Glamping is all about the fun of camping with the joy of luxury… or just not sleeping on the ground. The Desert of Maine does a great job of mixing fun and a beautiful forest stay into the experience. And it’s such an unusual spot due to the sand dunes… in the forest. I knew the Desert of Maine existed but I didn’t understand how it came to be or how cool the glamping experience was until we finally got to enjoy a visit.
If you haven’t heard of or been to the Desert of Maine, we’ve got the full scoop to share with you, from the awesome accommodations options to the activities on site (and they aren’t all sand-dune based). Please let us know what questions you have about the Desert of Maine and the Freeport area. I love this region because it’s both close to Portland and it’s a world away, so we’ll be happy to share more and answer any questions!
What We Love about the Desert of Maine
When it comes to glamping, you have a lot of options in Maine. I would say that there are more glamping choices here than nearly any other states, and I travel a lot. What I like about glamping at the Desert of Maine is the level of comfort for being out in the woods. Each cabin or dome is so well put together and just a beautiful retreat in the forest, and it feels very special.
We’ve stayed in many glamping spots in Maine, and the Desert of Maine is very different from places like the Terramor Outdoor Resort at Acadia NP or Seaswell Megunticook in the Camden area. Here, you really do feel like you’re in the woods alone, enjoying the solitude and the owls. The types of cabins are what make glamping at the Desert of Maine so different. With other options you can hear both nature and other campers, but with the domes, A-frames and cabins here it’s much more quiet than you might expect.
And being connected to trails, dunes, play areas and mini golf are all just a bonus. There are tons of things to do in the Freeport area, but when you’re staying here or even just visiting for the day, you’ve got lots to enjoy just here on the Desert of Maine property. Walking in the woods and stargazing just steps from our cabins make it an extra relaxing place to stay for an easy, beautiful getaway.
Desert of Maine Glamping Accommodations Options
There are three types of cabins at the Desert of Maine, so you can choose the type of glamping that suits you! There is the geodesic dome, which sleeps four, the A-frame that sleeps two or four, the cabin that sleeps six and the canvas glamping tents that sleep four to six guests. Each of these also has their own price point, so sometimes what you get to choose is dependent on both availability and budget.
I LOVED the dome cabin for my stay. Having a wall of windows and a skylight into the forest is just what I want when I’m in forest-immersion mode. A full, beautiful bathroom, a kitchenette complete with cooking gear and a loft with a queen bed for the kids and it’s just a wonderful family escape into the woods. Our group also had an A-frame in the mix, which was also lovely. It’s very different in that it has a queen bed and a sitting area, a morning refreshment station with a kettle and supplies, a toilet and sink, but not a shower, and then a deck. The deck is what absolutely sold me on the A-frame style cabin. The A-frames don’t have their own showers, so there is a central bathing facility that is very nice, and I’ve got to say, that actually lends itself to making it feel a little more like a camping experience.
The third option, the cabins, as more similar to the geodesic domes in their amenities. Beautifully put together, the cabin is an ideal retreat and costs a little less than the dome. The last option is the platform tents. These are very nice canvas glamping tents with lots of indoor space and a front deck. These sleep four and are really the best option if you’re wanting to feel like you’re camping and have more connection time together indoors. The large seating area is great, especially if you’re part of a bigger group or if it’s rainy while you’re visiting the Desert of Maine.
Amenities at the Desert of Maine Glamping Ground
I love that the Desert of Maine is both a glamping destination and it’s full of things to do and simple conveniences. Each cabin or dome or tent has its own campfire area and outdoor seating (many with picnic tables too), as well as coffee station within the accommodations. If you’re in one of the more “camping” style glamping options, you have a community bath house building with restrooms and private showers and such that is all very nice.
Also here within the glamping ground area is a self-serve camp store where you can purchase campfire supplies, basic snacks and drinks, and it’s all done through a self-pay system. Super easy. In the more public area of the Desert of Maine you’ll find a larger camp store that also has souvenirs and clothing.
Things to Do at Desert of Maine
So these dunes at the Desert of Maine, they’re fascinating and one of the many things to do here. The sand dunes formed more than a century ago after some livestock grazing destroyed the area and the sand from the soil and that blew around all came together to form these beautiful sand dunes in the forest. Now you can explore the dunes and trails through the surrounding woods, reading all about the geology and phenomenal in the different exhibits as you go.
While you’re wandering (Wander with Wonder is their tagline) you’ll also come across a fairy playground and maze, historic structures and fun photo ops. Back at the main lodge area you’ll find mini golf, which is actually the best and nicest course I’ve ever played, as well as an additional playground and even a train tram tour of the Desert of Maine. This is such a good place to visit and stay!
Tip: if you’re into stargazing, after dark head up to the sand dunes to check out the wonderfully dark night sky. There is so little light around you can see the stars with incredible clarity.
Dining at / near Freeport
Depending on the glamping accommodations you him, you may have a kitchenette, but if not you at least have a coffee station in your cabin or platform tent. At the primary Desert of Maine Lodge area there is the Oasis walk up window/counter where you can get a variety of snacks, breakfast and lunch foods, coffee, drinks and ice cream. Just ten minutes away (or less) is the town of Freeport and there are TONS of restaurant options there. And you can’t forget that you’re in farm country so as you’re exploring, there are lots of farm stands to get fruit and baked goods, and there are lots of apple picking options!
Parking and Location of the Desert of Maine
The Desert of Maine is located in Freeport which is wonderfully close to Portland, so we might even call it the “Portland area.” It’s easy to add onto a trip if you’re just planning things around Portland or if you’re heading up to the MidCoast.
Each of the glamping sites at the Desert of Maine has its own parking spot. If you have multiple cars in your party there is additional parking just a short walk away. When it’s time to explore the dunes and mini golf at the Desert of Maine you can either walk up to the lodge area or drive up. It’s not far at all.
Desert of Maine Operating Info
If you’d like to go ahead and book a stay here at the Desert of Maine, 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: Visiting hours 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, glamping year round
- Property website: DesertofMaine.com
- Property phone number: 207-250-2550
- Check-in address: 95 Desert Rd, Freeport, ME 04032
More Things to Do in Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine is a great city to explore, especially with kids. Yes, we love the lighthouses all around the coast, but in Portland you’ll find some great museums, fun bookstores, lots of good food and plenty of tours to get you out on the water. This is a very historic city that’s seen big changes as the world of industry evolves. If you weren’t planning on spending much time in Portland during your trip to Maine, think again and see about adding some of these fun activities to your itinerary:
- do a whale watching trip
- walk around the historic seaport area
- visit the Portland Art Museum
- check out the three lighthouses in Portland: Portland Head, Spring Point Ledge and Bug Light
- eat whoopie pies and lobster rolls
- visit the Museum of Cryptozoology
- check out one of the several historic cemeteries
- rent bikes to explore the Portland area
- do a day trip up to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Check out these great options:
Where to Stay in Portland, Maine
I like staying in downtown Portland because there are lots of great places to eat all through the historic area and business district. There are walkable sights like the stage theater, the Longfellow House and the whole waterfront/port area. You’ll find both unique and national brand hotels in downtown Portland, so if you like to travel with point or earn loyalty, you can do that. If you venture beyond the city to places like Cape Elizabeth or Freeport you’ll have even more options, especially for places to stay that are quintessential Maine. One of our favorites will always be the Harasseeket Inn in Freeport. We love unique, boutique stays!
I hope you’ll consider a getaway to the Desert of Maine. Visiting Freeport and farm country is really special in any season. 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!
