Camping sites near Sandy Point, Maine range from rustic tent platforms to full-service RV resorts, with prime seasons running from mid-May through mid-October. Most sites require advance reservations during summer, particularly weekends when temperatures average 75-80°F during the day and 55-60°F at night. The region's coastal location creates frequent morning fog that typically burns off by mid-morning.
What to do
Kayak exploration of Somes Sound: Access the water directly from Mount Desert Campground which offers rentals and convenient launching docks. "We rented double kayaks from the front office for 2 hours and kayaked Somes Sound - it was beautiful water & amazing exploring! A bit more difficult with the ocean currents vs lake kayaking, so keep that in mind with kids. Wear life vests!"
Hiking trail networks: Explore the extensive trails at Camden Hills State Park Campground with direct access to Mount Megunticook and Mount Battie. "What we really liked was the convenient location to downtown Camden and other cute towns, there are hiking trails just outside your doorstep, and you are within five miles of a grocery, restaurants, attractions, etc."
Blueberry field camping: Experience camping in Maine's wild blueberry fields during July-August harvest season. "We loved our stay at the blueberry fields! The land was quiet and peaceful - it is acres of blueberry fields, which create a special sense of being in nature."
Crabbing from floating docks: Purchase equipment at campground stores and enjoy this family activity. "We purchased a crab bucket with net from the coffee shop one morning for around $10-12. It was well worth it as my kids crab gigged for HOURS off the docks every day!"
What campers like
Quiet oceanfront privacy: Some oceanfront sites offer seclusion despite busy campgrounds. "Our waterfront site 344 was terrific - gorgeous view, and one of the larger waterfront spots. We could launch our kayaks directly from the site."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Most established campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "The bathrooms are amazing. Built with wood and lots of ventilation, the open air prevents them from getting musty or moldy. Bathrooms have outlets (or at least the women's do). They are very clean and well kept."
Community activities: Many campgrounds host organized events. "The park organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, and free wine and beer during Friday Happy Hours."
Wooden tent platforms: At Mount Desert Campground, specially constructed platforms accommodate tents on uneven terrain. "Since the campground sits among the rocky and mountainous coast line, they have spent the time and money building leveled platforms for all the sites. Without the platforms, the campsites would be quite miserable."
What you should know
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds restrict RV sizes. "Campers over 20 feet are not allowed. The sites are large however the terrain is difficult to navigate. There is NO dump station located at the campground however a few miles down the road, there is a campground that allows you to use theirs for a $20.00 fee."
Shower costs: Many campgrounds charge for showers. "The showers are coin operated for warm water. Bring quarters! You can definitely shower completely with one session of about 5 minutes (I believe)."
Limited availability for waterfront sites: Premium locations book months in advance. "Oceanfront sites command premium prices but if you want a waterfront campsite - good luck! They let the families book them year over year so it's hard to get an opening to reserve those sites."
Wind exposure: Coastal sites can experience significant wind. "It is kind of open to the water, and the wind picked up. We actually thought our tent was going to bite the dust and we'd have to leave for a hotel, but we made it through."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated family programming: Searsport Shores Ocean Campground offers structured activities for all ages. "It's also a treasure trove of arts of all kinds - fiber arts, metal sculptures, carvings, paintings, and music. We got lucky and stayed on a lovely weekend in September that featured a small, intimate festival and workshop."
Consider private beachfront access: Some campgrounds provide safe water exploration. "The BEST part of this campground for our family was Somes Sound and the floating docks. We carefully swam to the small rock island next to the dock and collected sea snails."
Choose campgrounds with playground facilities: Many offer dedicated play areas. "They have a garden of veggies, and flowers, a stage for entertainment or if anyone wants to play around, a small store with a ton of snacks, car accessories like oil and transmission fluid and such just in case!, they have goats here!"
Look for buffer zones between tent and RV sites: This creates quieter family camping experiences. "The tent sites are completely seperate from the RVs and are in the woods, beautifully maintained. Only con is the sites are very close together."
Tips from RVers
Confirm hookup capabilities: Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA provides multiple hookup options. "Some rv sites are full hookup, some only electric and water, but there is a dump station onsite. It is a very family friendly camp, with lots of activities for kids."
Research site dimensions carefully: Many coastal campgrounds have tight sites. "My challenge with the KOA is the sites were so close together and it was very crowded. Everyone was really packed in, with no buffer between sites. The 339 - 342 sites were literally bumper to bumper."
Consider alternative camping styles: Patten Pond Camping Resort offers different site types. "The campsite has a nice pond attached, it also has apartments with bathrooms as well as small cottages without bathrooms. It is a full service RV campsite so that is always convenient."
Check specific site layouts before booking: Some campgrounds have inconsistent site designs. "My picnic table and fire ring were 6 feet from next sites sewer connection. Small beach."
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