C
Christopher O.
Scout
ScoutParadise Park Resort
Great clean campground
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.
Dog-Friendly Camping near South Bristol, ME
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Sherwood Forest Campsite offers quiet, spacious sites that welcome pets without breed restrictions. Located in New Harbor, this campground provides clean facilities with showers, bathrooms, and laundry services that pet owners appreciate while camping. Pemaquid Point Campground, another pet-friendly option near South Bristol, maintains well-kept grounds with water and electrical hookups at each site. Both campgrounds accommodate tents, RVs, and some offer cabins where dogs are permitted. Sites are reasonably sized with adequate separation for pet comfort, though Sherwood Forest can feel slightly crowded during peak season. The campground is notably the quietest place many visitors have experienced, making it ideal for dogs that get anxious with noise.
Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds in the area provide convenient access to beaches and water activities where dogs can join their owners. Pemaquid Beach is accessible via a path directly from Sherwood Forest Campsite, perfect for morning dog walks. Shore Hills Campground, approximately 20 minutes from South Bristol, offers waterfront sites along a tidal river where many campers bring their dogs. Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort combines pet-friendly camping with outdoor recreation areas where dogs are welcome. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies, and sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables for enjoying evenings outdoors with pets. The proximity to both ocean beaches and freshwater bodies provides diverse environments for dogs that enjoy swimming or shoreline exploration.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near South Bristol (76)
1. Sagadahoc Bay Campground
"The most unique feature of this campground happens at low tide when you can walk over a mile out towards the lighthouse on Sequin Island ([https://www.seguinisland.org/).]"
"Biggest dog beach ever when the tide runs out on the sand flats!"
from $56 - $170 / night
Check Availability2. Shore Hills Campground & RV Park
"The campground is pet friendly- I think almost everyone we saw had a dog."
"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."
3. Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort
"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."
from $106 - $126 / night
Check Availability4. Chewonki Campground
"Spent a late September weekend with kids and pets at Chewonki, and had a great time. Such a friendly atmosphere, the golf green was a blast!"
"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."
5. Pemaquid Point Campground
"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
"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!"
from $42 - $75 / night
Check Availability7. Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground
"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."
"I don’t associate Maine with sandy beaches, so it didn’t occur to me beforehand there would be so much of it (yeah, even at an oceanfront campground.)"
8. Meadowbrook Camping
"We were right next to a tenting site. Kind of close, but we managed to put the back of the RV toward their site. It is dog friendly!!! Lots of things to do on grounds and around this area."
"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."
9. Duck Puddle Campground
"The waterfront sites (61-66) offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel. Some have a private dock for fishing or sitting, others have a small beach area."
"It’s also close to other fun coastal towns. Definitely worth a visit."
10. Lake Pemaquid Campground
"tent sites are on top of each other, but easy walk to camp store and bath houses. beach access for swimming in the lake."
"The sites are right on the lake with gorgeous views. Some sites even have their own pier to sit out on and fish or swim from or simply watch nature. They rent kayaks and canoes to explore the lake."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 25 min from Lewiston, ME
- 1 hr 41 min from Portland, ME
- 2 hrs 10 min from Bangor, ME
- 2 hrs 44 min from Manchester, NH
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near South Bristol, ME
42 Photos of 76 South Bristol Campgrounds
Brandon R.
Sherwood Forest Campsite
Tom Y.
Sagadahoc Bay Campground
Daniel J.
Meadowbrook Camping
Sara B.
Duck Puddle Campground
Teresa B.
Rainbow Koala Farm
Rachel P.
Augusta / Gardiner KOA
John C.
Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground
Tyra P.
Wolfe's Neck Ocean Front Camping
Christopher S.
Winslow Park And Campground
Sherri S.
Tiny Cabins of Maine
Lara V.
Desert of Maine Campground
Mike T.
Freeport / Durham KOA
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near South Bristol, ME
515 Reviews of 76 South Bristol Campgrounds
- p
paul
GuideSun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach
Great place
Absolutely beautiful! Clean, quiet, had a shaded site near the dog park which was awesome for us with our pups
- AAlex M.Scout
Sun Outdoors Old Orchard Beach Downtown
Great Campsite
Reservations online was super easy, and the hosts are great. They allowed me to drive around and look at the other campsites as I was needing a site with limited/no tree coverage. Plus I’m still learning how to handle my van, so was looking for a very flat spot. Bathrooms are nice and clean, the grounds are nice and clean, and the dog park is a great bonus.
