Camp Eaton

For Mainers dreaming of the quintessential coastal getaway, Camp Eaton in York Harbor stands as an iconic and highly sought-after destination. This isn't just any campground; it's a cherished, fourth-generation family-owned oceanside community that has been providing memorable summer experiences for over a century. Since opening its gates as a "trailor park" in 1923, Camp Eaton has evolved from humble canvas tent sites to a modern, all-seasonal RV park, becoming a true "summer beach house" for its many loyal visitors.

What sets Camp Eaton apart is its unique blend of prime location, extensive amenities, and a vibrant, welcoming community. Many families have made visiting Camp Eaton a multi-generational tradition, returning year after year to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the unparalleled access to one of Southern Maine's most beloved beaches. As one long-time visitor enthusiastically shared, "I have been going here for all of my life and I have had nothing but great experiences. The campground is very peaceful, quiet, scenic and is placed perfectly right across the street from the ocean." This enduring appeal has even led to a reported three-year waiting list for a spot, a testament to the truly special experience Camp Eaton offers. It's more than just a place to park your RV; it's a home away from home, where lasting friendships are forged and summer memories are created against the stunning backdrop of the Maine coast.

Camp Eaton boasts an enviable location at 750 York St, York Harbor, ME 03911, USA. This address places it directly across the street from the southern end of Long Sands Beach, one of Southern Maine's largest and most picturesque beaches. For Mainers, this means unparalleled access to sun, sand, and surf right at your doorstep, often with stunning views of the iconic Nubble Light.

The accessibility of Camp Eaton is a significant draw. It is conveniently located just 45 minutes south of Portland and approximately 15 minutes north of Portsmouth, NH. For those traveling from further afield, it's about 1.5 hours from Boston. Directions are straightforward: from the south, take I-95 North to York, Exit 7 (the last exit before the Maine Turnpike Toll Plaza). Follow signs to Route 1 South, then take the first left onto Route 1A, and continue for about 3 miles until you see Camp Eaton on your left. From the north, take the Maine Turnpike South, taking the York Exit after the final Toll Plaza, then follow signs to Route 1 South and then Route 1A.

This prime coastal location not only offers direct beach access but also positions campers perfectly for exploring the wider York area. As a review highlights, "The camp is also placed where it is not a long drive to downtown York or other places in York." This means easy access to York's charming downtown, historic York Village, numerous restaurants, quaint shops, and attractions like York's Wild Kingdom. The combination of beachfront tranquility and proximity to local amenities makes Camp Eaton incredibly convenient for Maine residents seeking a well-rounded coastal vacation without extensive travel. The ability to simply walk across the street to the ocean while being minutes from town is a luxury that truly defines the Camp Eaton experience.

Camp Eaton, primarily a seasonal RV campground, offers a comprehensive suite of services designed for comfort, convenience, and community living during the warmer months (typically May 1st to October 15th).

• Full Utility Hookups: Each site is equipped with town water, 30A or 50A electricity, sewer, and cable TV. Internet service can be installed by a local cable provider at an additional cost.
• Seasonal Site Rentals: The campground operates predominantly as an all-seasonal site community with over 250 sites, providing a consistent "home away from home" for many families throughout the summer.
• Trailer Set-up and Winterizing: They offer or facilitate independent contractors for services such as trailer set-up upon arrival and winterizing at the end of the season, making seasonal living hassle-free.
• Lawn Care & Deck Set-up: Additional services like lawn care and deck set-up are available, allowing campers to truly personalize their "beach house" setup with platform decks and "adder rooms."
• RV Repair Services: An RV repair company visits the campground weekly to assist with any maintenance needs that may arise during your stay.
• Clean Restroom Facilities: Four clean, well-lit bathrooms with complimentary hot showers are available for all campers.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities add to the convenience of extended stays.
• Recreation Hall: A central Recreation Hall hosts various activities and events throughout the season.
• Full-Time Social Director: During July and August, a full-time social director organizes a wide array of activities for campers of all ages.
• Pet-Friendly Policy (Seasonal): Well-behaved pets are welcome in the full hook-up or water & electric RV areas for seasonal campers, though restrictions apply to tenting areas and public beaches.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RVs.
• On-site Store: Provides basic necessities and camping supplies.
• Friendly and Active Ownership: Peter and Kathy Wagner, along with Matt Woodman and Mike Morgan, represent the fourth and fifth generations of ownership, actively involved in day-to-day operations and upholding the camp's tradition of clean, quiet, family-friendly camping.

