Urban Camping in Maine

Urban Camping

Urban RV camping in Maine gives travelers unique access to the state’s natural and manmade attractions. Maine’s largest city, Portland, seems to get much of its laidback vibe and rich resources from the unspoiled sea and land that surrounds it. Many nearby campgrounds ensure that visitors can explore the rocky coast and tidal basins of Casco Bay while still getting a taste of the city’s award-winning dining and entertainment scene.

A city with homes, tall brick buildings, and green trees sits under a partly cloudy orange and blue sky at dusk.

Urban RV Parks in Maine

Bayley’s Camping Resort

Bayley’s Camping Resort in Scarborough offers premium RV camping just 25 minutes outside the city of Portland. The campground offers guests several unique amenities, including access to an on-site mini-golf course, swimming pools, beach, volleyball court, playground, and fishing ponds. Campers can take a trolley to the nearby salt marsh or seafood restaurants. The resort is within walking distance of a seven-mile stretch of sandy beach as well. 

Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park

Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park in Scarborough offers premium RV camping for anyone over the age of 21. The campground is just a short drive away from Portland’s thriving downtown area. Still, the RV park offers guests unique access to Maine’s largest salt marsh and other natural attractions. Wild Duck is big-rig friendly and happy to welcome guests traveling with pets. It boasts full hookups, wireless internet, and 50/30-amp electricity.

Desert of Maine Campground

Just north of Portland is Freeport’s Desert of Maine Campground. This unique geographical treasure offers a setting unlike anywhere else in Maine. The on-site Gemstone Village and Natural Playground offer hours of entertainment for young campers. Still, the facility is just a short drive from Maine’s most populous city and all its famous eateries and shops. 

Wassamki Springs Campground

Campers can find plenty of reprieve in Scarborough’s Wassamki Spring Campground. This RV park is located just miles from Portland and Casco Bay. The spacious campground has a one-mile sandy beach located on a private lake. The pristine park also has a camp store, arcade, and playgrounds to keep your young ones busy.

Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA

Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA offers cabins, tent sites, and full-hookup RV sites just off the Casco Bay Peninsula. The campground puts travelers in the middle of Maine’s most popular city and some of the state’s most luxurious beaches. Amenities include a heated swimming pool, adults-only spa, and on-site restaurant. For a fee, guests also have access to bike rentals, firewood, propane, and a tour shuttle. 

Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Campground

Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Campground in Freeport offers Portland-bound travelers a chance to enjoy either ocean- or farm-front RV camping just a stone’s throw from Portland. Campers can savor the sights and sounds of Maine’s rocky shoreline. Hiking, fishing, biking, and kayaking opportunities abound in Casco Bay. The campground also houses a farm cafe, a store, barns, and gardens. There are plenty of trails, fields, and other recreational hubs on-site. 

Cedar Haven Family Campground

Cedar Haven Family Campground offers visitors unique access to downtown Freeport, nearby Portland, and much more. This Freeport campground welcomes big rigs, and they have ample recreation amenities, including a pool, beach, horseshoes, arcade, playground, and volleyball. Guests also have access to clean bathrooms and hot showers, a dump station, and a camp store that sells all the supplies you’ll need on the road. Popular nearby attractions include L.L. Bean’s flagship store. 

Where to Urban Camp in Maine

Portland, Maine, has recently emerged as one of the world’s top travel destinations. Since most of the towns that surround the city are still very rural, campers should have no trouble finding nearby urban campgrounds in Maine. 

Visitors to Maine’s most populous metropolitan area can get a firsthand look at one of the Pine Tree State’s few remaining working waterfronts. Beer lovers will rejoice knowing that this tiny U.S. city is home to the most craft breweries per capita. The city’s east end offers a spectacular hillside view of Casco Bay’s many sailboats, fishing vessels, and nearby islands. Portland’s ever-expanding food scene is one that never fails to reward the taste buds. Cult favorites here include Maine potato donuts, lobster rolls, oysters on the half shell, and craft cocktails. 

Maine’s unspoiled coastal region is home to all sorts of urban camping spots. Visitors can easily park their RV, enjoy the splendors of Maine’s rich coastal region, and take in the city’s offerings without skipping a beat. Cumberland County and York County line the coast of the Atlantic. These areas are speckled with attractions geared toward day and overnight visitors. 

Urban RV Camping in Maine

Maine’s coast tends to be mild and refreshing throughout the summer. Snow and freezing temperatures are considered average winter forecasts. As such, most Maine campgrounds are only open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Even summer visitors should come prepared with a full lineup of outdoor gear, including everything from bathing suits to light jackets. 

Keep in mind that traffic heading north on Route 1 and Interstate 95 can become quite backed up on busy holiday weekends. Since downtown parking is limited and expensive, travelers may opt to leave their RVs behind when traveling to downtown Portland.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for more RV travel tips and ideas.

With an RV rental, your urban vacation will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day exploring the city, you can relax around the fire at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect urban getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.

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