187 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The coast near Scarborough has some great camping spots for anyone wanting to spend time by the ocean or in the woods. Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground gives you Atlantic Ocean views and hiking trails right from your site. Not far away, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground has kayaking and canoeing for water-loving campers. Bear Brook State Park Campground has an extensive trail network that's good for day hikes of various lengths. Some camping areas need high-clearance vehicles to reach, so check road conditions before heading out. Since wildlife is common throughout Maine's camping areas, store your food properly to keep animals away from your camp. Pay attention to the local rules about fires and how long you can stay at each site. During summer and fall, many campgrounds fill up quickly, so making reservations is a good idea. Weather in Scarborough changes dramatically with the seasons - summers are generally mild while winters get very cold. The campgrounds around Scarborough work well for both quiet getaways and family trips. Some areas might require permits, so research this before you go. The natural landscapes around Scarborough make for really good camping. Following Leave No Trace practices helps keep these camping areas in good shape for future visitors.
"Just a stones throw away from Old Orchard Beach, fantastic Sandy Maine beach. Staff was friendly. Only thing I would say is there were a lot of people!"
"Mainly pancakes and bacon. The only problem I had with this campground with no fault of there own is the noise at night."
"We like to stay in the “south section” which tends to have less kids because it is farther away from the “action.”"
"Right next to the road. So yes lots of family glamping fun. But not for those looking for a more visceral Maine camping experience."
"My wife and I enjoy riding our bikes on rail trails. This quiet campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh. This campground is small but well maintained."
"Spent three nights in a nice sized, quiet spot, on the camps’ outside loop. The park is well located, near the beach, shopping, and with access to Portland."
"Beautiful setting, lots of trees, bordering on beautiful marsh area. Many different types of campsites: rent, RV, seasonal RV, cottages, glamping tents and cabins etc."
"Sandy Pines is located a very short bike ride from Cape Porpoise, home of Nunann's Restaurant , Mussette, Lost Fire and Pier 77."
"Old Orchard Beach is a fun, family-oriented campground located in the fun little beach town of Old Orchard Beach."
"Easy access to area stores, eats. Very accommodating. Clean showers, laundry, arcade."
from $100 - $145 / night
Check Availability"There are bathrooms close by to all, the main lodge is nice and the food at the snack shack is sooo good!! burgers, pizza, salad- all local and from their gardens."
"Restrooms were close by but the only downside was that the showers were at the main store so you had to drive all the way up there!"
"Great campground, it is walking distance to Old Orchard beach and has large sites. Many family activities including fishing, 2 pools, a dog park, and a snack shack."
"Walking distance to Old Orchard Beach, this campground has something for everyone. While the site are fairly small and crowded, it harldy matters because of all of the amenities at the campground."
from $63 / night
Check Availability"A nature trail and covered group picnic pavilion. A game room where children can play board games and foosball."
"Town park located on a peninsula. Some sites directly on the ocean with most slightly off the water. Walking trails all around mostly in wooded areas."
from $14 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Extremely crowded, close sites, and heavy car traffic in walking and bike areas. Sun night was way quieter than Fri and Sat night."
"Good first: it’s the closes campground to the beach around. Quick walk to the sand and just a little further to the pier. Clean and neat facilities. Great activities for the kids."
from $60 - $400 / night
Check Availability"Nice pool; playground for kids, can walk to old orchard; or they have a bus also!"
"Our campsite was close to bathrooms, pool and playground. Staff was so kind. Kids loved it.."
TravelerWe had the best time at this campground. Everyone was super friendly, the bathrooms and showers were new and very clean and it was nice and quiet. We would come back here anytime!
ScoutAwesome place. Very child oriented, lots of activities, quiet after 10:30. Dogs are welcome just about everywhere except beaches as long as they are leashed which I love. I will definitely return
ScoutLittle small backing in with our camper. They have larger lots. Will choose one a touch larger. Overall nice campground
TravelerSpacious sites variety of types Water electric and sewer large pool clean. Lots of new updates I recommend staying here quite peaceful
TravelerThis is seriously our favorite RV park we have been to. We stayed here for an extended stay between August-October of last year. The staff goes above and beyond to plan for events for the whole family throughout the summer and fall. It was so peaceful and relaxing but also filled with fun events that we could take part in. A lot of parks you end up paying more for the “amenities” and it’s not worth it. Well that’s not the case here. It’s worth a little extra for all the amenities. Can’t wait to visit again one day.
ScoutWe quite enjoyed our time at Powderhorn Campground in Old Orchard Beach in Maine. Our site was one of the best sites we ever stayed at, tucked in the corner and no one next to us. The cleanliness of the whole park was above and beyond. Showers and bathrooms super clean at all times. Paved roads were great to ride bikes on. Sites were spaced appropriately, not too tight. The pool complex was very organized and offered pools, hot tubs, store, arcade, volleyball net, basketball, playground, horse shoes, shuffleboard and free mini golf. Activities were only on the weekend but that was fine with us as the proximity to the beach kept us plenty busy. There is a trolley that brings you to different areas, including the pier at the beach, restaurants, waterpark and other campgrounds.$2 per adult,$1 per child. Such a cool way to travel and cheap. To be honest I checked out Bayleys campground and Paradise Park campground and even though they may have had more to do at the campgrounds, the sites were so close together, and bayleys complex was too much. That is my opinion and I’m so happy we chose Powderhorn.
ScoutGreat people, family friendly, lots of activities
ScoutThis is a really great campground. However, the cell service is terrible. I do have Wi-Fi, but it is very weak. I would count on having to use Starlink.
GuideNeat "desert" which was a form overgrazed by sheep, resulting in expanding area of blowing beach sand. Cool history such as archaeology, fossils, etc. Walk or ride around the "desert".
