Cape Neddick Oceanside Campground

Went to this campground as a kid growing up with my family every summer until around age 10, but we stopped going because we moved away from the area. I recently was back in town and decided to have a nostalgic stay at the campground. I called the office about a week and a half before I planned on visiting and they only had one site (#21) left. I told the manager Jack, that I’d take it! Initially only planning on visiting Tues thru Thurs, they require 4 nights minimum stay in the summer, with the reservation starting on a Sunday. So I reserved Sun thru Thurs, which was the only way to guarantee the site. My other option was to call that day I planned on arriving and hoping/​praying the site was still available. It turned out better this way because I just started my vaca two days earlier.
Only way to make a reservation is to call during office hours, 9am to 6pm. Both the check-​in and check-​out time is at 11am. The campground itself isn’t that big, and I would guess there’s no more than 10 sites available for weekly rentals, as it’s mostly seasonal trailers/​campers that occupy the remainder of the sites the whole season the campground is open. They open for the season around May 15^th, and close for winter around Oct 15^th.
Site #21 is nestled between two permanent trailer sites, and sits low on the terrain. This means it will flood a little when it rains, but seems to dry out pretty quickly once the rain stops. It is fairly shaded by the pine trees, so it’s was nice & cool during our stay.
There is one main bathhouse with a men’s bathroom (showers inside), a women’s bathroom, and a separate women’s shower room. There are also two individual bathrooms located behind the office. The showers are $.25 for 5 minutes of shower time. It’s just enough time for a quick shower, but bring a 2^nd quarter if you think you need a bit more time. The water is hot, which is nice as I’m used to showering w/​warm to cool water at most campgrounds, and they’ve added curtains to create a changing area outside each shower (new addition from when I was a kid).
If camping in a tent, bring an air mattress or padding to sleep on as the ground is hard, and rocky. Every site has your standard fire ring & picnic table. If you need water for cooking, head up to the bathhouse and use the stainless steel sink outside next to the ladies room. This is also a good place to wash your dishes.
Pricing is $ 35 per site per day for 2 ppl and one vehicle. Additional adults are an extra $ 10/​day, kids (ages 5 – 17) are an extra $ 5/​day, and parking for extra vehicles is also an extra $ 5/​day.
Cash or check only. No pets allowed. Ice sold in the office is cheaper & the bag is bigger than the ones sold up the street at the Shore Road Market (red building at fork in road). The office also sells firewood, and some individual canned soda, bottled water, candy bars & ice cream bars.
Be advised there are lots of skunks (which hasn’t changed since my childhood). They won’t bother you, but be aware at dusk/​night where you’re walking and make sure to toss your trash in the dumpster each day to help avoid an overnight visit.
This campground is located right along the ocean and a river. The main beach area is pretty small at high tide, but becomes a nice big area at low tide. Just bring water shoes because the ground is rocky & covered in shells/​crabs at low tide. The tide also changes quick so make sure to keep an eye on your belongings when it’s coming in, to make sure they don’t get swept out. There’s also a smaller beach closer to the bridge, and is accessible via the road just next to the office. People still jump off the bridge at high tide, which they’ve been doing since I was a kid.
If you head towards the ocean side of the campground, where the road loops, there’s another pathway that leads to the rocks overlooking the ocean & Nubble Light lighthouse. Just watch your step cause the rocks can get slippery at low tide! Also, make sure to stay off other people’s sites. If you don’t, they’ll be sure to let you know it’s ‘private property’.
A great little campground to stay at, with beautiful ocean views! Would def recommend!