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Best Campgrounds near Portland, ME

697 Reviews

Portland, Maine's coastal region contains a variety of camping options within easy reach of the city center. Developed campgrounds like Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground in Freeport and Winslow Park And Campground offer waterfront camping experiences approximately 20 minutes from downtown Portland. The area features a mix of accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Several campgrounds provide water views of Casco Bay or river access, while others are nestled in wooded settings that provide more privacy and shade.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with peak season falling between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for waterfront sites which tend to fill quickly. "Winslow Park makes an excellent and economical multi-day base of operations for exploring Maine's mid coast region," noted one visitor, highlighting its strategic location. Weather conditions can vary significantly throughout the camping season, with coastal fog common in early summer and potential for cool nights even during peak months. Campgrounds closer to Portland tend to have more amenities and hookups, while those farther north or inland may offer more seclusion but fewer services.

Campers particularly value the region's proximity to both natural attractions and urban amenities. According to one visitor, "This campground is close to Portland, ME and neighboring towns. Nice to be close to home so the drive to arrive isn't so long." Mixed-use campgrounds in the area typically offer amenities such as showers, fire pits, and picnic tables, with many providing recreational activities like swimming, kayaking, and hiking trails. The Freeport area serves as a popular camping hub, with multiple campgrounds situated near shopping outlets and L.L. Bean's flagship store. Seasonal restrictions apply at most camping areas, with generators and noise levels carefully regulated. Water access represents a significant draw, with campers noting the appeal of beachfront sites despite Maine's characteristically cool coastal waters.

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Best Camping Sites Near Portland, Maine (164)

    1. Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    41 Reviews
    South Freeport, ME
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 865-9307

    "Visited this site while up in Maine seeing the in-laws and had a wonderful time! This is a beautiful site right on the water and so close to Wolfe's Neck State Park which has wonderful hiking."

    "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."

    2. Winslow Park And Campground

    24 Reviews
    South Freeport, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 865-4198

    $14 - $35 / night

    "The park is located on Casco Bay in the town of Freeport(home to L.L. Bean’s flagship store{which is open 24/7} and many other outlets)."

    "A nature trail and covered group picnic pavilion. A game room where children can play board games and foosball."

    3. Bayley's Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Saco, ME
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 883-6043

    "Right next to the road. So yes lots of family glamping fun. But not for those looking for a more visceral Maine camping experience."

    "The campsites are on top of each other all the way around. Of course, as we always find in the RV community, everyone was very nice."

    4. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach

    22 Reviews
    Saco, ME
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 282-0502

    "close to Portland, clean and friendly! Nice facilities, large sites"

    "This KOA is close to Old Orchard Beach, the city of Portland, and towns of Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Wells and Kittery Outlets. We enjoy staying here and would highly recommend it to others."

    5. Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Saco, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 883-4432

    "The campground is not far from Portland, ME. It is nice and clean and the restrooms are very clean. The camping sites are pretty close together, but that’s normal being this close to town."

    "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."

    6. Desert of Maine Campground

    14 Reviews
    Freeport, ME
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 850-3025

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Watch out for ticks in the leaves and trails. But the desert/dunes are an interesting attraction and the campground is close to Freeport, ME which is home to LL Bean and local breweries."

    "We were tucked back into T8 which is a walk down campsite under the trees near a small stream."

    7. Hermit Island Campground

    15 Reviews
    Sebasco Estates, ME
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 443-2101

    "We were not able to select a site close to the water since those sites all get reserved in the early spring!"

    "I’ve been to nearby Popham Beach SP a few times and wanted to check out camping in the area. I’d read good things about Hermit Island."

    8. Old Orchard Beach Campground

    12 Reviews
    Ocean Park, ME
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 934-4477

    $100 - $145 / night

    "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."

    9. Paradise Park Resort

    8 Reviews
    Saco, ME
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 934-4633

    $63 / night

    "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."

