Best Tent Camping near Ogunquit, ME

Tent camping options near Ogunquit, Maine include several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of this popular coastal destination. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers designated tent sites with shade from tall pine trees, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Ogunquit. Huttopia Southern Maine in Sanford provides walk-in tent sites among its 107 campsites, situated about 15 miles inland from the coast, operating seasonally from Mother's Day to Columbus Day.

Most tent campgrounds in the Ogunquit region feature dirt or mixed terrain sites with varying levels of privacy. Sun Outdoors campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean restrooms and shower facilities. Cape Ann Camp Site, though further south in Massachusetts, offers tent campers wooded sites that provide more seclusion than their RV areas. A camper noted, "Cape Ann has beautiful tent sites. The tent sites are more secluded than the RV sites." Facilities typically include drinking water and trash disposal, with some campgrounds charging for showers using quarters. During peak summer season, reservations are strongly recommended as coastal Maine campgrounds fill quickly.

The tent camping experience near Ogunquit varies significantly between locations. Waterfront tent sites are limited and in high demand during summer months. Areas closer to Old Orchard Beach tend to be more developed and family-oriented. As one visitor mentioned, "If you have kids this place is so fun!" Sites located in more wooded settings like Huttopia Southern Maine offer greater privacy for tent campers seeking a more natural experience. Highway noise can be noticeable at campgrounds near major roads, particularly for tent campers without the sound insulation of RV walls. Most tent campgrounds in the region remain open through mid-October, offering fall camping opportunities with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures ideal for hiking the nearby coastal trails and exploring the beaches after summer tourist season ends.

Best Tent Sites Near Ogunquit, Maine (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ogunquit, ME

5 Photos of 8 Ogunquit Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Ogunquit, ME

715 Reviews of 8 Ogunquit Campgrounds


  • L
    Aug. 20, 2021

    Desert of Maine Campground

    Aesthetically pleasing campground-- good for tent campers

    Desert of Maine campground is an excellent choice just 4-5 miles from the heart of Freeport at interstate exit # 22. This campground is well-imagined. Sites are close together, and some are small. There are 2 hike-in sites which are set apart. Wifi is provided throughout the campground and most sites have power. They must have studied "best practices" when designing this lovely campground. 

    I booked an extra night.

    This is an outdoor experience campground- not a wilderness adventure -- but perfect for young families…especially for those new to camping or those for whom a very sanitary classic bathroom is needed.Children find and entertain each other in the common area.

    Sites 19-27 face a shared square with excellent access to the modern and stylish bath house. Other sites have a somewhat further walk. Sites 17-27 are best for tents due to the configuration of the sites.. Tent sites # 2 & # 3 are short walk-in and very private, but lack easy access to the bath house. Almost all sites in this campground have shade and are under a beautiful canopy of old pine, maple and balsam.

    Site 24 is lovely & slightly set apart and cars are parked close by but not on the tent site. Site 27 is located down a steep slope and is very private but has difficult access. I would categorize site 27 as a hike-in site, but not # 24.  All sites are generally level and have been graded. Sites have scant privacy in front, but back up to forest. Sites 4, 6,17, 19, 23 & 26 have slightly more space but space is not the defining issue in this campground. RV's that are large should not try this campground. The maintenance is superb; and the thoughtful design of the overall campground is aesthetically pleasing. 

    This attractive campground is small-scale and personally managed. 

    Ice is available for purchase…as is wood. 

    Beware of speed trap on the 2 mile access road between the interstate & campground.

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    25 cents for a shower

    The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station."  The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other. 

    25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Tidewater Campground

    Large campground near, but not on the beach

    First of all, the location is a little quirky and I think I only arrived once without a wrong turn! Watch the GPS carefully. That said, it’s very close to Hampton Beach and you can easily drive or bike over. The campground is parallel to US1, so there is some road traffic noise. Some of the tent sites overlook the marsh. The tent sites are definitely tighter than trailer sites. Some sites back up to each other and it takes a moment to understand where one ends and the next begins. 

    I was here early in the season and placed in a seasonal site with water/electric. Site was level. Neighbors were friendly. The bathroom was a short walk away and spotless. I did notice that in the tent areas, the main bathrooms are supplemented with portable toilets. Sites are mostly wooded, which will offer nice relief from the heat. It's a nice base for exploring the area.

