Best Campgrounds near South Bristol, ME

Campgrounds near South Bristol, Maine range from established facilities to waterfront sites along the scenic midcoast region. Shore Hills Campground in Boothbay Harbor and Sagadahoc Bay Campground in Georgetown provide diverse accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping opportunities. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront access, with Hermit Island Campground and Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground offering prime coastal camping experiences. The region includes both privately operated campgrounds and state park facilities within driving distance of South Bristol's coastal attractions.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping availability in the midcoast Maine area, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for summer weekends and waterfront locations. "Camden Hills SP is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas," noted one visitor, highlighting the popularity of state parks in the region. Road conditions generally accommodate standard vehicles, though some campgrounds have limited access for larger RVs. Cell service varies throughout the region, with stronger coverage near larger towns. Weather conditions can change rapidly along the coast, with fog, wind, and cooler temperatures common even during summer months.

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and water access available at campgrounds throughout the region. Waterfront sites at places like Hermit Island Campground receive particularly high ratings for their views and proximity to swimming areas. A camper described one location as having "numerous coves and larger beaches to swim at" where "you can see the sunrise from one side, and the sunset from another." While oceanfront sites tend to be more exposed to wind and weather, inland campgrounds offer more protection among pine forests. Many campgrounds provide amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathhouses with showers. Family-friendly activities are common at the larger established campgrounds, while smaller facilities tend to offer more peaceful settings for those seeking quiet retreats along Maine's picturesque coastline.

Best Camping Sites Near South Bristol, Maine (102)

    1. Sagadahoc Bay Campground

    18 Reviews
    Phippsburg, ME
    12 miles
    Website

    $56 - $170 / night

    "Small campground with a couple spots for rigs and a wooded area for tenting and small pull behinds. This is not a resort. Simple place to land and enjoy the coast of Maine."

    "It’s a wide open field, and you’re definitely next to people with no trees to separate you but the sites have plenty of space."

    2. Shore Hills Campground & RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Trevett, ME
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 633-4782

    "Boothbay Harbor is a cute coastal Maine town and Shore Hills Campground is a great location for visiting the downtown and other Maine towns like Wiscasset and Easy Boothbay."

    "Well manicured, about 4 miles or so into Boothbay Harbor Maine.  Great shopping, hiking, being a tourist, go to Damariscotta or get a lobster down one of the peninsulas. "

    3. Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Isle of Springs, ME
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 633-3411

    $40 - $60 / night

    "Riley was super helpful over the phone and was outside greeting all the campers at the entrance. The brewery and restaurant are phenomenal!"

    "Sites are not secluded, but you can't beat walking distance to a brewery. The food at the taproom was also good! Online booking was easy and the campsites were well priced."

    4. Chewonki Campground

    8 Reviews
    Wiscasset, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 882-7426

    "Small family owned campground with a variety of people enjoying piney Maine scenery. Owners are super nice and helpful. Salt water pool, walking or biking trails, boats to use."

    "Beautiful scenery with a river to highlight Maine’s tidal environment. Kayaking, salt water pool and scenic walking trails blends in with the variety of singing birds under several tall pine trees."

    5. Pemaquid Point Campground

    5 Reviews
    South Bristol, ME
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 677-2267

    "It is located close to the coast and Pemaquid Point Light house is right down the road. We rode our bikes to the beach and grocery store everyday."

    "The campground is about a mile from the lighthouse, an easy drive or bike.  "

    6. Sherwood Forest Campsite

    4 Reviews
    Chamberlain, ME
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 677-3642

    $42 - $75 / night

    "No traffic noise from outside. The path to Pemaquid beach is right at the end of the driveway and not much further to the historic fort. The Pemaquid Point lighthouse is 15 minutes away."

    "This campground is also very close to a public beach and a very short drive to Darmascota, so overall, I am very happy with the location and experience!"

    7. Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    41 Reviews
    South Freeport, ME
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 865-9307

    "There are bathrooms close by to all, the main lodge is nice and the food at the snack shack is sooo good!! burgers, pizza, salad- all local and from their gardens."

    "Restrooms were close by but the only downside was that the showers were at the main store so you had to drive all the way up there!"

    8. Hermit Island Campground

    15 Reviews
    Sebasco Estates, ME
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 443-2101

    "We were not able to select a site close to the water since those sites all get reserved in the early spring!"

    "I’ve been to nearby Popham Beach SP a few times and wanted to check out camping in the area. I’d read good things about Hermit Island."

    9. Meadowbrook Camping

    10 Reviews
    Phippsburg, ME
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 443-4967

    "This is a nice campground really close (though still driving distance) to Popham Beach - which is one of the best beaches in Maine, in my opinion."

    "Popham beach is so close and by far one of the best beaches in Maine. If you are looking for a place in Maine close to a beach and where you can have lobster this is it!"

    10. Duck Puddle Campground

    10 Reviews
    Waldoboro, ME
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 563-5608

    "It’s also close to other fun coastal towns. Definitely worth a visit."

    "It was surrounded by trees and had decent spacing between neighbors."

