Acadia National Park Camping | Where to Go

Established in 1916, Maine’s Acadia National Park is the oldest U.S. national park east of the Mississippi, and it’s one of the most popular, too, welcoming more than 2.5 million visitors each year. With its woodlands, lakes, mountains, ocean shoreline, and just under 50,000 acres of land, there’s more than enough to see and explore — from 2,000-plus coastal acres on Isle au Haut to beautiful sunsets on Cadillac Mountain. For those who love being outside, Acadia National Park is unquestionably a great place to check out, and camping is one of the best (and cheapest!) ways to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty. Here are some of our favorite places for Acadia National Park camping in close proximity to all the hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring you could want. Note: Campsite fees are separate from park entrance fees, and camping reservations must be made (typically up to a year) in advance.

6 ACADIA NATIONAL PARK CAMPING SITES

BLACKWOODS CAMPGROUND | OTTER CREEK

About: Approximately five miles south of the Bar Harbor business district, Blackwoods Campground is tucked into the forest but is still within walking distance of the ocean. There are roughly 300 camping sites for small and large tents, with some sites also accommodating RVs. Toilets, running water, a dump station, picnic tables, and a fire rings are found on-site, and there are shower facilities (for a fee) and stores about a half mile away, in the town of Otter Creek. The campsites are close together, but with the nearby shoreline and Cadillac Mountain trails, there are plenty of secluded escapes available when you do your Acadia National Park camping here. Season: May 1–October 31 Fees: Nonelectric tent, $30; nonelectric RV, $30; nonelectric group-tent site, $60

SEAWALL CAMPGROUND | SOUTHWEST HARBOR

About: Located on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island, this peaceful, family-friendly campground is in a fully wooded setting about 10 minutes from the shoreline. Its name comes from the naturally formed seawall of granite and loose boulders across the road from the campground, where visitors can catch a view of Great Cranberry Island. Small and large tents and RVs up to 35 feet in length can be accommodated, and there are toilets, running water, picnic tables, and fire rings provided on-site. Shower facilities (for a fee) and stores are one mile from the campsites, and Bar Harbor is a 30-minute drive. This popular campground is in high demand in late July and August, allowing only a maximum of six people and one vehicle per site. Season: Late May–September 30 Fees: Nonelectric tent, $30; nonelectric RV, $30; nonelectric group-tent site, $60 [text_ad]

SCHOODIC WOODS CAMPGROUND | WINTER HARBOR

About: This campsite located on a peninsula about 60 minutes from Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island offers plenty of natural seclusion. Within a 15-minute walk of this forested campground, there are views of the ocean, lighthouses, and islands near the Mount Desert Narrows, plus more than eight miles of hiking trails and bike paths. This campsite can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers, all with electric and some with electric and water. While there are no shower facilities nearby, there are toilets, water, a dump station, picnic tables, and fire rings (except for hike-in sites where campfires are prohibited) on-site. This campsite is the perfect respite for those looking to get away from the usual park traffic. Season: Late May–mid-October Fees: Electric tent and RV sites, $30; nonelectric group-tent site, $60

MOUNT DESERT CAMPGROUND | MOUNT DESERT

About: If you want to be in the heart of Mount Desert Island, this campground — situated minutes from the park and Bar Harbor — is the ideal spot. Despite its central locale, however, you’ll find secluded wooded sites right on the beautiful shore of Somes Sound. The campground accommodates tents and trailers and RVs up to 20 feet, and there are picnic tables, fire pits, electric and water hookups, cell service and Wi-Fi, and metered hot shower facilities. Also on-site is the “Gathering Place,” where campers can enjoy coffee, baked goods, and ice cream. Season: Memorial Day–Columbus Day Fees: $29–$69, depending on season and site choice

BAR HARBOR CAMPGROUND | BAR HARBOR

About: This family-friendly campground is for visitors looking to stay in the Acadia wilderness but still have easy access to Bar Harbor. The sites accommodate both tents and RVs, and unlike at other campgrounds, reservations are not required: Campers are allowed to pick any of the 300 sites that suits their needs. There’s a heated pool, bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, electric hookups, laundry, dumping locations, and water available on-site. Some of the sites have ocean views, and the campground is within walking distance of recreational activities, shops, and dining. Season: Memorial Day–Columbus Day Fees: Depends on the site

QUIETSIDE CAMPGROUND | BASS HARBOR

About: This small campground in stunning Bass Harbor has 37 wooded camping sites, six cabins with electricity, two rustic cabins, a two-story cabin with gas fireplace, tent platforms, and heated full-service bathrooms with free hot showers. Food and camping necessities are for sale at the campground office, and hiking trails and swimming areas are just a few miles away. Each site has its own picnic table and fire ring, and there is coin-operated laundry, too. As its name suggests, this campground is tranquil and well suited for those seeking privacy in nature or the comfort of a cabin. Season: Mid-June–Columbus Day Fees: $20–$27 for camping sites; $62–$75 for cabin Have you ever done some Acadia National Park camping? Let us know!

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