Camping spots near Wells, Maine offer diverse experiences from oceanfront views to shaded forest settings. The southern Maine coastline typically features sandy beaches with warm summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak season, though evenings can be cool with ocean breezes. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with proximity to beaches being their main attraction.
What to do
Beach access options: Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach provides shuttle service to Old Orchard Beach during summer. "There was a trolley to the beach but lots to do at the campground too," notes one visitor who appreciated not having to drive.
Kayaking opportunities: Beaver Dam Campground offers direct pond access for water activities. A camper mentioned, "If you canoe or kayak, there is a pond right there, there is a swimming area in the pond."
Lighthouse viewing: York's Nubble Lighthouse is minutes from Libbys Oceanside Camp, where one reviewer shared, "Nubble Light house is minutes away from the campsites you can see the lighthouse from the campsite." This historic lighthouse provides excellent photo opportunities and coastal views.
What campers like
Ocean views: Campers praise the oceanfront settings at certain locations. At Libbys Oceanside Camp, a visitor experienced "mesmerizing coastline scene experience' you will experience stunning sunsets and sunrises over the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean."
Clean facilities: Hemlock Grove Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Perfectly maintained grounds with clean updated bath house and laundry," noted one camper, while another mentioned it felt "private despite having neighbors."
Mountain biking access: Sandy Pines Campground offers proximity to trails. "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," observed one visitor, adding recreation options beyond beaches.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Many campgrounds feature tight arrangements. At Wells Beach Resort Campground, one visitor noted, "Sites are on the smaller size" while another mentioned sites being "pretty tight."
Reservation requirements: Most coastal campgrounds fill quickly from June through August. Book months in advance for prime summer weekends.
Costs and payment policies: Some campgrounds have specific payment requirements. At Red Apple Campground, campers report "they only take cash" for both site fees and services.
Seasonal timing constraints: Nearly all campgrounds close after mid-October. A visitor at Thousand Trails Moody Beach noted, "This is an extremely large campground. It seems that most of them on the coast of Maine are."
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Thousand Trails Moody Beach has family-friendly facilities. One visitor mentioned, "Family friendly facility with a playground. Lounge closed for Covid, pool closed for season. Events and activities are run by management."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer organized events. A camper at Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach appreciated the "Kid activities were done regularly. Pizza and breakfast is very good if you do lunch want to cook. Outdoor movies were fun."
Beach shuttle convenience: Campgrounds with beach transportation eliminate parking hassles. "Great location trolley will pick you up from the campground and take you to Old Orchard Beach," noted a family staying at Sun Outdoors.
Playground options: Sandy Pines Campground offers recreation for children. "The playground and pool were a hit with the kids. The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well," shared one parent.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Many coastal sites have specific orientations. At Thousand Trails Moody Beach, a camper observed "The 30 amp sites are very close together... with campers parked lengthwise along the road. This means that you share the space where you sit outside with the camper behind you."
Off-season advantages: Fall camping offers different experiences. At Hemlock Grove Campground, one RVer appreciated that "We came in in October, the foliage is beautiful on the 'wooded' sites."
Wi-Fi reliability varies: Internet access differs by location. A camper at Dixons Coastal Maine Campground found the campground "clean, quiet, friendly and helpful staff" but connectivity might be limited in some areas.
