South Portland camping areas sit along the Maine coastline where average summer temperatures reach 70-80°F with evening lows of 55-65°F. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing before the first frost. Many campgrounds in this region offer camping sites that back up to marshlands or sit within pine forests, creating distinct microclimates within each property.
What to do
Kayaking in tidal marshes: At Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground, campers can explore Casco Bay from their doorstep. "We stayed on waters edge in a band of trees, breezes, birds, and fish jumping," notes Darin S., who appreciated the unique location where "farm on the ocean" experiences merge.
Visit working farms: Wolfe's Neck integrates camping with sustainable agriculture. "This campground is located on an organic dairy farm. There is a farm cafe on site with local food. We loved that!" writes Tonya M. The educational component makes it ideal for families wanting to learn about farming practices.
Beach shuttle access: Old Orchard Beach Campground offers convenient transportation to avoid parking hassles. "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," explains Shawn B., highlighting the accessibility of coastal activities without driving.
Mountain biking on nearby trails: Sandy Pines Campground provides access to local preserves. "For those so inclined, there is great mountain biking either through the Tyler Preserve down to Cape Porpoise or North through the Emmitt Smith Preserve," reports Joe R., identifying specific trail systems unavailable elsewhere.
What campers like
Clean, single-user bathrooms: Facilities at Sandy Pines Campground stand out for their privacy. "The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well," notes Kaileigh K., appreciating this uncommon bathroom setup that provides more privacy than standard campground facilities.
Heated pools extend swimming season: Paradise Park Resort maintains comfortable water temperatures even during cooler periods. "There are multiple pools and playgrounds. One pool has a hot tub for kids," reports Tonisha T., highlighting amenities that weather-proof vacation plans.
Gated security systems: Old Orchard Beach Campground controls access for safety. "The campground is gated which limits who can come into the park," explains Nancy W., though she cautions about guest fees: "$8/day for kids and $10 for adults and $12 for overnight guests."
Gravel sites prevent mud issues: Many campers appreciate level, well-maintained pads. "Our gravel site was perfectly level with no potholes and the roads leading to our site were easy to navigate in our 45' motorhome," shares Nancy W. about Old Orchard Beach Campground.
What you should know
Train noise affects waterfront sites: At Wild Acres Sun RV Resort, proximity to railroad tracks surprises some guests. "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'," warns Bryan.
Mosquito pressure varies by season: Marshy areas create breeding grounds. "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," reports Megan W. about Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Tent sites often lack shade: Sandy Pines Campground has limitations for non-RV campers. "The most significant con was that this campground is truly only for RV camping. Us tent campers we on sites with zero trees," explains Tim S., suggesting tent campers might find better options elsewhere.
Internet access challenges: Connection issues affect remote workers. "Phone and internet service were not very good at all. We have Verizon and were barely able to use it. And their wi-fi was basically useless," reports Charlie & Danielle B. about Wassamki Springs Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Bayley's Camping Resort offers designated recreation areas for different age groups. "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," writes Christopher S.
Pet vaccination requirements: Dog friendly campgrounds near South Portland often require documentation. "You also have to have proof of rabies vaccination for any of your dogs so be prepared for that," advises Charlie & Danielle B. about Wassamki Springs Campground.
Age-specific water features: Families appreciate separate swimming areas. "They have a basketball court, Wiffle ball field, horseshoes, badminton, playgrounds, arcade, swimming pools and hot tub, group bonfire, and dog park," notes Nancy W. about Old Orchard Beach Campground.
Low-tide exploration: Tide schedules affect beach activities with children. "Our tent site at Sandy Pines was a bit small, and we were a bit closer to the people in the sites on each side than we would have liked, but overall, we had a good stay. We could hear the ocean from our site and had a nice view of the marsh area behind us," shares Michelle.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters for privacy: Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park offers alternatives to crowded areas. "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," reports Heather C.
Multiple water hookup options: Some parks provide additional convenience features. "One unique thing that I liked was that each spot had multiple faucet hookups which may not always be necessary but it was a nice thing to have when we needed to run water outside without having to unhook our hose pipe," explains Charlie & Danielle B. about Wassamki Springs.
Satellite reception interference: Tree cover affects connectivity. "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," advises Sarah A. about Wild Acres Sun RV Resort.
Off-season rate advantages: Substantial savings exist for flexible schedules. "Nightly rates in peak season are outrageous but you can find much cheaper rates if you stay in the shoulder season or go with 30 amp electric and no sewer," advises Nancy W. about Bayley's Camping Resort.
