RV campgrounds near Portland, Maine offer accommodations from May to October, with most operating between April and mid-October due to Maine's northern climate. The area experiences peak temperatures in July and August, averaging 70-80°F during summer days with cool nights in the 50s. The coastal location means slightly milder temperatures than inland sites, with humidity increasing during summer months.
What to do
Beach access with dedicated transportation: Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach provides a trolley service 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 one camper.
Kayaking at marshland locations: The Scarborough Marsh area offers paddling opportunities near several campgrounds. "It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one," mentions a reviewer about the marshland access.
Explore nearby towns: Several coastal communities make for excellent day trips. A camper at Wild Duck Adult Campground appreciates that "this campground is small but well maintained. We had a 'seasonal' site for two nights in September. It was very large and level with a picnic table and fire ring. The owners spend a lot of time on site making sure everything is in order."
What campers like
Heated pools for extended swimming season: Cole's Mine RV Resort maintains a heated pool with additional features. "Super fun pool and a small campground so not many people crowding the pool. Many nice fishing spots and lots of play areas and outdoor recreation," writes one visitor.
Adult-only camping options: The Portland area offers several adults-only campgrounds for those seeking quieter surroundings. "This is a beautiful campground that caters to adults only. It feels very secluded but it's close to everything. The tent sites are pretty close to each other but we had no issues with noise," notes a camper.
Cycling opportunities on nearby trails: The Eastern Trail provides paved paths for biking near several campgrounds. "My wife and I enjoy riding our bikes on rail trails. This quiet campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh," explains a reviewer, highlighting the accessible cycling options.
What you should know
Seasonal overcrowding at beach campgrounds: Popular beach-adjacent sites fill rapidly during peak season. "We took our first trip in the middle of August and the campground was packed. More people than we're used to at a campground," notes one visitor about summer conditions.
Train noise at certain locations: Wild Acres Sun RV Resort and similar properties near the coast have railroad tracks nearby. "The Good with the Bad... And now the Bad: most sites your right on top of each other. And 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'," explains a camper.
Insect preparation essential: Coastal marsh areas experience significant mosquito activity. "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 a visitor about marshland camping.
Tips for camping with families
Campground shuttles eliminate parking hassles: Several campgrounds provide beach transportation. "There is a trolley to the beach but lots to do at the campground too. We stayed for 3 nights at the beginning of summer and had a fantastic vacation. No one wanted to leave, we had so much fun!" shares an enthusiastic family camper.
Kid-friendly amenities vary widely: Shamrock Campground offers specific amenities for children. "Owners are so nice. Camping spots are a bit cramped. We have a huge tent. But everyone was super nice. Kids had a blast with Friday and Saturday movie nights," notes a visitor with children.
Plan for weather variability: Maine's coastal climate can change quickly, requiring preparation. "We had 3 days of rain during our week stay. The campground staff did a great job keeping activities going for the kids despite the weather," observes a family who visited during a rainy period.
Tips from RVers
Site selection impacts setup ease: Many RV parks have variable terrain. "This is one of my top campgrounds visited. The close location to dining, motorcycle rides, wide/grassy sites and quietness all contribute to a very good stay. The staff are very friendly and helpful if needed," comments a reviewer at Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort.
Campsite arrangements affect privacy: Some RV parks feature unusual layouts. "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, resulting in very little privacy," explains one RVer about their experience.
Consider membership options for frequent visitors: Several campgrounds participate in discount 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 an experienced RVer about cost-saving options.