9 Spectacular Spots In Maine Where You Can Camp Right On The Beach
Beach camping in Maine is one of the things we look forward to each and every year. The promise of camping on one of the beautiful beaches in Maine certainly gets us through the long, seemingly never-ending winters we experience here in the Pine Tree State. Because here’s the thing: there are lots of amazing places in America to go camping. Some people love the rocky landscape of the West, others prefer the lush greenery and cool temps of the Pacific Northwest. But us? We have always and will always love camping in Maine best of all. There are plenty of options for amazing camping in Maine, too – perfect for any geographic preference. Like hiding out in the forest? Head to the North Woods! Prefer inland lakes? Try Sebago! But, as long as any type of coastline is your thing, we suggest these spectacular spots for camping in Maine right on the ocean. Because really, it doesn’t get any better than that!
About seven miles south of Rockland is one of the oldest and loveliest places for beach camping in Maine. At Lobster Buoy on Waterman Beach, no site is more than 150 yards from the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. The 40 sites can accommodate a mix of tents and RVs and every site comes with grassy areas, a picnic table and a fire ring. You'll also find hot showers here, which can be nice for a chilly Maine morning. If you think you don't like camping, this is one those campgrounds in Maine sure to make a camper out of anyone -- seriously!
Lobster Buoy Campsite, 280 Waterman Beach Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858, USA
If you love the beach, but can do without the salt, try some inland lake camping. Seven Mile Lake Pemaquid features over 15 miles of water for fishing, swimming and overall exploration. You'll be able to access Biscay Pond, Duck Puddle Pond and Pemaquid River by boat from this rustic Maine campground as well.
Head to Mount Desert Island for some of the most rustic camping in Maine. Somes will have you feeling like you're in the woods, but with the added benefit of that salty air. A stay means being treated to views of Sargent and Norumbega mountains in Acadia National Park, as well as access to everything the park has to offer - including hiking trails and leisurely strolls on the Carriage Roads.
Somes Sound View Campground, 5 Spinnaker Way, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
Known to be one of the best oceanfront campgrounds in Maine, this spot on the Penobscot Bay is located smack between Bar Harbor and Camden village. With the ability to accommodate RVs along the ocean, as well as tents, you won't be far from any of the water activities that make vacations in Maine great. Its oceanfront location means you can kayak right from the beach, hike the nature trails, fish from the beach, and explore tidal pools. There are tons of activities for kids and adults here as well. So plan to stay as long as you can.
Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, 216 W Main St, Searsport, ME 04974, USA
The Thomas Point Beach is located on calm tidal water, overlooking the lovely Thomas Bay, on the New Meadows River. You'll love the swimming, kayaking, and fishing options as well as the many recreation areas throughout the park. Thomas Point also plays host to an annual Bluegrass Festival.
Thomas Point Beach & Campground, 29 Meadow Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
In the beautiful Chain of Ponds, close to the Canadian border is lovely Natanis Point Campground, which we think really is one of the best campgrounds in Maine. Lots of sites lie directly on the beach. But, it's not just the lake that makes this place great. In addition to the warm hospitality, owners Bob and Tasha offer ATVs for use in and around the area. They'll also help arrange a local hunting guide. When I stayed, my dog actually jumped out the car window as we left because he was so bummed about leaving. I understood completely!
Natanis Point Campground, 19 Natanis Point Rd, Chain of Ponds, ME 04936, USA
Is Gray's Homestead Oceanfront Campground rustic? Yes. But amazing? Yes! The only oceanfront campground in Boothbay Harbor is also one of the nicest in the state. People rave about the way the spaces are lined up - just as nature allowed, rather than the uniform plots you might find at a typical campground. Even the sites that are not located directly on the beach are nearby - meaning you can wake up in your tent and be kayaking in the water in no more than ten minutes!
Gray Homestead Ocean Campground, 21 Homestead Rd, Southport, ME 04576, USA
You don't have to have the set-up pictured here to enjoy your time camping on the ocean in Southern Maine. Though, if you do - let us know. We love it! Established in 1923, Libby'sOceanside Camp is a gorgeous Maine campground that is now in its third generation of family ownership and operation. This perfect ocean location means you'll be close enough to wake up to salty spray on your tent or RV. If you can't get a spot directly on the ocean - fear not! Even the spots further inland all have ocean views. One of the nicest things about Libby's is that you can often see Nubble Light from the shores. This is a great option for ocean lovers. And the best part is, pets are allowed too!
Libby's Oceanside Camp, 725 York St, York, ME 03909, USA
When it comes to beaches, few states offer the same beauty that comes with a trip to Maine. With more miles of craggy coast than all of California, there are no shortage of areas from which to enjoy the (mostly frigid!) Atlantic waters. While you can explore the well-known beach areas easily, the best beach experiences come when doing a little bit of exploring. For something special, head to this "island" where campsites and beautiful sunsets go hand-in-hand. It just might be the most unique beach in Maine. If you're looking for the perfect coastal camping spot, Hermit Island Campground might be it. While not an island exactly (it's actually connected to Phippsburg via a small road), it does feel like you're a bit off the beaten path. If you want to experience it in the summer, you'll probably need to aim for next year as it books up quite quickly -- for good reason!
Hermit Island Campground, Hermit Island Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
What do you think — where’s the best place you’ve ever gone beach camping in Maine? Share it with your fellow outdoor enthusiasts in the comments below!
Are you trying to fit in as many beach trips as possible this summer? Us too! In addition to the above places to go camping in Maine on the ocean, here are some amazing coastal locales for a bonafide beach day in Maine.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Beach Camping in Maine
April 14, 2023
Sarah M.
What's the best place for beach camping in Maine?
In addition to the above list of 10 amazing places for camping in Maine on the ocean, if you're looking for more of a wondrous woodland camping experience in Maine, there's really no place quite like Sandy Pines Campground. At first glance, this spot feels more resort than campground and that's exactly why we love it! It's got something for everyone: traditional RV and tent sites, but also has some wonderful glamping accommodations, including charming covered wagons.In fact, Sandy Pines operates three separate luxury rental types: Camp Carriages, Hideaway Huts, and Glamp Tents -- and each accommodation boasts its own bespoke amenities and features. The Glamp Tent is the most "classic camping" of the offerings; each of these tents offer 430 square feet of space, a king-sized bed, and decor hand-picked by New England designers. During your stay, guests have access to a clean and fully updated bathhouse, too; and as if that weren’t enough, all glamping rentals are situated in a wonderfully quiet "serenity zone," ensuring total R&R in this little slice of Pine Tree State paradise.
What are some other great places for camping in Maine?
Vacationland is full of wonderful places to pitch a tent. If you're looking for the best of the best, be sure to check out these amazing campgrounds in Maine:
Sebago Lake State Park, Casco
Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal
Natanis Point Campground, Coburn Gore
Cobscook Bay State Park, Dennysville
Backcountry Camping at Baxter State Park, Millinocket
Aroostook State Park, Presque Isle
Lily Bay State Park, Beaver Cove
Warren Island State Park, Penobscot Bay
The list goes on... and on! Where are your favorite places to go camping in Maine?
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
