Saco camping options extend beyond coastal RV parks to include wooded tent sites and family-oriented resorts. Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through mid-October, with varying site sizes and amenities. Weekday stays typically offer more space and quiet compared to the busier weekend periods when campgrounds reach capacity. Several locations provide access to both freshwater recreation and beach shuttle service.
What to do
Beach access shuttle service: Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers convenient transportation to Old Orchard Beach. "The trolley will pick you up from the campground and take you to Old Orchard Beach. Very friendly staff. Kid activities were done regularly. Pizza and breakfast is very good if you do lunch want to cook. Outdoor movies were fun," notes Jill P.
Kayaking from your campsite: Wild Duck Adult Campground is situated directly on Scarborough Marsh with water access. "This quiet campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh. This campground is small but well maintained," says Kevin W. The area offers excellent bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Explore the Eastern Trail: Campgrounds near Scarborough Marsh provide direct access to this multi-use trail. "Our tent site at Sandy Pines was a bit small, and we were a bit closer to the people in the sites on each side than we would have liked, but overall, we had a good stay. We could hear the ocean from our site and had a nice view of the marsh area behind us," says Michelle.
Visit Kennebunkport: Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport offers proximity to coastal towns. "Sandy Pines is located a very short bike ride from Cape Porpoise, home of Nunann's Restaurant, Mussette, Lost Fire and Pier 77. Some of the best food in the area without having to deal with the crushing crowds of the Kennebunkport scene," according to Chris.
What campers like
Adult-only camping options: Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park provides a quieter experience without children. "We stayed here in our popup for two nights in June 2018. The campground was veeerrryyy quiet, we almost felt bad making noise as we set up upon arrival. The grounds were well maintained and the owners were very nice and accommodating," reports Megan W.
Heated pools and hot tubs: Bayley's Camping Resort features multiple swimming options. "They have heated adult only pools, several hot tubs, a store, cafe, and live entertainment. There's playgrounds and fishing and kayaks. This is about as far from 'nature' as you can get but it worked for us because I had to work all weekend so I wanted the extra luxuries," explains Jennifer L.
Clean facilities: Powder Horn Family Camping Resort maintains exceptional standards. "Powder Horn is the best place we've ever stayed. Yes, it's large. Yes, there are people who live there for months at a time, but this park is crazy clean … roads & restrooms. It reminded me of Disney in the way we never saw trash on the ground," shares Clare P.
Walkable beach access: Some campgrounds offer direct paths to the beach. "This is a family friendly campground that is a short shuttle ride (offered by the staff) or drive to the amusements and boardwalk at Old Orchard Beach. The pond is great for fishing but not swimming. There is a pool and small playground," says Alycia G.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Many campgrounds in the Saco region feature closely spaced sites. "Not our favorite campground. This place is large with a lot of really close campsites not so private. People drive way too fast up and down the camp roads with zero enforcement," notes Andrew G. about Powder Horn Family Camping Resort.
Seasonal popularity affects experience: Old Orchard Beach Campground has different vibes depending on when you visit. "We visited in the off-season but can only image the park gets pretty busy especially in the front section where the swimming pool, arcade, camp store, and other activities are located," observes Nancy W.
Mosquitoes near marsh areas: Coastal marsh campgrounds require bug protection. "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. about Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Train noise at some locations: Campgrounds advertising beach proximity may have railroad tracks between them and the ocean. "The trains all blow there horn and you will hear it if your at one of the site 'by the ocean'. I would stay at the campground again but will be sure not to be so close to the 'ocean'," advises Bryan about Wild Acres Sun RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with diverse activities: Paradise Park Resort offers multiple recreation options. "This campground is very cute, oriented to families and couples. There are multiple pools and playgrounds. One pool has a hot tub for kids. There's also paddleboats available to rent," explains Tonisha T.
Look for campgrounds with organized events: Scheduled activities keep children engaged. "We enjoyed our stay-the cabin was comfortable, facilities were clean, and we were within 20 minutes of Portland and 10 minutes to Old Orchard Beach. Not to mention-the on-site Merry Moose cafe was definitely a nice touch!" says Rachel P. about Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach.
Consider shoulder season for less crowding: Family camping experience varies by timing. "We're typically state park campers, but decided to stay 2 nights at a resort campground to recharge and be close to the beach. We had a great experience! Awesome amenities, close to the beach (they offer a shuttle too) and great pool. The kids didn't want to leave!" writes Nathan S. about Paradise Park Resort.
Reserve sites near amenities but not too close: Balance convenience with noise concerns. "We loved the sections in the back (Bear Brook and Black Forest) which are set away from the entrance and the majority of activities," recommends Nancy W. when discussing Old Orchard Beach Campground.
Tips from RVers
Book specific site sections: Bayley's Camping Resort offers varied experiences depending on location. "We like to stay in the 'south section' which tends to have less kids because it is farther away from the 'action.' Plus, it is close to the Little River Complex which is an adult-only section with pool, hot tubs, café, bathhouse, and laundry," advises Nancy W.
Check site surface before booking: Site conditions vary between gravel and grass. "Our gravel site was perfectly level with no potholes and the roads leading to our site were easy to navigate in our 45' motorhome. The patio was gravel and there was some grass between campsites," notes Nancy W. about Old Orchard Beach Campground.
Beware of resort pricing structure: Many campgrounds charge extra for amenities and services. "The campground is quite large and divided into a variety of sections, some areas are all seasonal campers and others are for transients. If you want to have guests, plan on shelling out a bit of cash as it is $8/day for kids and $10 for adults and $12 for overnight guests," explains Nancy W.
Consider fall visits for quieter experience: "We camped in our Minnie Winnie travel trailer. The Wi-Fi is hit and miss unsecured. Mostly miss," shares Celeste C. about Sandy Pines, adding "We took a mid-September vacation and love how nice it is with fellow campers spread out. We are not resort campers, but this is very nice now that children are back in school."
