Old Orchard Beach Campground Review: Coastal Maine Camping at Its Best

There’s something about camping along the Maine coast that feels timeless: the salty air, the sound of waves just a few minutes away, and the cozy evenings by the fire after a day of exploring.

During our mid-September trip, we stayed at Old Orchard Beach Campground, and it quickly became one of our favorite family-friendly spots in southern Maine.

This campground has been family-owned and operated for over 50 years, and you can feel that legacy the moment you arrive. It’s not a corporate RV park; it’s the kind of place where the owners still take pride in keeping everything clean, welcoming, and relaxed.

We stayed in the Black Forest section, the most wooded part of the park, surrounded by tall pines and vibrant fall colors. It offered that peaceful “tucked-away” feeling while still being close to all the action,  the pool, playgrounds, and even the trolley that takes you right into Old Orchard Beach’s lively downtown and pier area.

In this review, I’ll share what made our stay so memorable, from the campground’s layout and amenities to the best nearby attractions and insider tips for planning your own Maine coast getaway. 

Whether you’re traveling by RV, staying in a cabin, or just looking for a relaxing spot to unwind with your family, Old Orchard Beach Campground is one of those rare places that feels both nostalgic and perfectly updated for today’s travelers..

A Bit of History: 50 Years of Family Camping

One of the things I love most about Old Orchard Beach Campground is its story. It’s been family-owned and operated by the Daigle family for over five decades, and in 2024, they celebrated 50 years in business, which speaks volumes about the kind of place this is.

You can feel that sense of pride the moment you pull in. Everything from the well-kept grounds to the friendly staff reflects a genuine care for the guest experience. It’s not just another stop along the Maine coast; it’s a place that generations of families return to year after year.

Over the years, the campground has evolved in tandem with the RV community, expanding from simple campsites to include deluxe RV sites, cabin rentals, and even park model setups for extended stays. Despite the upgrades, it’s managed to keep that nostalgic, small-town charm that’s hard to find these days.

Old Orchard Beach has been a classic New England vacation destination for over a century. With its seven miles of sandy beach, iconic pier, and old-fashioned amusement park, it’s a place that blends seaside tradition with family fun. 

And the campground fits right into that legacy, offering travelers a home base that’s just far enough from the crowds to relax, but close enough to soak up all the charm of coastal Maine living.

The Campground Layout: Sections and Options

One of the things that stood out to me about Old Orchard Beach Campground is how thoughtfully it’s divided into different sections, each with its own personality. Whether you’re traveling with a big rig, staying in a cozy cabin, or setting up for a seasonal stay, there’s a spot designed for you.

The campground comprises five main areas: Lazy Acres, The Grove, Tall Pines, Bear Brook, and Black Forest. Each one has a slightly different vibe, from open and sunny to private and wooded.

We stayed in the Black Forest section, which is the newest area of the campground, built in 2017. It’s also the most wooded, with tall trees providing plenty of shade, making the sites feel peaceful and secluded. The foliage in September was incredible, with colors starting to change and a soft carpet of pine needles underfoot.

The Black Forest offers a mix of pull-through and back-in RV sites along with several cabins, making it a great option whether you’re traveling by motorhome or need a ready-to-stay setup. It’s also conveniently located, just a short walk to the pool and the trolley stop that takes you right into town.

For those who prefer a different atmosphere, the other sections of the park each offer their own charm:

• Lazy Acres – Spacious sites with an open feel, great for larger RVs.
  
• The Grove – Family-friendly, close to playgrounds and activities.
  
• Tall Pines – A quiet area surrounded by trees, ideal for relaxation.
  
• Bear Brook – Close to many of the main amenities and recreation areas.

No matter where you stay, each section feels well-cared for and designed with comfort in mind, featuring wide sites, easy navigation, and a blend of natural beauty and modern convenience.

Amenities & Features That Stand Out

What I really appreciated about Old Orchard Beach Campground is how it strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and recreation. Whether you’re looking for quiet downtime or want to keep the kids busy all day, this place has plenty to offer without feeling overcrowded.