    There’s a gated entry and turtle-speed limit that they take seriously. The pool was not yet open. There’s a small store onsite for ice and essentials. All the big box stores and a number of restaurants are nearby. For a change of pace from seafood, I picked up Shane's Texas Pit BBQ and brought it back to my site. 

    You may request a reservation online, but you have to confirm and pay for it via the phone. You’ll need to arrive before 9pm to check in. Bring $10 for a cash deposit on the gate card. Only 1 vehicle and 1 camping unit (tent or trailer) allowed on a site.

    Downside: They charge for showers, the amount and duration is unclear and the duration varies depending on which shower you choose! Given the rates they charge, this seems petty.

  • Meg T.
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Seagulls hungry for Egg Rolls and sunsets galore!

    Stayed here with my partner for her birthday while we were up in the Plum Island/Rockport area. Beautiful ocean access and great facilities. We stayed in a site right next to a large bathhouse with showers, plentiful stalls, and water bottle fill-up and rinse off station. We were situated next to a kind family who lent us fire starter and offered us some of their snacks they were making when we arrived, while we were setting up we did lose some egg rolls to a hungry seagull but I think he needed them more than we did. Not very private and sites are packed close together, but that is what I expected based off the map! I would absolutely return again, this time to check out the beach and surrounding area!

  • k
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Dixons Coastal Maine Campground

    LOTS of people but lovely campground

    This is an extremely large campground.  It seems that most of them on the coast of Maine are.  We didn't get a very good sight, but the person who answered the phone basically told us that when we called and it was all they had, so I can't say too much about that either (#17).  The sight was small and between the two driveways.  All of the sights seem to have rocky ground, so I recommend a sleep pad and a footprint for your tent so you don't rip the bottom.  

    Now, on to the other stuff.  There is a small playground that is weathered but in decent shape.  The pool is lovely and meticulously kept.  The grounds, bathrooms and showers are spotless.  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.

    They sell ice, wood ($7) and many "I forgots" in the store (bacon, milk, etc...).  They give you a security card to get into the grounds ($10 deposit).  The campground was SUPER quiet and quiet hours go to 8am (thank you)!  Only an RV about to leave made a ton of noise at 7.

    I would go there again.  It was a safe place close to so many things.  The beach and everything else is VERY close but not so close as to be annoying.... 5 minutes at most.

  • Anna C.
    Oct. 15, 2019

    Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Red Ledge Rebel Shell Rain Pants at Pawtuckaway State Park

    *CAMPGROUND REVIEW*

    This campground is definitely a dazzler and I was fortunate to visit on a quieter weekend. I was able to enjoy an especially picturesque sunset over the lake and I would definitely visit this spot again, especially with how accessible the campground is. There is a nice stretch of sandy beach at the campground as well as canoes and kayaks for rent. The convenience store at the campground had essentially everything you would need for a good camping trip. Definitely do your research on the different site numbers because some sites are much more private and scenic than others. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire pit as an added bonus.

    Pros: 

    -Within a short driving distance from the Boston area 

    -Lakefront sites available 

    -Canoe and kayak rentals available 

    -Well stocked convenience store 

    -Reasonable cell reception

    Cons: 

     -Can get busy during peak camping times 

     -Some sites have a lack of privacy

    *PRODUCT REVIEW*

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. During this trip, I took out a pair of Red Ledge Rain Pants. While it didn’t rain during my camping stay (great from a camper perspective, not so great from a reviewer perspective), I was able to try out the general fit of the pants. They have a nice stretch fit to them and a certainly one of the more stylish options as far as rain pants go. As is true for most waterproof gear, they run on the warmer side and don’t have a ton of ventilation so they may not be the best choice for hotter weather. Although I didn’t get to test out the pants in a camping setting, I did wear them a few days ago while making the 1.5 km evacuation route trek from my apartment to the flood shelter during one of the biggest typhoons to make landfall in Japan. After about 25-30 mins of walking in record breaking-ly heavy rain, the pants started to saturate around the knees and the upper thigh area started to get a bit soggy. That being said, this is probably the most extreme possible test setting and they did hold up reasonably well. Due to the aforementioned, I would recommend using these pants as a waterproof option when skiing/snowboarding in warmer weather where you still want a snow barrier but may not necessarily need the insulative warmth offered by actual snow pants.