    10. Sandy Pines Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cape Porpoise, ME
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 967-2483

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Portland, ME

426 Photos of 164 Portland Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Portland, ME

697 Reviews of 164 Portland Campgrounds

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground

    Bradbury Mountain Campground

    Bradbury Mountain Campground

    Nice trail that borders campground. Saw group of cyclists and hikers use it during stay. No WiFi but T-Mobile accessible. Toilet is rustic, short wooden walls surrounding vault toilet. Various sized campsites yet not crowded. Kitchen area is a cool feature & offers campers use of community utensils & pans (although we didn't need to use). Kitchen has hot water to wash dishes and microwave to warm food. Town of Freeport is popular and LL Bean has huge shopping campus.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground

    Bradbury Mountain Campground

    Nice trail that borders Bradbury Mountain Campground

    Nice trail that borders campground. Saw group of cyclists and hikers use it during stay. No WiFi but T-Mobile accessible. Toilet is rustic, short wooden walls surrounding vault toilet. Various sized campsites yet not crowded. Kitchen area is a cool feature & offers campers use of community utensils & pans (although we didn't need to use). Kitchen has hot water to wash dishes and microwave to warm food. Town of Freeport is popular and LL Bean has huge shopping campus. campground. Saw group of cyclists and hikers use it during stay. No WiFi but T-Mobile accessible. Toilet is rustic, short wooden walls surrounding vault toilet. Various sized campsites yet not crowded. Kitchen area is a cool feature & offers campers use of community utensils & pans (although we didn't need to use). Kitchen has hot water to wash dishes and microwave to warm food. Town of Freeport is popular and LL Bean has huge shopping campus.

  • Mindie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Chewonki Campground

    Stunning views

    Beautiful campsite. Quiet with amazing views

  • Julie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Wassamki Springs Campground

    Great Family campground!

    The amenities here make it a wonderful place for kids and adults!!   Nice,  clean and quiet!    I stayed on a spot by the water, that was totally worth the upgrade.

  • Kaileigh K.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sandy Pines Campground

    Amazing location and campground amenities

    We had an amazing long weekend at Sandy Pines and will definitely plan to return. I loved that there was a tent only area that felt a little more secluded and quiet with some nice privacy between sites. The playground and pool were a hit with the kids. The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well. The proximity to goose rocks beach was a major plus!

  • R
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sun Outdoors Wells Beach

    Zero wifi or cell signal

    Stayed back in 2023 with travel trailer and experienced almost zero wifi signal as well as verizon cell signal. Returned this past week and found no improvement whatsoever. This on back half of property. Manager stated they are awar and working on it. (For 2 years?). Could not plan anything, check weather unless you walked or drive up front. Light globes at various sites next to campers lit all night and were annoying so covered with bag. Some sites are just bad..huge pine tree at 428 caused camper to park his angled. Fire wood being sold is all pine & burns up immediately.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sebago Lake State Park Campground

    Campground on Beautiful Lake

    I was lucky to score a nice site mid week just before the 4th of July. My site was large and fit my large tent but it was clear that it can get muddy based on the deep tire tracks left on the site by a previous camper. The selling point of this campground is the lake for sure. Sebago Lake is beautiful. Sites are very close together. Luckily many of the sites around me were not occupied but I get the feeling that is rare. Bathrooms were clean. Beach areas were very nice for relaxing.

  • samar
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    Peaceful Stay with Ocean Views and Family Fun at Wolfe’s Neck Campground

    Our stay at Wolfe's Neck was unforgettable! The ocean views were breathtaking, and waking up to the sounds of nature was so refreshing. We stayed in one of the East Bay sites—nice shade and just the right amount of privacy. The farm was a big hit with our kids, and the kayaking gave us a fun way to explore the area. Clean facilities, friendly staff, and tons of activities—highly recommend for anyone visiting Maine!

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Shore Hills Campground & RV Park

    Lovely River View

    Nice campground with a mix of tent/rv sites some in the woods, some by the river and some pretty close to the road. 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. The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide. Bath house was old but clean. Coin pay for hot water in the showers. Old school in that you have to call to make reservations and they do not accept credit cards. A few children but it was mostly adults the weekend we visited. Quiet, peaceful, relaxing.

