'Waterfront adventures': Sun Outdoors campground opens May 13 under new ownership
WELLS, Maine — The campground at 1000 Post Road has been a familiar sight in Wells for years – but there will be something different about the place when it reopens for the summer on Friday, May 13.
It’ll have a brand-new name: Sun Outdoors Wells Beach.
Two outdoor hospitality specialists, Blue Water, of Maryland, and Sun Outdoors, of Michigan, are teaming up and taking over operations of the property formerly known as Wells Beach Resort Campground.
The campground, which has a mini-golf course at its entrance, is home to 169 RV campsites and 29 spaces to put up tents.
Glamping getaway: Huttopia campground in southern Maine expands with new cabins, more
Blue Water officially took over the operations of the property in November and is assisting in this transition in partnership with Sun Outdoors, the company stated in a May 4 news release.
More: Kennebunk's Elizabeth Rose House has a new owner — and soon, a new name and look too
“This is a wonderful opportunity for additional Blue Water presence in New England, along with our KOA partnerships,” said Todd Burbage, the CEO of the company. “Wells Beach has amazing potential for waterfront adventures and an already established quality of service that we can’t wait to take to the next level.”
The group’s other regional partnerships with KOA – Kampgrounds of America, a network of privately owned sites throughout North America – include the KOA Holiday on Salmon Falls River in Lebanon and the Strafford-Lake Winnipesaukee South KOA Holiday in New Hampshire.
In addition to the mini-golf course, the Wells campground also features a swimming pool, a recreational field, a sandy volleyball court, a fitness center, and two playgrounds. There is also a store on site, where campers can pick up supplies, groceries, souvenirs, and more.
A family camping resort
Burbage called the campground an “immaculate family camping resort” and said Blue Water was drawn to the property by its perfect rating on Good Sam, a website that serves as a nationwide network of travel destinations.
“The best feature is that guests can use the Wells Trolley System to get to Wells Beach and area attractions without even having to drive,” Burbage said. “These qualities, paired with the coastal New England charm and an immersive 18-hole mini golf course, made it the perfect addition to our growing portfolio.”
Maine's Seahorse Resort to get makeover: Here's what new owners have planned
Once it opens on Friday, Sun Outdoors Wells Beach will stay open through Oct. 13.
A local representative of the campground could not be reached for comment.
While camping has always been a popular pastime during the summer, it has been even more so during the past couple of years, according to KOA, which has posted its 2022 report online.
“Over the past two years, COVID-19 has significantly impacted travel,” the group said on its website. “While much of this impact has been negative, camping has seen a dramatic increase in participation.”
Live theatre: 'Cher' showcase will launch Ogunquit Playhouse's milestone 90th season
According to KOA, camping accounted for 40% of all leisure trips in 2021. More than half of travelers, 53%, included camping as part or all of their travels, the organization added.
“Leisure travelers, who would otherwise stay home, have utilized camping as a preferred form of travel, and many are indicating camping will be part of their plans in 2022 and beyond,” KOA said.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Sun Outdoors campground in Southern Maine opens May 13 under new ownership
