Most RV campgrounds near West Boothbay Harbor operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to the coastal Maine climate. The region sits along the Sheepscot River estuary with dramatic tidal fluctuations that can reach 9-11 feet. Temperatures average 70-75°F during summer months with cooling ocean breezes.
What to do
Kayaking at the marshes: The Scarborough Marsh near Wild Duck Adult Campground offers paddling opportunities with wildlife viewing. "Close to the city of Portland, about 20 minutes, but tucked away in the beautiful riverside marsh. Kayaks/canoes available at the front desk," notes Alec G.
Explore Maine by ferry: From coastal campgrounds, take day trips to nearby islands. Nancy W. recommends: "We loved taking the ferry to Vinalhaven Island for the day and picking up prepared food at the Market Basket and eating it along the Rockland Harbor waterfront watching the boats come and go."
Walking trails: Many campgrounds connect to local trail systems. Kevin W. mentions that Sagadahoc Bay Campground offers a unique experience: "When the tide goes out you have the entire inlet to walk around in and explore. At night the stars were absolutely amazing!"
Fresh seafood: Get lobster delivered directly to your campsite. "Fresh lobsters cooked and delivered to our campsite.. Who could ask for anything more in ocean front camping," says Chrisdin D. about their stay at Sagadahoc Bay Campground.
What campers like
Brewery campgrounds: Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort combines camping with craft beer. "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," writes Joe R., who also notes the convenient location: "you can easily ride the bike lane into town for some exploring without having to deal with tourist parking."
Waterfront access: Camping with ocean views tops many camper reviews. "We had a site at the end that had wonderful views of the river and we could angle our camper so we had privacy. The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide," notes Rachel S. about Shore Hills Campground.
Adult-only options: For travelers without children, Wild Duck Adult Campground provides a quieter setting. "This quiet campground is peaceful and quiet, with the sounds of birds and the trees being the main thing you hear - it is quite relaxing," writes Heather C.
Nature preserves: The region offers excellent hiking opportunities. Nancy W. suggests: "Nearby is the Ovens Mouth Preserve which has great hiking and nice water views and is just one of many nature preserves in the area which all are very nice, well-marked, well-maintained, and dog-friendly."
What you should know
Mosquitoes can be intense: Coastal campgrounds often have significant insect activity. "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 Megan W. about her stay at Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Tidal awareness: Campers with boats should understand local tide schedules. "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 Nancy W.
Beach access varies: While many campgrounds advertise "oceanfront" locations, access may be limited. "A little buggy... This campground is small. It is an adult only campground, so no kids running around. It was nice and quiet," writes Amanda B.
Off-season availability: Sherwood Forest Campsite maintains accessibility into October. "Not many campers here in October. Plenty of room, great showers, even though they cost a whole quarter! Good laundry facilities and restrooms. Dark and quiet, just the way we like it," notes Susan B.
Tips for camping with families
Beach proximity: Kevin W. recommends Wild Acres Tent & Trailer Park for its "great location trolley will pick you up from the campground and take you to Old Orchard Beach. Very friendly staff. Kid activities were done regularly."
Site selection matters: When booking at popular family campgrounds, request specific sections. "We have a 25 ft trailer and stayed in the A70s with friends. The area had a lot more space than other areas, the sites were level and groomed with a rocky parking area," advises Erin M.
Pool options: Daria finds Wild Acres RV Resort and Campground good for families: "Very big complex and sites are close together. If you like privacy and more of a camping experience, this is not the place. However, it has walkable beach access, and the kids loved the heated pool."
Seasonal timing: The best time for family camping is after peak holiday periods. "We enjoyed our stay here. The staff was friendly, the bathrooms and grounds were very clean, activities were fun, the playground/pool was nice," writes Erin M.
Tips from RVers
Brewery access: RVers appreciate the convenience of Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort. "We had a pull through site which worked really well for newbies like my wife and I. They also appear to have a few cabins which look super cute," notes Joe R.
Site layout: RV sites vary considerably between parks. "Our site was shady and a pull-thru. Luckily our site was level but some are not very level and would have been a problem for us," cautions Nancy W. about Camden Hills RV Resort.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV parks near West Boothbay Harbor offer extended shoulder season stays. "We spent one night in a 25 feet RV at the far end of the campsite. The campsite is spacious and clean, and has a nice walkway onto a small island in the lake," reports Olaf from Shore Hills Campground.
Site privacy options: Sarah A. notes that while some RV parks have close sites, "This was a nicely shaded and quiet park, even with kids running around. There was a nice pool for the kiddos, as well as kayaks and water toys for the pond, which looks like a lake. Great sized dog parks - 2 connected to each other."