Family camping options abound in Maine's coastal regions around South Windham, where the average summer temperature reaches 80°F with evening lows in the 60s. The area has a mix of salt marsh and inland forest environments that create diverse camping settings. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from May through mid-October with limited winter accessibility at select locations.
What to do
Kayaking on Scarborough Marsh: Wild Duck Adult Campground provides access to explore the largest salt marsh in Maine. One camper noted, "It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one."
Biking the Eastern Trail: The 1.3-mile gravel multi-use path runs near Wild Duck Adult Campground. "The Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh...is a better place to walk, bike, or run," according to one visitor who enjoyed the accessible trail system.
Farm and wildlife exploration: Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground combines camping with a working organic farm. "My kids enjoyed visiting with the farm animals and walking along the rocky shore each day. Plenty to do between biking, kayaking, farm experience and visiting downtown Freeport close by," shared a family camper.
What campers like
Heated water facilities: Fall and spring glamping close to South Windham, Maine includes comfort amenities at Sandy Pines Campground, where a guest mentioned, "The pool is heated and very inviting."
Adult-oriented quiet spaces: For couples seeking glamping options near South Windham without children, Wild Duck provides a peaceful setting. A camper described it as "a small campground with not a ton of sites but that is what we like...a quiet and low key campground."
Convenient beach access: Many glamping tents and upgraded accommodations at Paradise Park Resort offer easy beach access. "Walking distance to Old Orchard Beach, this campground has something for everyone. A shuttle will take you to the town beach or you can walk/ride bikes the .25 miles," one visitor explained.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campgrounds in the region offer different levels of separation between sites. At Sebago Lake State Park Campground, "The campsites definitely felt like they were on top of each other and are pretty small. We picked a medium one and could barely fit 2 tents and 2 cars with a safe distance from the fire."
Insect protection essential: The coastal and marsh environments create ideal mosquito conditions. One camper at Wild Duck warned, "BRING BUGSPRAY!!! The mosquitoes 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."
Beach parking alternatives: During peak summer months, campground shuttles provide practical alternatives to beach parking. Paradise Park Resort offers "a short shuttle ride (offered by the staff) or drive to the amusements and boardwalk at Old Orchard Beach."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campground selection: Acres Of Wildlife Family Campground provides continuous entertainment for children. A parent shared, "There is activities and 2/3 playgrounds. This camp ground is FULL of fun for kids."
Fire truck rides and special events: Unique family experiences create memorable camping trips. One Acres of Wildlife visitor mentioned, "They had three (!!) playgrounds, a swimming lake, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, tie-dying, a great camp store, a bar for adults, ice cream bar for kids and nightly firetruck rides!"
Off-peak timing for quieter experience: Campgrounds offer different atmospheres depending on timing. At Old Orchard Beach Campground, one camper advised, "We stayed a weekday night and over the weekend and the weekend was crazy busy. A little too much."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for terrain variations when setting up. At Family and Friends Campground, a camper noted, "Terrain is a little hilly and tight for large vehicles. Sights are comfortable size."
Water quality considerations: Some locations have mineral-heavy water supplies. A camper at Family and Friends mentioned, "Water is yellow and stunk of iron. Manager assured it was safe. Made our shower look dirty constantly."
Train noise awareness: At Wild Acres Sun RV Resort, proximity to railroad tracks affects some sites. "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'," warned a visitor.
