Cabin camping near Wells, Maine provides easy access to coastal attractions while maintaining a woodland setting. Most facilities operate from May through mid-October, with average summer temperatures ranging from 60-80°F. At higher-end campgrounds like Sandy Pines, cabins include upscale features while more rustic options can be found at sites located further inland.
What to do
Kayaking from your campsite: Sandy Pines Campground offers direct water access where "campers can put in canoes and kayaks right from the campground" into the adjacent salt marsh. The back area of the property connects to waterways leading to Cape Porpoise.
Mountain biking on local trails: Access nearby preserves directly from your cabin. "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," notes a camper at Sandy Pines.
Live entertainment by the water: Bayley's Camping Resort features regular performances during summer months. The campground offers "weekly poolside entertainment" along with multiple water features including "numerous pools and hot tubs."
Beach access via trolleys: Avoid parking hassles by using transportation options. The campgrounds near coastal areas provide convenient beach shuttles. "You can either walk, catch the trollies or take a provided shuttle" to reach nearby beaches, according to a Thousand Trails Moody Beach visitor.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Hemlock Grove Campground offers secluded cabin settings with natural separation. A visitor notes the campground is "beautifully set in the woods off of main road" with "spacious, level, gravel pads" that provide a good balance of access and privacy.
Adult-only accommodations: Wild Duck Adult Campground provides a quiet alternative for those seeking a child-free environment. One camper appreciated that "this adult only campground is peaceful and quiet, with the sounds of birds and the trees being the main thing you hear."
Clean, modern facilities: Many campgrounds invest in quality bathhouses. At Beaver Dam Campground, visitors consistently mention that "the facilities are spotless" and feature "modern and clean restrooms" with reliable hot water.
Waterfront settings: Cabins with pond or marsh views offer scenic advantages. At Wild Duck, "the sites that face the marsh are the best sites - they have some grass and lovely views," while Beaver Dam features "tranquil" pond-side accommodations where "our site was right on the pond."
What you should know
Reservation timing matters: Summer weekends book quickly, especially at premium locations. Most cabin rentals require advance planning of 3-6 months. Peak season runs July through August.
Variable shower setups: Dixons Coastal Maine Campground and several others use coin-operated showers. "It's 50 cents for 5 minutes to take a shower with hot water," explains one visitor, though this fee typically ensures good maintenance and cleanliness.
Insect preparation essential: Campgrounds near marshes experience higher mosquito activity. At Wild Duck, one camper warned, "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."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close by mid-October. Beaver Dam operates "Mid May to Columbus Day" while Sandy Pines runs "May 11 - Oct 14," making fall color viewing possible but limiting late-season options.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options vary widely: Some facilities offer multiple water features while others have none. Old Orchard Beach Campground provides "a pool and hot tub open until 8pm and at a comfortable temperature" according to one visitor.
Kid-focused activities: Old Orchard Beach Campground organizes regular programming for children. The campground includes "basketball courts, badminton courts, horseshoes, and tons more" along with "a small, but very well-kept dog park" for families traveling with pets.
Proximity to attractions: Consider travel time to beaches and amusements. One visitor noted that while Dixons Campground is "close to Ogunquit and Cape Neddick," families should be aware that "the beach and everything else is VERY close but not so close as to be annoying.... 5 minutes at most."
Cabin space limitations: Many basic cabins accommodate 4-6 people maximum. For larger groups, consider booking adjacent units or exploring the glamping options at Sandy Pines where they "offer small cabins which looked adorable and glamping tents."
Tips from RVers
Site configuration: At Thousand Trails Moody Beach, be aware that "the 30 amp sites are very close together" and feature an unusual layout where "campers parked lengthwise along the road" resulting in shared outdoor spaces.
Seasonal membership value: For frequent travelers, membership programs offer significant savings. A visitor to Thousand Trails Moody Beach advises to "consider the Thousand Trails membership when booking this site. Our annual membership fees basically covered what it would cost to camp here for two weeks."
Laundry facilities vary: Not all campgrounds offer adequate laundry options. One camper at Wild Duck noted the facilities are limited, while another at Moody Beach mentioned doing laundry but "only had cold water" for washing.
RV size restrictions: While many campgrounds advertise as big-rig friendly, access roads can be challenging. A visitor to Sandy Pines noted "there are only a few transient sites that can handle a camper over 30ft."
