Cabin camping options near Kittery, Maine provide easy access to coastal attractions while maintaining wooded settings. Seasonal operations run primarily from May through October, with limited winter availability. Most cabin rentals require 10-20 minute drives from Kittery proper, with the closest options in Cape Neddick and South Berwick areas.
What to do
Explore Pawtuckaway State Park: Located under 40 minutes from Kittery, the park offers hiking trails with mountain views and lakeside camping. "There are at least three campground areas, one of which is on an island and has tent sites along the water. If possible, reserve those to ensure the best spots (the sunrise!), but all of the campground sites are nice," notes a visitor at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Kayak freshwater ponds: Several camping cabins near Kittery feature water access for paddling. "It is 9 miles from Wells Maine which is on the ocean. There is plenty to do if you canoe or kayak, there is a pond right there, there is a swimming area in the pond," explains a camper at Beaver Dam Campground.
Visit nearby coastal towns: Cabins serve as convenient bases for exploring Maine's shoreline communities. "About an hour from Freeport Maine, Also Portland is not far and great food there. RT 1 is full of antique stores so get out of the well-known towns and that will be fun, York Lighthouse is a nice take as well," suggests a Beaver Dam Campground reviewer.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. A visitor at Wakeda Campground reports, "The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean. We have been camping here for many years. The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly."
Waterfront locations: Several cabin options provide direct access to water. "The campground is set right on the ocean but you're still in the forest. Everyone is really friendly at the camp and in town. Showers and toilets are clean. 10/10 experience," shares a visitor at Cape Neddick Oceanside Campground.
Proximity to beaches: Many cabin rentals offer quick access to coastal areas while providing more amenities than tent camping. "The location is great being 10 minutes or so from Hampton beach. Lots of little farms in the area too. Would definitely book another few nights," notes a visitor who stayed in a cabin at Wakeda Campground.
What you should know
Shower facilities vary: Some campgrounds charge for showers while others include them. At Dixon's Coastal Maine Campground, "It's 50 cents for 5 minutes to take a shower (unheard of) with hot water. There is even hot water to wash your dishes next to the bathrooms."
Site sizes differ significantly: Even within the same campground, cabin and tent sites can vary greatly. "The sites are level and roomy. The bathroom was clean. The walk to the beach was along a public parking lot. The beach was clean. The small store is well stocked. You can rent kayaks here," explains a camper at Pawtuckaway State Park.
Pet policies are strict: Not all cabin campgrounds welcome pets. "Cape Neddick prohibits them," while other locations have specific pet-friendly cabins or areas. Check each campground's policy before booking if traveling with animals.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer organized events for children. At Winding River Campground, a visitor shared, "We had a great time here camping with our kids and grandkids. River is not much to look at but the pool was great and there were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music to name a few."
Consider cabins for easier family trips: Cabins eliminate some camping challenges for families with young children. "We took our family of 5, and my mom for a weekend getaway! It was perfect. So much to do. Very quiet at night, which is helpful in such a family environment. We will definitely be back again!" notes a visitor at Moody Beach RV Campground.
Pack extra clothing for children: Maine's coastal weather can change quickly, with cool mornings even in summer. Temperatures in August typically range from 58°F at night to 78°F during the day, with higher humidity near water.
Tips from RVers
Reserve early for larger sites: RV sites with cabin-like amenities book quickly during peak season. "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites," mentions a visitor at Wakeda Campground about their RV experience.
Consider seasonal options: Many campgrounds offer seasonal arrangements for those wanting cabin-like amenities without owning property. "We stayed three months here last summer. The beach and pool are small and quiet. Baths are new and clean," shares a long-term visitor at Beaver Dam Campground.
Check entrance access: Some campgrounds have challenging entrances for larger vehicles. "A little tip about GPS: if you're using Apple Maps, it will likely take you to a turn that is not the campground entrance, there's even a hand-written sign on someone's lawn that has directions to the entrance," warns a visitor about navigation to Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
