Peaks Island sits just 3 miles offshore from Portland in Casco Bay, accessible only by ferry. The island measures just 720 acres with a year-round population under 1,000 residents. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F, while winters can drop below freezing with significant snowfall, making most camping options seasonal from May through October.
What to do
Kayaking from shore: Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park provides direct marsh access where you can launch your own kayak or canoe. "This quiet campground is peaceful and quiet, with the sounds of birds and the trees being the main thing you hear - it is quite relaxing," notes Heather C. The campground is also "within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one."
Biking on the Eastern Trail: Wild Duck Adult Campground sits just 1.3 miles from the Eastern Trail, a gravel path perfect for cycling. "This quiet campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh," explains Kevin W. The trail offers miles of scenic wetland views and flat terrain suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Farm experiences: Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground offers unique agricultural activities on its working organic farm. "This campground is located on an organic dairy farm. There is a farm cafe on site with local food," shares Tonya M. Children especially enjoy the educational aspects, as Jessica M. explains: "Kids really enjoy running in field and that there is a working farm within the camp ground."
What campers like
Private beach access: Hermit Island Campground provides secluded shorelines exclusively for campers. "Hermit is dotted with fabulous beaches, open only to campers on the island. If you love wildlife, bird watching is great here, as well as crab and hermit crab catching," says Marilyn S. Brandon C. adds, "The hiking trails are fantastic, they range from short to long. All relatively easy. They have great sights, especially the one along the rocky coast. You can even hike to a private beach!"
Yurt accommodations: Yurt camping near Peaks Island, Maine offers a unique overnight option. Hermit Island Campground provides yurt rentals with water views and rustic comfort. "Hermit Island came on high recommendations from long time friends. Like stepping back in time a bit with the general store selling lobsters and the Kelp Shack," notes Cindy. These round, tent-like structures provide more protection from the elements than traditional tents.
Adult-only environments: Wild Duck Adult Campground provides a quieter camping experience with no children present. "This adult only campground is peaceful and quiet, with the sounds of birds and the trees being the main thing you hear," reports Heather C. Josh G. appreciates the scenery: "During sunrise and sunset, the marshes reflect the sun and give the perfect picture for relaxation."
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Paradise Park Resort and many coastal Maine campgrounds require serious bug protection, especially in wetland areas. Kay notes even in drier conditions, "Noisy even though fairly empty. Lots of barking dogs." At Hermit Island, Megan W. warns, "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."
Beach shuttle options: Many campgrounds offer transportation to nearby beaches. Paradise Park Resort provides this convenient service as Christopher O. explains: "Great campground, it is walking distance to Old Orchard beach and has large sites. Many family activities including fishing, 2 pools, a dog park, and a snack shack."
Reservation timing: Securing yurt camping near Peaks Island requires advance planning. For popular waterfront sites at Hermit Island, Lauren A. advises, "Reservations are very old school - mail a letter and wait." Peak season bookings at most campgrounds should be made 3-6 months in advance, especially for holiday weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Sandy Pines Campground provides clean, heated pools that extend the swimming season. "The playground and pool were a hit with the kids," shares Kaileigh K. For families seeking both pool and ocean swimming, Michele S. mentions that "Sandy Pines is located a very short bike ride from Cape Porpoise" and "Ride 10 minutes in the opposite direction and you arrive at Goose Rocks Beach, the best shoreline beach on southern Maine."
Farm animal interactions: Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground lets children visit with livestock. "My son loved the working farm," shares Mike C. Jessica M. adds, "Kids really enjoy running in field and that there is a working farm within the camp ground." The educational opportunities extend beyond just seeing animals, with scheduled demonstrations and feeding times.
Playground proximity: Request campsites near play areas to reduce walking distances. At Paradise Park Resort, Alycia G. notes, "The streets are flat for the kids to bike. They offer fun dances with kid games at night. My kids love it here!" Tereena R. appreciates that "Our campsite was close to bathrooms, pool and playground. Staff was so kind. Kids loved it."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Old Orchard Beach Campground offers sections with varying degrees of seclusion. Nancy W. recommends "the sections in the back (Bear Brook and Black Forest) which are set away from the entrance and the majority of activities." The campground accommodates large rigs with well-designed pull-through sites that Steve K. describes as "very roomy and well laid out."
Utility considerations: Many Maine campgrounds offer full hookup sites with 50-amp service. At Sandy Pines Campground, Joe R. notes they have "full hook up site, mixed in with a bunch of vintage campers," while Celeste C. confirms they are "Big rig friendly" with complete utilities. Water and electric-only sites near marshes often provide better views and more privacy than full-hookup sections.
Seasonal challenges: Maine's coastal weather affects camping conditions significantly. As Marilea G. observed at Sandy Pines, "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." Spring camping may require extra ground insulation as nighttime temperatures can drop to the 40s even in May.
