The Old Orchard Beach area offers camping options ranging from oceanfront glamping to wooded retreats for all types of campers. Located in southern Maine where the Atlantic coastline meets dense pine forests, the region experiences warm summers with average July temperatures around 80°F and cooler evenings in the mid-60s. Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October with limited availability during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Beach shuttle access: Wild Acres Tent & Trailer Park provides a convenient way to reach the coast without moving your vehicle. According to a camper, "There is a free shuttle service to the beach. If you have little ones, time your beach trips with low tide. The waves crash pretty hard at high tide."
Kayaking on tidal waters: Sandy Pines Campground offers direct water access for paddlers. One visitor noted, "The back end of the campground is a salt marsh, campers can put in canoes and kayaks right from the campground." Another mentioned it's "a short bike ride from Cape Porpoise" and close to "Goose Rocks Beach, the best shoreline beach on southern Maine."
Explore Eastern Trail: Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park provides access to nature paths. A reviewer shared, "It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one. There are a few very short walking paths in the campground, but it is 1.3 miles of the Eastern Trail, a multi-use gravel path which is a better place to walk, bike, or run."
What campers like
Adult-focused areas: Bayley's Camping Resort offers designated spaces for mature campers. A reviewer noted, "We like to stay in the 'south section' which tends to have less kids because it is farther away from the 'action.' Plus, it is close to the Little River Complex which is an adult-only section with pool, hot tubs, café, bathhouse, and laundry."
Farm-based camping: Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground combines agriculture with camping. One visitor shared, "This campground was really beautiful. My kids enjoyed visiting with the farm animals and walking along the rocky shore each day." Another noted the "working farm is open to visit and walk around. Pet the baby cows and see the pigs and goats."
Yurt camping options: Several campgrounds near Old Orchard Beach offer yurt accommodations for those seeking alternative lodging. A camper at Wolfe's Neck described their experience: "A unique opportunity to stay and relax on a farm by the ocean. We stayed on waters edge in a band of trees, breezes, birds, and fish jumping."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At many campgrounds, location within the property significantly impacts experience. At Old Orchard Beach Campground, a visitor advised, "We liked the sections in the back (Bear Brook and Black Forest) which are set away from the entrance and the majority of activities."
Seasonal timing affects crowds: Visiting during shoulder seasons changes the experience considerably. A camper noted, "We visited in the off-season but can only imagine the park gets pretty busy especially in the front section where the swimming pool, arcade, camp store, and other activities are located."
Mosquito preparation essential: The coastal marsh environment creates ideal conditions for insects. A Wild Duck Adult Campground visitor 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."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple pool options: Paradise Park Resort provides water recreation for all ages. A reviewer mentioned, "This campground is very cute, oriented to families and couples. There are multiple pools and playgrounds. One pool has a hot tub for kids."
Educational farm experiences: When staying at Wolfe's Neck, take advantage of their learning opportunities. A visitor shared, "The farm is now open to the public, free of charge every day and is committed to continuing and improving upon the long tradition of sustainable agriculture, recreation and education while preserving its open space."
Off-peak yurt camping: For families considering yurt camping near Old Orchard Beach, Maine in shoulder seasons, timing matters. As one camper at Paradise Park stated, "We're typically state park campers, but decided to stay 2 nights at a resort campground to recharge and be close to the beach. We had a great experience!"
Tips from RVers
Site drainage concerns: After heavy rain, some sites experience flooding. At Paradise Park, a camper reported, "Tent site unfortunately flooded with an inch of rain during storm."
Internet connectivity varies: For those needing reliable connection, choose sites carefully. One RVer at Wild Duck Adult Campground advised, "Wifi not great and we have starlink - lots of obstruction so if you need uninterrupted access I'd check with the front desk to see if there are clearer areas for your satellite."
Hookup options: When reserving, verify exactly what utilities are available. At Sandy Pines Campground, a reviewer pointed out, "While I love having all the amenities, I think we would have enjoyed one of the electric only sites closer to the Marsh."
