Desert of Maine

Category: Tourist attraction

Address: 95 Desert Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA

Phone: +12072502550

Opening hours

Sunday: 9AM–6PM

Monday: 9AM–6PM

Tuesday: 9AM–6PM

Wednesday: 9AM–6PM

Thursday: 9AM–8PM

Friday: 9AM–8PM

Saturday: 9AM–8PM

Reviews

Tabor Bent

Aug 12, 2022

Camping here was amazing. We only went in the desert at night time and saw 4 shooting stars!!! Definitely will be back. Mini-golf also got a huge thumbs up from the kids!!

Viktor B

Jul 10, 2022

Fantastic Campground. This is truly an oasis for kids, families and adult getaways. Sand Dunes attraction is included with your camping rental (although after regular hours which is actually better!) They have tent spots, RV spots and very nice cabins. Bathrooms showers are luxurious as advertised!

G. DeLuca

Jun 23, 2022

Went with almost 4 year old. She wasn't impressed. She loved the natural playground. But didn't enjoy the sand walk. More people & kids playing mini golf than exploring. So maybe better for mini golf? Was a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

Kathy Hayes

Sep 1, 2021

A really nice campground near the desert - campsite was wooded and private. Fun games available to play - playground size jenga, corn hole and connect four. Nicely renovated showers (small) and nice bathrooms. A sink to wash dishes and a convenient kiosk to buy firewood and snacks/beverages. There was a digital Check in check out also. Camp guests can access the desert before and after tourist hours - short hikes near the campground. Interesting site - unusual history! A kids playground is open and also they have a nice gift shop - great gifts for kids. Staff were helpful. No one on site was available but they answer calls promptly. We enjoyed our stay - much nicer than state campground on the rest of our trip.

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Questions & Answers

Do you serve food at the Desert?

Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021
Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021

Yes! We have the Oasis Cafe which is a snack bar serving classic snacks and beverages from our nearly 100 year history including hot dogs, popcorn, penny candy, baked treats, coffee, freshly-made lemonade and ice tea, ice cream bars, and more.

Is there a live stream of the desert?

Sydney Hurley | Aug 20, 2018
MARCEL PELOQUIN | Aug 20, 2018

Not that I remember seeing.

What's the price to get in

Anne brown | Jun 20, 2022
Desert of Maine | Jun 20, 2022

General admission is $16 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and under. Children 3 and under are free. There are discounts for seniors and active duty military; members of the Desert of Maine enjoy free admission all year long.

Can I bring my RV to the campground?

Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021
Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021

We accept small RVs and trailers (20' or less).

What if we have a big group

Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021
Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021

We love big groups! Big groups (12 or more) can call ahead for a group discount and schedule a guided walking tour (subject to docent availability).

Can I bring my dog?

Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021
Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are honored guests at the Desert! (Obviously, please clean up after your dog)

Do you have bathrooms?

Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021
Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021

Yes, we have 2 ADA-accessible bathrooms that were renovated in 2020. They are very nice!

How long is the tour?

Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021
Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021

We have several different options for the tour, depending on your preferences. Our self-guided tour includes 40 interpretive signs scattered throughout the property which you can read at your own pace. It usually takes people about an hour or so. We also have 3 audio tours that you can download to your phone: a general history tours, and two deep-dive tours about the geology and ecology of the Desert. The audio tours take about an hour as well. We also have docent-led guided walking tours scheduled (typically on weekends), that take about an hour. Finally, coming in the summer of 2021, we will have an electric vehicle for guided tours that take about 30 minutes or so.

Is the Desert of Maine a good place for kids?

Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021
Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021

Yes! Kids are first-class citizens here. Aside from being essentially the largest sand box in the state of Maine, we have lots of activities designed for kids. The one-of-a-kind natural playground is incredible! There is even a lookout tower with binocular where kids can survey the entire property. We also have Gemstone Village which is a magical labyrinth where kids can run around and look for hidden treasures. In 2021, we will be adding our "Fossil Dig" exhibit and building a mini golf course.

Do u guys have a public restroom

cora thody | Aug 19, 2021
Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021

Yes, we have public restrooms that will be available when we open in May.

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Is this only a campground?? I was hoping to bring my kids here for like fun activities and a little look around tour type thing

Kate Pinette | Aug 20, 2019
alison w. | Aug 20, 2019

they have a really awesome, family-friendly tour. it's probably about an hour or so long. you ride around in an open air cart. the guides let you get out at certain points. there is a fun part at the end that kids can find colored stones.

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How much it cost

Diane Marquis | Aug 20, 2018
Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021

It is $16 for adults / $12 for kids aged 4-12. Kids 3 and under are free. For the early part of our 2021 season, we are offering 25% off for all guests as we are in the middle of a massive renovation (i.e. $12 for adults / $9 for kids).

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Can you bring your dog?

Lisa Hennessey | Aug 20, 2018
Desert of Maine | Aug 19, 2021

Yes!! Well-behaved dogs on a leash are honored guests here!

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