Sarah A.GuideWild Acres Sun RV Resort
Quiet & Nice + lots of activities for families
This was a nicely shaded and quiet park, even with kids running around. There was a nice pool for the kiddos, as well as kayaks and water toys for the pond, which looks like a lake. Great sized dog parks - 2 connected to each other. People are super nice. Sites are pretty close together.
Staff super nice. Wifi not great and we have starlink - lots of obstruction so if you need uninterrupted access I’d check with the front desk to see if there are clearer areas for your satellite. Laundry was a bit of a trek from our site, but not a huge deal. Overall pleasant stay, though!
Nancy W.
LegendMoorings Campground
Love the Ocean Access and Views
Overall, this is a great little private RV park with awesome views (from some sites) and great access to the ocean. The park is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Belfast (a sweet little Maine town) which offers plenty to do and see. Plus, you are just five miles from the cute town of Searsport which houses the wonderful Penobscot Marine Museum and two miles from Moose Point State Park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and more gorgeous views.
The park offers a variety of sites (44 total) depending on if you want oceanfront, ocean view, or a pull-thru. All sites have electric (50 or 30 amp), water, cable and wifi. The five pull-thru sites also include sewer. A mobile sewer pump-out service is available for guests staying one week or longer and there is a dump station. Roads and sites are gravel with grass patios and level. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Our Verizon 4G phone and Hotspot worked great but we mostly used the free wifi which worked very well.
Park amenities include private ocean access, horseshoes, playground, laundry, showers/bathrooms, free coffee in the morning, free weekend papers delivered to your site, free donuts on Sunday mornings, and a restaurant on-site. The park organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, and free wine and beer during Friday Happy Hours. The laundry has two wash machines/dryers and was clean and tidy.
The Moorings is in a great location. It is just a few miles from downtown Belfast where you will find restaurants, a brewery, boutiques, a movie theater, art galleries, historic museums/sites, and plenty of water-related activities. Grocery stores and fuel stations are within a few miles of the RV Park. Just a mere 20 miles away is the popular coastal town of Camden.
What we liked about this park is the town of Belfast and how close the RV park is to downtown. Also, the parks small size and friendly people make this an enjoyable place to stay. We like the fact that they had social activities (like free happy hour and donuts) that bring people together. The ocean access in this park is great! A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out.
The biggest downside for us was the price and lack of sewer and 50 amp at some sites. Our site was $66/night for a FHU (50 amp) pull-thru on the hill in the front of the park without much in the way of a water view. Premier oceanfront sites (with no sewer and 30 amps) are $72/night during high season. That being said, there are not too many options for campgrounds in the Belfast area and we really did like staying here.
From a dog owners perspective this park gets mixed reviews. The rules ask that dogs be on a 4’ or less lease, you may only have two pets (unless you get prior approval), they must do their business in one small area and are not allowed on most grassy areas throughout the park. We make a consorted effort not too let our dog pee or poop in others yards but we don’t always have control over where that happens. We did like the fact that you could take them down to the ocean to play in the water and on the beach when the tide was out. Within two miles of the RV park is Moose Point State Park with a few miles of hiking trails, picnic area and water access (a daily use fee is charged). Downtown Belfast does have a fenced off-leash 1.4 – acre dog park with water for dogs and benches for owners.
Shawn B.GuideOld Orchard Beach Campground
Very Nice Place To Stay!
This is a rockstar of a campsite. They have everything you need, minus an ATM. There is a general store with the normal gear. They have a pool and hot tub. There is a small, but very well-kept dog park. On top of all that there is pinball, Pac-Man, and pool table! But, if you want to stick with the normal stuff, they also have basketball courts, badminton courts, horseshoes, and tons more.
There is a trolly that will take you to the city for $2, but if you have a bicycle it is a quick 15-minute ride to the beach.
The city itself is super fun with lots of rides, good food, and you can even learn how to surf!
- Nancy W.Legend
Old Orchard Beach Campground
Huge campground with lots of sites and amenities.
Old Orchard Beach is a fun, family-oriented campground located in the fun little beach town of Old Orchard Beach. Old Orchard is known for their amusement park, arcade, pier, fun downtown, and expansive beach with seven miles of room to walk. Here you can stroll along the streets listening to the melodic sounds of an arcade, buy an airbrushed t-shirt and eat pier fries and fried dough. And the best thing is there is a trolley that takes you from the campground to the beach so you don’t have to deal with parking.
