Tent camping near Limington, Maine offers accessible outdoor experiences within 40 miles of Portland. The region sits in a transition zone between the White Mountains and coastal Maine, with elevations ranging from 300-800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day, dropping to 50-60°F at night, making sleeping bags rated for 40°F appropriate for most of the camping season.
What to do
Water activities on the Saco River: Swans Falls Campground provides direct access to the Saco River, ideal for kayaking and canoeing. As one camper noted, "There's a beautiful walking trail by the Saco River" and a "small beach/canoe put in at river was nice." The campground experiences heavy traffic on weekends with "a huge line up of people putting in to float down the river."
Explore nearby coastal towns: Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach serves as a convenient base for exploring coastal attractions. "Not too far from the campground are the towns of Kennebunkport, Wells, and Biddeford and a little farther will have you in Ogunquit or Portland," explains one visitor. Old Orchard Beach offers carnival rides and seaside activities just 4 miles from this campground.
Wildlife viewing: Rachael Carson National Wildlife Refuge offers trails through coastal marsh ecosystems within 30 minutes of Limington. According to campers, the refuge provides "beautiful views" and is dog-friendly, making it ideal for families seeking nature observation without strenuous hiking.
What campers like
Privacy options: Huttopia Southern Maine (formerly Sand Pond Family Campground) features walk-in tent sites that provide more seclusion than standard drive-up campsites. The grounds are "manicured and aimed to be family friendly," according to recent visitors, offering a good balance between amenities and natural settings.
Water access: Mac's Camping Area in Poland features direct lake access with 30 dedicated tent sites. The campground offers "large RV Sites with access to their private beach & boat launch," providing water recreation opportunities without traveling off-site.
Peaceful wooded settings: Most campgrounds around Limington feature tree cover that creates natural shade and separation between sites. At Swans Falls Campground, "Sites are wooded but not a ton of space/trees in between them," with larger sites that can accommodate multiple tents for family gatherings.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Saco Bound on the Saco River "gets busy in the summer," requiring reservations weeks or months in advance for weekend camping, especially during July and August. Most established campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through mid-October.
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. While most provide basic toilet facilities, shower availability differs. Some campers specifically praise certain locations, noting "the bathrooms were really clean and you constantly saw yellow-shirted people busily working."
Site selection matters: At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, experienced campers recommend sites along the edges: "KK15, K3, K2 and K1 are great options as well, located along the wooded edges of the grounds. Tent sites 96, P5, P4, P3, P2 and P1 were also among the best spots, offering full shade and privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Water attractions for kids: Salmon Falls River RV Resort in nearby Lebanon offers extensive water recreation options. "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!" reports one camper. The resort also features a lazy river that adults enjoy.
Compromise accommodations: Cabin options provide middle ground between tent camping and hotels. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, cabins range from basic to fully equipped. One camper explained, "K16 was a single room cabin that could comfortably sleep 4, furnished with a full-sized bed and a bunk bed. We were shocked to find that the cabin had electrical, lights and a small heater."
Beach shuttle service: During summer months, some campgrounds offer shuttle transportation to nearby beaches. Sun Outdoors Saco provides "a shuttle that takes you to the beach which is convenient," eliminating parking concerns and allowing families to easily access Old Orchard Beach without moving their vehicles.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Most campgrounds near Limington have natural rather than paved sites. At Salmon Falls River RV Resort, "Campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs," but many smaller campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks.
Transition considerations: When campgrounds change ownership or affiliation, temporary service disruptions may occur. One RVer noted about Salmon Falls: "If I have one issue it would be that it went to a KOA which isn't bad but the transition year seemed a bit wanky," highlighting that research before booking helps set realistic expectations during management changes.
