Campers visiting West Kennebunk, Maine can access saltwater marshes, coastal beaches, and forested inland areas within a 10-mile radius. The region sits at low elevation near sea level with high humidity during summer months when temperatures range from 60-80°F. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically closing by mid-October due to Maine's cold winter conditions.
What to do
Kayak the marshes: At Beaver Dam Campground, campers can paddle directly from the property. "The pond is tranquil and our site was right on the pond," notes Pat. The campground provides water access for personal watercraft, making it convenient for water enthusiasts.
Visit local restaurants: Located near Cape Porpoise, campers can explore several dining options. "Ride 10 minutes in the opposite direction and you arrive at Goose Rocks Beach, the best shoreline beach on southern Maine," explains a visitor at Sandy Pines Campground.
Mountain biking: Several preserves near West Kennebunk offer trail access. "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," recommends Joe R., highlighting outdoor recreation opportunities beyond beach activities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Old Orchard Beach Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "A very well laid out campground, sites are roomy and well kept. Facilities are always clean. Dog and kid friendly," mentions Stephanie G., reflecting the common appreciation for well-maintained grounds.
Adult-only options: For campers seeking quieter environments, several resorts cater specifically to adults. "We stayed here on our way from Boston to Acadia. This is a beautiful campground that caters to adults only. It feels very secluded but it's close to everything," explains Kelli T. about Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Seasonal activities: Fall visitors find special appeal in the changing seasons. "We stayed here to see the fall colors. The park is laid out very nice. The sites are nice size with gravel. They are under trees so we could watch the colors change," shares Marilea G., highlighting off-season camping benefits when crowds thin out.
What you should know
Mosquito management: The coastal marshes create ideal breeding conditions for insects. "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., emphasizing the importance of insect preparation.
Site selection matters: At Bunganut Lake Camping Area, terrain affects accessibility. "It is built on a hill so some sites are a bit of a walk to get to. Linda will try to get you the best/easiest site for your type of camping. If you tent, the tent sites are lovely with decks and stairs to get to the water," advises Sarah.
Holiday weekend congestion: Many campgrounds become significantly busier during peak holidays. "We will however, never return on Labor Day weekend - way too noisy and quiet hours were not respected (like people partying until 4am), that is just over the top," cautions a regular at Wild Acres RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming facilities for kids. "The playground and pool were a hit with the kids. The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well," notes Kaileigh K. about their stay with children.
Beach transportation: Paradise Park Resort provides convenient beach access. "Walking distance to Old Orchard Beach, this campground has something for everyone. While the sites are fairly small and crowded, it hardly matters because of all of the amenities at the campground," says Jessica S., highlighting the shuttle service available.
Seasonal timing: For families seeking quieter experiences, shoulder seasons offer advantages. "We took a mid-September vacation and love how nice it is with fellow campers spread out. We are not resort campers, but this is very nice now that children are back in school," reports Celeste C.
Tips from RVers
Site privacy considerations: Many glamping and RV sites in West Kennebunk offer limited separation. "The sites are not super spread out, they are not right on top each other either," explains Joe R. about his RV experience, suggesting expectations should be set accordingly.
Utility connections: Check hookup availability when booking glamping or RV sites. "We had a full hook up site, mixed in with a bunch of vintage campers," mentions an RVer, noting that water, electric and sewer connections vary between sites even at the same property.
Wi-Fi reliability: Connectivity can be inconsistent throughout the region. "The Wi-Fi is hit and miss unsecured. Mostly miss," notes Celeste C., suggesting visitors should plan alternatives for internet access during their stay if connectivity is important.
