Old Orchard Beach camping ranges from tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds across the coastal region of southern Maine. The seven-mile stretch of sandy beach attracts summer visitors seeking oceanfront recreation, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from April through mid-October. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing, making this primarily a warm-weather destination with limited off-season camping options.
What to do
Beach access logistics: Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers transportation options to coastal attractions. "There is a shuttle that takes you to the beach which is convenient. During the shoulder season dogs are allowed on the beach but not the summer," notes Nancy W. The campground sits four miles from Old Orchard Beach.
Wildlife watching opportunities: At Wild Duck Adult Campground, visitors can explore the Scarborough Marsh. "During sunrise and sunset, the marshes reflect the sun and give the perfect picture for relaxation," explains Josh G. The campground is approximately a mile from the Eastern Trail through the marsh, offering birdwatching opportunities.
Nearby attractions exploration: Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort serves as a base for regional exploration. "The close location to dining, motorcycle rides, wide/grassy sites and quietness all contribute to a very good stay," reports Susan J. The resort's location in Wells provides access to coastal towns within a 20-minute drive.
What campers like
Varied accommodation options: Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers multiple lodging styles. "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," writes Erin M.
Family-oriented amenities: Cole's Mine RV Resort and Campground focuses on child-friendly facilities. "This place is perfect for small families or parents of younger kids. 2 amazing playgrounds, clean facilities and one amazing pool," states Laura C. The resort features themed areas and a water slide at the heated pool.
Adult-focused environment: Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park provides a quieter atmosphere as an adults-only destination. "This is a beautiful campground that caters to adults only. It feels very secluded but it's close to everything," reports Kelli T. The peaceful setting appeals to campers seeking fewer distractions.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Many rv parks in Old Orchard Beach, Maine place units in close proximity. At Wagon Wheel Sun RV Resorts, "the sites are VERY close together and small. My family went for memorial day and loved the trolley to the beach but wasn't a huge fan of being so close to everyone," shares Samantha N.
Seasonal popularity impacts: Summer crowds affect campground atmosphere at several locations. "This place is well taken care of and the staff was very nice. The showers not so much. Not easy to use and you have to pay for them," notes April C. about Wild Acres Tent & Trailer Park.
Insect management necessity: Marshy areas require preparation. "My husband and I stayed here in our popup for two nights in June 2018. The only negative of this place was the mosquitoes. They 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," warns Megan W.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Shamrock Campground offers structured entertainment for children. "Kids had a blast with Friday and Saturday movie nights," reports Leona. The campground includes a heated pool specifically designed for younger campers.
Noise level expectations: Family-oriented facilities often experience higher noise levels. At Wild Acres Sun RV Resort, "We took our family of 5, and my mom for a weekend getaway! It was perfect. So much to do. Very quiet at night, which is helpful in such a family environment," shares Emily B.
Budget considerations: Camping costs vary significantly between facilities. "This campground is very expensive but they do have a lot of activities (although you do pay $1-10 for most of them) and nice pools," notes Erin M. about one resort. Families should factor in both accommodation and activity fees when planning.
Tips from RVers
Layout awareness: At Thousand Trails Moody Beach, "The 30 amp sites are very close together. 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," explains Arno W.
Hookup variations: Old Orchard Beach rv parks offer different electrical service options. Wagon Wheel Sun RV Resorts provides "big-rig friendly sites with 50-amp electrical service and full hookups," while other campgrounds may limit power options.
Membership considerations: Some RV parks offer cost-saving programs. "Consider the Thousand Trails membership when booking this site. Our annual membership fees basically covered what it would cost to camp here for two weeks," advises Paulina B. These programs can substantially reduce costs for extended stays.