Really fun miniature golf course, which we sometimes drive to. Hot dogs, sausage, etc. that they cook right on outdoor grills along with ice cream, drinks, snacks etc. at their snack bar.
The campsite has tents, geodesic domes, etc. They are all very nice, and the rest and shower facilities are clean. A lot of upgrades have been (and are being) made over the past few years.
They DO NOT HAVE ANY RV SITES. Perhaps in the distant past they did, but now it's a place to bring a car and enjoy a glamping cabin or tent in the outdoors.
Camping options near Scarborough, Maine feature diverse environments from coastal shores to wooded inland areas. The region sits at elevations ranging from sea level to about 80 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Many campsites near Scarborough, Maine require advance booking during peak season with reservations opening 6 months ahead for most locations.
Kayaking in Scarborough Marsh: The marshland provides excellent paddling opportunities with rental options available at the Audubon Center. "We stayed on site 5, which faces the woods... It is within a mile of the Audubon center office, where you can either put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one," notes a camper at Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park.
Visit Old Orchard Beach: Many campers appreciate the proximity to this popular beach town. "Old Orchard is known for their amusement park, arcade, pier, fun downtown, and expansive beach with seven miles of room to walk. Here you can stroll along the streets listening to the melodic sounds of an arcade, buy an airbrushed t-shirt and eat pier fries and fried dough," according to a camper at Old Orchard Beach Campground.
Explore Eastern Trail: This multi-use path runs through Scarborough Marsh and connects to surrounding areas. "It is about 1.3 miles of the Eastern Trail, a multi use gravel path which is a better place to walk, bike, or run," mentions a Wild Duck Adult Campground visitor.
Adults-only camping options: Some visitors prefer quieter camping environments without children. "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," reports a guest at Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Heated pools year-round: Several campgrounds maintain heated pools that extend the swimming season. "We love going in the fall to enjoy the leaves and sit in the hot tubs," says a camper at Wild Acres Sun RV Resort.
Working farm experiences: Unique camping opportunities exist at operational farms. "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," explains a visitor to Sandy Pines Campground.
Train noise near some campsites: Certain campgrounds have railroad tracks nearby. "The campground map is missing the train tracks that are between the campground and the ocean. The trains all blow there horn and you will hear it if your at one of the site 'by the ocean'," warns a Wild Acres guest.
Varying levels of privacy: Site layouts differ significantly between campgrounds. "We tent camped at Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA. The sites are not too close, clean bathrooms, friendly service," notes a camper at Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach.
Mosquito preparedness: The marsh environment means insects can be prevalent. "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," advises a camper at Winslow Park And Campground.
Beach shuttle services: Many families appreciate campgrounds with beach transportation. "There is a trolley that will take you to the city for $2, but if you have a bicycle it is a quick 15-minute ride to the beach," explains an Old Orchard Beach Campground visitor.
Look for multiple pool options: Campgrounds with dedicated children's areas are popular. "There are multiple pools and playgrounds. One pool has a hot tub for kids. There's also paddleboats available to rent," shares a camper at Paradise Park Resort.
Seasonal crowds impact: Plan for busier conditions during peak times. "We tent camped at this location but there are plenty of options for all types of camping... We were there the first week of June and could walk up and get a site that day but they said that late June you need to schedule your stay in advanced," advises a Paradise Park Resort visitor.
Site selection matters: Experienced RVers recommend researching specific site characteristics. "We like to stay in the 'south section' which tends to have less kids because it is farther away from the 'action.' Plus, it is close to the Little River Complex which is an adult-only section with pool, hot tubs, café, bathhouse, and laundry," shares a Bayley's Camping Resort visitor.
Arrival timing considerations: Many campgrounds have specific check-in procedures. "Our gravel site was perfectly level with no potholes and the roads leading to our site were easy to navigate in our 45' motorhome," notes an Old Orchard Beach Campground camper.
Seasonal rate variations: Prices fluctuate significantly throughout the camping season. "Nightly rates in peak season are outrageous but you can find much cheaper rates if you stay in the shoulder season or go with 30 amp electric and no sewer," explains a guest at Bayley's Camping Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best-rated campgrounds in Scarborough, Maine?
The highest-rated campgrounds near Scarborough include Old Orchard Beach Campground, a family-oriented option in a fun beach town with access to seven miles of beach, an amusement park, arcade, and pier. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach is another top choice, just a stone's throw from the beach with friendly staff, though it can get crowded during peak season. Campers also rate Chewonki Campground highly for its family ownership, saltwater pool, walking trails, and scenic riverside location. These campgrounds consistently receive excellent reviews for their amenities, location, and overall camping experience.
Are there tent camping options near Scarborough, Maine?
Yes, tent campers have several options near Scarborough. Desert of Maine Campground offers tent sites including two hike-in sites that provide more privacy. The campground features free showers and is just a short drive from Freeport. Hermit Island Campground provides a more natural tent camping experience in a coastal setting. For those willing to venture slightly further, Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground offers traditional tent sites with a more rustic experience. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate tent campers, though some may have limited designated tent areas compared to RV sites.
What campgrounds are available in Scarborough, Maine?
Scarborough offers several excellent camping options. Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park is a quiet, well-maintained campground about a mile from the Eastern Trail through Scarborough Marsh, ideal for bike enthusiasts. For families seeking amenities, Bayley's Camping Resort provides numerous facilities including fishing ponds, pools, hot tubs, and daily activities. The Scarborough area also provides easy access to nearby camping options including Paradise Park Resort and Old Orchard Beach Campground, making it a convenient base for exploring southern Maine's coastal attractions.
Keep Exploring
