outdoorsy coastal new hampshire and maine recommendations

September 8, 2014 5:33 PM

We have two days (tomorrow and Wednesday) to go somewhere. It was a tossup between mountains and coast, but we've decided coast. What outdoorsy things should we do in northern NH and southern Maine? And where should we camp?

I realize there's tons of questions about Portland and Portsmouth, but they're more focused on restaurants/city stuff. We like outdoorsy stuff and are also pretty broke. So, looking for an area within, say, four hours drive of providence RI that we should check out for a few days, as well as campsite recommendations. Also hikes, beaches, maybe a place to rent kayaks? Tide pools? Ideally, we'd like Acadia, but four hours closer. Any ideas?

posted by geegollygosh to Travel & Transportation (5 answers total)

I don't have specifics but driving up the coast has a lot of interesting spots, but a lot of the southern Maine is either long stretches of beach or steep rocks. In NH the Kancamagus has lots of accessible hikes. Midweek with school started I can't imagine there's any problem getting a campsite in either NH or Maine. A loop up the coast then inland through NH could work.
posted by sammyo at 6:53 PM on September 8, 2014

Best answer: Recompense campground in Freeport is lovely. Ocean sites, kayak rental, hiking, and part of a non-profit farm with animals and local veggies grown by students and day campers. No beach there, but several gorgeous ones within an hours drive (Popham, Reid State Park).
posted by Sukey Says at 6:56 PM on September 8, 2014

Best answer: The Hermit Island campground is amazing. Try to get an oceanfront or oceanview spot if possible. Highly recommended!
posted by barnone at 8:28 PM on September 8, 2014

I took the ferry out to Star Island (Isles of Shoals) and loved spending the day there. Bring a book, the huge porch full of rocking chairs can't be beat.
posted by maca at 7:41 AM on September 9, 2014

Response by poster: Went to hermit island! It was beautiful. A little cold, but otherwise A+, everything we were looking for. Recompense also looked great, but their off season rates hadn't kicked in yet...
posted by geegollygosh at 2:15 PM on September 12, 2014 [1 favorite]