The campground features two swimming pools, both clean and well-maintained, ideal for cooling off on a warm afternoon. There are also two playgrounds, plus open areas for basketball, Gaga Ball, horseshoes, badminton, and wiffle ball, so there’s always something for families to do together.

We loved that the campground had a rec hall and plenty of community spaces where people could gather. In the evenings, you could walk past campfires and hear the faint mix of laughter and music from different sections; it had that classic, nostalgic camping energy.

One of my favorite amenities was the camp store. It had everything you could need, from snacks and ice cream to firewood, RV supplies, and even a few local treats. The staff was genuinely friendly and helpful, which made every visit feel personal.

Another perk that made our stay easy was the Old Orchard Beach Trolley stop right inside the campground. You can hop on and ride straight into downtown or the beach without worrying about parking, which is a massive bonus during the summer months.

Add in free Wi-Fi, clean bathhouses, and well-kept grounds, and it’s clear that the owners put a lot of thought into keeping this campground comfortable and convenient for all types of travelers.

The Old Orchard Beach Experience: What’s Nearby

One of the best aspects of staying at Old Orchard Beach Campground is its prime location. You’re tucked just far enough away from the crowds to enjoy peace and quiet, yet close enough to be in the heart of it all within minutes.

Just a short trolley ride or drive takes you to Old Orchard Beach Pier, one of Maine’s most iconic seaside spots. The beach stretches for seven miles, offering plenty of space for long walks, sunbathing, or letting the kids play in the surf. 

Right next to the pier is Palace Playland, a vintage-style amusement park with rides, games, and that classic boardwalk energy that makes it perfect for families.

Beyond the beach, there’s no shortage of things to do nearby:

• Downtown Old Orchard Beach has a fun mix of restaurants, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores — the kind of place that feels straight out of a summer postcard.
  
• Funtown Splashtown USA, located just a short distance away, is a favorite destination for families with kids.
  
• Nature lovers can explore the Scarborough Marsh Nature Center, where you can rent kayaks or take a guided tour through the salt marshes.
  
• For a day trip, the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is less than 30 minutes away; it’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in America and absolutely worth the drive.
  
• You can also head south to Kennebunkport, a charming coastal town filled with boutique shops, seafood restaurants, and scenic views.

No matter what kind of vacation you’re after, beach days, family fun, or scenic adventures, this campground puts you right in the middle of Maine’s best coastal attractions while still giving you a quiet place to come “home” to at the end of the day.

Seasonal Highlights: When to Visit

We stayed at Old Orchard Beach Campground in mid-September, and it might be one of the best times of year to visit coastal Maine. The summer crowds have started to thin out, the weather is still warm enough for beach days, and the trees, especially in the Black Forest section, begin to show the first hints of autumn color. It’s the perfect blend of coastal and cozy.

During the summer months (June through August), Old Orchard Beach is full of energy. The amusement park is in full swing, the trolley runs frequently, and the downtown area buzzes with families grabbing lobster rolls, ice cream, and souvenirs. If you love that vibrant seaside atmosphere, this is your season.

But if you prefer a quieter pace, September and early October are ideal. The campground stays open into the fall, and you get the added bonus of cooler nights for campfires and scenic drives lined with foliage. This is also when you’ll find a lot of seasonal campers enjoying their last few weekends before the park closes, so the vibe is relaxed and friendly.

Even in early spring (May to June), it can be a great time to visit if you’re looking to avoid crowds. Just bring a light jacket and be prepared for those crisp coastal mornings.

No matter when you come, Old Orchard Beach Campground has something special to offer, whether it’s summer sunshine and family fun or the quiet charm of fall camping surrounded by changing leaves.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere & Activities

What truly sets Old Orchard Beach Campground apart is its unique atmosphere. It feels like one big neighborhood of friendly campers, families gathering around evening campfires, kids riding bikes down tree-lined roads, and the sound of laughter echoing from the playgrounds and rec hall. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why camping is so special in the first place.

We saw plenty of families making the most of their stay. During the day, kids splashed in the pool or played Gaga Ball and basketball, while parents relaxed nearby with coffee or chatted with other campers. By evening, everyone seemed to migrate back to their sites for campfires, s’mores, and quiet conversation under the string lights.