    Pros: 

    -Stylish look 

     -Stretch fit 

     -Waterproof 

     Cons: 

     -Trap heat 

     -Not typhoon proof

  • Jess G.
    Aug. 19, 2017

    Sebago Lake State Park Campground

    In the woods but very crowded

    This campground was in the woods and was well maintained. The campsites definitely felt like they were on top of each other and are pretty small. We picked a medium one and could barely fit 2 tents and 2 cars with a safe distance from the fire. 2 sites were within 15ft of our fire pit. The bathrooms were very clean. The lake was nice too, sandy beaches. For a large portion of our stay it torrentially downpoured. The trees allowed us to canopy a tarp but our fire pit completely flooded and we had to bail it out when the rain finally stopped. If the sites weren't so close together and small I would definitely give this place 5 stars.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    Large and friendly park with plenty of water activity opportunities

    My first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone. The park includes a large family beach on the lake. There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest, including a mountaintop fire tower; an extensive marsh where beavers, deer, and great blue herons may be seen.

    The park lines the shore of beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake.  The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake.  Each campsite has an open fire ring, picnic table, flat areas for a tent, and a parking space. The bathhouses are equipped with running water, flush toilets, and 24 hour showers.  There are no hook-ups at any of the campsites. The park also has a camp store where canoe and kayaks are available, as well as a plublic canoe and kayak launch. Five cabins are available; each sleeps six people, has electricity, and includes a fire ring and picnic table. Pets are not allowed in the campground or beach area of the park.

  • Sara D.
    Aug. 23, 2020

    Sun River Campground

    Pretty Happy with this Campground!

    Pros=rustic tent sites available on a River, very quiet nights, secluded campsites (however the 5 sites near us were empty so that likely has a little to do with noise level & space), playground available, pretty clean, the site we were on had plenty of elbow room and was spacious enough for our 12 person tent & bean bag toss game set up (site ground was a little uneven with minimal roots here & there), friendly staff, friendly owner when I booked that was very accommodating, they had a band on Saturday night in one of the common areas, site was shaded with lots of tall trees, $30/night = cheap, free showers, firewood & $2 bags of ice available to purchase at the office, lots of wildlife in campsite areas (not bears but more like birds and whatnot) & a small beach area.

    Cons=campground is a little hard to find off the main road so you really have to keep an eye out for the turn, only 1 main bathhouse but porta potties available throughout grounds, the beach water is connected to the river and a bit on the stagnant/murky side (I’m a little bit of a water snob & really only swim in fairly clear water), some tent sites are bundled together that seem to be best for group camping so if you’re only booking one site that might be a bummer if you like space from neighboring campers, no campground store available, didn’t seem like there was a lot of activities offered to do/amenities, seem to be very minimal staff but there was someone at the office upon our very late check-in.

    P.s. Dunk’s is a 7 minute drive if you are a must-have-dunkin’s every day person like my husband.

    Overall, good campground and we will be going again!😉


Guide to Ogunquit

Tent campsites near Ogunquit, Maine range from basic walk-in sites to full-service camping areas with amenities. Most campgrounds open from mid-May through mid-October when temperatures average 70-80°F during summer days and 50-60°F at night. The coastal region receives moderate rainfall year-round, with August typically being the driest month for camping in the area.

What to do

Beach exploration: The Saco region offers less crowded alternatives to Ogunquit's main beaches, especially during weekdays. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, campers can take advantage of the beach shuttle service. "There is a trolley to the beach which is convenient. During the shoulder season dogs are allowed on the beach but not the summer," notes Nancy W.

Wildlife viewing: Set aside time to visit natural areas around camping spots. "A great place to explore is Rachael Carson National Wildlife Refuge. There is a small welcome center and trails that wind through the marsh with beautiful views (and dog-friendly)," shares one camper about excursions from their Saco campsite.

Water activities: Rivers near camping areas provide paddling opportunities away from ocean crowds. "If you like to paddle, head to the Saco River Marsh. Here you can put in your own boats or rent some and paddle through beautiful marsh – just watch the tides," advises a visitor.

