The southern Maine coastline offers unique camping conditions with a mix of wooded inland sites and oceanfront locations. Many campgrounds near Ogunquit stand on sandy soil with pine and oak trees providing natural shade. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day with cooler 55-65°F nights that can require extra layers for comfort.
What to do
Explore tidal marshes: Libbys Oceanside Camp offers access to coastal marsh areas visible from select campsites. "Many sites right on the oceanfront. Many pull thru sites with ocean views... Great place to camp right on long sands beach in York Maine," notes Peter F.
Mountain biking through preserves: Trails connect directly from Sandy Pines Campground to coastal conservation areas. "For those so inclined, there is great mountain biking either through the Tyler Preserve down to Cape Porpoise or North through the Emmitt Smith Preserve," explains Joe R., adding valuable route information.
Late-season coastal activities: Fall visitors can enjoy less crowded beaches and changing foliage. "We stayed here to see the fall colors. The park is laid out very nice. The sites are nice size with gravel. They are under trees so we could watch the colors change," shares Marilea G. from Sandy Pines Campground.
What campers like
Single-user bathroom facilities: Dixons Coastal Maine Campground offers private bathroom accommodations. "The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well," reports Kaileigh K., highlighting a feature many campers appreciate.
Heated facilities: Cold weather camping becomes more comfortable with climate-controlled amenities. "Heated bathrooms and hot showers. A heated pool too! Every site has water and electric hookups, a fire pit, and picnic table," writes Jason B. about Red Apple Campground.
Quiet wooded sites: Several campgrounds provide secluded natural settings despite being close to beaches. "Don't let the entrance turn you off. Once you get back into the campgrounds, it's so cute. You are nestled in the woods. You feel like you are in the Forest but so close to the ocean," describes Mindie C. from York Beach Camper Park.
What you should know
Campsite arrangement varies: Some locations have unusual layouts that impact privacy. "The campground layout is quite unusual, with campers parked lengthwise along the road. This means that you share the space where you sit outside with the camper behind you, resulting in very little privacy," explains Arno W. about Thousand Trails Moody Beach.
WiFi limitations: Internet access can be spotty in coastal Maine campgrounds. "The WiFi is hit and miss unsecured. Mostly miss," notes Celeste C., providing important information for remote workers.
Pay showers: Budget accordingly for shower facilities that require coins. "Clean bathroom facilities make extended stays with pets more manageable, though shower facilities at some locations require quarters for operation," with Dixons specifically charging "50 cents for 5 minutes to take a shower with hot water."
Tips for camping with families
Beach proximity: Wells Beach Resort offers relatively easy access to ocean activities. "Wells Beach is great and a bike ride away," mentions Jaime L., providing useful transportation information for families without cars.
Pool alternatives: Families have options when beaches are crowded or conditions unfavorable. "We had an amazing long weekend at Sandy Pines and will definitely plan to return... The playground and pool were a hit with the kids," shares Kaileigh K.
Tent-only sections: Families preferring tent camping can find designated areas. "I loved that there was a tent only area that felt a little more secluded and quiet with some nice privacy between sites," notes Kaileigh K., highlighting separation from RV areas.
Tips from RVers
Winter season options: Sea-Vu Campground accommodates year-round camping needs. With a season listed as "All year," this campground stands out for off-season availability when many others close from late October through April.
Size constraints: Large RVs may find limitations at some campgrounds. "Some RV sites are pretty tight, while others are very comfortable. They do have a section of pull-thrus," explains Steve K. about Wells Beach Resort.
Paved roads for bikes: Families with children on bikes benefit from smoother surfaces. "Roads are paved so kids can ride their bikes with ease," mentions Nick about Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort, highlighting an important amenity for families with active children.
