Southport area campgrounds open seasonally from mid-May to October, with some closing after Columbus Day weekend. Most sites require reservations 2-4 months in advance for summer stays. The region experiences high humidity in July and August with temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night. Winter closures occur due to below-freezing temperatures and snowfall that make water systems and road access impractical.
What to do
Clamming at low tide: Sagadahoc Bay Campground offers a unique tidal experience where you can wade out into the bay when the tide recedes. "What an amazing campground right on the ocean. we had such a blast here. clamming and floating in with the tide. Fresh lobsters cooked and delivered to our campsite.. Who could ask for anything more in ocean front camping," shares one visitor at Sagadahoc Bay Campground.
Visit working farms: The 626-acre organic farm at Wolfe's Neck offers educational opportunities beyond typical camping. "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," notes a camper about their experience at Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground.
Kayaking with tidal awareness: Water activities require planning around the substantial 9-11 foot tides that create dramatically different shorelines. "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," explains a visitor at Sherwood Forest Campsite. Rental kayaks are available at several campgrounds, but check tide charts before launching.
Local brewery experiences: The region offers beer tourism options with on-site camping. "The brewery is really cool, and the wood fired pizza is some of my favorite. The folks who run this place are really friendly and accommodating," reports a visitor at Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort.
What campers like
Fresh lobster delivery: Several campgrounds offer direct-to-site lobster cooking services. "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. Fire pits are stone and awesome," says a visitor at Meadowbrook Camping.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Chewonki Campground maintains exceptionally clean facilities according to multiple reviews. "This was one of the most relaxing campgrounds we have ever experienced. Beautiful scenery with a river to highlight Maine's tidal environment. The bathrooms and showers were spic and span clean," notes a camper.
Coastal hiking trails: Hermit Island offers extensive trail systems for hiking along the rocky coastline. "The hiking trails are fantastic, they range from short to long. All relatively easy. They all have great sights, especially the one along the rocky coast. You can even hike to a private beach!" exclaims a visitor about Hermit Island Campground.
Freedom from technology: The limited cell service at many campgrounds creates a technology-free environment. "No cell service (you may be able to get a little at the office). I love the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere with no cell service, it really brings back the good old days of camping," shares a camper at Hermit Island.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region with specific carriers performing better in different areas. "Strong Verizon cell service too!" mentions a visitor at Chewonki Campground, though other campgrounds have minimal to no coverage, particularly in more remote coastal locations.
Electrical setup requirements: Many campgrounds have unusual electrical configurations. "The electrical hook ups are like 1 box for every 10 camping spots so they r kinda far away so make sure u have an extension cord of some sort," advises a camper at Thomas Point Beach Campground.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds maintain traditional booking methods rather than online systems. "This campground does not have an online reservation system. You have to mail in your request or call. When calling during the 'winter' months (anytime from September through Mid-June), staff can only be reached from 9:00-2:00," explains a visitor about Hermit Island.
Mosquito intensity: Coastal Maine's humidity creates significant mosquito populations, especially in wooded sites. "July is VERY buggy!" warns a camper at Sagadahoc Bay. Some campground areas have more mosquito problems than others, with wooded sites generally having higher concentrations than open oceanfront locations.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access planning: Beach conditions change dramatically with tides, affecting swimming times. "The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide," advises a camper at Shore Hills Campground & RV Park.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Bathrooms are very clean and kids really enjoy running in field and that there is a working farm within the camp ground," shares a visitor at Wolfe's Neck.
Wildlife education opportunities: The region's diverse ecosystem offers natural learning experiences. "You can freely roam the farm (or hike in the adjacent Wolfe's Neck State Park) or rent a kayak/canoe and explore Casco Bay. Definitely a unique experience and great educational opportunities for families with kids!" notes a camper at Wolfe's Neck.
Plan for noise levels: Campgrounds have varying quiet hour enforcement. "We camped here a week after the 4th of July and this was the first and last campground we will go to that allows 'Fireworks' almost every campsite was firing their own fireworks and debris was falling all over our tent and other belongings. Our son was terrified," cautions a visitor at Meadowbrook Camping.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: Bring extra-long power cords due to power post locations. "The sites were level and easy enough to back into but just a tad challenging when it was time to leave (we were ok with our 18-foot van, but a larger rig would definitely have trouble)," advises an RVer at Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort.
Low voltage monitoring: Electrical systems at older campgrounds may have limitations. "We paid for a 30 amp service, but had low voltage the entirety of our stay. They had several campsites on the same breaker, something we have never seen at any campground in our 3 years of travel," warns an RV camper at Meadowbrook.
Water tank preparation: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "The electrical hook ups are like 1 box for every 10 camping spots so they r kinda far away so make sure u have an extension cord of some sort and there's no water or sewer hook ups so fill ur water tank before parking," advises a camper at Thomas Point Beach.
Tidal navigation: RVers should be aware of tide schedules when accessing waterfront sites. "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," cautions a visitor at Shore Hills.
