Last Minute Summer Camping Trips in Maine: Why Papoose Pond Is the Perfect Pick
If you’re still searching for last minute summer camping trips in Maine, you’re not too late. In fact, you’re right on time.
Late August is one of the best times to plan a spontaneous escape, and Papoose Pond in Waterford, Maine, offers the perfect mix of family-friendly fun, peaceful scenery, and availability for those ready to make the most of summer’s final stretch. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, a tent site under the stars, or an RV hookup with easy access to the beach, we’ve got you covered.
Prime Availability Without Sacrificing the Experience
One of the biggest challenges in booking last minute summer camping trips in Maine is finding somewhere that’s not already full. From quiet mornings on the pond, or fun times renting a boat or swimming in the pool (open until September 21), you’ll get the full Papoose experience, no months-ahead planning required.
August Activities Are Still Going Strong
Just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean the fun is. In fact, late summer often brings out the best of Papoose Pond. Our August activity calendar is loaded with family favorites through August 23rd like:
- The Wednesday Beach Party & BBQ
- Tie-dye sessions, pool tournaments, and games on the ball field
- Family entertainment every night of the week
- Bingo, mini-golf, crafts, and more
Still packing in the summer fun? Start with these activity ideas to fill your days on site.
Midweek = Best Kept Secret
Want fewer crowds, more flexibility, and the same level of fun? The last week of full summer (Aug 17-23) still has good availability with the opportunity to experience all of our activities and amenities. You’ll get more breathing room at the beach, shorter lines at the Rec Hall, and bonus time to meet other campers before the weekend crowd rolls in.
And if you’ve never seen a cardboard boat race, now’s your chance. Our iconic Wednesday cardboard boat races are open to all guests, and you can even build your own boat with tips from our blog.
Easy to Get to, Hard to Leave
Papoose Pond is perfectly located for campers coming from Portland, Boston, or southern New England. No long-haul planning, no flight delays—just an easy drive and a warm welcome.
We’re close to popular attractions like the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum, local ice cream shops, and beautiful nearby lakes and forests, but you may never want to leave the pondside once you settle in. We have tons of information about local attractions on our website here.
Need travel tips? Visit Maine.gov for up-to-date road info and area weather.
Why Late Summer Might Be the Best Summer
There’s something magical about the final days of August. The water is warm, the nights are cool, and the pressure to “do it all” starts to fade.
Fewer bugs. More golden-hour canoe rides. Space to breathe before the school year begins. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to camp, this might be it.
Ready to Book? Don’t Wait
We offer flexible booking and site options for families, couples, and solo campers. But spots go quickly this time of year—especially the waterfront cabins and full hookup RV sites.
Click here to book your stay or call us to talk through what’s available. You’ll still have time to swim, roast s’mores, play mini-golf, and hit up one last beach BBQ before the season wraps.
Make Your Summer Count
The best moments are often the unplanned ones. That spontaneous cannonball. The late-night campfire story. The s’more that melts just right.
If you’re still thinking about last minute summer camping trips in Maine, we hope you’ll think of Papoose Pond. It’s not just where summer ends, it’s where memories last.