The Beach That Fights the Sea
Camp Ellis is a small beach community at the southern tip of Saco, where the Saco River empties into Saco Bay. A massive stone jetty, built in the 19th century to keep the river channel clear for ship traffic to Biddeford’s textile mills, extends 4,800 feet into the ocean. That jetty defines the character of everything here: the waves that slam against it, the beach that erodes beside it, and the tight-knit community that has watched both for generations.
This is not a resort beach. Camp Ellis is a working waterfront. The harbor hosts a commercial fishing fleet, lobster boats, and charter vessels. Huot’s Seafood Restaurant sits on the pier. The houses and cottages are modest and close together, many of them vintage. People who come here have been coming here for a long time.
The beach runs north from the jetty along Surf Street, with views across Saco Bay to Old Orchard Beach and beyond. It is narrow, dynamic, and shaped by the relentless interaction between river current, ocean waves, and the jetty’s hard edge.
The Beach and the Jetty
The jetty is the main attraction for many visitors. Walking out along the massive granite blocks toward the ocean provides a front-row seat to the power of the Atlantic. During high surf or storms, waves crash against the jetty and send spray high into the air. The Saco River current runs alongside, creating swirling patterns where fresh and salt water meet.
The beach itself is sandy but narrow, especially at high tide. Erosion has been a long-standing issue here. The jetty, which was built to prevent sand from clogging the river channel, redirects wave energy onto the adjacent beach. Over the decades, more than 30 homes and properties have been lost to erosion. The US Army Corps of Engineers has studied the problem extensively, and federal funding has been allocated for a jetty modification project.
Despite the erosion challenges, the beach is a genuine place. Locals swim, fish from the jetty, and gather on the sand. The community has not been polished for tourists, which is part of the appeal.
The Saco River outlet creates powerful currents near the jetty. Do not swim near the jetty or the river channel. Swim in the calmer water north of the main beach area. The intersection of river and ocean current is unpredictable and dangerous.
Wave Watching
Camp Ellis is one of the best wave watching spots on the southern Maine coast. During nor’easters, high tides, and winter storms, the waves hitting the jetty are spectacular. Locals park along Surf Street and watch from their cars or stand on the rocks (at a safe distance) to see the ocean at its most dramatic.
Even on calm summer days, the wave action near the jetty is more energetic than on the open beaches to the north. The reflected waves create a confused, churning surface that is fascinating to watch.
Visit during an incoming high tide with a south or southeast wind for the most dramatic wave action at the jetty. Check the tide charts and marine forecast before going. Winter storms produce the biggest waves, but fall swells can be impressive too.
The Harbor
Camp Ellis Harbor is a working fishing harbor. Commercial boats head out early in the morning and return with lobster, groundfish, and other catches. Charter fishing boats offer trips for striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel in season.
Huot’s Seafood Restaurant, right on the pier, serves fried seafood, lobster rolls, and chowder with a view of the harbor and the river. It is a no-frills, seasonal operation and a Camp Ellis institution.
Walk the pier in late afternoon when the fishing boats return. The lobster boats unload their catch, seagulls circle, and the light over Saco Bay turns warm. Then grab a lobster roll at Huot’s and eat it watching the river. This is the authentic Camp Ellis experience.
When to Go
Spring
Cool and breezy. Good for jetty walks and harbor watching. Water too cold for swimming.
Summer
Swimming, fishing, and seafood. Harbor at its busiest. Warm but breezy.
Fall
Storm surf begins. Wave watching season. Fewer visitors. September water is warm.
Winter
Dramatic storm waves at the jetty. Cold and raw. Huot's closed for the season. Compelling in its own way.
Practical Notes
Cell service is good at Camp Ellis and throughout Saco.
Dogs are welcome at Camp Ellis Beach year-round, though they should be leashed and cleaned up after.
Parking is free. Street parking along Surf Street and a small lot near the beach provide access. It fills on hot summer weekends but is manageable most days.
There are no public restrooms at the beach. Huot’s Seafood has restrooms for customers.
Camp Ellis Essentials
- Shoes with good traction (for the jetty rocks)
- Sunscreen and windbreaker
- Towels and swimsuit
- Camera (the waves and harbor are photogenic)
- Cash for Huot's Seafood
- Tide chart (plan around wave action)
- Binoculars (harbor activity and seabirds)
Getting There
From Portland, take I-95 South to Exit 36 (Saco), then Route 9 East through Saco to Camp Ellis. Follow signs to the beach. The drive is about 25 minutes. From Old Orchard Beach, it is about a 10-minute drive south.
FAQ
What happened to the beach at Camp Ellis?
The 4,800-foot jetty, built in the 1800s to keep the Saco River channel clear, redirects wave energy onto the beach. This has caused severe erosion over decades, with more than 30 homes lost. Federal funding has been allocated for a jetty modification project.
Is it safe to swim at Camp Ellis?
Yes, but avoid the area near the jetty and river channel, where strong currents are dangerous. Swim in the calmer water to the north. There are no lifeguards.
Can you walk on the jetty?
Yes. People walk on the jetty regularly, but the rocks can be slippery. Wear shoes with good grip and stay off the jetty during high surf or storms.
Is there a restaurant at Camp Ellis?
Huot's Seafood Restaurant on the pier serves fried seafood, lobster rolls, and chowder. It is seasonal and a Camp Ellis tradition.
Are dogs allowed at Camp Ellis Beach?
Yes. Dogs are welcome year-round on leash.
