Cabin rentals around Kennebunk, Maine range from basic to deluxe accommodations within a 30-minute drive of town. The region receives about 49 inches of precipitation annually, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak cabin rental season from May through October. Winter cabin availability is limited as most campgrounds close after Columbus Day weekend.
What to do
Kayaking on marshlands: Paradise Park Resort offers proximity to paddling opportunities with rentals available. "This campground is very cute, oriented to families and couples. There's also paddleboats available to rent," notes one visitor from Paradise Park Resort.
Explore Eastern Trail: Wild Duck Adult Campground provides access to local trails. "It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one," explains one camper. "It is 1.3 miles of the Eastern Trail, a multi-use gravel path which is a better place to walk, bike, or run."
Live entertainment options: Red Apple Campground features seasonal performances. "During the week we were there, we enjoyed a wonderful evening of jazz by a local trio of musicians. The campground also offered complimentary beer and wine that evening," shares a camper who visited in July.
Mountain biking access: Sandy Pines Campground connects to local preserves. "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," notes one reviewer.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hemlock Grove Campground maintains high standards. "Friendly staff! Perfectly maintained grounds with clean updated bath house and laundry. Cozy forested campground, felt private despite having neighbors," writes one satisfied guest.
Shuttle services to beaches: Many Kennebunk-area cabin rentals offer transportation to nearby shores. "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," mentions a camper from Old Orchard Beach Campground.
Proximity to coastal towns: Dixons Coastal Maine Campground offers strategic positioning. "This is a nice smaller campground, nice clean bathrooms, friendly staff. The location to the coastal beaches of York, Wells, Agunquit and Kennebunkport is the main reason we stayed here," explains a visitor.
Adult-only options: Wild Duck Adult Campground provides a quieter experience. "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," reports a July visitor.
What you should know
Cash-only policies: Some establishments have specific payment requirements. A Red Apple Campground visitor notes, "Well, it all started when we pulled in first thing they only take cash. So I worked that out then they pulled us into a super tight pull through spot."
Seasonal operations: Most cabin rentals near Kennebunk operate on limited schedules. Dixons Campground runs "May 11 to September 24" while Hemlock Grove Campground is available "May 15 to Oct 15."
Water considerations: Location affects water access. "In theory, you can launch a kayak from the campground, but I would not recommend it. There is a culvert under Rt 9 that you need to pass under which is dangerous," warns a Wild Duck visitor.
Insect preparation: Wooded settings mean insects are present. "The mosquitoes 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 one Wild Duck camper.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Bayley's Camping Resort offers numerous activities. "This park has so many amenities and things to do that it is a destination in itself and you and your kids will be busy the entire time. The camp store is fully stocked, there are fishing ponds, golf cart rentals, numerous pools and hot tubs, daily activities, weekly poolside entertainment, playgrounds, mini golf, café, game room, arcade, and more."
Pool access: Temperature-controlled swimming is available at several locations. "The playground and pool were a hit with the kids," notes a Sandy Pines visitor, while another mentions, "It has big rig friendly. There is a small, but very well-kept dog park. There is a pool and hot tub. There's also pinball, Pac-Man, and pool table!"
Reservation timing: For family trips, booking well ahead is essential. A Paradise Park guest advises, "We were in a tent and enjoyed it but there are also many mobile homes and RVs. We were there the first week of June and could walk up and get a site that day but they said that late June you need to schedule your stay in advanced."
Playground quality: Inspect play areas before allowing children to use them. "The kids playgrounds are dangerous with huge pieces of concrete protruding out of ground around the base of slides and swings. Lots of stubbed toes and cut feet," warns one Bayley's Camping Resort visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Old Orchard Beach Campground offers varied camping areas. "We were in the more wooded area of the campground but the sites were still pretty wide open! Really nice clean pool and hot tub!"
Parking configurations: Site layouts vary significantly between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Moody Beach, "The 30 amp sites are very close together. The campground layout is quite unusual, with campers parked lengthwise along the road. This means that you share the space where you sit outside with the camper behind you."
Site surfaces: Preparation for specific ground conditions helps with setup. "Our gravel site was perfectly level with no potholes and the roads leading to our site were easy to navigate in our 45' motorhome. The patio was gravel and there was some grass between campsites," notes an Old Orchard Beach camper.
Hookup availability: Connection options vary by campground. At Hemlock Grove, "We had a fifth wheel and they had 50amp hook up with water and sewer. It's very shady and there's a laundry but only cold water. The WiFi worked great, cable tv also."
