Searsport Shores Oceanfront Campground

Supposedly a premier campground with all kinds of neat events therefore the super premier pricing. Well, no events due to the "season" but the prices are still super high. Basic grass, mud, some gravel, unlevel site. The water is good. The bathroom is odd as the women and men are open to a common laundry area. Zero privacy. I mean wide open. The beach is just a very small area where a creek dumps into the bay. The staff is super friendly. Belfast, a local town, is fun and neat to visit. Seems like the campground was built a long time ago and is just getting by. On the surface the neat signs, farm animals, and other goofiness make the place seem quirky and cool. But in the end it really is just a $22 a night stopover, sorry.

Beautiful views of Penobscot bay IF you are ocean front or 1 row back. That said the ocean front row has zero privacy and is a parking lot of pickup trucks and big rigs. Sites further back are more wooded and a tad more privacy. Bathrooms and showers are kept very clean and the laundry area is nice - laundry is in the boathouse/bathroom building. I travel in a converted Sprinter so would search for something different on the water but to be honest it may not be out there along the coast. Pricey but again it’s a big rig mecca.

After years of camping, we have never been given a map and told what sites we could choose from and went for a walk to find the spot we wanted. That was cool. We have selected sites from an on line map, but have never gotten to walk around to see them. Our site, 131, was level and peaceful.
We loved being in a spot that was not noisy. We were awakened to the sound of birds calling instead of noisy people.
We walked to the ocean and it was beautiful. We saw a seal! We hope to come back one day. I was jealous of the camping spots right on the water. Those book way ahead, so we did not get to stay there. A front row “seat” to watch the water and boats would be sensational.
I like the craftsmanship going on there and the various programs offered to campers. The staff was pleasant. Fresh eggs, handmade items and hand spun yarn and baked goods for sale vs the usual junk we often find at campgrounds. This is a simple place as opposed to a party animal campground. We do appreciate that.

We are newbies, being our first year of camping, but we both grew up camping. This is one of the best places we ever camped. We liked the fact that it is privately owned by Steve and Astrig, who are amazing hosts. We found it on the internet/apps and read many reviews. Those that are negative might be reflecting that this type of camping may not be their cup of tea. But, if you like a very family oriented campground, with a lot of activities, located in a great area, with gravel spots with electric/water, then this will be perfect for you.

Phone service was not that great (Verizon), 1-2 bars most of the time. If you have to work and be on the internet, be mindful of this fact. We enjoyed disconnecting from it all so it didn’t matter that much to us.

We are going to try to plan to make this a regular stop for us.

Booked a site right on the edge of the campground overlooking the ocean. Beautiful spot although there is no privacy between you and your neighbor. They line the RVs up in a row (with an ocean view) so you need to be prepared to be looking at the side of your neighbor’s rig. Otherwise, the campground is very unique. There are sheep and goats, an artist in residence, and art decorations throughout. Very friendly staff and clean facility. Would stay here again.

Steven and Astrid have created a beautiful oceanfront camping experience. It’s a little pricey, but the views were fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

We stayed in site 13, which included a wooded deck (with chairs and a little table) for watching the tide go in and out. And WOW does the tide rise and fall in Maine! The other sites are close but not uncomfortably so, although we usually prefer more privacy.

The campground website offers a detailed description of places to go and things to do while visiting the area. During the high season, campers are required to stay for 7 nights, but we came in October and only had a 5 stay requirement. I’m happy that we rearranged our plans to stay that long, as we were able to spend lots of time in nearby Camden and also Acadia Nat’l Park.

This was one of our all-time favorite campgrounds. The location, right on Penobscot Bay is lovely. As with many privately owned campgrounds, it reflects pride of ownership. Our campsite was one of the prime spots on the water overlooking a fascinating tidal pool area. It was water and electric only, but the owners include a mobile sewer pump out once every seven days. There is also a forested area with campsites walking distance from the water.

Besides being on the water, the campground has beautiful landscaping with lots of artsy touches, an arts studio, bee hives and a few short trails. They also have goats that do a great job of "mowing" some of their grass. Although we didn't participate, they also offer clamming demonstrations in the summer, and the office can help you get a clamming license if you'd like to try it. You can also reserve a spot for their lobster bake on Saturday nights - reserve early, we missed it because it was full! The owners are very helpful.

Other facilities include a laundry room, rest rooms, a playground, recreation hall, and a gift shop. There is a trail down to the tidal flat where you can launch your kayak, and they also have kayak rentals.

There is a nice, large fenced in area for walking dogs off-leash, and dogs are allowed on the trails on leash as well.

There are lots of interesting places to explore in Mid-Coast Maine, and this is a great location from which to do so.