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FAQ

What should I bring?

01 What to pack for a getaway at the Desert of Maine Campground:
 

  • Layers: Maine can be chilly at night, even in the summer. Check the weather before you come and bring an extra layer, extra blankets, cozy socks etc. if needed.

  • Flashlight or lantern - great to have if you want to go for a night walk on the dunes

  • Outdoor cookware - if you want to cook over the fire pit, bring your own pots and pans

  • Snackies and food: Our Camp Store has essentials (drinks, smores kits, granola), and our Snack Bar serves hot dogs and ice cream, but plan your getaway meals accordingly! Check out our local food recommendations if you need some local restaurant ideas! 

  • Entertainment - games, books, cards, journals, etc!

  • Chargers - We provide electrical outlets but not chargers

  • A compass in case you get lost in the desert

  • Bear spray (just kidding, there are no bears)

02 What not to pack for a getaway at the Desert of Maine Campground:
 

  • Linens, pillows and towels: We’ve got you covered (pun intended), unless you have a special blankie you can’t sleep without

  • Charcoal: Unless you bring a charcoal grill of your own, our fire pits should only have wood in them

  • Soap, Shampoo, and Conditioner - Just saying we provide these if you want to travel lighter

  • Hair dryer - Included in sites with bathrooms, and also available in the bath house

  • Your Karaoke machine - wrong vibe, sorry

  • The entirety of your smart home devices - Alexa needs a break sometimes too

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What Else to Know Before You Go

 

03   I am traveling with kids and noticed there is a great playground by the mini golf course. Do I need an admission pass to use the playground?

 

No! The playground does not require admission to the Desert of Maine. Feel free to enjoy that, the gift shop and the Oasis Snack Bar anytime during your stay. 

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04 What is public transportation like in the area? What about Uber and Lyft?  

 

Public transportation is relatively nonexistent here, especially if you are coming from a major city where it is abundant. You can get around Portland using Uber or taxi, and can arrange to get from the Portland airport or bus station to Freeport. Relying on these methods for all your activities might be difficult, especially if you are in the area for more than one night.

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05 Do all sites and areas of the campground have WiFi?

 

Yes! There is great WiFi in the campground and it will support whatever you need, whether streaming a show, working remotely, or just staying connected.

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06 If I'm staying in the campground and decide I would like to extend my stay, is that possible once I've already checked in?

 

It is, though it is dependent on availability during the time you are hoping to extend. As soon as you know you would like to stay longer, just send us a message to let us know and we will make every effort to work it out for you. 

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07Will I be refunded if I need to cancel my reservation or I leave a day or two early before my reservation ends? 

 

Cancellations made prior to 14 days in advance of your stay (3:00 pm the day your reservation begins) will receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the beginning of the stay will not receive a refund regardless of weather or other circumstances. Changes to the reservation dates within 14 days of your arrival (eg. shortening your stay or shifting the arrival date later) will be at the discretion of the Desert of Maine.

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Important Tips to Not Ignore Because Your Life (and your snacks) Depend On It 

08 How to prevent bear attacks:

  1. Run at a sustained pace of 40 mph for at least 5 minutes, preferably away from the bear(s)

  2. Wear full plate armor (minimum thickness of 3mm)

  3. If you are wearing a jetpack, accelerate upwards above the treetops as quickly as possible. Bears can't get you if you are above the treetops.

  4. Startle the bear with an incredible performance such as a magic trick or an opera solo. They may forget they were trying to attack you if you're talented enough. Bears LOOOOOVE bagpipes. If you can play them a Scottish tune, they’ll roll on their backs and you can pet them. 

  5. NOTE: if you find yourself being mauled during quiet hours, please keep your screams to a minimum so as not to disturb other guests. Thank you!

  6. NOTE: We probably should have mentioned it at the beginning of this list but it is exceedingly rare to see a bear in the heavily populated southern Coast of Maine so you won’t have to worry about any of these advanced tactics during your stay at the Desert of Maine. 

  7. The closest you will get to seeing a bear in this part of Maine is either by going to the L.L. Bean Hunting and Fishing store and exploring their impressive taxidermy displays or by visiting Gray Wildlife Park and observing live black bears from a distance. 

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