy can vary significantly. Tim S. from Sandy Pines cautions tent campers: "The most significant con was that this campground is truly only for RV camping. Us tent campers we on sites with zero trees. It almost felt as if they were trying to dissuade tent campers from coming here."
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping operations near Wells have limited operating seasons. Beaver Dam Campground operates "Mid May to Columbus Day" while many others follow similar schedules, closing by mid-October.
Guest policies and fees: Some campgrounds charge for visitors. Nancy W. notes about one location: "If you want to have guests, plan on shelling out a bit of cash as it is $8/day for kids and $10 for adults and $12 for overnight guests."
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet connectivity varies widely. One camper at Old Orchard Beach Campground mentions, "The Wi-Fi does not work very well (WFH employees trying to see the world)." Another at Sandy Pines notes, "The Wi-Fi is hit and miss unsecured. Mostly miss."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Many campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Old Orchard Beach Campground, "The playground and pool were a hit with the kids," according to one reviewer. Another camper mentions, "They have basketball courts, badminton courts, horseshoes, and tons more."
Beach shuttle services: Transportation to beaches is available from some locations. Shawn B. notes, "There is a trolly 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."
Swimming options on-site: When beach weather isn't cooperative, pools provide alternatives. At Bayley's Camping Resort, "There is a kids pool and a pool for the adults only w/bar," mentions Christopher S., while another camper appreciated that "the pool is heated and very inviting."
Family-friendly layout: Some campgrounds organize their sites to create family-friendly zones. Kaileigh K. appreciated that Sandy Pines has "a tent only area that felt a little more secluded and quiet with some nice privacy between sites."
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: The Caseys Stadig Campground offers "spacious, flat groomed sand" sites according to Val, though another RVer notes it's "Not the best for an RV but very wooded and nice for tenting."
Big rig accessibility: Susan J. from Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort appreciates the "wide/grassy sites" and notes, "If we make it back to Wells, we will choose this Resort again....that says a lot with all the options in the area."
RV glamping options: For RVers seeking luxury glamping experiences, Nick from Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort comments, "Roads are paved so kids can ride their bikes with ease. Place is very clean and close to the beech. Staff is very friendly and accommodating."
Seasonal site availability: Many RVers note that booking well in advance is essential. Nancy W. advises, "You will definitely want to take the short drive (or the free shuttle service offered at the campground) to the nearby beach and visit the beachy boardwalk town."
