Family-friendly beach camping in Maine

With rocky shores, sandy beaches, and forested mountains, Vacationland is made for campers.

99% (507 reviews)

United States
—
Maine

99% (507 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Maine

2 top beach campgrounds in Maine

100%

(1001)

Slippery Rock Trails LLC

6 sites · Lodging, Tents400 acres · Greene, ME

Forty five years ago, our family started assembling 400 acres of woods and fields on the banks of the beautiful Androscoggin River. We enjoy actively managing the property for wildlife habitat and tree growth. The diverse landscape includes over 1/2 a mile of river frontage, a 10 acre wildlife pond, rolling hills in the meadows and steep forested terrain with more than 10 miles of multi-use trails running throughout. Our lands have long been open to local hikers, bikers and cross country skiers, we are excited to share this beautiful property with a larger community. Scout for wildlife and birds, on our private 400 acres of forests and fields. Tire yourself by hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing the 10 miles of private trails. Located across the river from Riverlands State Park, just minutes from Lewiston-Auburn, Bates College, local breweries and just 2 1/2 hours from Boston. Wildlife abounds both on the property and across the river at Androscoggin Riverlands State Park.Quite often, a gentle breeze off the water will offer relief from black flies and mosquitoes, but the right bug repellent is recommended especially to fend off those pesky ticks that are so common in Maine.

98%

(23)

The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Casco, ME

THOMAS POND Thomas Pond is a beautiful 533-acre freshwater pond with over 7.4 miles of shoreline. Thomas Pond’s maximum depth is 64 feet, and the mean depth is 22 feet. Our guests are welcome to kayak, canoe, swim, fish, and paddle board from the shores of The Queen’s Property, or one of 5 Right of Ways on Watkins Shores Road owned by our Association. Access to your private waterfront is a short stroll through our woods. As our guest staying at The Queen's Property, you will also have free access to the Watkins Shores Road Association's boat launch. The boat launch is just a two or three minute walk down the road from your site. Our new dock is available to dock your boat during the day.. However, there is a small fee to dock your boat overnight (see "Extras") at our site. Just make sure you check for Milfoil or any other invasive plants before launching. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS NEAR CAMP Within 5 minutes of camp, you will find all the essentials, including food items, ice, firewood, goodies, gas, and RV supplies. In fact, you can even order your groceries online for pickup, (free at Hannaford Brothers Grocery and Walmart) either on your way to your campsite or when you need to resupply your camp (we would be happy to give you the details). During your stay, you may also want to take a trip off-site to explore all that the Lakes Region offers. Explore the historic oceanfront City of Portland, or the local Towns of Windham, Naples, or Bridgton. Portland is a 35 minute drive from The Queen's Property. The coastline around Portland is rugged and attractive with world-famous lighthouses dotted along its shorelines. Numerous locally owned shops and nationally recognized restaurants can be found tucked into its many harbors and shorelines. Closer to camp, enjoy strolling through the Town of Naples. Naples sits smack-dab in the middle of the Sebago Lakes Region. Sebago Lake abuts its western border and Long Lake abuts its eastern border. A short 8-minute drive from your site, Naples spoils its visitors with boat rentals, waterfront shops, and awesome restaurants. Further north is the Town of Bridgton. Bridgton is a 20-minute drive from your campsite. It offers its visitors a quaint downtown filled with local retailers, pubs, and restaurants. Enjoy the beaches of Bridgton’s Crystal Lake which sits on the edge of its downtown borders. The towns of Raymond and Windham also offer our visitors numerous restaurants, grocery stores, hardware stores, and gas stations. Once again, all within a short drive from your campsite (3-4 minutes). NEARBY STATE PARKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES If your idea of exploring is centered around outdoor activities, then Sebago Lake State Park is a 1,342-acre park that abuts the shores of Sebago Lake. It's one of Maine’s most popular parks. Located in the towns of Casco and Naples, the park is open year-round and is less than a 10 minute drive from your campsite. Within the park, you will enjoy protected forests, bike paths, and Sebago Lake beaches. Sebago Lake is a deep glacial lake, and by itself is 44 square miles of clear waters that abut Sebago Lake State Park. The park and the lake host some of Maine's’ best sandy beaches, water sports, fishing, boating, boat rentals, camping, picnic areas, boat launches, extensive woodlands, a wide array of critters, hiking trails, and walking trails. Sebago Park hosts various play areas for children with slides and swings. The summer sun is warm and the autumn colors are always abundant and beautiful. The entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. If you are an avid hiker, The Queen’s Property is a short drive to numerous mountain ranges, forests, and peaks, all of which contain hundreds of miles of ATV and hiking trails. There are over 25 hiking trails within 10 miles of The Queen's Property and over 115 trails within 20 miles. Oh, and if you love winter sports you will love the Lakes Region. Numerous ski resorts, along with hundreds of miles of cross-country ski and snowmobile trails can be found throughout the area.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Family-friendly beach camping in Maine guide

Overview

There's much more to Maine than lighthouses, lobster shacks, and sandy beaches. The northernmost state in New England packs in surprising variety, from the rocky islands and seaside resorts of the Atlantic shore to the forests and mountains of the Appalachian Mountains. Campers can take their pick of 32 state parks and one epic national park, filled with lakes, woodlands, and beaches to hike, bike, climb, and kayak. "Vacationland" pulls in the summer crowds, especially along the coast, but our pick is fall, when the northern highlands are ablaze with foliage.

Where to go

Aroostook & the Highlands

Maine’s mountainous north is the stuff that hiker’s bucket lists are made of. The sprawling wilderness of Baxter State Park is the starting point of the epic Appalachian Trail and home to Maine’s highest peak—the 5,267-foot Mount Katahdin. Miles of hiking trails run through the highlands, along with some of the state’s best snowmobiling and cross-country skiing trails. To get on the water, head to Moosehead Lake, or try paddling and backcountry tent camping along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

Maine Lakes & Mountains

The hills and valleys of western Maine are peppered with high peaks and hundreds of glacial lakes, affording plenty of opportunities for a back-to-nature camping experience. Drive the High Peaks Scenic Byway for some of the most spectacular views, enjoy family camping at Sebago Lake State Park, or check into an RV park near Bethel, Naples, or Lewiston. In winter, rent a cozy ski chalet and hit the ski resorts of Sugar Loaf, Shawnee Peak, and Sunday River.

Southern Maine Coast

When summer temperatures soar, some of the most popular Maine campgrounds and beaches are found along the southwest shore. Head to the beach towns of Kennebunkport, Freeport, and Portland for old-fashioned seaside fun; go boating or kayaking around Casco Bay; then snag an RV site or cabin rental at the oceanfront campground in Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park.

Downeast & Acadia

Maine’s only national park, Acadia National Park, is the headline act of DownEast, the state’s rugged and rocky southeastern coast. Opt to stay on the mainland at Bar Harbor and head over to admire the park’s historic lighthouses and ocean views, or choose from multiple camping areas on the islands. Further north, the 15 coastal parklands of Cobscook Shores have picnic tables, boat launches, and backcountry camping sites.