Camp Ellis Pier & Jetty - Image 1
1 / 3

Camp Ellis Jetty

4.7
·183 reviews·Saco, United States

A rugged granite jetty offering dramatic ocean views and fishing, with a family-friendly beach and pier nearby.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise

Calm mornings, beautiful light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Camp Ellis Pier & Jetty - Image 1

Camp Ellis Jetty

Best Time

Sunrise

Calm mornings, beautiful light

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A rugged granite jetty offering dramatic ocean views and fishing, with a family-friendly beach and pier nearby.

4.7
(183 reviews)

"The jetty gets five stars for sheer coolness, a cyclopian wall jutting into the sea."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Wear good walking shoes! The jetty is a rock scramble, not a flat path.

🎣 Fishing Gear Ready

Bring your fishing rod! It's a popular spot for stripers and other coastal catches.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Camp Ellis Jetty

The Iconic Camp Ellis Jetty

Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean

A formidable rock structure offering dramatic ocean views and a prime spot for fishing and adventurous walks.

Sunrise Serenity

Sunrise Serenity

Camp Ellis Beach

Witness breathtaking sunrises painting the sky over the ocean and the jetty, a truly peaceful start to the day.

Family-Friendly Fishing Pier

Family-Friendly Fishing Pier

Adjacent to the Jetty

A more accessible option for fishing, perfect for taking kids and enjoying the coastal atmosphere.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Jetty's Terrain

The Camp Ellis Jetty is a rugged rock scramble, not a paved path. Be prepared for uneven surfaces and shifted boulders, especially after storms. Sturdy footwear is a must for safe exploration and fishing. Reddit+1

Parking and Beach Access

Paid parking is available near the fishing pier and sandy beach. While the beach is great for kids, the jetty itself is not recommended for very young children or pets due to its challenging terrain. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Sunrise
Why
Calm mornings, beautiful light
Crowd
Low
When
High Tide
Why
Dramatic waves crashing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Things to do in Saco, Maine. #lighttravelsllc #sacomaine #maine #southernmaine #beach #atlanticocean #sacoriver #thewaylifeshouldbe #kidsoftiktok #explore #travel #destination #yorkcountymaine #Hiking #cascadefallsmaine #campellismaine #sacoheathpreserve #funtownsplashtown #aquabogganwaterpark #aquaboggan #ferrybeachmaine #ferrybeachstatepark #sacodrivein
@light_travels
3.3K likes • 40.8K views

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Wear good walking shoes! The jetty is a rock scramble, not a flat path. Reddit+2

🎣 Fishing Gear Ready

Bring your fishing rod! It's a popular spot for stripers and other coastal catches. Reddit

Gotta different look at the ocean with the waves ripping over Camp Ellis jetty at high tide during Hurricane Lee 10 foot swells with 30 mile an hour offshore breeze made a unique current at the jetty #maine #campellis #Hurricanelee #saco #biddo #207 #fortheloveofmaine #mainelife #mainethewaylifeshouldbe #mainetheway #thisismaine #mainesummer #beanoutsider #maineigers #newenglandihers #mainesurf
gottalovemainetours
37 likes • 1.6K views
Gotta love catching sunrise over the jetty in Camp Ellis! Beautiful calm morning with temperatures at 61 for sunrise! #saco #maine #207 #maineigers #mainesumrise #sunrise #goodmorning #sunshine #morningvibes #mainethewaylifeshouldbe #lookleft #mainetheway #thisismaine #fortheloveofmaine #lobsterboat #mainelobster #mainefishing
gottalovemainetours
46 likes • 899 views

🚗 Parking Fees

Expect paid parking, with options for all-day or hourly rates. Reddit

🌅 Capture the Sunrise

Early mornings offer stunning light and fewer crowds for photographers. Instagram+1

