The best waterside campgrounds near South Portland, Maine

South Portland’s waterside camping scene pulls in everyone from paddleboarders to wild swimmers. With over 590 options, you’ll find campsites lining tidal rivers, rocky coves, and pine-shadowed ponds. The average night runs $74, but you can snag a site for as little as $25. Top picks like Slippery Rock Trails LLC (508 reviews), Tir na nOg Farm (192 reviews), and Hazelbrook Cabin at Full Plate Farm (89 reviews) each offer direct access to the water—think early swims and fireside evenings. Most sites allow campfires, pets, and have toilets, so you won’t be roughing it too hard. Expect quick trails, swimming spots, and even snow sports when winter hits. If you want to wake up with a view of the water and your boots on the ground, South Portland delivers.

96% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

South Portland’s waterside camping scene pulls in everyone from paddleboarders to wild swimmers. With over 590 options, you’ll find campsites lining tidal rivers, rocky coves, and pine-shadowed ponds. The average night runs $74, but you can snag a site for as little as $25. Top picks like Slippery Rock Trails LLC (508 reviews), Tir na nOg Farm (192 reviews), and Hazelbrook Cabin at Full Plate Farm (89 reviews) each offer direct access to the water—think early swims and fireside evenings. Most sites allow campfires, pets, and have toilets, so you won’t be roughing it too hard. Expect quick trails, swimming spots, and even snow sports when winter hits. If you want to wake up with a view of the water and your boots on the ground, South Portland delivers.

96% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lake Auburn Community Forest

98%

(87)

37mi from South Portland · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · ME

Nestled against 200 acres of protected watershed lands we are located directly on the original Spring Road from the 1800s. A short walk or bike southwest to the Lake Auburn Community Center and northeast to Lake Auburn's W.Spring Rd trails. Beautiful sunrises down by the water and catch the sun setting from your Hipcamp:) Learn more about this land: Miles of pedestrian trails nestled in the 300 year old West Auburn (Minot) Farm pastures and wooded forests. 50/30/20/15 amp services, water, sewer drains or dump station or Porta potty depending on which site you select. Firewood, dump station, rubbish services, internet, mail delivery, cable available for additional venmo/PPal fees.

2. The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

97%

(45)

23mi from South Portland · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Casco, ME

THOMAS POND Thomas Pond is a beautiful 533-acre freshwater with 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. 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.

3. Hamilton Farm Getaway

98%

(40)

49mi from South Portland · 3 sites · Lodging · Whitefield, ME

Denali, our farm hound, looks forward to greeting you. The sheep and chickens will also enjoy seeing you. Our farm cabin has a great feel of being connected to nature. It is quiet, cozy and a wonderful place to watch the sunset overlooking grazing animals. The cabin has a queen bed in the downstair bedroom and another double bed in the loft. The couch in the sitting room also folds-out to a double bed for the children. We use high-quality cotton sheets, pillows and down comforters - to assure you will be cozy and feel pampered. We provide coffee/tea service in the morning in our farm store. The cabin does not have heat, electricity or running water. We provide numerous battery-charged lights and candles making this a is cozy, relaxing and perfect way to experience Maine farm life. An outhouse is nearby. We provide an outdoor hot-water shower. Plan to visit our farm store where you can buy goat-milk soap, beeswax candles, organic wool pillows, sheep and goat skins and other creations made by Patti. Loads of hiking trails are right out our door or wander down the gravel road. Visiting the animals (sheep, chickens and, of course, Denali - the farm hound) is always a highlight for guests. Please leave your own dog at home, thank you. Chris is a proud Mainer and natural tour guide. He will be happy to provide you with his favorite recommendations and hidden gems. For the past eleven years, hundreds of people have enjoyed seeing the lambs, walking on our trails, and relaxing in a cell-free zone. In the summer our cabin books every night – so we encourage you to make reservations soon. If you would like to talk over your plans, please give us a call. Denali the hound (and we) look forward to welcoming you!

