Wiscasset, Maine sits along the tidal Sheepscot River where salt water and freshwater create diverse ecosystems for wildlife viewing. This midcoast Maine location experiences cool summers with average July temperatures around 70°F and cold winters with January averages near 24°F. Most campgrounds near Wiscasset operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Kayaking at tidal marshes: Explore Scarborough Marsh near Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park where you can access the Eastern Trail. "This quiet campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh. This campground is small but well maintained," notes Kevin W., who enjoyed cycling the nearby rail trails.
Visit coastal towns: From Shore Hills Campground & RV Park, take day trips to nearby communities. "Boothbay Harbor is a cute coastal Maine town and Shore Hills Campground is a great location for visiting the downtown and other Maine towns like Wiscasset and Easy Boothbay," shares one camper who appreciated the convenient access.
Enjoy brewery experiences: The Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort offers camping with immediate access to craft beer and dining. "My wife and I just spend an overnight here. 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 found the location convenient despite some road noise.
Explore hiking trails: Nearby nature preserves offer scenic walks. "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," explains a Shore Hills camper.
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: Many sites feature water views. "We got a space on the water (82) and the view is so beautiful. Picnic table is clean and sturdy, bathrooms very clean," reports val at Shore Hills Campground & RV Park. Access to tidal waters provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Adult-only environments: For campers seeking quiet atmospheres, Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park offers a peaceful setting. "This adult only campground, so no kids running around. It was nice and quiet," notes Amanda B., though she cautions about mosquitoes near the marsh areas.
Private island access: Some campgrounds offer unique natural features. At Shore Hills, campers mention "The park has a short trail across to an island which our dog loved to run around on and jump in the water." This provides additional exploration space without leaving the property.
Lake views and wildlife: Inland options like Augusta West Kampground offer freshwater experiences. "This a beautiful spot, right on the Lake, listened to the loons, watched Canadian Geese with their goslings and saw a bald eagle swoop down and try to get something," shares Michi P., highlighting wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most RV parks near Wiscasset operate from mid-May through mid-October. Shore Hills runs from "May 15 - Oct 14" while Boothbay Craft Brewery RV Resort often closes earlier depending on weather conditions.
Varying site privacy: Site spacing differs between campgrounds. "The sites were fairly close to each other but we had a site at the end that had wonderful views of the river and we could angle our camper so we had privacy," notes rachel S. about Shore Hills, indicating strategic site selection matters.
Tidal considerations: Coastal campgrounds experience significant tide changes. "The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide," cautions a Shore Hills camper, important for water activities planning.
Road and train noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic or railway sounds. At Boothbay Craft Brewery RV Resort, campers note "If there is a down side to the park it would be the road noise. You are right off of Rt. 27, which is the main road into Boothbay Harbor."
Tips for camping with families
Shuttle services to beaches: Some RV parks offer transportation to nearby attractions. At Wild Acres Sun RV Resort, "Trolley access to the beach area was great and people are friendly," reports David A., noting the convenience for accessing Old Orchard Beach without driving.
Weekend vs. weekday stays: Consider timing to manage crowds. "We only spent 1 night there and it was not all that crowded. I think if it had been crowded it would have way less enjoyable," shares robert M. about Thomas Point Beach and Campground, suggesting midweek stays for quieter experiences.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational options. "We really enjoyed our stay here. The staff was friendly, the bathrooms and grounds were very clean, activities were fun, the playground/pool was nice and the Maine blueberry pancakes were amazing!" writes Erin M. about Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA.
Cabin options for mixed groups: Consider cabins when camping with non-tent campers. "We stayed for 3 nights in a pop-up while my mother rented a cabin. We loved that were able to stay right next to each other and were still in nice wooded sites with an awesome space for the fire," shares another KOA visitor.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: Check electrical hookup locations before arrival. At Thomas Point Beach and Campground, "The electrical hook ups are like 1 box for every 10 camping spots so they r kinda far away so make sure u have an extension cord of some sort and there's no water or sewer hook ups so fill ur water tank before parking," advises Shannon M.
Site layout considerations: Understand specific site challenges. "Sites are level and easy enough to back into but just a tad challenging when it was time to leave with our 18-foot van," notes a camper about certain sites.
Price variations: RV sites range considerably in cost based on amenities and views. "We had a long pull-thru in the front which was $59/night. Our site had a wooden deck with a picnic table on it. The deck was nice but I had to be careful where I parked so my steps cleared the porch," explains a camper from Shore Hills.
Tree clearance: Many campgrounds feature mature pine trees requiring careful navigation. "Lots of tall pine trees provide shade but also make it a little difficult to navigate the roads. We had to go pretty slow to avoid hitting tree branches," cautions a Camden Hills RV Resort visitor about driving larger rigs.