The Saco area features a variety of seaside camping options ranging from open RV parks to wooded retreats. Located along Maine's southern coast, campsites typically sit at sea level with moderate summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season. Many campgrounds in the region provide shuttle service or walking access to beaches and coastal attractions.
What to do
Kayaking at marsh waterways: Wild Duck Adult Campground in Scarborough offers access to nearby marsh waterways. "We stayed for 3 nights in late July. This adult only campground is peaceful and quiet, with the sounds of birds and the trees being the main thing you hear - it is quite relaxing," notes one visitor. The campground is within a mile of the Audubon center where kayak rentals are available.
Mini golf and arcade games: Old Orchard Beach Campground includes on-site recreation options. A camper mentioned, "There is a fantastic Mexican restaurant we ate at twice, less than a mile away. The beach is close but not close enough to walk too." The campground features "pinball, Pac-Man, and pool table" alongside traditional outdoor activities like horseshoes and badminton.
Farm exploration: Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground in Freeport combines camping with agricultural experiences. "We stayed on waters edge in a band of trees, breezes, birds, and fish jumping," writes one visitor. The working organic farm allows campers to "pet the baby cows and see the pigs and goats" while supporting a non-profit organization.
What campers like
Adult-only amenities: Wild Acres RV Resort features dedicated spaces for adults. According to a guest, "The Little River Complex is an adult-only section with pool, hot tubs, café, bathhouse, and laundry which has oversized machines. The complex is fairly new and very clean and modern."
Ocean proximity: Bayley's Camping Resort offers water activities on-site. "There is a kids pool and a pool for the adults only w/bar. A pond for fishing, there are kayaks etc... Shower throughout and I might add very clean," notes a camper. The resort provides free shuttle service to the beach area, eliminating parking concerns.
Private wooded sites: Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport features varied camping environments. "I loved that there was a tent only area that felt a little more secluded and quiet with some nice privacy between sites," writes a visitor. The campground includes marsh views and direct water access for kayakers.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Glamping units in Saco, Maine typically operate from early May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing by Columbus Day weekend. "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," notes a visitor to Sandy Pines.
Site variations: Paradise Park Resort in Old Orchard Beach offers various site options. "While the site are fairly small and crowded, it harldy matters because of all of the amenities at the campground," reports a camper. Sites near facilities may experience more noise and light pollution.
Noise levels: Campgrounds near rail lines experience train noise. A visitor to Wild Acres RV Resort noted, "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'."
Tips for camping with families
Consider pool access: Bayley's Camping Resort offers multiple swimming options. "There are heated adult only pools, several hot tubs, a store, cafe, and live entertainment. There's playgrounds and fishing and kayaks," explains a camper. The dedicated kids' pool provides a controlled swimming environment separate from adult areas.
Rental equipment availability: Bentley's Saloon and Campground provides glamping units for those without equipment. "9 days at the cabin, entertainment was awesome, great riding along the coast line," reports a visitor. Rental units allow families to experience upscale camping near Saco without investing in gear.
Beach shuttle timing: Several campgrounds offer beach transportation during daylight hours only. "The free trolly to transport you back and forth to ocean" runs on set schedules at Wild Acres Tent & Trailer Park. During peak season (July-August), shuttles operate more frequently but may reach capacity during midday hours.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priority: Paradise Park Resort offers varied RV accommodations. One camper noted, "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." Requesting sites further from the entrance typically provides a quieter experience.
Dump station access: Sun Outdoors Old Orchard Beach Downtown (formerly Hid'n Pines) provides full hookup options. "This is a very large campground that offers all kinds of stays from seasonal to tents. They have cabins and all sizes of sites for all types of camping. Most look level. Fill hook-up is available," reports a visitor. The campground requires access codes for facility entry.
