The coastal area of Kittery connects southern Maine with New Hampshire through Interstate 95 and Route 1. Camping spots near Kittery, Maine offer access to both forest and ocean environments, with temperatures averaging 70-80°F during summer months and cooling significantly after Labor Day. Most campgrounds in this region provide campsites sized between 25-45 feet, with varying levels of shade and ground surfaces.
What to do
Beach access: 10-15 minutes: Several Kittery-area camping facilities provide convenient beach proximity. At Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort, campers note it's "pretty close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and access to Route 1." As one visitor explains, "About 5 miles to the east is Hampton Beach and a little farther is the town of Rye which are worth the drive."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers diverse wildlife encounters within its wetlands and forests. One camper recalled, "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird." Another reviewer noted the "excellent hiking, beach, wildlife-filled wetlands, girding, geology, forests, and water to enjoy."
Water activities on smaller bodies: For those seeking alternatives to ocean recreation, inland water access is available. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water."
What campers like
Waterfront views: Libbys Oceanside Camp provides direct ocean access in York Harbor. According to one review, "This campsite has a great view over the ocean towards the lighthouse. The site is very tidy and toilets clean!" Another camper confirmed, "Truly after 13 States we been on, this is by far the best spot we stayed on."
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower cleanliness receives consistent praise across multiple campgrounds. At Dixons Coastal Maine Campground, campers note, "The pool and restrooms are spotless." Another reviewer mentioned, "There is even hot water to wash your dishes next to the bathrooms."
Proximity to local attractions: Campers value how these sites serve as bases for regional exploration. At Beaver Dam Campground, a reviewer appreciated that the "Campground is superior in its warmth, cleanliness, dog friendly and access to points of interest." Locations typically offer access to beaches, restaurants and shopping within 5-20 minutes by car.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds feature sites with limited separation between neighbors. At Thousand Trails Moody Beach, "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, resulting in very little privacy."
Seasonal campers dominate certain areas: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated sections for seasonal residents. At Sea Coast Camping, "Half of the park is seasonal campers (which is a lot more cramped and more junked up) and the other half is for transients. The two sides are separated by a tree line where the tent sites are located."
Shower costs and facilities: Pay showers remain common in this region. At Dixons Coastal Maine Campground, "It's 50 cents for 5 minutes to take a shower (unheard of) with hot water." Bring quarters when camping in this area, as this practice appears widespread.
Tips for camping with families
Playground quality: Wakeda Campground offers extensive family-focused amenities. According to reviews, they feature "trading post that had camping goods and snacks, WiFi hotspot, pool table, and lounging area. They also had a game room, miniature golf, coffee shop and dog park."
Weather contingency plans: Summer storms occur periodically in this coastal region. One camper at Wakeda Campground reported, "We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm. It was nice to sit in the front porch and watch the storm."
Off-peak season advantages: For families seeking quieter experiences, consider spring or fall visits. At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, "We went in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s) and not many people were around. The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet."
Tips from RVers
Narrow access roads: Several campgrounds feature tight entry points and internal roads. At Sea Coast Camping, "The roads in the park are fairly narrow and we had to drive over the grass across from our site in order to back in. Lucky for us nobody was parked in that site."
Site surface conditions: RV sites in this region vary between gravel, grass, and dirt surfaces. As one camper at Old Stage Campground noted, "The sites were spacious in wooded area near a small river. The road in is dirt but is mostly level."
Water quality and pressure: Water hookups typically feature good pressure and quality. At Sea Coast Camping, visitors noted "Some of the best clear, clean, drinking water at high pressure we have come across." This allows for efficient tank filling and reliable shower use.
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