RV campgrounds near South Casco, Maine remain open seasonally with most operations running from April through mid-October. The region experiences average summer temperatures between 70-80°F, making it ideal for summer camping excursions. Winter closures affect all campgrounds in the area, with occasional early spring openings depending on snow melt and ground conditions.
What to do
Water activities on Long Lake: Naples Campground provides direct water access for kayaking and swimming. "Grounds are well maintained and it's location is close to the action if you want to rent boat/jet ski. Kids loved the water slides, crafts and pool," notes a camper at Naples Campground.
Beach access from camp: Several campgrounds offer beach shuttles to save on parking fees. "In the summer there is a shuttle that takes you to the beach which is convenient. During the shoulder season dogs are allowed on the beach but not the summer," reports a camper about Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach.
Nature trails: Eastern Trail access points near Wild Duck Adult Campground allow for hiking through Scarborough Marsh. "This campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh. This campground is small but well maintained," states a reviewer.
Marsh paddling: Kayak rentals available at Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center. "It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one," explains a visitor to Wild Duck Adult Campground.
What campers like
Heated pools: Most campgrounds maintain pools at comfortable temperatures through early fall. A camper at Wild Acres Sun RV Resort commented, "Very big complex and sites are close together. If you like privacy and more of a camping experience, this is not the place. However, it has walkable beach access, and the kids loved the heated pool."
Camp restaurants: On-site dining options reduce meal preparation needs. "One of the nice features was the on-site restaurant which claims to be famous for their 'blueberry pancakes' and also offers Belgian waffles, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs. I admit the pancakes were delicious and loved eating them campfire side," shares a visitor.
Wooded sites: Shaded locations provide natural cooling during summer months. A camper at Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA noted, "Most of the grounds were dense—comprised primarily of RVs and various cabins. Though there were a few tent sites. My sister and I lucked out with our cabin and the cul-de-sac it was in. It overlooked the woods and was a bit more secluded than many of the other sites."
Adult-only options: Wild Duck Adult Campground offers quieter camping experiences without children. "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," remarks a visitor.
What you should know
Site size variations: Space between campsites differs dramatically between campgrounds. A camper at Thousand Trails Moody Beach noted, "The campground layout is quite unusual, with campers parked lengthwise along the road. This means that you share the space where you sit outside with the camper behind you, resulting in very little privacy."
Insect preparation: Marshy areas near Scarborough experience significant mosquito activity. "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 a visitor to Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Train proximity: Railroad tracks run between some campgrounds and the beach. "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 a Wild Acres Sun RV Resort camper.
Weekend crowds: Occupancy increases dramatically Friday through Sunday. One camper noted, "We stayed a weekday night and over the weekend and the weekend was crazy busy. A little too much," about their experience at a local campground.
Tips for camping with families
Theme parks: Cole's Mine RV Resort features a mining-themed water park for children. "This place is well payed out and very well taken care of. The pool is heated and has an amazing water slide and themed. We had a blast and plan on visiting again next year!!" enthuses a visitor to Cole's Mine RV Resort and Campground.
Cabin options: Families without camping equipment can rent various cabin styles. "K16 was a single room cabin that could comfortably sleep 4, furnished with a full-sized bed and a bunk bed. We were shocked to find that the cabin had electrical, lights and a small heater," explains a camper.
Activities schedule: Weekend-specific programming includes movie nights and crafts. "Kids had a blast with Friday and Saturday movie nights," notes a camper at Shamrock Campground.
Off-peak visits: Consider camping during weekdays for less crowded facilities. "Quiet hours were not regulated and although we did appreciate being able to sit at the fire past 11, the drunk people walking and driving golf carts around was a bit much," cautions a visitor about weekend crowds.
Tips from RVers
Online booking precautions: Some sites appear larger online than in reality. A camper at Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park stated, "In general, the sites are pretty close together and do not have great buffers. The sites that face the marsh are the best sites - they have some grass and lovely views."
Site preferences: Wooded sections offer more privacy than newer open areas. "The new area has no trees and just looks like a big RV parking lot, but the older part has plenty of trees," notes a Naples Campground visitor.
Propane services: Carry propane with you as filling options are limited. "Propane is available at select locations, though none offer on-site filling services," states a local camper.
Membership discounts: Consider camping passes for frequent visitors. "Consider the Thousand Trails membership when booking this site. Our annual membership fees basically covered what it would cost to camp here for two weeks," advises an RVer at Thousand Trails Moody Beach.