Camping sites near New Gloucester, Maine range from open field settings to secluded wooded areas within a 20-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 300 feet above sea level with summer high temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season. Many campgrounds in this area feature sandy soils typical of coastal Maine, which provides good drainage during summer rainstorms but can create dusty conditions during dry periods.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Runaround Woods offers an on-site disc golf course through woodland terrain. "We played the woodland disc golf course multiple times! Great way to experience the forest and end the day in cozy bed!!" notes a camper who stayed in one of their cabins.
Farm animal interactions: Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground combines camping with agricultural education. "This campground is located on an organic dairy farm. There is a farm cafe on site with local food. We loved that! We went into Freeport and did a lobster charter on the Jenny ellen boat," explains one visitor.
Hiking connections: At Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground, trails start directly from camping areas. "The park has just enough hiking trails to spend a morning or afternoon exploring. You can access the trails from the sites, no need to drive around the park once you're there," according to one reviewer who found it particularly good for fall camping.
What campers like
Clean, modern bathroom facilities: The Desert of Maine Campground recently completed renovations that included new bathrooms. A camper noted, "The bathrooms were some of the nicest I have EVER seen at a campground (public or private)." Another mentioned the "brand new bathrooms—never seen such impeccable, decorated and luxury showers in a camping site before!"
Communal outdoor kitchen areas: Bradbury Mountain offers unique amenities not found at many campgrounds. One camper appreciated "a shared mini kitchen with a sink, making clean-up very easy," while another mentioned "the kitchen/dish washing lean-to was a wonderful addition!! Loved that it had a coffee maker."
Waterfront access options: Winslow Park And Campground provides ocean access with tidal pools. "The ocean side sites are great, right on Casco Bay!! Some sites are under trees while some of the sites are open," notes a repeat visitor. Another camper mentioned, "You can choose to have a tent site right on the bay or off of the bay view. The bay view sites are our favorite."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campsites in this region range from densely packed to spacious. At Sebago Lake State Park Campground, "Half of area is set up with RV hookups, so it nicely separates the tents from the RVs," but some visitors noted "the campsites definitely felt like they were on top of each other and are pretty small."
Campground rules enforcement: Staff at local campgrounds strictly maintain quiet hours. At Winslow Park, one camper noted that rangers were particularly attentive to noise levels after 10pm.
Reservation timing considerations: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. "We stayed for July 4th week and had a blast!" said one visitor at Poland Spring Campground, but recommended booking early as holiday weekends typically reach capacity months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Poland Spring Campground offers multiple play areas. "A big pool and also a lake to swim or rent a boat! Very family friendly (including dogs!) there is a store and playground and plenty of area to explore!" mentioned one family.
Kid-friendly activities: Freeport/Durham KOA schedules regular children's events. "Daily activities for adults & kids. The pool is nice and has a great little playground next to it," noted a camper. Special events include seasonal celebrations: "The Halloween celebration is really well done—campers decorate their sites, there is an in-costume parade, and the central, bigger rigs are set up for trick or treating."
Water features for cooling off: Many local campgrounds offer swimming options. Desert of Maine Campground provides pool access, while Poland Spring Campground offers both a pool and pond access, with one visitor noting "a nice lake and dock space available."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and access: Cedar Haven Campground accommodates larger rigs. "We couldn't have been happier with our camping experience... Reservations and check-in were easy," noted one RV camper, who appreciated the "spacious and well designed lots."
Hookup availability: Durham Leisure Campground offers full hookups but has specific rules. "They could easily accommodate our 40' 5th wheel w/ 4 slide outs. Fortunate find. Great location...5 mins to Freeport, 45 mins to Portland," one RVer shared.
Pull-through site options: Freeport/Durham KOA offers convenient pull-through sites for easier setup. "The park has nice super long 50 amp FHU pull-thrus in the front of the park which will fit any length RV and tow vehicle," though one camper noted "the only downside to these pull thrus is there is no shade."
