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Are you thinking of venturing up to Maine for some epic camping experiences? If so, we don’t blame you. Maine has mountains, ocean views, meandering carriage trails, and camping in Acadia National Park. But where are the best places to stay when visiting?
This article covers everything you need to know about Acadia National Park camping, including when you should go, the four campgrounds inside, and where you can stay outside of the park.
Let’s dive in!
About Acadia National Park
Believe it or not, Maine only has one national park, but that doesn’t make it less popular. In fact, Acadia has 3.5 million visitors each year, making it one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States.
You can bicycle the 45 miles of historic carriage trails, visit the hauntingly beautiful Isle au Haut, traverse the rocky hiking trails, or simply relax atop Cadillac Mountain. You can find something for everyone to enjoy in this corner of the world.
However, because Acadia National Park has a relatively short window for camping and because of its popularity, plan your stay accordingly.
Keep in Mind: Make a pit stop in Portland, ME, and experience our favorite things in Portland.
When Is the Best Time to Go Camping in Acadia National Park?
As you probably already know, it can get pretty cold in Maine. The state sees harsh winters, and the coast usually experiences up to 70 inches of snowfall each year. Inland receives even more.
Moreover, the state can also experience below-freezing temperatures from November through April. Maine’s prime camping season tends to fly by. And because all four campgrounds open in May or June and close sometime in October, you’ll have a short window to start with.
Nevertheless, if you plan an Acadia National Park camping trip anytime within this window, you can experience the best of what Maine has to offer. Remember, it might get a little crowded.
This is why we recommend planning your trip either before Memorial day or after Labor Day. You can beat the crowds and the heat and still experience the raw beauty of Maine’s coast.
Explore More: Ready to adventure outside of Acadia National Park? Check out this article and see what else Bar Harbor has to offer.
Campgrounds in Acadia National Park
Below are the four campgrounds located in Acadia National Park. They fill up fast, so make sure to plan your trip well in advance.
1. Blackwoods Campground, Mount Desert Island
Address: 155 Blackwoods Drive, Otter Creek, ME 04660
Season Dates: May 5 through Oct. 17
Sites Available: 60 RV-only sites, 221 tent sites, and four group sites
Cost: RV and tent sites cost $30; group sites cost $60
Blackwoods Campground lies on Mount Desert Island, just 5 miles below Bar Harbor. It has beautiful, wooded campsites that can accommodate tents and RVs.
However, none of the sites have electrical hookups. But the campground does have toilets, running water, and a dump station. You can also take a 10-minute walk to the ocean or hop on a shuttle to the most popular spots in the area.
2. Seawall Campground, Mount Desert Island
Address: 664 Seawall Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Season Dates: May 26 through Oct. 10
Sites Available: 59 RV-only sites, 43 tent sites, 98 walk-to and boat-to sites, and five group sites
Cost: Walk-in sites cost $22; drive-up sites cost $30; group tent sites cost $60
Seawall Campground lies on the western side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. It has no hookups, but the campground does have potable water and a dumpsite. According to the website, every campsite is within walking distance from the ocean.
3. Schoodic Woods Campground, Mainland
Address: 54 Farview Dr., Winter Harbor, ME 04693
Season Dates: May 25 through Oct. 10
Sites Available: 78 electric hook-up sites, 41 RV-only sites, 13 tent-only sites, nine walk-to and boat-to sites, and two group sites
Cost: Hike-in tent sites cost $22; drive-up tent and small RV sites cost $30. RV with electric costs $36; RV with electric and water cost $40, and group sites cost $60
Schoodic Woods Campground is the newest and perhaps most accommodating campground in Acadia National Park. It sits on the Schoodic Peninsula, about an hour from Bar Harbor. RVers can enjoy hookups during their stay. It also has a dump station, potable water, flush toilets, and Wi-Fi.
4. Duck Harbor Campground
Address: Acadia National Park, Attn: Duck Harbor Campground, PO Box 177 Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Season Dates: June 4 through Oct. 10
Sites Available: Five lean-to shelters with three sides and a roof. Tents must fit inside the shelter.
Cost: $20 a night
Duck Harbor Campground offers a more primitive camping experience than the previous three listed. It lies on the rugged Isle au Haut, which you can only access by ferry.
Additionally, you can’t bring any vehicles to the island. With only five sites available, ensure you book ahead of time. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Even though amenities are scarce, you can have an unforgettable experience camping in Acadia National Park.
How to Reserve a Campground in Acadia
To reserve a spot at one of these four campgrounds, simply visit recreation.gov. This website tells you about Acadia National Park camping.
It shows the available campsites, provides interactive campground maps, ratings and reviews, pictures, and cell phone service availability.
You can book sites at Schoodic Woods, Seawall, and Blackwoods up to two months in advance and at Duck Harbor up to seven months in advance.
Camping Options Outside of Acadia National Park
If you can’t find any Acadia National Park camping, don’t worry. You can stay at plenty of campgrounds located just outside the park. If you have a Thousand Trails Membership, Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort and Narrows Too Camping Resort are fantastic options. That’s where we camped and loved it!
Or you can stay at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, which provides RV camping, tent sites, lodging, extended stays, and group sites.
However, if you want to visit the Schoodic Peninsula area, you’ll find plenty of quiet, primitive sites at Acadia East Campground. It all depends on the camping experience you want to have.
Make a Plan to Camp in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in the easternmost point of the United States has so much to offer. You can witness the natural beauty of Maine while chowing down on the yummiest lobster roll you’ll ever have. Watch the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, or walk the stunning, weather-beaten shoreline any time you’d like.
However, millions of people want to do the same thing. This is why planning your trip ahead of time is vital. You can pick your ideal camping spot and enjoy your trip without worry.
Which campground would you choose? Let us know in the comments below.
