Oceanfront Camping with an Arts and Garden Bent
Searsport Shores Ocean Camping sits directly on Penobscot Bay just south of downtown Searsport, with around 111 sites that include true walk-in tent spots overlooking the water and full electric/water RV sites set back from the shoreline. The Brawn family has run the campground for decades and has built it into something more interesting than a typical coastal RV park — there are working art studios on-site, an organic kitchen garden, and a regular schedule of fiber arts and culinary workshops in summer.
This is one of the few campgrounds along the Maine coast where you can pitch a tent within sight of saltwater without paying state-park reservation gymnastics or staying in a state park where dogs are restricted.
The “Gold” and “Silver” walk-in tent sites are the closest you can get to the water. They run higher than standard sites but the trade is real: bay views, more privacy, and a short carry from the parking area. Reserve early — these book first every season.
Site Layout
The campground splits into a tent area along the bluff above the water and an RV area further inland with mature pine and birch cover. RV sites have 30 and 50 amp electric plus water; there are no full-sewer hookups but a dump station is on-site. Cyclists touring US-1 along the coast can use a one-night cyclist site for $45.
Beach and Water Access
The campground has its own kayak and small-boat launch into Penobscot Bay. Swimming is possible at low-to-mid tide where the bottom is sandy and the rocks fall away — though as with most of the Maine coast, the water stays cold even in August. Most guests use the bay for kayaking and tide-pooling rather than full swims.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on a six-foot leash with current rabies and distemper paperwork; one pet per site. The campground has an enclosed off-leash dog park, which is unusual for an oceanfront Maine campground.
Vaccination records are checked at check-in. Bring a paper or digital copy of current rabies and distemper certificates — not just tags. Dogs cannot be left unattended at any site.
Things to Do Nearby
Belfast is a 10-minute drive south and has a working harbor, several breweries, and a strong restaurant scene. It is the easiest dinner option from the campground.
Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory sit about 15 minutes north across the river. The fort is a 19th-century granite installation you can explore with a flashlight; the observatory is the tallest public bridge observatory in the world at 420 feet.
Moose Point State Park is two miles south on Route 1 and has shoreline picnicking and short walks along Penobscot Bay.
When to Go
Spring
Open from May. Cool, often foggy, but quiet.
Summer
Peak coastal weather. Walk-in tent sites book months in advance.
Fall
Through October. Foliage along the bay, far fewer crowds.
Winter
Campground closed.
Getting There
The campground is on US Route 1 in Searsport, about 4 miles south of the village center. From Portland, take I-95 to exit 113 in Augusta, then Route 3 east to Belfast and Route 1 north — roughly 2 hours 15 minutes. From Bangor, take Route 1A to Belfast and continue north on Route 1, about 50 minutes. Belfast (10 minutes) is the closest town with a full-sized grocery and pharmacy.
FAQ
Is Searsport Shores actually oceanfront?
Yes. The campground sits directly on Penobscot Bay with walk-in tent sites along the bluff above the water and a private kayak launch. RV sites are set back from the shoreline but a short walk to the water.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a six-foot leash with current rabies and distemper paperwork. One pet per site, never unattended. There is an enclosed off-leash dog park on-site.
Are there full-sewer RV hookups?
No. RV sites have 30 and 50 amp electric plus water. There is no sewer hookup at the site, but a dump station is on-site.
When does the campground open?
May through October. Specific opening and closing dates vary by season — check the official site for current dates.
Can you swim from the campground?
Yes, but with caveats. The bay has a sandy-bottom area at low to mid tide. Water stays cold even in summer. Most guests kayak rather than swim full lengths.