There’s a real sense of community here, the kind that often gets lost at larger, more commercial RV parks. Many people we met were returning guests who’ve been coming here year after year, and it’s easy to see why. The campground’s layout encourages that “neighborly” feel, but still gives you enough space and privacy to unwind.

Between the on-site activities and the easy access to the beach, this campground makes it effortless to keep everyone entertained, regardless of their age. It’s family camping done right, where comfort and connection both take center stage.

Overall Experience: What We Loved Most

Our stay at Old Orchard Beach Campground was everything we hoped for: relaxing, scenic, and full of that small-town Maine charm that makes you want to come back year after year.

What stood out to me the most was how well-balanced everything felt. The campground is large enough to have plenty of amenities, yet it never felt crowded or noisy. 

The Black Forest section was exactly what we were looking for: shaded, peaceful, and surrounded by trees that made it feel like a private little retreat. Waking up to filtered sunlight through the pines and the smell of fresh coffee at the campsite was the perfect way to start each day.

The trolley stop inside the campground was another huge bonus. Instead of worrying about beach parking, we could hop on and be downtown in just a few minutes. Between exploring the pier, trying local seafood, and coming back to unwind by the fire, our days had that perfect vacation rhythm.

I also have to give credit to the camp store and staff; everyone we interacted with was so kind and helpful. It’s clear that the owners and team genuinely care about maintaining that welcoming, family-run feel that’s kept campers returning for 50 years.

If I had one piece of advice for future visitors, it would be to book early, especially if you want to stay in the Black Forest area. Those sites go fast for good reason.

Overall, it’s the kind of campground that feels like home the moment you arrive, peaceful, well-run, and full of small details that make your stay memorable.

Helpful Tips for Future Visitors

If you’re planning a trip to Old Orchard Beach Campground, a little preparation can help you make the most of your stay. After spending time here, I picked up a few things worth knowing before you go:

• Book early — especially for Black Forest. This is the most popular section for a reason. The sites are shaded, peaceful, and perfect for fall camping. They tend to fill up fast, particularly on weekends and during peak summer.
  
• Use Campspot for reservations. The campground utilizes the Campspot platform, which makes it easy to browse various sections, compare site types, and secure your stay.
  
• Bring your bikes or scooters. The park is spacious but easy to navigate, and kids will love riding around between the pool, playground, and game areas.
  
• Hop on the trolley. It stops right inside the campground and will take you directly to Old Orchard Beach Pier and downtown. It’s an affordable and stress-free way to explore the area.
  
• Check the store before heading into town. It’s surprisingly well-stocked with snacks, firewood, RV supplies, and other essentials you might forget.
  
• Visit in late summer or early fall. September is absolutely beautiful here, with warm days, cool nights, and the first hints of fall color. It’s also much quieter once the summer crowds fade.
  
• Plan a few nearby day trips. Portland Head Light, Kennebunkport, and Scarborough Marsh are all within easy driving distance and showcase the best of coastal Maine’s scenery.

No matter what time of year you visit, this campground makes it simple to enjoy everything Old Orchard Beach has to offer,  from the seaside fun to the peaceful pine-filled mornings.

Final Thoughts + Video Tour

Our week at Old Orchard Beach Campground reminded me why Maine camping is so special; it’s not just about the scenery, but the feeling you get while you’re there. From the tall pines of the Black Forest section to the easy trolley rides into town, every part of our stay struck that perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.

This campground manages to blend everything you want in a coastal Maine getaway: family-friendly amenities, proximity to the beach, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. 

You can tell it’s been built, and cared for, with love over the past 50 years, and that family-run warmth really comes through.

If you’re planning a trip to Old Orchard Beach and want a spot that’s both convenient and charming, I’d absolutely recommend this campground. Whether you’re in a big rig, a travel trailer, or a cabin, you’ll find a site that fits your style.

🎥 You can watch our full video tour below to see a walkthrough of the park, the Black Forest section, and a few of our favorite spots around town.

Old Orchard Beach Campground has earned a spot on our list of must-return destinations, and if you love camping near the coast with that classic New England vibe, it might earn a spot on yours, too.