Sandy Pines Campground: Discover the Best Family-Friendly Campground in Kennebunkport Maine
Name: Sandy Pines Campground
Location: 277 Mills Road, Kennebunkport, Maine 04046
Accommodations: Glamping, Cottages, Retreats, RV Sites, Tent Sites, A-Frames
Dog-friendly: Yes (see below)
Season: May-October
Located less than a mile from Goose Rocks Beach and a short drive from downtown Kennebunkport, Sandy Pines Campground is an ideal home base for your Maine beach vacation. The campground has lodging options for every budget and amenities guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.
In this blog post, I share everything you need to know about camping at Sandy Pines Campground—lodging options, reservation information, how to access the campground, what to bring, the best time of year to visit, campground amenities, nearby activities, restaurants, and more!
About the Campground
Sandy Pines is definitely a family-friendly campground. The gravel roads are well-kept and wide, perfect for riding bikes and there are several playgrounds and activities to keep kids busy all day. That being said, I believe the campground is also adult-friendly, as there are several “quiet” sections that are off limits to kids and pets—which makes them perfect for a little R&R. Overall, I found the campground to be quiet and well-maintained.
How to Make a Camping Reservation at Sandy Pines Campground
To make a reservation or to see what lodging options are available for certain dates, you can use the “book now” link on the Sandy Pines Campground website or click here. Enter the dates you are looking to stay and the number of guests and click the green search button. You will get a variety of results depending on availability, then you will be able to filter your results by price, amenities, lodging types, etc. Dog-friendly options will have a little paw print next to them.
Accessing Sandy Pines Campground
The campground is located off Route 9 (Mills Road) in Kennebunkport.
To access the campground from I-95: take exit 63 for ME-11 toward Sanford/Alfred, turn right onto ME-11 South/ME-111 South and drive for about 5 miles, turn left onto ME-111 (Waterboro Road) and follow for approximately 7 miles, turn right onto Kennebunk Road, drive about 2 miles; the campground will be on your right.
Lodging Options
Click here to view the campground map.
Tent and RV campsites
The campground offers tent sites with and without electricity, sites with 30 amp, and sites with 50 amp. Each campsite comes with a picnic table, fire pit, and access to clean bathhouses and dishwashing sinks.
Couples Cottages
These cozy cottages each have a king-size bed, heat, AC, linens, towels, a mini fridge, a fire pit, and outdoor seating. The couples cottages are designed for two adults—no children or pets allowed.
Family Cottages
These spacious cottages have the same accommodations as the couples cottages, with more space and two twin-sized beds.
Couples Glamping Tents
Large canvas tents outfitted with a king-size bed, AC, a small heater, linens, towels, mini fridge, a fire pit, outdoor seating area, and an outside beverage cooler. The couples tents are designed for two adults—no children or pets allowed.
Family Glamping Tents
All the same accommodations as the couples clamping tents, with more space, two twin-sized beds, and a daybed.
Hideaway Huts (A-frames)
An a-frame on wheels with a full-size bed, linens, towels, a fire pit, outdoor seating, and a beverage cooler. The Hideaway Huts are designed for one or two adults—no children or pets allowed.
Campground Activities
Swimming
The heated, saltwater pool opens Memorial Day weekend and is guaranteed to tire out your kids day after day. There is also a shallow kiddie pool for little ones. The swimming area also has plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas to keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Adventurers can launch their kayaks or paddle boards into the salt marsh right from the campground—just be sure to consult the tide schedule. Rentals are available through Kayak Excursions from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Kids Activities
The campground has two playgrounds—one for older kids and one for younger kids. There is also a basketball court, craft sessions, and lush lawn space full of yard games like corn hole, ladder ball, giant tic-tac-toe, etc.
Nearby Activities
Hiking
Kennebunkport is home to mostly flat, scenic trails. Here are a few of my favorites:
A tranquil 1.4-mile loop trail that moves through salt marshes, mixed forested areas, ocean edges and a sandy cove area. At low tide, hikers can explore Timber Island.
Beautiful 1,100-acre preserve with 10 miles of multi-use trails and plenty of wildlife to observe.
This preserve encompasses 625 acres of land and a 45-acre pond. It’s known for its diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and streams. It offers scenic walking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Beaches
You’ll need a parking permit to park at any of the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport beaches. Don’t fear—parking permits can be purchased either at the beach kiosks, via PassPortParking mobile app, or at the Kennebunk Town Hall.
Goose Rocks Beach
Known for its soft sand and gentle surf—making it perfect for families. Parking is limited and expensive ($40 per day)—but it’s free after 6:00p.m. No public restrooms or lifeguards on duty.
Gooch’s Beach
A long, wide sandy beach that is perfect for swimming and surfing. Parking permits are $25 daily or $100 weekly. During peak season, there are lifeguards and port-a-potties available.
Mother’s Beach
Smaller beach with tidal pools, a playground, lifeguards, and port-a-potties. Parking permits are $25 daily and $100 weekly.
Shopping
Downtown Kennebunkport is home to a mix of local shops and stores that sell everything you could possibly want or need—books, candy, clothing, pet goods, art, souvenirs, Maine-themed items, baby clothes, toys, etc.
Restaurants
Seasonal eatery with a big deck overlooking the water known for fresh and fried seafood.
Batson River Brewing and Distilling
Craft beers, delicious cocktails, and great food served in a cozy setting.
Local tavern that serves New England-style seafood, pub favorites, and drinks.
Insider Tips for Visiting Sandy Pines Campground
Consider a mid-week vacation
Swap your weekend stay for a Sunday-Tuesday or Tuesday-Thursday stay. Everything—restaurants, beaches, and downtowns will be significantly less busy.
What to pack
Beach stuff—chairs, toys, swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, etc.
Comfortable shoes—for walking, biking, hiking, etc.
A rain and/or wind jacket—in case of an afternoon thunderstorms!
If you will be tent camping and do not camp frequently, be sure to check out my camping checklist to help with packing.
Bug spray—if you’re not used to pesky mosquitoes, etc.
Best time to visit
Coastal Maine is the most enjoyable during the Summer (June-September) months when temperatures are welcoming to activities such as hiking, swimming, going to the beach, kayaking, etc.
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. Think of it like being a good guest—keep things clean, respect the wildlife, take only memories and leave behind only footprints. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of places in Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more insider Maine camping tips and recommendations? You can find them all here.
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With Love,
MyMaine
