“I really like that place.” My son just asked what I’m writing about and when I said it was the Sea Swell Megunticook Campground, that was his response. It’s true, we’ve stayed here several times and it’s our favorite place to rough it in MidCoast Maine. The Megunticook Campground is a wonderful option for either tent/trailer camping or renting rustic cabins. I love that it’s set among the trees and just above the rocky coastline.
We’ve got the full scoop on what the options are for staying at the Sea Swell Megunticook Campground, its amenities and great ideas for things to do in the Rockland/Camden area. If you have any questions about planning a really outdoorsy trip to MidCoast Maine or camping here at Megunticook, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help others explore Maine!
What We Love about Staying at Megunticook Campground
Something that makes staying at the Sea Swelll Megunticook Campground such a great option for us (and others) is that they can easily accommodate friends and family that want to join us either into a cabin or campsite. Yes, the cabins do book far in advance but when there are cancellations you can book into the vacancies pretty easily. We’ve lucked out previously with there being a cancellation in the cabin next to us and been able to grab it last minute for family to join us.
I really like all the public space and room for kids to roam. Within the campground area there are lots of walking paths and there are great places to relax by the pool or even in the main lodge space, so if you need a day on your vacation to just sit around and enjoy being someplace relaxing, there are lots of options. At night, the campground tends to stay pretty quiet and guests seem to be consistently good at respecting noise rules. This is wonderful for being able to have quiet family campfires and everyone enjoy just their own space vs wild party camps.
Something else that I like about staying at the Sea Swell Megunticook Campground is the combination of being very rustic and still having amenities like nice bathrooms and showers. I know not everyone likes to camp or is into having a rustic stay, but we enjoy it and here it’s a great blend of roughing it and convenience.
Sea Swell Megunticook Campground Options
Being a campground, Sea Swell Megunticook of course has campsites, but it also has quite a few cabins. The cabins do have electricity and beds, but they are still rustic. There is no AC or heater in the cabins, so you’ll need to bring the right sort of gear to be comfortable. Oh yes, so the cabins have beds, but not linens. There are outdoor style mattresses on the beds (double and twin bunks) which you can either bring your own linens for or bring sleeping bags. We always do sleeping bags because it’s easy.
For campsites, there are tent and RV sites. Tent sites are nice sized and have full tree cover. The RV sites have less usable space due to the pull-in area, but there is still enough room to enjoy the campsites. Also, there are a good number of pull-thru RV sites, so that’s nice.
Amenities at Sea Swell Megunticook Campground
Remember, rustic campground resort… but what’s so cool is that they do actually have some wonderful amenities for guests camping or staying in the cabins here at Sea Swell Megunticook Campground. There are, of course, showers and restrooms that are well maintained, but then there is also a swimming pool and sun deck area. You might not think of MidCoast Maine as a sunshine destination but when it’s sunny it’s hot and awesome. Camping or glamping and having access to a pool and lounge space is a win. And then there’s also a playground right next to the swimming pool, so that’s always been a hit with our kids.
Additionally, there is a main office that is open for guests most of the day. Here you can relax if it’s rainy, read a book if you need to escape your family for a little bit, or you can get some basic camping supplies if you need them.
The best amenity when you’re camping at Sea Swell Megunticook really is the waterfront area. This is my favorite place to be in the morning when we’re here, looking out over the water and sitting in an Adirondack chair with my coffee. There are picnic tables and cookout stations here too. If you’d like to use the cooking area, check with the lodge building staff as summertime often brings lobster cookouts and group functions in the waterfront area.
Dining in Camden and Rockland
The Sea Swell Megunticook Campground is located smack between Camden and Rockland, so you have the best of both worlds when it comes to dining out. Yes, you can totally cook at the campground either on a camp stove or on the open fire, but when I’m already roughing it with a rustic cabin or a tent, I like to dine out for a few meals too.
Note: usually during the summer there are weekly lobster cookouts at Porpoise Point (the waterfront at Megunticook), so if that’s something you’re interested in check with the campground to see what nights it’s happening (or if there are any scheduled).
The nearest food option happens to also be one of my favorites, American Flatbread, which makes awesome pizzas (flatbreads) and incredible salads. They do all kinds of live music in the summer and have lots of outdoor space. It’s a great place with kids and stays open all winter.
In nearby Rockport there are quite a few nicer places to dine if you’re looking for seafood or a solid wine list. In Rockland you’ve got tons of choices both on and just off Main Street (I know, Main Street really is the main street here) and then in Camden you have more dining all through the main town corridor and on the water as well. I think what’s fun about fining in MidCoast Maine is actually finding the off the beaten path places though.