Gotta love sunrise over the Camp Ellis Jetty! #maine #fortheloveofmaine #mainethewaylifeshouldbe #sunrise #mainelobster #lobsterboat #saco #sunrise #gonefishing #mainelobstermen #mainelife #maineliving #beanoutsider #exploremaine #mainemag #clouds #mainemagazine #takeitin #beherenow #thisismaine #appreciatethelittlethings
gottalovemainetours
58 likes • 809 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Wear good walking shoes! The jetty is a rock scramble, not a flat path. Reddit+2

🎣 Fishing Gear Ready

Bring your fishing rod! It's a popular spot for stripers and other coastal catches. Reddit

🚗 Parking Fees

Expect paid parking, with options for all-day or hourly rates. Reddit

🌅 Capture the Sunrise

Early mornings offer stunning light and fewer crowds for photographers. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(183 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Camp Ellis Jetty is praised for its dramatic ocean views and fishing opportunities, with the adjacent beach and pier being family-friendly. However, visitors note the jetty's terrain has become more challenging due to shifted rocks, requiring caution for safe passage. Reddit+1

"The Jetty gets five stars for sheer coolness. Unlike the Rockland Breakwater , which is designed for walking, the jetty is basically a cyclopian wall jutting into the sea. It is perfectly ok to venture out on it (for fishing, sightseeing, or on a dare) but it is a rock scramble from beginning to end. My group chose to explore the adjacent fishing pier and sandy beach. There is ample paid parking near the pier and plenty of room on the beach for sitting, picnics, or children playing. This is an underrated destination in the Old Orchard area and certainly worth including in a visit the region."

Jason Watson

"Great place to fish and even a small.protected sand beach. Great for kids. My son had a blast playing here. $8 parking all day or we paid $4 for 2 hours. There is a jetty for fishing and flush clean toilets and hot and cold water sinks. I didn't see a shower though."

Wakesk8r

"I took my nephew here to fish off the jetty. We had a fun time! Some of the granite stones have shifted and I would not recommend walking out on the jetty if you are unsteady on your feet."

Corey F

What People Like

Dramatic ocean views
Good fishing spots
Family-friendly beach & pier

What People Dislike

Uneven jetty terrain
Parking fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Camp Ellis Jetty is located in Saco, Maine. It's accessible by car, with paid parking available nearby. Many visitors find it a scenic drive along the coast. TikTok

Public transportation options directly to Camp Ellis Jetty are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the area. TikTok

Access is directly from the beach area. Be prepared for a rocky, uneven path to reach the main jetty structure. Reddit+1

Yes, there are flush toilets with hot and cold water sinks available near the beach and pier area. Reddit

While dogs are often allowed on beaches, it's best to check local regulations. The jetty itself is not ideal for pets due to the terrain. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no direct entrance fee for the jetty itself, but parking is paid. Rates can vary, with options for all-day or hourly passes. Reddit

Camp Ellis is generally accessible during daylight hours. The parking lots may have specific opening and closing times. TikTok

No advance booking is required for Camp Ellis Jetty. You pay for parking upon arrival. Reddit

The jetty is typically open year-round, but access can be affected by severe weather conditions. Instagram

Discounts are not commonly advertised, but hourly rates are available if you plan a shorter visit. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Onsite Experience

The jetty offers a unique fishing experience, but be aware that some rocks have shifted, making it challenging. The adjacent pier is a more stable option for fishing, especially with kids. Reddit+2

Walking the jetty requires caution. Some sections have large, shifted boulders with gaps, making it unsuitable for those unsteady on their feet, young children, or pets. Reddit+2

Anglers often target stripers and other popular coastal species from the jetty and pier. Reddit

Visitors enjoy sightseeing, photography, picnicking on the beach, and simply taking in the ocean views. TikTokInstagram

The sandy beach adjacent to the jetty is excellent for children to play. However, the jetty itself is not recommended for very young kids due to the uneven terrain. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise offers stunning light and a serene atmosphere, perfect for capturing the jetty and ocean. High tide can provide dramatic wave action against the rocks. TikTokInstagram+1

