The coastal camping region surrounding Kittery extends from southern Maine to nearby New Hampshire beaches. Summer temperatures typically range from 60°F nights to mid-80s during the day, with higher humidity along the immediate coastline. The area features a mix of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines with camping options spread across diverse landscapes from wooded inland sites to coastal locations.
What to do
Beach exploration: 5 miles from Seacoast Camping: Several campers recommend visiting Wallis Sand Beach for a relaxing afternoon. "About 5 miles to the east is Hampton Beach and a little farther is the town of Rye which are worth the drive. After lunch pop over to Wallis Sand Beach for an afternoon relaxing by the sea," notes one visitor to Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort.
Water activities: Near state parks: Campers can enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking in wildlife-rich areas. "We loved paddle boarding in the river where seals were plentiful and fun to watch. There is also another winding river that goes through a marshy area that was great for bird watching. Beware of tides and strong currents in these areas as they can make paddling difficult," advises a visitor to Pawtuckaway State Park.
Historic town visits: 20-minute drive: Portsmouth and Newburyport offer dining and shopping opportunities. "You are also just twenty minutes or so to Portsmouth and Newburyport which are some of our favorite New England coastal towns," shares a camper who stayed at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort.
What campers like
Scenic waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer premium water-view sites that book quickly. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" mentions a camper at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. Similarly, York Beach Camper Park visitors appreciate "being able to walk down for sunset and sunrise each day!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The coastal region attracts diverse wildlife. "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird," notes a camper at Wakeda Campground, which is located in a beautiful forest setting about 20 minutes from Kittery.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the Kittery region typically maintain high standards. "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well. Wifi service was excellent," shares a visitor to Beaver Dam Campground, located just north of Kittery.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through September or early October, with limited off-season availability. "We stayed here in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s) and not many people were around," notes a camper at Pawtuckaway State Park.
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have significant differences between sites. "Definitely do your research on the different site numbers because some sites are much more private and scenic than others," advises a visitor to Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Shower costs: Unlike the campgrounds mentioned in the existing description, some facilities charge for showers. "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," explains a camper at Dixons Coastal Maine Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "We would definitely be back with the kids so the kids can have fun on the big playground," notes a visitor to Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort, which offers a very large playground along with horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, and basketball.
Beach proximity: Walking distance to beaches saves time and parking hassles. York Beach Camper Park provides convenient beach access as noted by one camper: "The staff are super friendly and it's very close to the beach. We loved being able to walk down for sunset and sunrise each day!"
Structured activities: Some campgrounds organize regular events. "The campground was great with old tall pine trees everywhere. They offered electric, water, and sewer hook up, trading post with camping goods and snacks, WiFi hotspot, pool table, lounging area, game room, and miniature golf," shares a Wakeda Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Narrow roads can make maneuvering difficult at some campgrounds. "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," notes a visitor with a large rig at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort.
Utilities placement: Power and water connections may be poorly positioned at some campgrounds. "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord. Park staff told us we could back onto the grass in order to reach the electric," reports a camper at Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Full hookup availability: When seeking pet-friendly camping near Kittery, Maine, check for site amenities. "Our site (#124) was one of the new sites which they had just completed. It was a gravel back-in which was plenty long and level," describes a visitor to Sea Coast Camping, noting the park "recently added new 50-amp full hook-up sites (some of which are pull-throughs) so there are plenty of options for big-rigs."
