Camping sites near Kennebunkport, Maine offer a mix of woodland settings and marsh access within a 20-mile radius. The region's coastal climate creates comfortable summer camping conditions with average highs of 75-80°F from June through August, though early summer evenings can dip into the 50s. Most Kennebunkport area campgrounds sit inland from the coast, requiring short drives or shuttle rides to reach popular beaches.
What to do
Kayaking the marshes: At Wild Duck Adult Campground, campers can experience the Scarborough Marsh ecosystem. "The Audubon Center informed us that people have flipped in the culvert due to the current, and that there are obstructions under water that one individual got caught on," notes Heather C., suggesting that launching from the nearby Audubon Center is safer than from the campground itself.
Biking on rail trails: The Eastern Trail offers car-free cycling through scenic marshlands. "This quiet campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh," writes Kevin W. about Wild Duck campground. The flat, gravel surface makes for easy riding, with the trail connecting multiple coastal communities.
Visit Old Orchard Beach: The small beachside town offers classic summer entertainment. "Old Orchard is known for their amusement park, arcade, pier, fun downtown, and expansive beach with seven miles of room to walk. Here you can stroll along the streets listening to the melodic sounds of an arcade, buy an airbrushed t-shirt and eat pier fries and fried dough," explains Nancy W. about Paradise Park Resort which offers shuttle service to the beach.
What campers like
Adult-only camping options: Wild Duck Adult Campground provides a quiet alternative to family-oriented sites. "This is a beautiful campground that caters to adults only. It feels very secluded but it's close to everything," reports Kelli T. The lack of children makes for a more peaceful experience, especially during peak season.
Live entertainment: Several campgrounds offer regular 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 Diane S. about her stay at Red Apple Campground.
Hot tubs and pools: Water amenities provide relaxation after beach days. At Bayley's Camping Resort, "There is a kids pool and a pool for the adults only w/bar," notes Christopher S. The adults-only areas particularly appeal to couples and solo travelers looking for quiet relaxation spaces.
What you should know
Cash-only policies: Some campgrounds don't accept credit cards. "They only take cash. So I worked that out then they pulled us into a super tight pull through spot," warns Ronald C. about Red Apple Campground. Plan ahead by bringing sufficient cash for your stay.
Different shower experiences for men and women: At some facilities, the amenities vary by gender. "My dial locked and the water was way too hot. It was literally painful washing the shampoo out of my hair... My husband reported that the men's showers had no push button and worked just fine," shares Pam R. about her experience at Red Apple.
Site privacy varies widely: Old Orchard Beach Campground offers diverse site layouts. "The campground is quite large and divided into a variety of sections, some areas are all seasonal campers and others are for transients... We liked the sections in the back (Bear Brook and Black Forest) which are set away from the entrance and the majority of activities," recommends Nancy W.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated kid activities: Paradise Park Resort offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "There are multiple pools and playgrounds. One pool has a hot tub for kids. There's also paddleboats available to rent," notes Tonisha T. These activities keep children entertained when not at the beach.
Consider busy times and noise levels: Family patterns vary by campground. "We were surprised by the amount of French speaking campers from Quebec! We loved the diversity it brought," shares Nathan S. about Paradise Park. The international atmosphere peaks during Canadian holiday periods.
Look for trolley service: Transportation to beaches helps avoid parking hassles. "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 Shawn B. about Sun Outdoors Old Orchard Beach. This eliminates the need to pack up and drive to the beach daily.
Tips from RVers
Site orientation matters: Some campgrounds have unusual layouts that affect the camping experience. "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," explains Arno W. about Thousand Trails Moody Beach.
WiFi quality varies significantly: Internet access can be challenging at certain locations. "Consider the Thousand Trails membership when booking this site. Our annual membership fees basically covered what it would cost to camp here for two weeks... the WiFi is awful away from the registration office," advises Paulina B. about Moody Beach, suggesting that Starlink users had better results at perimeter sites.
Reserve premium sections: Within large campgrounds, site selection significantly impacts experience. "After touring the campground, the salt marsh loop is by far the best and most scenic," notes one camper. Requesting sections away from main facilities often provides more privacy and natural views, though may require longer walks to bathrooms and amenities.