4. TOAD HALL

94%

(42)

39mi from South Portland · 2 sites · RVs · Harrison, ME

Toad Hall is a heated, one room, 8x8 cabin in Harrison, Maine, with access to the Bear River for wading and swimming (depending on the river height.) There is a firepit at the cabin, along with one down by the river. Firewood is provided. The lower area by the river is a beautiful place to hang out, pitch hammocks etc... The cabin is near the road, which is great for loading in and loading out, but you will hear/see cars drive by. (Read our reviews, we stand by them!) There is no running water or bathroom on the property so we ask you bring a camping potty and do not bury human waste. The Bear River, which is a beautiful spot to swim and wade in, runs right through the property- but it's also drinking water and a protected watershed. Again, please make sure you have a camping potty plan. Cabin Features: There are 2 cots inside, but also feel free to bring your own pads/bedding... Heat is provided via a propane Buddy Heater as needed (smoke/carbon dioxide detector is in the cabin.) There are solar lights inside, along with a USB plug to charge small devices. It is a clean, warm, dry room, with beautiful light and good ventilation with the windows cracked. Nearby places you will like: We are within walking distance to downtown restaurants and public swimming area on Long Lake. There's also porto potties next to the walkable country store, which has everything you forgot to bring. Also a great ice cream shack, and an above-average watering hole, The Olde Mill Tavern. This is a self check-in/out, so expect an easy arrival process (and we'll ask you to please leave the property prepared for the next guest to arrive.)

5. Browns Ridge Family Farm!

98%

(22)

40mi from South Portland · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging · Ossipee, NH

We are one of the first farms in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and was originally the first stage coach stop for the area. Our house built in 1750s and at one point had hundreds of acres passed down which were passed down from a kings grant The original area was named after the original settlers, the Browns. Our house was also tavern in the beginning. This property has only passed hands through 4 families and remained with the Browns for most of its life. It has stayed as a farm for most of its tenure. We own 40 acres of pasture and woods and would love for you to come stay!

Stories from the community

C

Caleb

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to TOAD HALL

Great time and clean cabin and Mike was very helpful with useful directions

K

Kimberly

October 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at TOAD HALL

Toad Hall was great! Amazing place to stay in the fall/winter. Cozy for 2 people with provided cots & camping chairs! The heater and shelter from the rain was great. Hearing the creek water at night was relaxing. Mike was so nice and communicative! Would definitely stay here again!

M

Michelle

October 2025

42 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

100% recommend. Private, quiet, beautiful place. Hosts were kind and had everything that was needed. Absolutely what we were looking for. We will be back here!.

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Emily

September 2025

15 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Lake Auburn Community Forest

Loved this spot! Private and quiet. Great proximity to trails.

M

Maggie

September 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

Perfect campsite! Clean, level, easy parking and set-up. Full hook-ups easily accessible! Firepit, grill, picnic table with umbrella all right there ready to go! Very private secluded spot, with trails to walk and explore. Lake was just beautiful with nice dock and stairs making for easy water entry.

Peter

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

Peace on Earth! What a relaxing, peaceful, quiet, regenertive spot. And Dan was the best host one could hope for. Our two furry family members had a great time too. The pond is clean, clear and inviting, even in the cool days of September. We highly recommend this Hipcamp! One of the best we've ever had the good fortune to visit.

e

eric

September 2025

18 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Lake Auburn Community Forest

Thankful for finding this lovely place and the price was in our modest budget Lots of trees and shade at our campsite. Great location for exploring the coast. Dan responded to all our questions very quickly. Thanks again Dan

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Darin

September 2025

24 ft campervan

3 nights at The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

Excellent location designed with full hook-ups and attention to all the details. The amenities of this site are better than most commercial campgrounds and the host has made certain to provide a clean, welcoming environment. Beautiful pond with private access in a quiet neighborhood... very nice.

J

Jerry

September 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

3 nights at The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

The site was clean, and well laid out. The utilities were placed appropriately and easy to get to. This site is very private, comfortably nestled is trees with a short walk to a very private dock. This site is just simply amazing. It is the type of site you don’t want anyone else to find out about so you can have it available for yourself. On top of that Daniel was a great host!

Cookie & Woody

September 2025

25 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

WOW, can't say enough about this beautiful spot with privacy. So much attention to detail, we wanted for nothing. Nothing on site was old or worn out, even the picnic table was quality. Dan was so helpful and easy to reach. Sandy bottom private beach and dock area. I could even set my lawn chair in water and enjoy the peace and quiet at Thomas Pond. Crystal clear water, swimming and kayaking was a blast. We will definitely come back.

M

Matt

August 2025

24 ft travel trailer

3 nights at The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

Love this place. So secluded. My wife and I will be back again and again and again. Dan is fantastic!

