Winslow Park is a hidden gem. Not because it's a wilderness camping experience, but because it's a throwback to a time when people would pack a cabin tent or hitch up a camper trailer and take their families to a friendly, safe setting with a variety of old school recreational amenities. Things like swimming and boating. A playground, basketball and volleyball courts. A nature trail and covered group picnic pavilion. A game room where children can play board games and foosball. Opportunities for kids to just run around, toss a ball, bicycle and explore in a safe, sheltered setting. And on Thursday summer evenings, the chance to spread out blankets on a broad grassy green, unpack a picnic supper and enjoy a music concert amidst commanding views of Maine's scenic Casco Bay.

Winslow Park offers a mix of wooded and grassy campsites that accommodate both tent and RV campers. Note however, there are none with water/electric hookups. Basic amenities include a beach, boat ramp, bathroom and shower facilities and a dish washing station. Firewood is available within the park. RV'ers will appreciate the onsite dump station. For those who prefer "glamping", the fully furnished, four bedroom Harb Cottage is available for rent by the week or the month.

If you stay at Winslow, a few things not to be missed: walk or bike past the camping area and follow the main park road into a dense stand of pine. It opens up at Stockbridge Point which features two rocky promontories you can walk out on. This is a stunning place to be at sunset, sunrise or (with the help of a good headlamp) on a starry night. If you bring bicycles, don't miss the opportunity to pedal the 7 or so miles back along Staples Point and South Freeport Roads to US Route 1. There, practically across the street, you can treat yourself to a well-earned frozen confection at Mainely Custard. Biking there means guilt-free indulgence!

Finally, Winslow Park makes an excellent and economical multi-day base of operations for exploring Maine's mid coast region. In addition to L.L. Bean and outlet shopping in downtown Freeport, there are day hiking opportunities of a more wilderness character at nearby Wolfe's Neck State Park and Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary. There's also Portland with its historic Old Port, bustling foodie scene and legendary craft brew culture just 20 miles down the highway to the south, and destination towns like Brunswick, Belfast and Boothbay Harbor within easy drive to the north.

Insider tip: if you're planning a visit in late May or early June, call ahead and inquire about the Browntail Moth situation. It's a noxious nuisance that seems to be peaking along Maine's south/central coast these past few years. For some people it can produce very annoying poison-ivy like symptoms. It's a complete non-issue after June, so either plan your visit for mid to late summer, or consider motels or camping inland if you're visiting Maine earlier in the season.