We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy glamping all around Maine, but I must say that Sandy Pines really has the greatest breadth of glamping options. The Sandy Pines Campground is such a gem and very different from the charming inns you’ll find in Kennebunkport. Whether you’re here on your own or if you’re planning a big family trip, I think you’ll find that Sandy Pines is a winner to suit any sort of glamping or camping needs.
Are you into glamping over hotel stays? I am most of the time because I love the connection to the outdoors that you get when you’re glamping. We’ve enjoyed staying at the Sandy Pines Campground and have gotten to see EVERY type of glamping option available, so we have lots of info for you. If you have any questions about staying at Sandy Pine Campground or need recommendations for things to do around Kennebunkport and Saco, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help YOU plan a fun adventure exploring Maine.
Why is Sandy Pines Campground so Cool?
Unique accommodations always make traveling just a little more fun, and that’s just what you’ll find at Sandy Pines Campground. With five different types of glamping in addition to a full campground, it’s a really interesting community of travelers. You can’t go wrong staying someplace that’s both comfortable AND drives you to spend time outside, so glamping in Kennebunkport is just a solid pick, especially once you see the sorts of glamping you can choose from.
We found the staff at Sandy Pines Campground to be some of the kindest people, very connected to the property and very much interested in making sure we had a good stay. Whether it was getting some additional glamping supplies in the camp store or helping us plan our activities around Kennebunkport and Saco, they were so helpful. You can tell a lot about a property, whether it’s glamping or a hotel, by how the staff enjoy their interactions with guests, and that really shines here.
Sandy Pines Campground is a fun place just to relax, in addition to the unique accommodations. More on it below, but the amenities on property allow you to check in and not need to worry about plans or leaving the campground for at least a few days.
Sandy Pines Glamping and Camping Options
I’ll start with the tiny home glamping options at Sandy Pines Campground. The whimsical cabins are themed with different Wes Anderson vibes and memorobilia. Whether you’re staying in a Life Aquatic themed house or The Royal Tenenbaum’s cabin, they each are fun and very unusual. We stayed in the Rushmore tiny house named the Rosemary, and it was lovely with tons of space (sleeps 10).
Another glamping option at Sandy Pines is the Platform Tent. We’ve enjoyed this style of glamping at the Terramor Resort in Bar Harbor, but they’re quite different here. While they are decorated in the coolest ways and are full of convenient comforts, the platform tents are still more camp style than the tiny houses. The A-frames are similar in being less “house like” and more camp style, but still really cool and comfortable. If you’ve read other glamping articles we have, you’ll have seen the A-frames at Desert of Maine, which are more cabin-like than these. There’s a camper for any sort of accommodations.
More of Sandy Pine Campground glamping options include Conestoga wagons, quaint cabins/cottages and what I would call circus trailers. I love the diversity of options and the fun atmosphere of it all. If you book a glamping option that doesn’t have its own bathroom, don’t worry as there are bathhouses throughout the neighborhoods and they’re quite nice and private.
Amenities at Sandy Pines Campground
Being in the outdoors is an amenity enough for me, but since we are talking about glamping and enjoying the comforts beyond camping, you’ve actually got lots to add to your stay. I think the biggest draw for families in the summertime is the large swimming area near the lodge. A good sized heated swimming pool and a smaller shallow pool for kids make it feel like a resort hotel. There is also a play lawn with cornhole and yard games, and several different playground structures throughout.
The camp store is a big win for camping supplies, snacks, wine, souvenirs and even freshly baked goods (I may have enjoyed several fresh donuts). Upstairs from the camp store is the check in area or “lodge” with comfortable seating and a quiet atmosphere just in case you need to get away from your travel crew or if you get pulled into completing some work.
For outdoor activities, there are lots of walking paths, including one to Goose Rocks Beach. You can rent kayaks at high tide to paddle through the marshlands, and they have bike rentals too. If you’re renting bikes, you can ride all through the Sandy Pines Campground, and then if you want you can ride to the beach or even into either Kennebunkport and Porpoise Point or Fortunes Rocks. It’s beautiful and such a great way to spend the day.
Dining Near or Cooking Out at Sandy Pines
One of the joys of camping or glamping is cooking for yourself while traveling. I love it and I’ll never say no to grilling out when I’m camping (unless it’s raining and I don’t have to get wet). The tiny houses for glamping have kitchens and outdoor space for grilling on an open fire (or coals). Fire rings are available in the other glamping areas, and you’re always welcome to bring your own camping bbq for closed flames cooking situations.
Because Sandy Pines Campground is so close to Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Saco and other small towns, you have tons of dining options if you’re not in the mood to cook. I would encourage you to look beyond the primary tourist areas like the riverfront of Kennebunkport to find some nice local dining. You’ll have so many wonderful options if you expand your search for restaurants.
Check in at Sandy Pines Campground
Check in at Sandy Pines Campground is easy-breezy. The Lodge is located just above the camp store and they’ll get you all registered. When you arrive you’ll be given a gate key-card and then if you’re glamping, you’ll get physical keys for certain types of accommodations. I like that even though it’s a campground it’s gated for additional security. Drive slowly as you make your way to your glamping or camping spot, as there can be lots of kids and people on bikes throughout the property. Safety first!
Sandy Pines Operating Info
If you’d like to go ahead and book a stay here at the Sandy Pines Campground and glamping, 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.
- Seasonality: May through October
- Property website: SandyPinesCamping.com
- Property phone number: 207-967-2482
- Check-in address: 277 Mills Road, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
- More reviews here: Tripadvisor
More Things to Do in Portland and Southern 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.
Southern Maine has more wonderful towns that are also easy to visit, as everything is surprisingly close to Portland. Ogunquit, Saco, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach and more are all within a 45 minute drive of Portland, making it a no-brainer to add to your trip if you want. Also, heading out towards Sebago Lake, you’ll find more beautiful small towns and awesome state parks and the like to enjoy. If you weren’t planning on spending much time in Portland or Southern Maine during your trip, think again and see about adding some of these fun activities to your itinerary.
Portland Ideas:
- 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
Southern Maine Activities and Destinations:
- do a day trip up to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
- visit Old Orchard Beach and the midway style boardwalk
- hike at the Saco Heath Preserve
- spend a day or two in Maine’s beautiful LGBTQ+ hub of Ogunquit
- day trip out to Sebago Lake State Park (the best picnic spot in Maine)
- trek to the Nubble Lighthouse
- explore the many natural preserves and estuaries for hiking and kayaking
Check out these great options:
Where to Stay in Portland or Southern 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 State 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 or a glamping trip to the Desert of Maine. We love unique, boutique stays!
When you’re looking at going further south to Kennebunkport, Ogunquit or Old Orchard Beach, you’ll find TONS of options. For these areas I would recommend finding a hotel or inn that’s walking distance to the main activities you’re planning. If you have the option to be ON the beach, do it!
Check out some of our favorite picks for where to stay in Southern Maine:
I hope you’ll consider glamping at Sandy Pines Campground. Visiting this part of Maine 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!
