Complete Guide To The Best Campgrounds & RV Camping in Acadia National Park

With the opportunity to stay in the park or with stunning views while bringing the beauty and stress-relieving powers of nature right outside your door, we believe campgrounds are some of the best places to stay in Acadia National Park.

As full-time RVers, we have traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada with our RV and the rocky coast of Maine holds a special place in our hearts.

Acadia is even the only place we have made a return visit to so far in our travels!

In this guide, we break down the best camping sites near Acadia National Park to help you plan your trip and choose the best place to stay to serve as the home base for your perfect itinerary.

About Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, located along the rugged coastline of Maine, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and camping enthusiasts alike. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and endless recreational opportunities, Acadia offers a memorable camping experience amidst stunning natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best campgrounds in Acadia National Park, each offering its own unique charm and access to the park’s wonders.

The park spreads across about 49,000 acres of land on Mount Desert Island, Isle Au Haut, and part of the Schoodic Peninsula, with the main portion of the park located on Mount Desert Island near Bar Harbor Maine. The park attracts 4 million visitors a year and is in the top 10 of the most visited park in the U.S. Within its boundaries, it holds 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of historic carriage roads

While you might be wondering how great the hiking can possibly be on the coast, Acadia also contains the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast. What makes it even more special is that it is the only National Park in the Northeastern U.S. and was the first National Park designated east of Mississippi.

Location

Distance from Portland Maine (Portland International Jetport): 3 hours

Distance from Boston Massachusetts (Boston Logan International Airport): 4.5 hours

Best Times to Camp & Visit

We have camped in Acadia National Park once during late spring (early June) and once in the fall (late September/ early October). Both were amazing and offered different types of experiences.

In early June we could sense that the park was entering into its busy season! Peak season generally kicks off once school is out for the summer in late June and early July and the area stays busy until Labor Day in September.

Even in early June, walking through downtown Bar Harbor felt a bit like navigating through the mall on Black Friday and campgrounds were pretty full.

Spring also brought lush green scenery, mild temperatures, foggy mornings, and rushing waterfalls. The longer days are also great for hiking later in the afternoon and evening!

Fall was stunning due to the vibrant fall foliage painting the rocky coast in hues of orange and yellow. Days were shorter, temperatures were cooler, and the air was crisp.

By the first week in October, Mount Desert Island was getting quiet as things prepared to shut down for the winter season. We highly recommend a fall visit if you are looking to avoid the crowds!

For securing campsites for last-minute trips, you will most likely have better luck in the late fall season. For spring we highly recommend booking ahead OR trying your hand at Bar Harbor Campground (where we love to stay), where reservations are not taken and every site is first come first served.

Here are the average high and low temperatures for Bar Harbor Maine by season:

Spring (March to May):

• Average High Temperature: 44-56°F
• Average Low Temperature: 29-39°F

Summer (late June to August):

• Average High Temperature: 68-78°F
• Average Low Temperature: 50-59°F

Fall (September to November):

• Average High Temperature: 57-68°F
• Average Low Temperature: 41-50°F

Getting Around Acadia

The Island Explorer Shuttle: FREE to ride, the shuttle operates seasonally, typically running from late June through early October. The bus offers several routes within and around Acadia National Park, connecting various popular destinations and trailheads. It serves areas such as Bar Harbor, Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, the Visitor Center, and even over to Schoodic Peninsula.

Click here for more information on the Island Explorer Shuttle and to see daily schedules

Biking is also very popular throughout the park, including along the scenic Park Loop Road and the miles of carriage roads that are shared between hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.

Car: Driving your own vehicle or renting a car will provide you with more freedom to explore. If you do plan to get around with your own vehicle, we recommend hiking in the early mornings or later afternoons to avoid traffic and full parking lots at the trailheads. Also, expect to walk longer from your parking spot when trying to park in popular areas such as downtown Bar Harbor.

Map of Camping Near Acadia National Park

The following map shows the locations of the campgrounds and camping sites run by the National Park Service within Acadia National Park, as well as some of the top-rated private RV campgrounds right outside the park’s boundaries.

Best Campgrounds & Camping Sites Near Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park camping comes in a few different forms.

One way to determine which camping site might be best for you is to consider what you hope to do during your visit to Acadia and choose a campground that is most convenient for the bulk of what you want to do. To help you do this, each campground will list its location and a few of the closest attractions and hikes.

National Park Campgrounds

If you are looking to stay right in the heart of Acadia National Park and don’t mind fewer amenities, a National Park Campground might be the right fit for you!

Any stay in a National Park Campground does require paying an entrance fee for the park in addition to any camping fees. If you plan to have 3 or more visits to National Parks in a year, we recommend purchasing a National Park pass, which offers great cost savings.