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Recent Reviews near South Bristol, ME

503 Reviews of 102 South Bristol Campgrounds


  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground

    Bradbury Mountain Campground

    Bradbury Mountain Campground

    Nice trail that borders campground. Saw group of cyclists and hikers use it during stay. No WiFi but T-Mobile accessible. Toilet is rustic, short wooden walls surrounding vault toilet. Various sized campsites yet not crowded. Kitchen area is a cool feature & offers campers use of community utensils & pans (although we didn't need to use). Kitchen has hot water to wash dishes and microwave to warm food. Town of Freeport is popular and LL Bean has huge shopping campus.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground

    Bradbury Mountain Campground

    Nice trail that borders Bradbury Mountain Campground

    Nice trail that borders campground. Saw group of cyclists and hikers use it during stay. No WiFi but T-Mobile accessible. Toilet is rustic, short wooden walls surrounding vault toilet. Various sized campsites yet not crowded. Kitchen area is a cool feature & offers campers use of community utensils & pans (although we didn't need to use). Kitchen has hot water to wash dishes and microwave to warm food. Town of Freeport is popular and LL Bean has huge shopping campus. campground. Saw group of cyclists and hikers use it during stay. No WiFi but T-Mobile accessible. Toilet is rustic, short wooden walls surrounding vault toilet. Various sized campsites yet not crowded. Kitchen area is a cool feature & offers campers use of community utensils & pans (although we didn't need to use). Kitchen has hot water to wash dishes and microwave to warm food. Town of Freeport is popular and LL Bean has huge shopping campus.

  • Mindie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Chewonki Campground

    Stunning views

    Beautiful campsite. Quiet with amazing views

  • Julie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Wassamki Springs Campground

    Great Family campground!

    The amenities here make it a wonderful place for kids and adults!!   Nice,  clean and quiet!    I stayed on a spot by the water, that was totally worth the upgrade.

  • M
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Meguniticook by the Sea Campground

    Overpriced!

    Corporations are buying up the private campgrounds and charging ridiculous prices. The three around Campden, ME have 4 day minimums making the most basic RV site $ 225 to $260 per stay.

  • samar
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    Peaceful Stay with Ocean Views and Family Fun at Wolfe’s Neck Campground

    Our stay at Wolfe's Neck was unforgettable! The ocean views were breathtaking, and waking up to the sounds of nature was so refreshing. We stayed in one of the East Bay sites—nice shade and just the right amount of privacy. The farm was a big hit with our kids, and the kayaking gave us a fun way to explore the area. Clean facilities, friendly staff, and tons of activities—highly recommend for anyone visiting Maine!

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Shore Hills Campground & RV Park

    Lovely River View

    Nice campground with a mix of tent/rv sites some in the woods, some by the river and some pretty close to the road. The sites were fairly close to each other but we had a  site at the end that had wonderful views of the river and we could angle our camper so we had privacy. The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide. Bath house was old but clean. Coin pay for hot water in the showers. Old school in that you have to call to make reservations and they do not accept credit cards. A few children but it was mostly adults the weekend we visited. Quiet, peaceful, relaxing.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Pemaquid Point Campground

    Nice place, pleasant staff

    A 1/2 mile from the coast and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. No complaints. Shower, laundry, and ice available on-site. Each campsite also has water and an electrical outlet for charging your devices.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Duck Puddle Campground

    Nice wooded site on lakeside

    We enjoyed our stay at Duck Puddle Campground. The staff were friendly and the place seemed well run. Bathrooms were dated but clean. The site we had was on the water and had great views. It was surrounded by trees and had decent spacing between neighbors. The weekend we stayed they happened to be celebrating "Christmas in July" and so a lot of the campers had put up lights and decorated. They had a band play on Sat night and large bonfire. Everyone was invited to attend if they wanted to. Nice family friendly campground. We are already planning out next visit.


Guide to South Bristol

Camping near South Bristol, Maine, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for oceanfront views or wooded retreats, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, provide opportunities for kayaking. One reviewer mentioned, "Kayaking available to see seals feeding," making it a fun activity for families and nature lovers alike.
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, especially at Camden Hills State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Nice state campground with tons of hiking trails right from the campground," perfect for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors.
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds like Winslow Park And Campground are close to beautiful beaches. One camper shared, "The views were beautiful," highlighting the scenic spots you can enjoy.

What campers like

  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the family-friendly vibe at places like Sebago Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "This is a nice park for families," emphasizing the playgrounds and swimming areas available.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Bayley's Camping Resort, are praised for their cleanliness. One guest mentioned, "The campground facilities are clean and well kept," which is a big plus for many visitors.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of staff. At Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park, a visitor noted, "The people we met who worked at the camp were friendly and helpful," making for a welcoming experience.

What you should know

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Sandy Pines Campground mentioned, "The sites are closer together and less private than I would have hoped for," so be prepared for a more communal experience.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer extensive amenities. For example, Winslow Park And Campground has "no hookups," which might be a consideration for those needing more facilities.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers should be aware of local wildlife. One visitor at Sebago Lake State Park Campground warned about "very friendly skunks walking around at night," so keep an eye out!

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas, like Camden Hills State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "West Bay has a playground, a great shower house, water access, and kayak rentals."
  • Pack for the Beach: If you're near the coast, bring beach gear. A camper at Searsport Shores Ocean Campground enjoyed "fresh mountain air and live music," indicating a lively atmosphere perfect for families.
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Campers at Sandy Pines Campground recommend bringing bug spray, especially during the warmer months when insects can be more active.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should confirm site sizes before booking. A visitor at Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park mentioned, "The sites are close together," which could be a concern for larger rigs.
  • Use Local Resources: Campers at Bayley's Camping Resort appreciated the "free trolley to Old Orchard Beach," making it easy to explore the area without driving.
  • Bring Quarters for Laundry: Many campgrounds have coin-operated laundry facilities. A reviewer at Bayley's Camping Resort noted, "Make sure you bring change because it’s quarters only," so plan accordingly.

Camping near South Bristol, Maine, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near South Bristol, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, South Bristol, ME offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near South Bristol, ME and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near South Bristol, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Bristol, ME is Sagadahoc Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Bristol, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near South Bristol, ME.