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Amy Hartle

Amy Hartle is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of New England With Love, a comprehensive resource for travel in the New England region. Amy has been exploring beautiful New England for more than 20 years, and has lived in both Vermont and New Hampshire, where she graduated from Plymouth State University. Amy has been a travel writer for more than a decade. On this site, Amy aims to share her love of New England and help you to find and experience the best adventures in all six states.

Sandy Pines Campground – The Best Maine Glamping Resort

Earlier this summer, we were invited to stay as guests for two nights at Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport, Maine. What a place! We loved it instantly, and so did my mom, who we brought along for the weekend.

View of yellow doors opening in a wooden cabin glamping site, from bed.

Black cabin with yellow doors with a porch in front of it. Lights line the top of the home. The cabin is surrounded by a forest.

Sandy Pines opened just last year and they’re already welcoming tons of guests. In addition to being a traditional campground, with spots for tent camping, RVs, caravans, etc, they also have several options for glamping. Their glamping tents are really out of this world—each one was uniquely designed.

Exterior of a glamping tent with cream tarp surrounded by a green forest. Flags line the front of the tent. — Sandy Pines Campground. Kennebunkport, Maine.
Nautical, by Chattfield Designs

Small tiny brown cabin with a red door surrounded by forest. Fairy lights are on the front of the cabin. In the forefront, two outdoor chairs sit around a firepit.

A tree at night with a red sign that says

The Maine Glamping Experience

The glamping accommodation is really something special, but the amenities at Sandy Pines are what make it so perfect for travelers. There is a big, beautiful heated saltwater pool that you see as soon as you enter. Fringed by brightly colored deck chairs, it is THE most inviting pool. We swam in it as much as we could that weekend.

Right alongside the pool is a small grassy area where you can play games like corn hole, or sit in one of the mod-looking suspended tent chairs, where you can while away the afternoon with a book.

The Grand Lodge and its attached General Store are the main building on the campground. The store is where you’ll find pretty much everything you need for a Maine glamping getaway: firewood, s’mores kits, bug spray, and food and drink, including beer & wine. From there, you can also order a full on boiled lobster dinner. Nothing says Maine like lobster, so throw on your bib and dig in.

Person holding a chocolate whoopee pie with a bite taken out of it. — A famous Maine whoopie pie

A lobster on a plate. — Maine lobster for the win

There is also water nearby, so kayak rentals are on offer. Or drive the car 5 minutes to the nearest beach which is just a mile away. Biking would be even better on a nice summer’s day.

Other activities at the campground include a kids playground, family group activities like movie night, volleyball, badminton, and the Kids Kraft Tent.

Sandy Pines holds special events throughout the year. We were lucky enough to be there for their Vintage Camping Weekend. Guests from all across the states converged to share their vintage, old-fashioned teardrop campers, Airstreams, and more. Many of these are absolutely incredible, with a classic style or amazing modern renovations. Take a look at some of what we saw!

A table is made with a blue floral tablecloth. Two yellow cups sit on the table with other amenities. Pink booths are on either side of the table.

A stove top oven sitting inside of a kitchen with a red sink. A black and white checkerboard floor is seen. To the right, a bed is made with grey bedding and red and white striped pillows.

Glamping in Maine for Couples

We’re all about our romantic getaways. Glamping is actually so perfect for this kind of travel. You and your partner get to snuggle up in a cozy yet luxurious spot, with an inviting bed and soft sheets. You won’t find that when tent camping, that’s for sure!

All of the luxurious glamping tents are perfect for two, and the Camp Carriages have a more woodsy vibe with the luxury of a king bed and gorgeous furnishings. At night, step out and light up your fire for a super sweet romantic evening under the stars.

Interior of a glamping tent with cream tarp. A bed is made with a canopy shade around it to protect from bugs. Lights hang from the ceiling. Four wicker chairs sit around a coffee table in the forefront. — Sandy Pines Campground. Kennebunkport, Maine.
Blixen’s Oasis, by Nicola’s Home

Read Next: The Best Things to Do in Rockland, Maine

Glamping in Maine for Families

Thinking of glamping as a family? You should totally do it! At Sandy Pines, you can get miniature kids glamping tents set up right alongside your adult version. Everyone gets the unique glamping experience, and parents still get some privacy. With so many fun family things at the campground, you can feel sure kids will be entertained and love their stay.

A cream teepee next to a forest. To the left is a glamping spot with tan canvas. — Sandy Pines Campground. Kennebunkport, Maine.
Wanderlust, by Hurlbutt Designss

Camping is also an option here, too. We saw so many families tenting and exploring with kids of all ages. The lots are spacious and attractive, and you can even bring your dog. (Note: you can’t bring dogs into the glamping accommodation, but they are allowed at the regular campsites).

One great reason to choose Sandy Pines when deciding where to stay in Kennebunkport is that it is extremely affordable. Coastal Maine can get pretty pricey, especially in the high season, but staying in one of the glamping tents or camp carriages is far friendlier on your wallet. And the vibe is far more laid back and fun than you’re likely to find at a seaside B&B.

$Blue sign with white writing that says \$

Things to Do in Kennebunkport

You need never leave the campground to have a fun stay in Kennebunkport, but there’s lots to see and do in the town.

Spend some time exploring the quaint downtown area of Kennebunkport. Maine is famous for its adorable seaside villages, and Kennebunkport is no exception. We enjoyed coffee while wandering in and out of some of these cute shops.

A person standing in front of a building surrounded by flowers.

Storefronts line a brick walkway near the street.

As far as other things to do in Kennebunkport, there are plenty! Visit the nearby Goose Rocks Beach for some leisurely sunbathing. You can also brave the waters for a swim, but this is Maine, so expect chilly ocean temps!

There are a few places that are ideal for walks and hikes, including the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Reserve and the nearby Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve.

You can fulfill your lighthouse lust with a stop at Wood Island Light, or if churches are more your thing, check out St. Ann’s Episcopal Church which dates back to 1887. This rustic stone church overlooks the ocean.

You should also make time to get out on the water. If you want to ride in a real New England lobster vessel, hop on The Rugosa Lobster Tour. For something more laidback, sail along the coastline with Schooner Eleanor Sailing Cruises.

Wondering where to eat in Kennebunkport? For a fine dining experience, we highly recommend The Tides Beach Club. Set right across from the beach, the views are breathtaking, although you might not notice with all the delectable food on your plate.

Other suggestions on yummy restaurants in Kennebunkport can be found on Sandy Pines website.

Ready to go?

If you’re of the best places to stay in Kennebunkport, Sandy Pines Campground is it!

Read Next:

Camping in Acadia National Park: A Guide
12 Amazing Places to Go Glamping in New England
12 Fun Things to Do in Freeport, Maine
10 Breathtaking Swimming Holes in Maine