Primo in Rockland is, as its name suggests, primo with its gardens and open air fun and delicious farm to table food. And then our favorite lobster spot is McLoon’s Lobster Shack in South Thomaston. Another fun place for dinner is at the Craignair Inn by the Sea at the Causeway restaurant. I love the view and the vibe, especially when it’s peak summer and you can be out on the deck.
Things to do Near Sea Swell Megunticook Campground
There are lots of wonderful things to do around the Sea Swell Megunticook Campground. You’re in MidCoast Maine! There are lighthouses to visit and coves to kayak! Camden Hills State Park is nearby for hiking, as well as the Beech Hill Preserve, which has wild blueberries at the top of the trail. You can plan to spend a morning walking through Camden and then head out on a schooner for a sailing tour.
If you’re heading towards Rockland, you’ve got the Farnsworth Museum, the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, Owls Head Light and the Transportation Museum, and much more. For a really fun and unique sort of activity and tour, drive down to Port Clyde and visit the Marshall Point Light (the Forrest Gump Lighthouse) and then go out to see the puffins on the lobersting tour with Monhegan Boat Lines. You can do so many fun things just in this small slice of MidCoast Maine!
Tip: if you want to get out on the water but you’re on a tight budget, consider doing either the Matinicus Ferry or the ferry Vinalhaven Island. Either is beautiful and both are inexpensive options to do a little sightseeing. Note your return time though so that you don’t get stuck somewhere!
Sea Swell Campgrounds Operating Info
If you’d like to go ahead and book a stay here at the Megunticook Campground, below you’ll find all the info for reaching the property, if you want to inquire for more information or group stays, and booking links if you want to secure your accommodations now. **Keep in mind that they also manage the Camden Hills Campground, so be sure you’re planning on staying at the correct location for your trip.
- Seasonality, check-in/check-out times: May 15 – October 15, check in starts at 1:00 pm, check out by 11:00 am
- Property website: Sea Swell Campgrounds
- Property phone number: 207-594-2428
- Check-in address: 620 Commercial St, Rockport, ME 04856
- Book it here: RJourney booking site
Things to Do in MidCoast Maine
There are plenty of things to do in Rockland, Camden, near the Samoset Resort, or wherever you’re staying in MidCoast Maine. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, arts and culture experiences, or family-friendly maritime stuff, there are tons of great options for things to do. Here are ten interesting things to do in the area:
- Camden Hills State Park – Located just a short drive from the Samoset Resort, the Camden Hills State Park offers miles of hiking trails, breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
- Take a Sail on a Schooner – Camden is known as the “sailing capital of the world,” and for good reason. Several schooner companies offer scenic sails out of Camden Harbor, giving visitors the chance to experience the beauty of Penobscot Bay from the water.
- Explore the Farnsworth Art Museum – Located in nearby Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum is home to an impressive collection of American art, including works by Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
- Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum – Located in Rockland, the Maine Lighthouse Museum is dedicated to the history of lighthouses and their keepers in Maine. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and even a working Fresnel lens.
- Go Whale or Puffin Watching – Going out of Camden or Port Clyde, several companies offer whale watching tours, giving visitors the chance to see humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises, in their natural habitat. I love Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde.
- Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Located about 45 minutes from the Samoset Resort, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens features over 300 acres of gardens, woodland trails, and waterfalls. The gardens are open year-round and offer special events and activities throughout the year.
- Visit a Lighthouse – There are so many lighthouses in Maine, and you’re spoiled for choice here in MidCoast Maine. From the Rockland Breakwater Light to Marshal Point, Pemequid or the Squirrel Point Light, you can visit so many different, truly unique lighthouses.
- Visit the Owls Head Transportation Museum – Located just a few miles from the Samoset Resort, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is home to an impressive collection of antique cars, planes, motorcycles, and other vehicles. The museum also hosts several special events throughout the year.
Where to Stay in MidCoast Maine
Of course we love getting to stay places like the Samoset Resort or 250 Main Hotel, but there are lots more options. Depending on how far out you are able to book your visit to MidCoast Maine you may become limited in finding both the right type of accommodations AND something within your budget. Here are some good picks for places to consider in the Rockland / general MidCoast area:
- The Ledges
- 250 Main Hotel
- Craignair Inn by the Sea
- Rockland Harbor Hotel
- Drift Oceanside Inn
- Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn
- Camden Harbor Inn
- Camden Maine Stay Inn
Each of these recommendations is good for couples or families. Inquire with each if you’re traveling with a pet or have specific hotel needs. Below you’ll find a map with additional options for finding a stay in MidCoast Maine.
Here are some of our recommendations:
I hope you’ll consider camping or glamping in a cabin here at the Sea Swell Megunticook Campground. Visiting this part of Maine is really special in any season, but especially in summer. If you have any additional questions or need some recommendations for something else, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and help YOU have a wonderful trip as you explore Maine!
