Sandy Pines Campground — Hotel in Kennebunkport

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I really wanted to love this campground and give it 5 stars. Unfortunately, I had to go with 4. First I'll list the ugly, then I'll list the good. The ugly -

1. Size of the site - others have said theirs were spacious, but mine was not - it had just enough room for the camper and I could barely squeeze my truck in, but had to be next to a bunch of bushes and deal with them every time I got in and out. I saw some people leaving and they had to back up to their camper in the gravel with their vehicle going backwards uphill and kept spinning or tapping their camper because it was difficult to get solid traction for backing up. For the price it just didn't seem big enough. As a side note, my site was more circular than rectangle.
2. Got lost the first night - took almost 40 mins to find the site in the dark and the rain. Calling after hours was of no help. The gravel made it difficult to level, but it wasn't too bad - just took longer and if it wasn't raining I might not have cared - a concrete pad would have helped a lot, especially with placement and leveling
3. The mosquitoes - omg they were huge! My daughter called them pterodactyl's - while I recognize this is normal for woods, I can't help but think that something could have been done to lessen them in the actual campground. My daughter gets eaten alive and this is ALWAYS a factor when researching sites. I rarely get bit, but even I was attacked relentlessly in the morning and at night letting the dog do his business. Most places have things in place to minimize, so I was surprised how bad they were.
4. The turns were very tight, especially with a TT. We discovered this when we got lost lol
5. Would have liked if the pool was open longer for adults

Now for the good -

1. Staff all seemed very friendly
2. Had a great comfy feel to it
3. Fire pit and picnic table were clean
4. Saw the staff driving around checking sites for trash as people left - the grounds were very well maintained with no trash anywhere
5. The beach was only a couple of minutes away (2 miles!) - someone else said $25 for parking - but I never had to pay, so I'm not sure where they went. Went to Goose Rocks Beach, parking was on the street and the beach was so clean and beautiful! I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this beach! All was free.
6. Once I learned where the streets were in the daytime, it was much easier to find my site.
7. While my daughter was too old, there was plenty of things to keep kids busy - really great to see a campground focused on the family.
8. Plenty of options within 20 mins for tourist things and for food. I didn't try the onsite food, simply because we were out and about from @8am until 9pm the days we were there.

Wish list - Longer pool hours for adults (Jacuzzi would be great for relaxing after being out all day - maybe outdoors but netted to keep out mosquitoes, but I get it, more expense, more maintenance) bigger sites - or at least level concrete pads - many of us TT/Tent campers don't have auto levelers... Wider turns for those of us directionally challenged Clearer signs for the sites and bigger! They are fine during the day, but at night much harder, especially if it's raining Less expensive apparel in the store specific to Sandy Pines.

I tried my hardest to be very fair about this review. I would definitely visit again, but I would make sure to have citronella candles...

There is a huge gap in information and pictures for what to expect, especially for the couples glamp tents. Here's what you need to know.

Reservations: Reserve online, prime spots do book out far in advance Check the camp site map to figure out exactly where you'll be. For anyone who has camped before will know, proximity to bathrooms and major thoroughfares is important from an accessibility, convenience, and noise perspective. In general, groups are very considerate about noise - especially after 10pm; security does do patrols to keep things in check

Packing: Car parking is right outside your tent As noted in other reviews, during colder months, the heater is quite insufficient below 55F, even if you leave it on all night They provide towels, soap, shampoo, and paper towels (see pictures); as well as a large extra throw in the fall/winter The general store at the front entrance can fill in for anything you need, including firewood at $6-7 a pack. As a note, some of the locals also sell firewood for cheaper. The firepit does have a built in grill (see pictures) If you're not comfortable with the potable water provided on tap, bring your own water

Checking In: You'll check in with your name at the front gate - they'll provide a map and electronic gate key The roads inside on are dirt Trees do have seeds and are quite tall, so it's not uncommon for squirrels to be hurling seeds down at your car during the fall.

The Bathroom/Central Facilities: Some showers have better water pressure than others and may require you to hit the button a few times. When you get a good shower, the pressure is excellent. The hot water out of the sink and showers is excellent There is soap, hangers, paper towels, and toilet paper Each bathroom is fully enclosed, lit, lockable, and private They are cleaned a few times a day

The Glamp Tents: These are safari-like waxed canvas with zippable windows and bug screens Multiple electrical outlets throughout the room Midsized minifridge with ice tray Beds are comfortable and softer than you'd find in a typical hotel There are both firm and soft pillows for a couple There is no in-room water, but there are cups and a water jug if you want to fill it Especially for the higher-end glamp tents (e.g., wanderlust, under the stars), you'll get many folks driving or walking by slowly trying to sneak a peek The tents are not completely sealed at the bottom edges, so a crafty chipmunk or bug could make its way in, but in general this wasn't a problem These tents aren't inexpensive, so they tend to be for people celebrating special events (honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, etc.)

As for my review, I've had the pleasure of visiting a few glamping sites across the US and this may be my top pick. The bathrooms are a little more basic than I've seen elsewhere, but everything else in terms of service, decor, surroundings, amenities, is truly a step above. If you're a person (or with a person) who has a hard time transitioning out of the city and is more JW Marriott than Holiday Inn, you'll have a...

As advid RV Travel Trailer Campers this is one of the top campgrounds we have visited in New England. We stayed for the 4th of July and we cancelled our cape trip and rebooked mid-August. For the family that camps all week and is looking for “family” fun. This is no Point Sebago, it’s a very transient campground, people are packing up and unpacking everyday from site to site, and the activities are limited to a small tent with paper crafts. This is more of a campground to stay and then go play at the beach and downtown Kennebunkport. There were several activities such as live music that were just cancelled without notice. It’s a very clean campground and it has a large focus on their glamping sites that are first class. The Pool is exceptional, store is great and laundry room is very clean.

Constructive Criticism for the Sandy Pines Team

1.) Pedestrians shouldn’t have to walk through the car gate and roadway to get to the store. There’s a lot of confusion and poses some danger with Cars and pedestrians I would suggest adding a sidewalk.

2.) We love the fact that there aren’t dumpsters all over the campground and it’s been kept to minimal trash bins but I would suggest a having a pickup service every two days. I found some sites with piled up trash, but nothing significant and found myself not knowing where to throw the trash away.

3.) Goose Rocks Beach - It would be great for the campground to offer maybe two complimentary shuttles to the beach and two shuttles back considering it’s only 1.5 mile and it’s costing all of us $25 a day to park. This was talked about my many campers.

4.) Booking ahead. We would love the option to book next years sites ahead and while we are camping onsite so we can plan next years trips. It’s difficult to wait to sometime in September to book key weekends and weeks for next year such as 4th of July. Most campgrounds are already booked all of next summer.

5.) Speed Bumps - Are completely destroyed and need to be replaced. The main road really should be paved considering the amount of dust is created by the 10’s of Cars going back and forth every hour during the day.

Love the campground and looking forward...