Patricia

August 2025

28 ft Class C

With pets

8 nights at The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

Loved our stay at the Queens Property! A bit hot for three days but hung at the water where there was a nice breeze. Our dogs loved fetching sticks and sunning themselves laying our floating dock we brought. Dan could not be more accommodating and helpful! The sight was well maintained , clean with electric, water and sewage hook up! There was even a cold outdoor shower!! Thomas pond was wonderfully clean and warm! Bring floats and water shoes! There was a dock to which we tied an umbrella to one post and sat in beach chairs to read our books! The walk to the water and dock was less than 3 mins! The camp site was also very quiet and private. We could occasionally hear loons call. The fire pit was beautiful and we purchased wood to which Dan delivered daily! The neighbors on water were very friendly and always gave a wave when passing by our dock or when we floated by there’s with our kayaks. Wi-Fi was excellent! We felt very safe and highly recommend The Queen's Property!

S

Stephanie

August 2025

44 ft travel trailer

3 nights at The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

We had a wonderful time at the Queen's Property on Thomas Pond! The site had everything we needed and more! We enjoyed being tucked into the woods which provided us with plenty of privacy and space to walk our dog. We spent a lot of time swimming and hanging out on the dock. In the evening, we enjoyed relaxing by a campfire. I highly recommend this spot!

G

Gajee

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to TOAD HALL

The cabin was in a great location, close enough to walk into town and swim in the lake. Pet friendly was a plus and being able to have a fire was amazing.

Rented a floating mat with our RV, lots of fun on the lake

K

Kelsey

August 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

We had a great family camping trip this week on this perfect spot. We rented an RV locally and had it all hooked up to the 30amp power, water and waste. Parking was a breeze, it's super private, and the lake is very pretty and quiet. Kayaking was beautiful with the included kayaks. I highly recommend bringing a pop-up screened in area so you can enjoy meals, reading, etc outside and not be bothered by skeeters. We loved ours and it fit perfectly over the picnic table on the woodchips. We also had a waterproof outdoor blanket that we put on the ground inside of it which made it really comfortable. All in all I definitely recommend!

Mel

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake Auburn Community Forest

Dan’s campsite is hands down one of the best camping experiences we’ve ever had! From making the reservation to the moment we arrived, everything about our stay was seamless and stress-free. He stayed close in contact, responded immediately to any questions we had and offered thoughtful recommendations for places to explore nearby. His communication was top-notch and made us feel well taken care of! The site itself was immaculate, spacious, and surrounded by beautiful scenery that makes you instantly relax. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking a camper, Dan has clearly put so much thought and care into creating a space that balances rustic charm with comfort, making it feel welcoming and accessible. We loved the firepit area and the fact that Dan offers a wheelbarrow of firewood that he cuts himself for just $10 via Venmo! It was such a great deal, super convenient to have right at our site, and it lasted us the entire two-night stay. There are also beautiful lakes and walking trails nearby, and Dan provided easy-to-follow instructions on how to access them. Bonus: his neighbors were just as friendly and kind, making sure we were all set and felt welcomed. What really sets this place apart is Dan himself. He’s responsive, clear with giving directions, and goes above and beyond to make sure guests have everything they need. We can tell he truly loves hosting and sharing his land—it shows in every detail! Truly a hidden gem! We can’t wait to return! Thank you, Dan! 😊

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Curtis

July 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

This campsite is amazingly private. It’s a short walk down to your own little dock and it’s a great swim spot for dogs, kids, and adults. Daniel was very friendly, and very helpful and gave us a tour and a walk down to the dock. Power, water and black water dump station are all right there. It was, unsurprisingly, super buggy. The Thermacell did a great job but I swear I could see them all assembling at the boundary waiting to attack. But that’s just summer in Maine! Looking forward to a second visit in the future.

a

alicia

July 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

Our second time here and just as amazing! Peaceful spot right on a beautiful pond—perfect for swimming and relaxing. The host, Daniel, is amazing and very accommodating. Can’t wait to come back again!

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meredith

July 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to TOAD HALL

This was a great spot right near the Long Lake public beach, within walking distance. The cabin was very clean and well kept. At the bottom of the small hill site was a second campsite with a teepee and hammock, next to the river. Very relaxing place to be! The only downside is the site is about 20 feet off of the main road, so some traffic noise. There is also a rooster cock-a-doodle-doo very early in the AM that lives next-door. Mike was a great host and we really appreciated all of the wood that was provided!

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Matt

July 2025

24 ft travel trailer

3 nights at The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

Special spot! A lot of thought & care went in to making this spot perfect. We love private & it delivered. Zero neighbors w our own private dock & two kayaks/life jackets. Outdoor shower. Grill. Fire pit. Picnic table. Umbrella. Clean. Dan was an incredible host. We kayaked & hiked. Great local hiking trails. We had a blast & will be back! Thank you!