The Phippsburg area features a coastal climate with typical summer highs around 75°F and winter lows near 10°F. Located on the southern tip of Maine's midcoast region, Phippsburg sits at the mouth of the Kennebec River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Camping options range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks, with most operating seasonally between May and October due to New England's harsh winters.
What to do
Beach access: 4 miles from Old Orchard Beach. At Saco Old Orchard Beach KOA, a convenient shuttle takes campers directly to the beach. "This campground is four miles from Old Orchard Beach which is a trip. It is a throw-back from your childhood when carnival rides and funnel cakes made you so happy. The town smells like fried food and pizza and shopping consists of t-shirts and beach chairs," notes Nancy W.
Nature trails and wildlife viewing: Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers dog-friendly trails through coastal marshlands. "A great place to explore is Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. There is a small welcome center and trails that wind through the marsh with some beautiful views (and dog-friendly)," reports one camper. This makes for an excellent day trip from your Phippsburg camping base.
Kayaking in Scarborough Marsh: Wild Duck Adult Campground sits alongside the marsh, providing direct access for paddlers. "It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one," explains Heather C. The marsh offers miles of waterways to explore, though campers should note the significant tidal changes that affect paddling conditions.
What campers like
Multi-generational management: Thomas Point Beach and Campground earns praise for its long-standing ownership. "This multiple generation owned campground is rustic and spacious. Friendly staff and owners who really know what hospitality means. Michael and his staff have always been on point and ready to accommodate us," says Jamie B.
On-site food options: Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort combines camping with craft beer and dining. "The brewery is really cool, and the wood fired pizza is some of my favorite. The folks who run this place are really friendly and accommodating," says Joe R. This unique setup allows campers to enjoy fresh beer and hot food without leaving the property.
Tidal river views and access: Many campers appreciate the changing waterscapes throughout the day. "What a beautiful and well cared for campground! We got a space on the water (82) and the view is so beautiful," mentions a reviewer at Shore Hills Campground. The tidal nature of Maine's rivers means campers should time water activities carefully around the 9-11 foot tides.
What you should know
Train noise near some campgrounds: Several properties near Old Orchard Beach have railroad tracks between the campground and ocean. "The campground map is missing the train tracks that are between the campground and the ocean. The trains all blow there horn and you will hear it if your at one of the site 'by the ocean'," warns Bryan at Wild Acres RV Resort.
Internet connectivity challenges: Many campgrounds have limited or paid wifi. At Thomas Point Beach, one camper noted, "The WiFi is non existent so if I wanna be off grid then this is the spot for u." Cell coverage varies significantly by carrier across the region.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate only from May through October. The busiest period is July through Labor Day, with notably different experiences outside peak season. "We were even seasonal for awhile. There is so much for everyone to do. We will however, never return on Labor Day weekend - way too noisy and quiet hours were not respected (like people partying until 4am)," cautions a camper at Wild Acres.
Tips for camping with families
Festival calendar awareness: Check event schedules before booking at Shore Hills Campground, which hosts music festivals and car shows throughout summer. "If it had been crowded it would have way less enjoyable. The sights are pretty close together," notes a reviewer at Thomas Point Beach, emphasizing the importance of timing family visits.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "They have great activities every week during the summer for kids and adults and special times they have for teens to be themselves without smaller kids or adults," notes Tammie M. about Wild Acres, which offers mini-golf, sports areas, and multiple pools including dedicated children's pools.
Pest preparation: Coastal marshland locations mean significant mosquito populations. "Bring bugspray!!! 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," warns Megan W. about her experience at Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: At Thomas Point Beach, electrical hookups can be distant from sites. "The electric hook up required a 50 ft. extension cord to reach a pole," notes Gary G. RVers should bring extra-long power cords to ensure connection regardless of site placement.
Site selection for privacy: Most RV parks in the region have sites in varying configurations. "We were in Site 13; it was level and easy enough to back into but just a tad challenging when it was time to leave (we were ok with our 18-foot van, but a larger rig would definitely have trouble)," reports Lee D. at Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort, highlighting the importance of site-specific research for larger rigs.
Sap concerns under pines: Many campgrounds feature tall pine trees which provide shade but create maintenance issues. "Parking under the pines also meant a lot of sap on our roof which was a bear to remove," warns a camper about Camden Hills RV Resort. RVers might consider bringing protective covers or selecting sites away from dense pine coverage.