When the summer season is in full swing, there is lots to do in the campground and at the nearby Atlantic Ocean beach. There are lots of amenities in the campground like a basketball court, Wiffle ball field, horseshoes, badminton, playgrounds, arcade, swimming pools and hot tub, group bonfire, and dog park. The campground is quite large and divided into a variety of sections, some areas are all seasonal campers and others are for transients. The campground offers RV sites, cabin rentals, park model sites, and simple tent sites. We liked the sections in the back (Bear Brook and Black Forest) which are set away from the entrance and the majority of activities. 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. The campground is gated which limits who can come into the park. 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.
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. Our picnic table was clean and not made of old rotten wood with sagging benches. There was not much shade at our site which was fine with us because it was October when we visited and wanted the sun. We were able to pick up wifi at our site because we were close to a tower. Our Verizon phone and hotspot worked great as did the parks cable television. The campground is just one mile from Old Orchard Beach and close to Route 1 which is the main corridor leading up and down the Maine coast.
The nearby town of Biddeford has some great restaurants(Palace Dinner, Run of the Mill Public House and Brewery, and Dunston Tab and Table). While the campground is large enough for a good long walk, we prefer to walk the wooded trails at Ferry Beach State Park. If you are looking for something for kids to do there is Funtown Splashtown which is a large water and amusement park and you can get discount tickets at the campgrounds camp store
- Nancy W.Legend
Freeport / Durham KOA
Good Location, Clean, Lots of Camping Options
I have a love– hate relationship with KOA campgrounds. They tend to be overpriced and not consistent. You will find one that has nice sites at a decent price. Then, there are the others which are complete opposite. This KOA is on my good side. There are lots of site choices, cabins, yurts, and tent sites to choose from. The location is good as it is about 10-15 minutes far from the town of Freeport(home to L.L. Bean and tons of outlet stores), the pretty coastal town of South Freeport, four craft breweries and a cidery, and Bradbury Mountain State Park. The owners and work campers are very friendly and the super welcoming. Normally I am not concerned how nice people are but they go out of their way to make sure you get all the discounts you can and put you in a site that you prefer.
We have stayed here a few times and are always impressed how well-cared for the grounds are and how and clean the common areas, bathrooms, and pool are. The grass is always cut, weeds trimmed, fire pits cleaned and there is no trash lying on the ground. There are lots of seasonal sites but they are in the back portion of the park with the transients being in the front. The park has nice super long 50 amp FHU pull-thrus in the front of the park which will fit any length RV and tow vehicle. Some of these sites are “buddy” sites with a shared patio, but are so wide that even if you don’t know your neighbors, it would not be a bother because you are far enough apart. The only downside to these pull thrus is there is no shade. We tend to be there in cooler months so shade is not a problem. However, the rest of the campground has a very park-like feel with over 50 acres there is plenty of room to roam and even a short nature trail through a wooded area. Many sites backup against the woods or are in wooded areas so keep that in mind when making your reservation. We give this park two thumbs up for their dog park which is ten times the size of the average KOA dog park. My lab had plenty of room to run and chase a ball and there were never any other dogs there which was nice. Plus, it was clean and free of dog poop! Normally, there are plenty of activities like s’mores by the fire, crafts, pony rides (yes, they have their own ponies on site), ice cream social, hay rides but this year they were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We don’t use those amenities anyway so that wasn’t a problem but can see that would be fun activities for kids. We were in a buddy sites with our friends and liked the shared patio. Since we were in the open area, we were able to get both satellite with our roof-mounted dome and some over-the-air channels from Portland which is about 45 minutes away. All of our hook-ups were in an accessible place but we were also in a long pull thru and could position the RV in the site accordingly.
Some of the cons for this park are the lack of cable, so-so wifi, and the dusty gravel roads and pot holes. There are a few restrooms buildings scattered around the park which may not be close depending on what site you are in.
- Tiffany N.
TravelerWolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground
Wonderful!
A beautiful place with a farm, campground and state park all together! There are tenting spots, camper spots and field spots. I recommend any with tree coverage. 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. The working farm is open to visit and walk around. Pet the baby cows and see the pigs and goats. they have a ton of activities going on through the summer. Our huge tent site was $60 for a busy August weekend. totally reasonable! we had a lovely time despite the rain and will try to go again next year! The grounds are a short drive to downtown Freeport for shopping at the outlets and LLBean.
Guide to South Bristol
Camping options near South Bristol, Maine span from oceanfront to lakefront settings throughout the Mid-Coast region. The area experiences cold winters with average temperatures below freezing and mild summers with highs around 75°F. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October when coastal fog gives way to clear days ideal for exploring the rocky shoreline.
