Camping spots near North Waterboro, Maine range from private campgrounds on saltwater marshes to state parks on lakeshores. The region sits at approximately 300-400 feet above sea level with sandy soil that drains quickly after rain. Most camping locations maintain consistently operating water systems even during dry late summer periods when local wells sometimes struggle with capacity.
What to do
Water activities at smaller lakes: Bunganut Lake Camping Area offers a serene lake experience with swimming and boating options. "The lake is beautiful, a hidden gem," notes Sarah, who particularly enjoyed the "nice beach" where tent sites include "decks and stairs to get to the water."
Explore marshlands: Wild Duck Adult Campground sits beside Scarborough Marsh with direct marsh access. "It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one," explains Heather C., adding that "the trees are quite tall and create a lovely canopy overhead."
Beach shuttle service: Rather than dealing with limited beach parking, several campgrounds offer transportation. Bayley's Camping Resort provides "Free shuttle to the beach," according to Karen D., while Old Orchard Beach Campground has "a trolley that will take you to the city for $2," as Shawn B. mentions.
Biking opportunities: Local rail trails provide excellent cycling options. "This quiet campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh," says Kevin W. about his stay at Wild Duck, making it ideal for cycling enthusiasts.
What campers like
Adult-focused options: For those seeking quieter camping experiences, Pine Ridge Campground offers "peaceful and quiet all the time. While not an adult only campground, it's mostly comprised of adults only," according to Becca H.
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate more secluded options. At Sandy Pines Campground, Kaileigh K. found "a tent only area that felt a little more secluded and quiet with some nice privacy between sites," making it ideal for nature lovers seeking more solitude.
Single-user bathrooms: Clean facilities matter to campers, with Sandy Pines earning praise for its "bathrooms [that] were always clean and single user, some had showers as well," according to Kaileigh K.
Family entertainment: Campgrounds with organized activities receive high marks from family campers. At Acres of Wildlife Family Campground, Sarah L. found "amazing family activities to keep kids occupied," noting her children consistently request this campground above all others.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. At Sebago Lake State Park, one camper observed "the camps on the left facing the lake seemed better spread out than the ones on the right. Left more tents. Right more RVs."
Seasonal timing considerations: Late spring through mid-October represents the primary camping season, with September offering excellent camping weather with fewer crowds. However, some facilities reduce offerings after Labor Day.
Bug preparation essential: The region's mix of lakes, marshes and forests creates perfect mosquito habitat. At Wild Duck, Megan W. warned, "The mosquitoes were TERRIBLE. In the time it took after we parked the camper, to when I could dig the bug spray out of our truck I was covered in bites."
Campground size varies dramatically: Old Orchard Beach Campground is "a huge campground with lots of sites and amenities" according to Nancy W., while smaller campgrounds like Wild Duck have "not a ton of sites but that is what we like," as Lee H. explains.
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated kid-friendly facilities: Campgrounds with child-specific amenities reduce parental stress. At Acres of Wildlife Family Campground, Darci F. found the campground "FULL of fun for kids. There is activities and 2/3 playgrounds," making it ideal for family getaways.
Animal encounters: Children often enjoy campgrounds with wildlife interactions. Laura K. mentioned her "daughters first stop was the adorable library" at Bunganut Lake, while Portia H. noted "the kids loved the beach and the chickens."
Safety considerations: Choose campgrounds with controlled traffic. At Bayley's, Andrew G. observed "people drive way too fast up and down the camp roads with zero enforcement," raising concerns with "the amount of kids on bike."
Rainy day alternatives: Weather-proofing your trip means having indoor options. Several campgrounds offer recreation buildings with games and activities, while Bunganut Lake Camping Area provides "a small rec hall with games and movie nights was all the kids needed," according to Laura K.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for size: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs but require advance planning. At Spacious Skies Walnut Grove, campers report full hookup sites with 50-amp service suitable for larger rigs, with "great spot in a wooded area" according to El Jefe B.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. At Bunganut Lake, sites are "on a hill down to the beach area," as Portia H. discovered, while at Wild Duck, Christy M. found their site "was on a plateau of sorts, with a steep driveway up to the tent pad."
Hookup positioning: Connection placement varies between campgrounds. At Acres of Wildlife, Ed C. advised to "bring extensions for electrical and sewer as a lot of sites are set up with difficult connection spots."
Seasonal site availability: For extended stays, timing matters. At Walnut Grove, one camper noted "mostly seasonal campers, but they were only about 20% occupied mid week," indicating better availability for short-term RVers during weekdays.