Guide to Portland

Camping near Portland, Maine, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a lively campground, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds are close to stunning beaches. For instance, Bayley's Camping Resort is just a short trolley ride from Old Orchard Beach, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. One camper mentioned, "The free trolley to Old Orchard Beach is so convenient and the drivers are AMAZING."
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding: At Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground, you can rent kayaks and explore the beautiful coastline. A reviewer shared, "West Bay has a playground, a great shower house, water access, and kayak rentals."
  • Hiking and biking: Many campgrounds, like Sebago Lake State Park Campground, offer trails for hiking and biking. One visitor noted, "The lake is clean and nice, the campsites are nice and flat and clean."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Winslow Park And Campground highlights, "The sunrise over the bay view we had was absolutely incredible."
  • Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds cater to families. At Sandy Pines Campground, one family said, "There are two playgrounds, a pool, bocce court, smashball, and the restrooms are clean and plentiful."
  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at White Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were very clean!!"

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. A camper at Bayley's Camping Resort noted, "If you’re looking for peace and solace, probably best to keep searching."
  • Limited privacy: Some sites are close together, which can affect your camping experience. A review for Wakeda Campground stated, "The majority of campers seemed to be there for the season and were their own little community."
  • Reservations are key: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Eastern Slope Camping Area mentioned, "SEVEN night minimum for in-season waterfront sites. RIDICULOUS."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring bug spray: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A camper at Wakeda Campground advised, "Bring bug spray!!"
  • Check for kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One family at Sandy Pines Campground enjoyed, "Lots of family-friendly amenities."
  • Plan for skunks: Be aware of wildlife, especially at night. A camper at Sebago Lake State Park Campground warned, "There are some very friendly skunks walking around at night!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Choose your site wisely: Some sites offer more privacy than others. A review for Bayley's Camping Resort mentioned, "Depending on your site location you may get more privacy than if you stay in the big rig sites."
  • Be prepared for noise: Campgrounds can be lively, especially with families. A visitor at Wakeda Campground noted, "We could hear our neighbors loudly talking at 2 AM."
  • Check for amenities: Make sure the campground has the facilities you need. A camper at Winslow Park And Campground appreciated, "The bathrooms and showers were very clean."

Camping in Portland, Maine, and its surroundings offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Portland, Maine for families?

Families camping near Portland will enjoy Sebago Lake State Park Campground for its scenic lakeside setting and proximity to Portland. The park offers nice scenery, helpful staff, and enough trails for a morning or afternoon of family exploration. Another excellent option is Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground, an affordable choice with hiking trails accessible directly from campsites. For families seeking more amenities, Freeport/Durham KOA provides various accommodation options including cabins and yurts, while Desert of Maine Campground offers clean, shaded sites plus an interesting dunes attraction nearby. All these campgrounds provide good access to Portland while offering family-friendly environments with essential facilities.

What waterfront camping is available near Portland, Maine?

The Portland area offers several excellent waterfront camping options. Winslow Park And Campground provides relatively inexpensive waterfront sites with beautiful views of Casco Bay in Freeport. It's a budget-friendly alternative in an area where camping costs can reach $65-100 per night. River Run Campground sits right on a river with easy water access and even offers rental options if you're traveling light. For those wanting oceanfront experiences, Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground provides coastal sites, while Woodland Acres offers nicely spaced sites along the river with some providing direct waterfront access. These campgrounds combine the convenience of Portland proximity with the tranquility of waterfront camping.

Where can I find free camping options around Portland, Maine?

Free camping options near Portland are limited, as most campgrounds in the area charge fees. However, budget-conscious campers should consider Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park, which offers clean facilities and reasonable rates considering its proximity to Portland. Another economical option is Thousand Trails Moody Beach, where a membership can significantly reduce costs for longer stays. For truly free camping, look to dispersed sites in White Mountain National Forest (about 1.5 hours from Portland) or consider Maine's Bureau of Public Lands properties that sometimes permit primitive camping. Always check current regulations before heading out, as rules for free camping can change seasonally and may require permits.

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