Camp Eaton's unique appeal stems from its exceptional features and commitment to a vibrant seasonal community:

• Prime Oceanside Location: Directly across from Long Sands Beach, offering unparalleled access to the ocean and stunning views, including glimpses of the iconic Nubble Light. This is arguably its biggest highlight, providing a true Maine coastal experience.
• All-Seasonal Site Community: Unlike typical transient campgrounds, Camp Eaton fosters a strong sense of community, with most campers returning seasonally. This creates a friendly, familiar atmosphere where "neighbors are very friendly" and lasting friendships are formed.
• Rich History and Multi-Generational Legacy: Established in 1923, Camp Eaton has been run by the same family for five generations, carrying forward a tradition of quality and hospitality. This history adds a unique charm and stability to the camping experience.
• "Beach House" Lifestyle: Campers are encouraged to personalize their sites with platform decks and "adder rooms," transforming their RVs into comfortable "little beach houses" by the ocean, offering an affordable alternative to traditional coastal home ownership.
• Abundant On-Site Activities: The campground offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including a playground, wiffleball/kickball field, dog park, basketball, and corn hole courts. Special events like live music, movie nights under the stars, and inflatable water slide days are also common during the summer months, ensuring there are "plenty of activities the camp offers during the summer."
• Peaceful and Scenic Environment: Despite its popularity, Camp Eaton maintains a "peaceful, quiet, scenic" ambiance, allowing campers to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Maine coast.
• Proximity to York Attractions: Its strategic location ensures that while you enjoy the beachfront serenity, you're "not a long drive to downtown York or other places in York," providing easy access to local shops, restaurants, and attractions like York's Wild Kingdom and Historic York Village.
• Highly Sought-After Destination: The significant demand, evidenced by a reported "3-year waiting list," speaks volumes about the quality of the experience and the desirability of a seasonal spot at Camp Eaton.

For those interested in becoming part of the Camp Eaton community or learning more about this premier oceanside campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: 750 York St, York Harbor, ME 03911, USA

Phone: (207) 363-3424

Mobile Phone: +1 207-363-3424

Given the high demand and the reported waiting list for seasonal sites, it is highly recommended to contact Camp Eaton well in advance to inquire about availability and the application process. Their official website (campeaton.com) is also an excellent resource for detailed information on amenities, rates, and seasonal policies.

For Mainers, Camp Eaton is more than just a place to camp; it's a deeply ingrained part of the summer tradition and a highly coveted lifestyle. Its immediate proximity to Long Sands Beach offers an unparalleled advantage, providing direct access to the ocean for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the quintessential Maine coast. The fact that it's a seasonal-only RV park fosters an incredibly strong and friendly community, where neighbors become like extended family, sharing summer experiences year after year. This creates a unique "home away from home" atmosphere that is highly valued by its long-term residents.

The convenience of being close to downtown York, with its charming shops, diverse restaurants, and family-friendly attractions like York's Wild Kingdom, means that campers can enjoy both the peaceful beach environment and vibrant local culture without extensive travel. The abundance of on-site activities, from organized events with a full-time social director to recreational facilities like basketball courts and a dog park, ensures there's always something to do for all ages. For Maine locals, securing a spot at Camp Eaton represents not just a summer vacation, but an investment in a lifestyle of affordable, scenic, and community-rich coastal living that many families cherish across generations. It truly embodies the spirit of a relaxed, yet engaging, Maine summer.