We Toured the Ultimate Glamping Tents at Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport, Maine
Classic camping meets luxury ‘glamping‘ at Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport, Maine. Never heard of glamping? Read on.
By Aimee Tucker|Feb 21 2020|
Sandy Pines Campground | Glamping in New England
Photo Credit: Aimee TuckerDo you love the rustic vibe of wilderness camping but prefer the comfort of a real mattress, the convenience of a mini-fridge, and proximity to lobster rolls? The “glamping” (shorthand for “glamour camping”) experience at Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport, Maine, just might be your new favorite outdoor vacation destination. Here’s a look at our visit in the summer of 2017, soon after Sandy Pines opened.
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Sandy Pines Campground (formerly Salty Acres Campground) has been a Kennebunkport fixture for decades, but it was purchased and revamped by local hoteliers Tim Harrington and Debra Lennon. Offering a range of camping experiences with updated amenities in a prime Maine location, the vintage-inspired and family-friendly Sandy Pines opened in summer 2017 with a polished lodge and general store, heated saltwater pool, and brand-new bathhouses for its 320 sites.
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
The most buzzed-about update, however, is the selection of glamping tents, now available for rent.
Sandy Pines Campground Glamping Tents
The 15 luxe glamping tents at Sandy Pines (some with adjacent kid-friendly 8′ x 8′ tents) were each outfitted by a different local designer and come equipped with a king-size bed, mini-fridge, firepit, and AC.
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
What’s it look like inside? At a spacious 18 by 24 feet, the canvas-walled “tents” more closely resemble boutique hotel rooms than campsites, with a king-size bed, a seating/dining area, storage space for clothing, a front deck living space, a mini-fridge, and more.
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Glamping is having a moment right now, and with Instagram-ready “tents” like these, it’s not hard to see why. But for those who like their camping with the challenge of setting up a tent and zipping into a sleeping bag, Sandy Pines has 100 classic campsites for rent, with (in my humble opinion) the valuable added benefit of brand-spanking-new bathhouses, complete with oversize sinks for washing dishes.
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Sandy Pines also offers short-term and long-term RV sites for rent and park-model RV “tiny houses” for sale. Combine these with the tent sites and glamp sites, and you truly have something for every camper.
Beyond the on-site fun at Sandy Pines, there’s also all that Kennebunkport, one of the prettiest coastal towns in New England, has to offer. Both Dock Square (including the famous Clam Shack fried clams and lobster rolls) and pristine Goose Rocks Beach are just minutes away.
Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
Would you enjoy staying in a glamping tent, or is classic camping more your style? Let us know!
Sandy Pines Campground. 277 Mills Road, Kennebunkport, ME. 207-967-2483; sandypinescamping.com
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.
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Beautiful photos Aimee! I met the owners of this campground during the Northeast RV & Camping Show in Hartford this past January and they were so nice to interact with. They were excited to talk about the work that was being done at Sandy Pines, and it was obvious at that time that they were looking forward to their first full season. My husband and I hope to visit them, and Kennebunk, soon. Thanks for the preview through your story and photos.
So glad you enjoyed it, Shannon! You can tell this was a real passion project – everything looks great. Hope you can make it up for Maine soon!
Love the tents and love maine
My sister LOVES to glamp. Though in Michigan, if this camp ground were near her, she’d be there to visit you. I went glampibg with her once to Disney’s Wilderness. It was really fun. If she came this way, I’d plan to go again. i looked through your tents. Nice settings.
Aimee Tucker did you attend UMaine ?
Hi Jane! No, I did not. 🙂
I would definitely love glamping….the classic style is good, but too much work!
The mosquitoes must be murder there with it being right next to a salt marsh!
Hi Chance. Tent sites in the Birch Grove and Sea Grass areas are not as close to the water as the Salt Marsh sites for those worried about mosquitos, but I’d argue the Salt Marsh sites come with the best view. Just need to pack the citronella candles and extra bug spray — both outdoor camping essentials!
Rate info would have been helpful . Are they expensive ?
Hi Dave. Rates vary by tent and date. You can find out all price information on the Sandy Pines site here: http://sandypinescamping.com/
I love them. Where’s the potty?
Hi Lynn. There are many brand new bathhouses situated throughout the campground. You can see a map on the Sandy Pines site.
Nice idea.
Great idea! I’m traveling to Maine this summer! Look forward to seeing these! Thanks, Aimee! And Sandy Pines
We stayed in the Nomad Glamp Tent over the Memorial Day weekend. The bed was extra comfortable and the tent was warm. Wonderful idea by the owners to have individual designers appoint each tent. The large fire pit is the focal point of this area and you can make a huge fire while socializing. Dock Square is about 10 minutes away with many options for food and drink including Arundel Wharf and Federal Jacks. A great experience!
We will be making a trip from Texas to that area next August 2020. Trying to research all information now so we are prepared to see all we can while we are there. We have traveled in the past and I think we would love to try out the camp ground sounds like something interesting. What’s the weather like in August?
we are thinking about coming in late September. can the tents be heated? and are they dog friendly?