Located within Maine's Lakes Region, West Poland offers campers a prime location to explore both inland lakes and coastal areas. The area sits at around 300-500 feet elevation with warm summer days averaging 75-85°F and cooler nights in the 50s-60°F range. Many campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to the region's harsh winter climate.
What to Do
Kayaking the Scarborough Marsh: Wild Duck Adult Campground provides direct access to marshland waterways. "In theory, you can launch a kayak from the campground, but I would not recommend it. There is a culvert under Rt 9 that you need to pass under which is dangerous," advises one camper who notes safer options nearby at the Audubon Center.
Beach trips with convenient transportation: At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, campers appreciate the beach shuttle service. "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," explains one visitor who enjoyed the convenience.
Exploring wildlife refuges: The region offers protected natural areas within driving distance. "A great place to explore is Rachael Carson National Wildlife Refuge. There is a small welcome center and trails that wind through the marsh with some beautiful views (and dog-friendly)," notes one camper who enjoyed this day trip.
What Campers Like
Heated pools for extended swimming seasons: Cole's Mine RV Resort and Campground receives praise for its water amenities. "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," writes one camper who appreciated the less crowded facilities.
On-site food options: Several campgrounds offer meal services that campers appreciate after long days outdoors. "One of the nice features was the on-site restaurant which claims to be famous for their 'blueberry pancakes' and also offers Belgian waffles, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs. I admit the pancakes were delicious and loved eating them campfire side," shares a visitor.
Adult-only camping options: For those seeking quieter experiences, Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park provides an alternative to family-oriented sites. "We stayed for 3 nights in late July. 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," writes one camper.
What You Should Know
Weather-related challenges: Be prepared for Maine's variable conditions. "Stayed at KOA for Questival. Although it was soggy we had an amazing time. The bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen camping and the staff was incredibly friendly!" notes one camper who made the best of rainy conditions.
Train noise at select campgrounds: Wild Acres Sun RV Resort offers beach proximity but with a caveat. "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: most sites your right on top of each other. And the campground map is missing the train tracks that are between the campground and the ocean," warns one reviewer.
Insect preparation essential: Maine's wooded and marshy areas require proper protection. "My husband and I stayed here in our popup for two nights in June 2018. The campground was veeerrryyy quiet, we almost felt bad making noise as we set up upon arrival. The only negative of this place was the mosquitoes. They were TERRIBLE," cautions a camper at Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Off-peak stays for space: Family campers recommend strategic timing. "We stayed a weekday night and over the weekend and the weekend was crazy busy. A little too much," notes a visitor at Wild Acres Sun RV Resort who found midweek camping more enjoyable with children.
Campgrounds with movie nights: Shamrock Campground offers family-friendly evening entertainment. "Owners are so nice. Camping spots are a bit cramped. We have a huge tent. But everyone was. Super nice. Kids had a blast with Friday and Saturday movie nights," shares a family that enjoyed the structured activities.
Shoreline activities with children: Lakefront options provide natural entertainment. "Sandy beach with lots of trees, wetlands, bogs, a neat juxtaposition. Some of the campsites are near the water, most are now. They had a nice astronomy program by the local telescope club while we visited and the rangers spoke of other programs," reports a family that enjoyed Point Sebago Resort.
Tips from RVers
RV site spacing considerations: For RV sites near West Poland, Maine, consider the overall atmosphere. "This place is well taken care of and the staff was very nice. The showers not so much. Not easy to use and you have to pay for them. The area is beautiful and nice and quiet. We only stayed one night waiting for a new alternator for our rv. WiFi not good," notes a traveler describing mechanical challenges during their stay.
Late arrival logistics: Plan your check-in time carefully. "We called ahead of time to ask if we could check in a little later (7 pm) and the owner said that was fine, he'll stick around until 9. Upon arrival the park office was closed. There was a parking pass taped to the door but the names on it weren't ours so we didn't feel comfortable taking it. We played phone tag for about an hour with the owner until we finally got things settled," reports one RV camper who suggests arriving before 7 pm.
Seasonal availability awareness: Many RV sites near West Poland operate within limited timeframes. "We stayed 3 nights at the beginning of summer and had a fantastic vacation. No one wanted to leave, we had so much fun! The campground is very expensive but they do have a lot of activities (although you do pay $1-10 for most of them) and nice pools," explains a camper who recommends budgeting for add-on activities.