Planning a trip to Portland, Maine but don’t want big-ticket lodging expenses to eat away at your dining, shopping, and cocktail budget?
Well, if you happen to be one of those outdoorsy types, why not partake of the best of both worlds?
Enjoy all the amenities of the city—but stay at a comfortable, clean campground in a nearby town.
And while there aren’t any campgrounds in the downtown area, there are more than enough to choose from in neighboring communities; the distance from downtown Portland is noted for each location.
Map of Portland, Maine Campgrounds
Here are the campgrounds near Portland, Maine mentioned in this article, all in a convenient map.
Fortland
While this unique campground is technically in Portland, Fortland takes the longest to get to—because it’s on an island.
The 10-minute boat ride that takes you to House Island leaves from Bug Light in South Portland and is included in your stay; there are also pay-per-ride water taxi companies available around Casco Bay.
Fortland is so named because all of the luxury yurts and canvas tents are located inside Fort Scammel, a structural relic of the Civil War.
There is a communal outdoor kitchen and fire pit (pots, pans, cutlery, and dishes are supplied in all accommodations), and the environmentally-conscious composting bathrooms are shared, as well.
All of the yurts and tents have limited solar power—mostly for charging phones and tablets—as well as lanterns, queen beds, and Supima cotton linens; note that pets are not allowed at Fortland.
Location: 0 house island, Portland, ME 04101 (33 minutes)
Website: Fortland
Wassamki Springs Campground
Wassamki Springs is a family-owned and -run campground and has been in business since 1968.
Touted as “the closest campground to Portland,” this neat-as-a-pin spot is located on a private lake and has an expansive beach; bring your canoes or kayaks, pack a lunch, and paddle to your heart’s content.
There is an on-site camp store, pickleball and volleyball courts, a recreation hall, playgrounds, and an arcade; there are also public bathrooms, laundry facilities, and even a dog run.
Location: 56 Saco St, Scarborough, ME 04074 (20 minutes)
Website: Wassamki Springs Campground
Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park
If you’re not a fan of kid noise (read: screaming, crying, yelling, and whining), the Wild Duck Campground is strictly for adults (21 and older).
Tucked away in Maine’s largest saltwater marsh (Maine Audubon’s Scarborough Marsh), there are plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of wildlife, like herons, moose, raptors, and otters.
Accommodation options include full-hookup RV sites as well as separate sites for campers, tents, and vans. Don’t own an RV? You might consider renting one to see if you like it. The cost to rent an RV is probably less than you think, and will give you a chance to try it out before buying one.
There are communal bathrooms/showers, laundry facilities, and WiFi at this gated camping community; Wild Duck is also pet-friendly.
Location: 39 Dunstan Landing Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 (20 minutes)
Website: Wild Duck Adult Campground
Bayley’s Camping Resort
Since 1970, Bayley’s has offered their faithful, returning campers a host of affordable lodging options coupled with their legendary amenities and customer service.
Featuring 3 heated pools, 4 hot tubs, live nightly entertainment, two camp stores, 3 well-stocked fishing ponds, a game room, and an arcade, there is always something to do for everyone at Bayley’s.
Accommodation options include cabins, trailers, and campsites for tents, campers, and RVs—and there are even counselor-directed activities and mini golf.
Location: 275 Pine Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 (21 minutes)
Website: Bayley’s Camping Resort
Sun Outdoors
Offering wooded sites for RVs and tents as well as luxe cottages (5 different styles/sizes), Sun Outdoors is one of three Sun Community properties in Old Orchard Beach.
The trolley to downtown Old Orchard Beach stops right at the front gate to Sun Outdoors, and Portland is just over a 20- minute drive away—but you may never want to leave the grounds because everything you need is right there: swimming pool, splash pad, hot tub, playground, picnic area, and communal fire pit make for the perfect stay-put vacation.
Location: 8 Cascade Rd, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 (22 minutes)
Website: Sun Outdoors
Sun Retreats
The second Sun Community property in Old Orchard Beach, pet-friendly Sun Retreats has a wide variety of amenities and activities for the whole family.
This gated campground features sparkling-clean bathroom facilities, a swimming pool, splash pad, golf kart and pedal kart rentals, and daily activities for all ages.
There is also an arcade/game room, a store, laundry facilities, and organized themed weekends on offer at Sun Retreats.
Location: 3 Old Orchard Rd, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 (22 minutes)
Website: Sun Retreats
Sun Retreats Wild Acres
Featuring an on-site aerial adventure park (7 ziplines, two ropes courses, and a combination tree/rock-climbing park), as well as being the closest Sun Community property to Old Orchard Beach, this RV resort and campground is super family-friendly.
In addition to a BMX track and mini-golf course, there are myriad nature trails, a game room, an arcade, live nightly entertainment, swimming pools, a hot tub, and much more.
There are RV and tent sites, as well as a variety of cottage styles available.
Location: 179 Saco Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 (22 minutes)
Website: Sun Retreats Wild Acres
Paradise Park Resort Campground
This popular family campground features 239 sites as well as its own bass pond.
Enjoy swimming in one of 2 heated pools, soaking in one of 3 hot tubs, a rousing game of shuffleboard or cornhole, or catch a movie each night at the 1600-square-foot recreational tent.
There are also 2 playgrounds, an on-site store, and paddle boats available. Downtown Old Orchard Beach is less than a half-mile away, and downtown Portland is less than a half-hour’s drive.
Location: 50 Adelaide Rd, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 (25 minutes)
Website: Paradise Park Resort Campground
Powder Horn Family Camping Resort
Just a short walk from Old Orchard’s amenities and less than a 25-minute drive from downtown Portland, Powder Horn features full hookup sites, camper/tent sites, and several different cottage styles to choose from.
The impressive list of amenities for this pet-friendly campground includes 4 pools, 2 hot tubs, 24-hour security, live music, and a game complex—truly something for everyone.
There is also a supervised kids’ activities program, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and a well-stocked, on-site camp store.
Location: 48 Cascade Rd, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 (24 minutes)
Website: Powder Horn Family Camping Resort
Old Orchard Beach Campground
Divided into four distinctly different zones, you’ll have lodging options at the pet-friendly Old Orchard Beach Campground: The Grove (for RVs/campers/tents and the closest to campground amenities), Tall Pines (for long-term Park Model Home renters), Bear Brook (for RVs/campers/tents; tucked into the center of the campground), and Black Forest (RVs and cabins; the woodsiest spot).
There is a swimming pool, horseshoe pit, recreation center, cornhole pitch, and a playground, as well.
Location: 27 Ocean Park Rd, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 (19 minutes)
Website: Old Orchard Beach Campground
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