Hemlock Grove Campground

- 1299 Portland Rd, Arundel, ME 04046

When looking for the quintessential Maine camping experience—one that balances the serene beauty of the woods with unparalleled access to the state's famous coastline and attractions—**Hemlock Grove Campground** in Arundel emerges as a premier choice for local users. The campground operates under the fitting motto, “Providing a Northern Maine Atmosphere with Southern Maine Convenience,” a promise that resonates deeply with Maine residents seeking a genuine, nature-immersed getaway that doesn't require a long drive up north.

Established in the year 2000, and built from the ground up on property belonging to four generations of the managing family, Hemlock Grove Campground offers a palpable sense of pride and dedication. This commitment is immediately evident to guests. As one traveler noted upon arrival, "You can tell right away that this is a well cared for place." The atmosphere is notably quiet and private, thanks to the expansive, wooded setting across 32+ acres.

Hemlock Grove provides a comfortable and safe environment for all types of campers, from those pitching a tent to those rolling in with the largest of RVs. The sites are frequently praised for being good sized, level, and nestled among the trees, offering a degree of natural privacy that can be hard to find in more built-up resort areas. This commitment to a clean, well-maintained, and friendly camping experience makes it a destination guests confidently recommend and vow to return to. The owners are often cited as kind and the staff as personable, ensuring every stay is an enjoyable one.

Location and Accessibility

Hemlock Grove Campground is ideally situated at 1299 Portland Rd (US Route 1) in Arundel, ME 04046, USA. This location is one of its greatest assets, placing campers right in the heart of Southern Maine's most popular vacation corridor, yet surrounded by natural foliage for a secluded feel.

The campground is centrally located to virtually everything the Maine coast is famous for. Its position places it just minutes—often less than a ten-minute drive—from the iconic Dock Square in Kennebunkport, known for its quaint shops, art galleries, and classic New England dining. Guests have easy access to a multitude of local beaches, including Kennebunk Beach, Parsons Beach, Goose Rocks Beach, and Fortune Rocks Beach.

Major family attractions are also only a short drive away, including the thrilling rides at Old Orchard Pier/Palace Playland, the fun of Funtown/Splashtown U.S.A., and the historic Seashore Trolley Museum. The ease of navigation and proximity to US Route 1 makes day trips effortless. Whether a family is heading to Portland Head Lighthouse, exploring the shops of Ogunquit, or grabbing some fresh local produce from a nearby farm stand, Hemlock Grove provides a perfect, easily accessible home base. The well-maintained roads and sites within the campground itself also contribute to easy navigation for both RVs and children on bikes.

Services Offered

Hemlock Grove Campground is focused on providing the practical amenities necessary for a comfortable and effortless stay, whether for a weekend getaway or a full season.

• Campsite Hookups: Features 75 spacious sites catering to Big Rigs, with many offering Full Hookups (Water, Sewer, and Electric). Electric service includes 20, 30, and 50 amp availability at various sites.
• Tenting and Rentals: Dedicated tent sites are available, along with comfortable Cabin Rentals for those without an RV or tent (guests must bring their own linens).
• Essential Utilities: Offers a convenient dump station, an on-site Propane Filling Station, and individual fire pits and picnic tables at every site.
• Laundry and Bathhouse: A modern, spotless, and regularly cleaned bathhouse provides toilets, showers with hot water, and a dedicated laundry room with newer machines.
• Connectivity and Entertainment: Free Wi-Fi access and cable television hookups are provided at the RV sites.
• On-Site Convenience: A well-stocked camp store is available on the premises, offering essentials, camping accessories, firewood, gifts, and apparel.
• Pet Services: The campground is pet-friendly, welcoming well-mannered pets (with certain restrictions), though a strict rule of no visiting dogs applies to maintain a peaceful environment.
• Group and Seasonal Options: Both Monthly and Seasonal RV and Cabin Rates are available for those looking to establish a long-term summer base in the area.

Features / Highlights

The key highlights of Hemlock Grove Campground center on the quality of its environment, the family-friendly simplicity, and its phenomenal location.

• Wooded and Private Sites: The park’s chief appeal is its setting on 32+ acres, offering large, level, gravel-padded sites nestled among the hemlock trees. This design provides significant shade and separation, giving campers the feeling of privacy often associated with more remote, 'Northern Maine' camping.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: Customer reviews consistently highlight the spotless condition of the facilities, noting the bathrooms, showers, and laundry room as being modern and very clean, a critical factor for a comfortable camping vacation.
• Family Recreation: Though there is no pool, the campground features a small play set, a basketball court, a recreation hall, and a game room. The layout, with well-maintained roads, is perfect for children who want to ride their bikes safely around the grounds, as noted by happy parents.
• Outstanding Accessibility to Coast: The location directly off US Route 1 means the campground is exceptionally close—just minutes—to Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, and other Southern Maine coastal towns, providing easy daily access to beaches, fine dining, and shopping.
• Big Rig Friendly: The design of the roads and the size of the 75 sites accommodate larger RVs and feature pull-through options, ensuring comfortable maneuvering for all vehicle sizes.
• Local Flair: The campground occasionally hosts local amenities, such as an on-site food truck specializing in delicious Maine lobster, offering a taste of local cuisine without having to leave the premises.

Contact Information

Hemlock Grove Campground is open seasonally, typically from May 15th through October 15th, though reservations are accepted year-round. It is advisable to book early, especially for summer and holiday weekends, as the best sites fill up quickly due to the campground's reputation and size.

• Address: 1299 Portland Rd, Arundel, ME 04046, USA (US Route 1)
• Phone: (207) 985-0398

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Maine, Hemlock Grove Campground represents the ideal compromise: genuine wilderness ambiance without sacrificing the convenience of Southern Maine living. Instead of spending hours driving north, locals can quickly get to a wooded, tranquil setting that feels miles away from the everyday routine. The owners and staff, often a local family themselves, take immense pride in the property, offering a welcoming, safe, and immaculately maintained environment that aligns with Maine's high standards.

Its unique selling point is the combination of private, large, shaded sites—a true escape into the woods—with an unbeatable location for exploring Maine's premier tourist regions. The ability to be on a quiet campsite one moment, and less than a ten-minute drive later, be at the beaches of Kennebunkport, makes it a strategic and stress-free option for families. Whether you are seeking a simple, quiet weekend to recharge or a full week of exploring the Southern Maine coastline, Hemlock Grove Campground offers the best of both worlds, making it a highly suitable and highly praised regional camping destination. The focus on cleanliness, easy navigation, and providing all the necessary modern amenities solidifies its reputation as one of the top campgrounds in the Kennebunk area.

Hemlock Grove Campground

1299 Portland Rd, Arundel, ME 04046, USA