Camp Eaton

- 750 York St, York Harbor, ME 03911

Introduction / Overview

The Southern Maine coast holds a special place in the hearts of Mainers, and few destinations capture the essence of a classic New England summer quite like the historic town of York. Nestled perfectly in this beloved region is Camp Eaton, a long-standing institution in York Harbor that offers a unique and highly sought-after way to experience coastal living. For over a century, since its founding in 1923, Camp Eaton has been dedicated to creating lasting family memories, initially with canvas tents and now as a modern, premier seasonal RV community.

Camp Eaton is more than just a campground; it is an all-seasonal site Oceanside Community. This means it primarily caters to long-term guests who utilize their recreational vehicles (RVs) as their "summer beach house" from May to October. This distinction creates a peaceful, quiet, and stable environment, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere. Customer reviews highlight this very benefit, noting the "very peaceful, quiet, scenic" nature of the grounds and the friendliness of the neighbors. The concept allows local users and seasonal residents to transform their RVs with additions like platform decks and 'adder rooms,' creating a true second home by the ocean for a fraction of the cost of traditional coastal real estate.

Located directly across the street from the famous Long Sands Beach, the setting is nothing short of spectacular. The current owners, Peter and Kathy Wagner, are the fourth generation of the founding family, carrying forward a tradition of clean, quiet, and family-friendly camping that has endured for decades. This deep-rooted, family-run management is a testament to the quality and consistency of the Camp Eaton experience. This 37-acre property features over 250 sites, all dedicated to seasonal use, solidifying its reputation as a permanent, reasonably priced coastal getaway for those willing to plan ahead.

Location and Accessibility

The enviable location of Camp Eaton at 750 York St, York Harbor, ME 03911, USA, is one of its most significant assets. Situated right on U.S. Route 1A, the primary coastal road, the campground is strategically placed for both serenity and convenience, a blend that is difficult to find on the Maine coast.

The most striking feature of its location is its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The property is located directly across the street from the southern end of the beautiful Long Sands Beach. This gives seasonal campers immediate, easy access to one of Southern Maine's most popular sandy beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and long, scenic walks. The review stating the campground is "placed perfectly right across the street from the ocean" underscores this major benefit.

Accessibility is excellent for Mainers traveling from the south or inland. Located just a short drive from the Yorks exit on I-95, travelers can quickly transition from the highway to the coastal road (US 1A). Furthermore, the location ensures that seasonal residents are never far from the best of the region. Downtown York, with its quaint shops, delicious restaurants, and various attractions, is not a long drive away. This allows Camp Eaton residents to easily enjoy local landmarks like the iconic Nubble Lighthouse, the historic York Village, and family fun at York's Wild Kingdom, while still having a peaceful, quiet haven to return to at the end of the day.

Services Offered

As an all-seasonal RV community, Camp Eaton provides a comprehensive suite of services and utilities designed to make each RV site function seamlessly as a comfortable, long-term summer home.

• Full Utility Hookups: Each seasonal site is equipped with essential full-service hookups, including town water, sewer, and electricity (30A service, with some sites offering 50A service).
• Cable and Internet Access: Sites include cable TV service, with the option for seasonal guests to easily arrange for internet service installation through a local cable provider, ensuring full modern connectivity.
• On-Site Comfort Facilities: Modern amenities for general community use include restrooms with hot showers and convenient on-site laundry facilities, maintained to a high standard of cleanliness.
• Propane and Repair Services: The campground offers convenient access to propane (LP gas) nearby and coordinates with an independent RV repair company that visits the park weekly, providing essential maintenance and support services for RV owners.
• Winter Storage and Setup: The seasonal rate includes winter storage for the RV unit, and the management offers a full array of services for setting up, winterizing, and maintaining seasonal additions like decks and 'adder rooms' through independent contractors.
• Seasonal Site Customization: Guests are permitted to enhance their sites with picnic tables, fire circles, grills, platform decks, and adder rooms, truly customizing their space to feel like a "beach house."

Features / Highlights

The Camp Eaton experience is defined by its prime coastal location and the strong sense of community that the all-seasonal model fosters.

• Prime Oceanside Community: The defining feature is its status as an all-seasonal oceanside community of 255 sites. This seasonal-only structure promotes a high level of peace and quiet, as well as a friendly, tight-knit, and consistent neighborhood feel throughout the season.
• Direct Access to Long Sands Beach: Campers are "right across the street from the ocean," granting unparalleled, immediate walking access to the sandy swimming, sunbathing, and whale-watching opportunities of Long Sands Beach.
• Organized Summer Activities: The camp offers "plenty of activities... during the summer," including special events like live music, holiday dances, outdoor movie nights, and inflatable water slide days on the ballfield, catering to all age groups.
• Recreational Amenities: Permanent on-site amenities include a dedicated playground, a ballfield for games like wiffleball or kickball, basketball and corn hole courts, and a dog park, ensuring ample options for family fun and exercise.
• Family-Run Heritage: Camp Eaton is a fourth-generation, family-run business, providing a consistent, personal level of care and management that dates back over 100 years, a rarity in today's hospitality market.

Contact Information

As Camp Eaton operates on an all-seasonal, community-based model, prospective campers should be aware that sites are highly sought after. Inquiries should be made directly to the office for the most current information regarding availability.

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

Phone: (207) 363-3424

Mobile Phone: +1 207-363-3424

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Mainers, Camp Eaton is more than a vacation spot; it is a permanent summer lifestyle solution. It provides the financial and logistical benefits of a "reasonably cheap summer get away," offering a tangible way to secure a piece of the desirable Southern Maine coastline without the prohibitive costs of a permanent coastal home. The seasonal site concept allows local residents—especially those who may be "weekend warriors" or who wish to spend the entire summer season by the ocean—to establish a stable, comfortable, and personalized beach haven. The campground’s location is ideal, offering the quiet, scenic beauty of York Harbor while maintaining quick access to the vibrant downtown areas of York, ensuring convenience for local shopping and entertainment. The long history and family-run nature of the camp cultivate a strong, friendly community environment where neighbors truly become friends, enhancing the quality of life throughout the summer. While there is a well-known waiting list to become a part of this treasured community, the longevity, location, and overall experience make Camp Eaton a valuable and highly recommended seasonal home for any Maine resident dreaming of an oceanfront summer.

Camp Eaton

750 York St, York Harbor, ME 03911, USA