Drift Oceanside Inn: Camden’s Cabin and Retro Resort on the Water

There are so many beautiful and quaint places to stay in Camden, Maine, but I’m always a sucker for a cabin or an oceanfront view, which is just what you’ll find at the Drift Oceanside Inn. Located off Highway 1, just north of downtown Camden, the Drift Oceanside Inn is a quaint little retreat in the woods with beautiful views of Penobscot Bay. There are some nice amenities on property and it’s really a lovely place to escape the crowds of MidCoast Maine in the summertime.

Have you gotten to stay at the Drift Oceanside Inn before? They completed a renovation of most of the property in 2024, so it’s nice and fresh and ready to roll. we’ve got the full scoop on what you can expect at the Drift Oceanside Inn, as well as some tips for visiting Camden, Maine. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or send us a note. We are always happy to share more and help you plan a wonderful time. exploring MidCoast Maine.

What We Love about Camden’s Drift Oceanside Inn

I think what makes the Drift Oceanside Inn stand out to me as such a wonderful place to stay is that you get your own space and you’re always looking out to sea. Being in Camden is all about the quintessential coastal Maine lifestyle, and having an ocean view and being able to smell the sea air whenever you open your door is an important part of that. Having your own space that you can unwind that is more than a hotel room is also great. While we’re not talking that you have a whole 2000 square foot house to yourself, having a kitchenette, sitting area, deck, and nice bathroom and then being able to step out and breathe deep is really something and makes the Drift Oceanside Inn the perfect place to enjoy summer in Maine.

Staying here in Camden is great if you’re traveling with kids. The Drift Oceanside Inn is very kid friendly with lots of outdoor space designed for families to enjoy. It’s easy to stay here, just north of town, and be minutes from activities in Camden, close to Camden Hills State Park and also past all the traffic pain points of MidCoast Maine, which you’ll appreciate if you plan on heading over to Acadia National Park during your visit. And if you just want to relax, Drift Oceanside Inn is perfect for that, so you never even have to go anywhere if you don’t want to. I may have even taken a nap or two on my deck chair while here…

Bonus: whenever we see indicators of inclusivity and caring for the community, we like to note it, and upon arrive at the Drift Oceanside Inn there were ample Pride flags and the staff was wonderfully welcoming to our mixed travel group. This may not seem important to share/call out, but many LGBTQ travelers like to know that they’re supporting a business that supports their community.

Drift Oceanside Inn Accommodations Options

You’ve got a few options when you’re booking your stay at the Drift Oceanside Inn, and depending on your dates and number of nights, not all options may show as available for you. The property is unique in that there are split cabins with studios (one building, two units), Deluxe cabins (2BD w/ living area) and motel units (similar to the studios but in a bigger building). The motel units aren’t too much smaller than the studio cabins, so book whichever is available, unless you know that you really want a specific unit.

All cabins and motel accommodations are oceanfront, so you’ll have a great view wherever you stay. From each room you’re steps away from the rocky coastline, with a few access points to be able to walk on the rocks and explore. In 2024 the Inn started a major renovation on its cabins and motel rooms with the majority of the property being completed, so everything is nicely updated and well maintained. The thought of staying at a cabin resort might sound rustic, but the modernity of the Drift Oceanside Inn is the perfect balance of being disconnected from busy life and a comfortable newness. And when I say disconnected, I don’t mean that there’s not technology, just that you feel a world away. There’s WIFI, don’t worry.

Amenities at Drift Oceanside Inn

Not that you need any more amenities than a beautiful ocean view, but if you really need to know, the property itself is wonderful. You’re surrounded by trees then as you approach the water it opens up to allow the breeze and sights to flow right in. There is a community fire pit with chairs, a children’s playground and nature area, and the registration office even has some space if you need to break away from your family and need to sit on a laptop for a minute. The resort does provide wood for campfires at the community firepit, so check in the office if you’d like help getting that going (if it’s not already).

Each unit has a deck or porch, except for a couple of the motel units which instead have oceanfront sliding doors in the style of a Juliet balcony. To see how the individual unit amenities and layouts varies, check out the galleries specific to each one. Since you are so near Camden, if there are any goods or services you need, you don’t have far to go. The Drift Oceanside Inn is lovely for a quiet stay on the water and the accommodations are very nice, but it’s not a 5 star full service resort, so don’t show up expecting the amenities of the Samoset Resort at this family owned and operated lodging.

Dining near Drift Oceanside Inn in Camden

There is no dining directly at the Drift Oceanside Inn, but the cabin units do have kitchenettes (with two-burner stoves) if you would like to do simple breakfasts and lunches. If you’re in the mood for grilling, there are charcoal grills and the front office can provide you with tools. And while they don’t necessarily supply charcoal burquettes, they usually have some available if needed. If you’re planning on grilling, be sure that you get your charcoal when you’re in town.

For dining in nearby Camden, there are lots of wonderful restaurants both in the main town area and as you head towards Rockland or Lincolnville. I always enjoy Sea Dog Brewing Co and the Waterfront Restaurant, but you’ll find lots more options, including the relatively new Barren’s Distillery + Restaurant on the Camden Harbor.

Parking and Location of Drift Oceanside Inn

Parking is included with your stay at the Drift Oceanside Inn. You’ll drive to the resort, heading north from downtown Camden and it’ll be on your right. It’s a gradual grade down to the waterfront here where the inn is located. When you arrive, check in at the registration cabin and then you’ll be directed to your accommodations. There is parking at each unit so you won’t have far to walk.

Drift Oceanside Inn Operating Info

If you’d like to go ahead and book a stay here at the Drift Oceanside Inn, 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. [affiliate]

• Seasonality, check-in/check-out times: May through early October, check in at 3:00, check out by 11:00 am
• Property website: About Page
• Property phone number: 207-706-9443
• Check-in address: 80 Beloin Road, Camden ME 04843