Dispersed camping options near Perry, Maine include several free and primitive sites within the coastal region. The area experiences extreme tidal changes of up to 24 feet, which affects shoreline access and camping logistics. Camping in Washington County features numerous waterfront sites with varying levels of amenities, from basic tent platforms to full-service campgrounds with electric hookups.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling opportunities: Cobscook Bay State Park offers excellent water access with varying conditions. "Kayaking should be done with prior research to ensure familiarity with the tide changes (which are up to 20 ft) and currents, which are strong and dangerous in certain areas of Cobscook Bay," notes Heather C. from Cobscook Bay State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The region provides exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. According to Benjamin C., Cobscook Bay State Park sites are "quiet, well maintained, private, near water" with "wildlife, hiking" among the attractions. For bird enthusiasts, Cutler Coast Public Land offers coastal ecosystems where visitors can spot various seabirds. "We saw many seals and cormorants in the water, as well as a few eagles," reports one camper.
Hiking opportunities: Multiple trail systems throughout the area provide access to coastal views. "There are a few nice, relatively short and easy hiking trails that run through the park," notes one reviewer about Cobscook. For more advanced hiking, "the Cutler Preserve land, Boot Head, and Quoddy Head are all nearby and offer incredible hikes of varying distances, up to 10 miles," states the same reviewer.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many campsites in the area feature direct water views. At Sunset Point RV Park, "sites 12A and 12B are the best IMO as they have an unobstructed view of the bay and more space between them than other sites," according to Lee D. The waterfront tent sites are particularly prized: "The tent sites are actually in the best location in the campground as all of them have great unobstructed water views."
Stargazing conditions: The remote location creates excellent night sky viewing opportunities. One camper at Cutler Coast described, "Such an awesome view of the night sky oh my gosh. I could stare at it forever. We could see the milky way." Another visitor noted the area provides "an incredible place to star gaze."
Privacy between sites: Keenes Lake Family Campground receives praise for its layout. "The site was lovely with a great view of the lake," states Pamela H., while another camper mentions, "Campsites were roomy enough." At Cobscook Bay State Park, "The park is big, and many sites are very far apart - we had almost complete privacy," notes Heather C.
What you should know
Limited services: Most campgrounds in the region have basic amenities. At South Bay on Rocky Lake, a camper noted, "The lot also had a porta-potty in it" but "no water or garbage service." Even at established campgrounds, amenities can be rustic - "The shower was also a little tight. One stall had plenty of hooks, but I could not get the faucets to work," reports a camper about Sunset Point.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. Sunset Point RV Park runs "May 20 - Oct 15" according to their listing information, while Keenes Lake Family Campground operates "May 1 to October 30." This reflects the typical camping season for the region due to winter conditions.
Payment methods vary: Some campgrounds have limited payment options. At Sunset Point, one camper noted, "Cash or check only, no credit cards." Other campgrounds may have similar restrictions, so arriving prepared with multiple payment options is advisable.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer lake access for swimming. At Seaview Campground, one visitor mentioned, "You can see whales swimming by. A single tree sits over the picnic bench." Keenes Lake campers report, "The lake was clean and we swam, kayaked and crossed the lake on paddle boards."
Kid-friendly spaces: Some campgrounds feature designated areas for children. According to Heather C., Cobscook Bay State Park includes "a few open areas for picnicking or just relaxing, as well as a play area for kids." This provides additional recreational space beyond individual campsites.
Educational opportunities: The region offers wildlife viewing as learning experiences. "We enjoyed watching the tide come and go in the bay," noted a camper at Sunset Point, while another mentioned, "We saw whales swimming by." These natural phenomena provide educational experiences for children about marine ecosystems and tidal patterns.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for views: RV sites with water views require strategic selection. At Sunset Point, "Most motorhomes (in sites 16-29) choose to pull-in forward so they have a water view out of their front window and run the utilities under their RV to hook-up," explains a reviewer. Site numbers and positioning matter significantly.
Weather considerations: Wind can be challenging for RV equipment. "Warning: do not leave your awning out while you are away from your camper as the winds can really pick up in the afternoon and damage them," cautions a Sunset Point visitor. The coastal location means equipment needs to be secured.
Limited full hookups: Most campgrounds offer partial hookups. Joe R. notes about Cobscook, "Campground has a potable water fill and sanitation dump, both clean and well maintained." At Tom's Retreat on Gardner Lake, electric hookups are available but no water hookups, requiring water planning for longer stays.
