Camping spots near Standish, Maine offer convenient options for visitors exploring the region's lakes and forested areas. Standish sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level in Cumberland County, providing access to Sebago Lake and the Saco River watershed. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F with cooling evening temperatures in the 50s, making sleeping comfortable during peak camping season.
What to do
Kayak the Scarborough Marsh: Located about 20 minutes from Standish, the marsh offers scenic paddling opportunities. "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. It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one," notes a visitor at Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park.
Visit the Eastern Trail: Access this multi-use path near Scarborough for biking or walking. "This quiet campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh. This campground is small but well maintained," shares a camper from Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Experience Old Orchard Beach: The beach area offers a classic Maine coastal experience. "The campground is four miles from Old Orchard Beach which is a trip. It is a throw-back from your childhood when carnival rides and funnel cakes made you so happy. The town smells like fried food and pizza and shopping consists of t-shirts and beach chairs," describes a visitor at Saco Old Orchard Beach KOA.
What campers like
Heated pools for extended season comfort: Many campgrounds offer heated pools allowing for swimming even when temperatures drop. "Super fun pool and a small campground so not many people crowding the pool. Many nice fishing spots and lots of play areas and outdoor recreation," notes a reviewer at Cole's Mine RV Resort and Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Families appreciate organized activities and play areas. "Great place to have or visit for the summer/fall. Super friendly area with a lot to do at the campground. Very friendly people and staff! Pet friendly also," says a camper from Thousand Trails Moody Beach.
Private wooded sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options. "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. KK15, K3, K2 and K1 are great options as well, located along the wooded edges of the grounds," shares a visitor at Saco Old Orchard Beach KOA.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds in the region have both open and wooded sites. "The 30 amp sites are very close together. 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," reports a reviewer at Thousand Trails Moody Beach.
Mosquitoes can be problematic: Being near marshlands means bringing bug protection. "My husband and I stayed here in our popup for two nights in June 2018. 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 camper at Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Train noise at some locations: Some campgrounds are near train tracks. "This place is like the title says. Good with the bad. Good first: it's the closes campground to the beach around. Quick walk to the sand and just a little further to the pier. And now the Bad: 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," notes a visitor at Wild Acres Sun RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Check pool facilities before booking: Many campgrounds feature multiple pool options. "This resort/campground has the best of the best in OOB area. They have three pools which their main pool has their own hot tub for adults as well as two for children," reports a happy family at Wild Acres Sun RV Resort.
Consider cabin options for mixed comfort levels: Cabins provide a compromise for families with varying camping preferences. "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. Being a chilly fall night, this was greatly appreciated," shares a visitor at Saco Old Orchard Beach KOA.
Look for scheduled activities: Campgrounds often organize events for children. "We took our family of 5, and my mom for a weekend getaway! It was perfect. So much to do. Very quiet at night, which is helpful in such a family environment," notes a family that stayed at Thousand Trails Moody Beach.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning matters: RV site layout affects your experience. "This is one of my top campgrounds visited. The close location to dining, motorcycle rides, wide/grassy sites and quietness all contribute to a very good stay. If you want shade, not much but you have plenty of space to just sit on your other side of your RV and use that for shade," advises an RVer at Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort.
Roadways impact bike use: Paved roads are preferred for family biking. "Roads are paved so kids can ride their bikes with ease. Place is very clean and close to the beech," notes a camper from Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort.
Off-season offers better value: Consider camping before peak summer for more space. "We came in in October, the foliage is beautiful on the 'wooded' sites. There are new sites with gravel and no trees as well, we had our choice. The wooded sites are pull through and back in, depending on the row," shares an RV camper at Thousand Trails Moody Beach.