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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
