Last Updated: May 2026
On our way south to Portland, we made a deliberate detour into Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The town’s reputation for scenic coves, waterfront restaurants, and walkable streets had been on our radar, and it delivered exactly what we hoped for — plus a foggy side trip to East Boothbay that turned out to be one of the more atmospheric drives of the whole summer.
Shore Hills Campground and RV Park
Shore Hills Campground sits about 3 miles from downtown Boothbay Harbor. They set us up in a pull-through site — but once we leveled, we discovered the sewer cap was installed backwards and the cleanout was uphill from the coach. A glance next door confirmed it was the same situation for our neighbor. Our working theory is that the sites once faced the opposite direction, but newer decks on the hookup pedestals told a different story. We moved to a back-in site where the sewer drained properly, as it should.
The 50-amp sites (50 psi water pressure) were in a more open section of the campground — functional but unremarkable. Internet worked when it worked, and satellite signal was good. Each site had its own garbage can with recycling nearby. We initially wondered why we’d booked here, but then we explored the rest of the property: the back sections are heavily wooded, private, and right on the water — genuinely beautiful sites. The catch is they’re only 30-amp, and with temperatures in the high 70s we needed to run the AC, cook, and do laundry simultaneously. So we stayed put. The one highlight of our section: a gorgeous vintage Shasta Daisy camper parked nearby that drew admiring looks from every passerby.
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor itself is everything a Maine coastal town should be: compact, charming, and crammed with restaurants, bars, galleries, and small shops tucked along the waterfront and up the side streets. One note of warning for anyone driving in — the main road was under major construction during our visit, with traffic backed up more than two miles in both directions. Siri rerouted us on back roads and saved the day entirely. Once in town, we left the tow vehicle and explored on foot, which is by far the best way to experience it.
Chowder House
The Chowder House was a highlight of the Boothbay stop and one of the more fun restaurant settings we encountered all summer. It sits right on the wharf, colorful and slightly raucous, with a bar built from an actual old sailboat — a detail that perfectly captures the spirit of the place. The staff were friendly, forthcoming with local recommendations, and genuinely enjoyable to talk to. We had the haddock chowder, which was exactly what you hope for in a bowl of New England chowder on a Maine waterfront: rich, hearty, and loaded with fish.
East Boothbay Harbor
On a foggy afternoon we drove out to East Boothbay Harbor, following a winding coastal road that hugged the shoreline. The homes out here are exactly the image that comes to mind when you think “classic Maine coast” — grey weathered cedar siding, white trim, tucked into the spruce trees and facing the ocean. In the fog, the whole scene was something out of a New England photography book: muted colors, soft light, water barely visible through the mist. We hiked along Ocean Point Walk, which traces the rocky shoreline at the peninsula’s tip and rewards the effort with sweeping views even on a grey day.
Lobster Roll
After the hike we stopped for lunch at a local spot and ordered lobster rolls — paired with a cold pale ale, which is the correct way to do it. The roll was loaded with enormous chunks of lobster, well dressed, and entirely satisfying. That said, the verdict stands: steamed lobster is the superior preparation. The lobster roll is a wonderful thing, but there is something about pulling a whole lobster apart with your hands that no roll can quite replicate. Still — not the most health-conscious lunch, but we had just hiked, and Maine excuses these things.
Visitor Information
Boothbay Harbor is located on Route 27 south of US-1, about an hour north of Portland. The town is primarily a warm-weather destination and is busiest July through September. The main road into town (Route 27) can experience significant traffic delays in peak season — arriving via back roads or early in the day is advisable. Parking in the harbor area is limited; plan to park once and walk.
Ocean Point Walk in East Boothbay is a short, easy hike with excellent coastal views. The drive out along the East Boothbay Peninsula is worth doing in its own right — the scenery is quintessential Maine coast regardless of weather.
Practical Tips for RV Travelers
Shore Hills Campground is a serviceable base for Boothbay Harbor. The 50-amp pull-through and back-in sites are functional but basic; the real gems are the wooded waterfront sites at the back of the property, which offer genuine privacy and beautiful surroundings — but only 30-amp service. If your rig can manage on 30 amps in mild weather, those sites are well worth requesting. Satellite signal in the open sections is good.
One practical note: check your sewer hookup orientation immediately upon arrival. Our pull-through site had the cleanout uphill from the coach — a frustrating discovery after leveling. Moving to a back-in resolved it. It’s a quick check that can save significant hassle.