What to do
Kayak the tidal waters: At Shore Hills Campground, campers have access to launch points for water activities. "The tides are crazy in Maine so be careful if you use the boat launch that you don't get stuck on a mud flat when the 9-11' tide disappears," notes Nancy W. The campground has "a short trail across to an island which our dog loved to run around on and jump in the water."
Visit local preserves: Natural areas near campgrounds provide hiking opportunities away from crowds. "Nearby is the Ovens Mouth Preserve which has great hiking and nice water views and is just one of many nature preserves in the area which all are very nice, well-marked, well-maintained, and dog-friendly," explains a Shore Hills visitor.
Explore Pemaquid Point: The iconic lighthouse area offers more than just views. "Spent a night here as we took a road trip up the coast of Maine to Acadia National Park. Right down the road from the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse with a wonderful breakfast spot right next door — I'd recommend the blueberry pancakes," shares Michael H. about his stay at Pemaquid Point Campground.
Clam at low tide: Oceanfront camping spots provide unique harvesting opportunities. "When the tide goes out you have the entire inlet to walk around in and explore," mentions Michael H. about Sagadahoc Bay Campground. Another camper noted, "Clamming license, tools for digging and even pots are available at the office."
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. At Shore Hills, "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," explains Rachel S.
Quiet locations: Several campgrounds maintain a peaceful atmosphere. "We just spent the weekend here and were very impressed with the water views and the size of the sites. The campground is pet friendly- I think almost everyone we saw had a dog," notes Marje F. about Shore Hills, making it a good option for pet friendly camping near South Bristol.
Accessibility to beaches: Proximity to swimming areas ranks high with campers. "A small beach within about a 1 minute walk, and when the tide goes out you can walk for forever. Lots of people come here to clam," notes Chelsea about Sagadahoc Bay, which offers easy coastal access.
Fresh seafood options: Meadowbrook Camping stands out for its lobster service. "Great place! Lobsters for sale straight out of the tank cooked and delivered to your site every day. Don't forget to add corn and potatoes," mentions Erin O., highlighting one of the unique aspects of camping in coastal Maine.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds maintain traditional booking methods. Shore Hills operates as "old school in that you have to call to make reservations and they do not accept credit cards," according to Rachel S., which requires advance planning.
Site layouts differ significantly: At Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort, "The sites are close together, with full hookups. 50, 30, and 20 Amp, water and sewer," notes Joe R., adding "This is definitely an RV park." Understanding site spacing helps set expectations for privacy.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Chelsea found Sagadahoc Bay "awesome. We got moved last minute down to the RV Oceanview section which was a great surprise. 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."
Water access limitations: Tidal conditions affect waterfront activities. "The lake is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide," explains Rachel S. about Shore Hills, an important consideration for water-based activities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Some campgrounds provide structured entertainment. At Duck Puddle Campground, "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," shares Rachel S.
Choose campgrounds with beaches: Water access keeps children entertained. "Great beach for swimming, playground for playing," mentions Andrew G. about Duck Puddle Campground, which offers pet friendly camping near South Bristol with lake swimming options.
Check playground facilities: Recreation areas vary widely between campgrounds. At Duck Puddle, Neal R. notes the "playground not updated since the 80s," which might influence families with young children seeking modern equipment.
Consider noise levels: Activity schedules can impact quiet time. "Live band went past quiet time," mentions a Duck Puddle visitor, while other campgrounds maintain strict enforcement of evening quiet hours.
Tips from RVers
Road noise considerations: Location relative to main roads affects site selection. At Boothbay Craft Brewery, "If there is a down side to the park it would be the road noise. You are right off of Rt. 27, which is the main road into Boothbay Harbor," notes Joe R., though he adds "The upside is you can easily ride the bike lane into town."
Check site leveling: Terrain can challenge larger rigs. "The sites were unlevel and we were always on a bit of an incline. Our coach is pretty sensitive when it comes to leveling so this may not be a problem with other units or towables," shares Nancy W. about Meadowbrook Camping.
Electrical service limitations: Power availability varies between campgrounds. "We were setting up and realizing it was a 20 amp site and we had booked a 30 amp site," notes Laurie about a mix-up at Meadowbrook, highlighting the importance of confirming hookup details.
Look for bathhouse proximity: Boothbay Brewery visitors note that "Bathrooms are at tap house for now, but next season there will be a brand new bathroom and laundry facility," information important for RVers without full bathroom facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near South Bristol, ME?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near South Bristol, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near South Bristol, ME is Sagadahoc Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
South Bristol, ME?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near South Bristol, ME?
TheDyrt.com has all 76 dog-friendly camping locations near South Bristol, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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