Southern Maine’s Biggest Family Campground
Bayley’s Camping Resort is not a quiet retreat in the woods. It is a full-scale family camping resort sprawling across a wooded property in Scarborough, roughly ten minutes from Old Orchard Beach and the bustling Pine Point area. With over 400 sites, heated pools, a splash park, mini golf, organized activities, and a camp store, Bayley’s is built for families who want the camping experience without sacrificing entertainment options.
The campground has been family-owned and operated for decades, growing from a modest campground into one of the largest private camping resorts in southern Maine. Its location in Scarborough puts you in the middle of everything the southern Maine coast offers, from the sandy beaches of Old Orchard and Scarborough to the restaurants and shops of Portland, all within a short drive.
This is not the campground for people who want solitude and birdsong at dawn. It is the campground for families with kids who need swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities to burn off energy. If that describes your crew, Bayley’s delivers.
The Campground
Bayley’s has over 400 sites divided into several categories. Full-hookup RV sites with 30 and 50-amp electric, water, and sewer make up a large portion of the campground and accommodate rigs of all sizes. Tent sites with electric and water hookups are available in wooded areas that provide shade and some separation from the RV sections. Rental cabins and park model cottages offer a step up for those who want camping-adjacent comfort without pitching a tent.
The campground is organized in loops and sections, each with its own character. The premium sites closest to the pool complex and recreation areas are the most expensive and the most convenient for families. Back loops offer more shade and quiet at the cost of a longer walk to the action. All sites have fire rings and picnic tables.
Facilities are what you would expect from a resort-level operation. The bathhouses have hot showers and are cleaned regularly. A laundry facility is on-site. The camp store stocks groceries, firewood, ice, and camping supplies. WiFi is available throughout much of the campground, though speeds vary with the crowd size.
If you are tent camping, request a site in the wooded loops away from the main RV areas. You will get more shade, more privacy, and less generator noise. The tradeoff is a longer walk to the pools, but the quieter setting is worth it for sleeping.
Things to Do
On-site, the pool complex is the centerpiece. Multiple heated pools, a splash park for younger kids, and a hot tub keep families busy for hours. The mini golf course is well-maintained and free for campground guests. An arcade and game room give teenagers somewhere to go on rainy days. The recreation staff runs organized activities during peak season, from arts and crafts to movie nights to ice cream socials.
Off-site is where Bayley’s location really shines. Pine Point Beach is about ten minutes away, a wide sandy beach popular with locals and families. Old Orchard Beach, with its amusement pier, arcades, and carnival atmosphere, is another ten minutes south. Scarborough Beach State Park, one of the nicest sand beaches on the southern Maine coast, is a short drive away.
Portland is only 15 minutes north and offers a world-class restaurant scene, the Old Port waterfront district, boat tours of Casco Bay, the Portland Head Light, and enough shops and galleries to fill a rainy day. Scarborough Marsh, the largest salt marsh in Maine, is right in town and offers guided kayak tours through the marsh channels in summer.
Bayley’s is a large resort campground, and weekends in July and August can be busy and loud. If you are sensitive to noise, consider midweek stays or shoulder-season visits. The campground enforces quiet hours, but with 400-plus sites at capacity, the ambient activity level is significant.
When to Go
Spring
Opens mid-May. Cool weather, limited beach swimming, but lower rates and empty pools.
Summer
Full activity schedule, pools open, all facilities running. Reserve months ahead for July and August weekends.
Fall
Open through Columbus Day. Great beach weather in September, smaller crowds, and fall foliage adds color.
Winter
Campground closes after Columbus Day. Not available for winter camping.
Getting There
From Portland, take I-95 south (Maine Turnpike) to Exit 42 in Scarborough. Follow Payne Road south, then turn onto Route 1 (US-1). Bayley’s is on Scarborough Road (Route 9) heading toward Pine Point. Signs are posted along the route. The drive from downtown Portland takes about 15 minutes.
From Bangor, take I-95 south to the Scarborough exit and follow the same directions. The drive is about two and a half hours.
Skip the Old Orchard Beach pier on the hottest summer weekends when it is elbow to elbow. Instead, drive ten minutes to Scarborough Beach State Park, which has better sand, cleaner water, and a fraction of the crowd. Get there before 10 AM on weekends because the parking lot fills and they close the gate.
Camping Packing List
- Tent with rain fly (or reserve a cabin for no-tent comfort)
- Sleeping bag or sheets for warm summer nights
- Camp stove and fuel
- Cooler with ice (camp store has basics)
- Swimsuits and pool towels (no lifeguard, swim at own risk)
- Sunscreen and beach gear
- Bug spray for evening mosquitoes
- Bikes for riding the campground loops
- Quarters for the game room and laundry
- Rain jacket (summer thunderstorms are common)
FAQ
How much does a site cost at Bayley's?
Rates vary by site type and season. Tent sites start around $45/night, full-hookup RV sites run $55-75, and premium sites and cabins can be $85 or more per night. Weekly rates offer a discount. Check their website for current pricing.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Bayley's on leash at all times. Certain cabin rentals may have pet restrictions. There may be a pet fee. Always clean up after your dog.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pools are heated and open during the camping season. The splash park is designed for younger children. There is no lifeguard on duty.
How far is the beach?
Pine Point Beach is about a 10-minute drive. Old Orchard Beach is about 15 minutes. Scarborough Beach State Park is roughly 10 minutes. None are within walking distance of the campground.
Can I check in late?
Late check-ins can be arranged by calling the office in advance. The campground gate may be staffed only during certain hours, so confirm your arrival time when you book.