You can capture wide-angle ocean vistas, dramatic wave shots crashing over the jetty, and serene sunrise or sunset scenes. Instagram+1

The beach offers a good vantage point for the entire jetty. Walking out onto the jetty (with caution) provides a more immersive perspective. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture distant boats or wave details. A tripod is useful for sunrise/sunset shots. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. Always check for any restrictions before flying. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Camp Ellis offers a great mix for families. The sandy beach is perfect for kids to play, build sandcastles, and enjoy the ocean safely. Reddit The fishing pier is a fantastic, accessible spot for children to try fishing without the hazards of the rocky jetty. Reddit While the jetty itself is not ideal for little ones due to its uneven terrain, the surrounding beach and pier provide plenty of fun and engagement for a family day out. Remember to bring beach toys and snacks for a complete experience. TikTok

🎣 Anglers Seeking Coastal Catches

For dedicated anglers, Camp Ellis provides two distinct fishing experiences. The Camp Ellis Jetty offers a more adventurous, rugged platform for casting into deeper waters, popular for targeting stripers. Reddit Be prepared for the challenging terrain. Alternatively, the fishing pier offers a more stable and accessible option, still providing good opportunities for catching coastal species. Reddit Consider bringing a variety of bait and lures to adapt to different conditions and target species. TikTokReddit

📸 Photographers Chasing Sunrises

Camp Ellis is a photographer's delight, especially for sunrise shots. The jetty, ocean, and sky combine to create dramatic and serene compositions. Instagram+1 Arrive early to set up your gear and capture the best light. The beach provides a great vantage point for wider shots, while a cautious approach onto the jetty can offer more intimate perspectives of the waves and rocks. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Camp Ellis Jetty: A Rugged Coastal Adventure

The Camp Ellis Jetty is a unique and somewhat challenging coastal feature in Saco, Maine. Unlike a manicured boardwalk, it's a substantial structure made of large granite boulders, designed to protect the harbor. Venturing onto the jetty itself is an adventure, offering dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline. However, recent years have seen some of the rocks shift due to winter storms, making the path uneven and requiring careful footing. Reddit+1 Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes and exercise caution, as it's not recommended for those with mobility issues, young children, or pets. Reddit

Despite the ruggedness, the jetty is a popular spot for fishing, with anglers often targeting stripers. For those seeking a more accessible fishing experience or a safe place for children to play, the adjacent fishing pier and sandy beach are excellent alternatives. The beach provides ample space for picnics and relaxation, making it a well-rounded destination for a coastal outing. Reddit

Photography enthusiasts will find Camp Ellis particularly rewarding, especially during sunrise. The interplay of light on the water and the rugged jetty creates stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram+1 The area offers a raw, natural beauty that captures the essence of the Maine coast, making it an underrated gem for those exploring Southern Maine. TikTok

Fishing at Camp Ellis: Tips for Anglers

Camp Ellis is a well-known spot for shore fishing in Saco, Maine, particularly for those hoping to catch stripers. The Camp Ellis Jetty itself presents a unique, albeit challenging, fishing platform. Anglers can cast lines directly into the ocean currents, hoping for a bite. However, it's crucial to be aware of the jetty's condition; shifted rocks and uneven surfaces mean that while fishing is possible, safety should be the top priority. Reddit+1

For a more stable and family-friendly fishing experience, the fishing pier adjacent to the jetty is highly recommended. This pier offers a more predictable surface and is often a preferred spot for families with children who want to try their hand at fishing. Reddit Both locations provide opportunities to connect with the local marine life and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses before you cast your line.

Many visitors come specifically for the striper fishing, and Camp Ellis has a reputation for providing good opportunities. The changing tides and ocean conditions can influence the bite, so checking local reports might enhance your success. Even if the fish aren't biting, the experience of fishing by the ocean is often rewarding in itself. TikTokReddit

You may also like

1 of 2