What campers like

Secluded sites: Many campers prefer woodland tent sites for privacy. Cape Ann Camp Site offers particularly well-spaced sites according to visitors. "Cape Ann Campground is clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites. The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," reports Della S.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms consistently rank high in camper reviews. One visitor to Huttopia Southern Maine noted, "Grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly," highlighting the attention to cleanliness at camping areas near Ogunquit.

Food options: On-site dining receives praise from tent campers who appreciate break from cooking. "The on-site Merry Moose cafe was definitely a nice touch! I can't say this was truly 'camping' but it wasn't bad!" shares Rachel P. about her experience at a nearby campground.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Summer weekends book months in advance, particularly for sites with water views or prime shade. Off-season camping offers more availability and lower rates.

Shower facilities: Pay showers are common at campgrounds in the region. "Clean Bathrooms and pay showers (5 cents)," notes Della S. about facilities at Cape Ann Camp Site, while other campgrounds may charge more for shower access.

Seasonal closures: Most camping facilities near Ogunquit shut down by mid-October. "We stayed for 3 nights in a pop-up while my mother rented a cabin. We loved that were able to stay right next to each other and were still in nice wooded sites with an awesome space for the fire," notes Erin M. about Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Water attractions: Family-oriented campgrounds often feature pools and water amenities. "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!" reports Samantha N. about Salmon Falls River RV Resort.

Organized activities: Look for campgrounds with scheduled family events. "Kid activities were done regularly. Pizza and breakfast is very good if you do lunch want to cook. Outdoor movies were fun," shares Jill P.

Cabin options: Consider cabin rentals for mixed family camping experiences. "We stayed for 3 nights in a pop-up while my mother rented a cabin. We loved that were able to stay right next to each other and were still in nice wooded sites with an awesome space for the fire," notes a visitor to Viewland Campground.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Request wooded RV sites for better privacy when available. "It doesn't look like much but it is absolutely lovely when you actually pull in! We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," shares Cristina P. about her experience at Cape Ann.

Local attractions: RVers benefit from using campgrounds as base camps. "This campground is close to Old Orchard Beach, the city of Portland, and towns of Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Wells and Kittery Outlets. We enjoy staying here," notes Ben P. about Browns Ridge Family Farm.

Utility access: Check water and electrical hookup availability when reserving tent sites. "We paid $60 a night for a 30 amp spot with water," reports Ben E., providing a concrete example of utility costs in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there ready-to-camp tent options in Ogunquit?

Yes, ready-to-camp tent options are available near Ogunquit. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers cabin accommodations they call "kabins" - a comfortable option for those who want a camping experience without bringing their own tent. For a more rustic glamping experience, Crown Point Campground provides ready-to-use sites with various amenities. These options give you the camping atmosphere with added convenience, perfect for visitors who want to enjoy Ogunquit without the hassle of setting up their own tent.

Where can I find tent camping near Ogunquit, Maine?

For tent camping near Ogunquit, Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach is an excellent option located about 25 minutes north. This family-friendly campground offers dedicated tent sites with convenient amenities including clean bathrooms, showers, and a beautiful pool. It serves as an ideal base camp for exploring Ogunquit, as it's positioned within easy driving distance of Ogunquit's attractions while also providing access to Old Orchard Beach and surrounding coastal towns.

What are the best campgrounds for tent camping in Ogunquit?

The best tent camping near Ogunquit includes Cape Ann Camp Site, which offers beautiful wooded tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables. This campground features clean bathrooms, a small store for supplies, and helpful staff to assist with your camping needs. Another excellent option is Huttopia Southern Maine, which provides a more natural setting with water access and toilet facilities. Both locations offer the peaceful outdoor experience that tent campers seek while maintaining proximity to Ogunquit's attractions.

Can you camp on Ogunquit Beach?

No, camping directly on Ogunquit Beach is not permitted. Ogunquit Beach is a protected public beach area with regulations prohibiting overnight camping. Instead, consider staying at Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground, which provides proper camping facilities while being within driving distance to the beach. Visitors to Ogunquit Beach must adhere to beach hours (typically dawn to dusk) and local ordinances designed to preserve this natural resource. Always check with the Ogunquit town office for the most current beach regulations.