Glamping at the Edge of the Marsh
Sandy Pines is a coastal camping resort in Kennebunkport, set in a beach forest bordered by salt marsh about a mile from Goose Rocks Beach and minutes from Dock Square. It is part of the wave of Maine campgrounds that blends classic tent and RV camping with full-on glamping, so the range of ways to stay here is unusually wide. You can pitch your own tent in the pines or check into a furnished safari-style tent without bringing any gear at all.
The setting is the draw. The salt marsh edge brings water views and salty air, and the location puts you within an easy reach of one of the prettiest beaches on the southern coast plus the shops and restaurants of Kennebunkport. It is a polished, family-friendly operation rather than a rough-and-ready woods campground, which is exactly what a lot of people want for a coastal Maine summer trip.
Sites & Amenities
The lodging menu is long. Glamping tents come in standard and family sizes, and there are hideaway A-frame huts, whimsical small houses, couples and family cottages, RV sites for both overnight and seasonal stays, and traditional tent sites. That mix means a group can split between a furnished glamping unit and a bring-your-own tent site and still camp together.
On-site amenities include a heated saltwater pool open Memorial Day through October, a general store and snack bar, modern bathhouses with private facilities, self-service laundry, a playground, and lawn games like cornhole, bocce, and giant Jenga. Kayak and paddleboard rentals run from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and there are kids’ craft sessions and a game shed. Rates vary by site type and season, so book direct.
Goose Rocks Beach is the reason to base here, and it requires a parking permit in summer. Ask the campground how to get a beach permit when you book, and consider walking or biking the roughly one mile over rather than fighting for a spot at the small beach lots.
Getting There
Sandy Pines is at 277 Mills Road in Kennebunkport, off Route 9 on the Goose Rocks side of town. From Portland it is about 40 minutes south on Interstate 95 and Route 9; from points north it is an easy run down the coast. Dock Square and the heart of Kennebunkport are a few minutes away, and Goose Rocks Beach is roughly a mile off. Cell service is good throughout this part of the coast.
When to Visit
Spring
Quieter and cooler before the summer season ramps up. The pool is not open until Memorial Day.
Summer
Peak season. Full amenities, the pool and rentals running, and beach weather. Book well ahead.
Fall
Crisp coastal days, smaller crowds, and the pool open into October. A relaxed time for a glamping weekend.
Winter
The campground is seasonal and closed in the off-season. Confirm operating dates when you book.
Summer is the headline season, but early fall on the southern coast is underrated, with warm days and far fewer people.
Packing List
Sandy Pines Coastal Trip
- Beach towels and swimsuits
- Cooler for the beach and campsite
- Bug spray for the marsh edge at dusk
- Sun protection for the open beach
- Goose Rocks Beach parking permit (ask when booking)
- Camp gear only if you booked a tent or RV site
- Bikes for the ride to the beach
FAQ
What kinds of sites does Sandy Pines have?
A wide mix: furnished glamping tents, A-frame hideaway huts, small houses, couples and family cottages, RV sites, and traditional tent sites.
How far is Goose Rocks Beach?
About a mile. Many guests walk or bike over. Note that Goose Rocks Beach requires a parking permit in summer.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a heated saltwater pool open from Memorial Day through October.
Are there rentals on site?
Yes. Kayak and paddleboard rentals run from Memorial Day through Labor Day, along with a general store, snack bar, and lawn games.
What does it cost?
Rates vary by site type and season. Book direct with the campground for current pricing and availability.
Pair a stay with a day at Goose Rocks Beach or a wander through Kennebunkport and out to Cape Porpoise.