Schoodic Woods Campground

Something we love most about RVing is the ability to get deeper into nature. We have decided to take this passion one step further, by purchasing backpacking equipment to extend our hikes and allow us to spend even more time off the beaten path.

While there is no backcountry camping allowed in Acadia National Park, booking a hike-in site at Schoodic Woods Campground allowed us the perfect opportunity for a trial run of our new gear.

Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula is the only portion of the park on the mainland and is located roughly an hour from the section of the park on Mount Desert Island. This much less visited section of Acadia National Park is quiet and peaceful, with a wonderful scenic drive with panoramic ocean views, as well as great hiking opportunities. We like to think of it as the quiet side of Acadia!

Schoodic Woods Campground is also one of the best spots for RV camping in Acadia National Park. It has larger gravel sites with either electric hook-ups or electric and water. Most sites are tucked among the trees, giving a great feeling of privacy and it is easy to hop on trails (that you can hike or bike on) that take you out to the water and to different attractions on the peninsula.

Our hike-in site was a refreshing walk through the vibrant green forest, to a secluded site with a picnic table and tent pad with views of the ocean in the distance. A bear locker for our food was provided and we loved feeling like we were worlds away from the campground, soaking in the cool breeze among a star-filled sky.

A stay at Schoodic Woods is a great choice for a quieter stay exploring a less visited section of the park. The scenic Schoodic Loop Road is perfect for biking or exploring on foot and Mount Desert and Bar Harbor are only about an hour away if you want to take a day trip over.

Sites here must be reserved in advance – there are no first-come first-serve sites. Open May to October.

• Amenities: Island Explorer Shuttle Service offered from late May to early October, flush toilets, dump station, and fire pits. No showers available

• Closest town: Winter Harbor, Maine (4 minutes, 1.5 miles away)

• Nearby hikes & attractions: On Schoodic Peninsula, you can visit some amazing points of interest including Schoodic Point, the Schoodic Head Trail, Frazier Point, and views of the Winter Harbor Lighthouse. Read more in our Complete Guide To Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula

• Cost: $22-$40/night depending on site type

• Click here to reserve sites at Schoodic Wood Campground on Recreation.gov

Blackwoods Campground

Typically open from May to October, Blackwoods Campground is located on the east side of Mount Desert Island and is ideal for camping in tents or smaller RVs, and also offers group sites.

All sites and tent sites are wooded and within a short walking distance to the ocean. This is a dry campground with no hookups, which means if you are in an RV you will need a way to charge up your batteries, whether that be solar or a generator (generator use is prohibited in loop B and allowed only during certain hours in other loops).

• Amenities: Dump station, potable water for drinking, flush toilets, fire rings and picnic tables. There are no showers in the campground. Fee shower facilities are located 1/2 mile from the campground. The use of portable showers is prohibited.

• Closest town: Bar Harbor, Maine (5 miles away)

• Nearby hikes & attractions: Blackwoods Campground is closest to the Otter Cliffs, Thunder Hole, Little Hunters Beach, and the Gorham Mountain Trailhead. From the campground, you can also hop on the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail and hike up to the summit. It is also close to Sand Beach and the Beehive Trail.

• Cost: $30/night

• Click here to reserve sites at Blackwoods Campground

Seawall Campground

Also open May to October, Seawall Campground caters to tent camping and small RVs, with some sites accommodating RVs up to 35 feet long.

This being said, the campground notes that the campground is not made for RVs or trailers, and maneuvering within the campground can be tough. Just because you may technically fit into the site, doesn’t mean you will be able to easily get through the campground!

This is another dry campground, with basic sites that do not have electric or water hookups.

• Amenities: Flush toilets, water, and a dump station are provided, as are picnic tables and fire rings. Roads are paved.

• Nearby towns: Southwest Harbor, Maine (8 minutes) & Tremont (8 minutes)

• Nearby hikes & attractions: This campground is located on the west side of Mount Desert Island, closest to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, the Ship Harbor Trail, the Wonderland Trail, and the Seawall Picnic area. This campground is also the closest National Park campground to the ferry to Isle Au Haut and is about 30 minutes from Bar Harbor.

• Cost: $30/night

• Click here to reserve sites at Seawall Campground

Duck Harbor Campground

Located on the southern tip of the island of Isle Au Haut, Duck Harbour Campground is remote and only accessible by ferry. This is a small campground that only has 5 sites with picnic tables, fire rings and lean to shelters (only tents that can fit within the dimensions of the shelter which is 8′ tall, 8′ deep, and 12.5′ wide).

This campground would be great for a remote stay to enjoy hiking off the beaten path with rugged rocky coastal views.

• Amenities: 3 composting toilets and a hand pump for water 0.3 miles away. All trash must be carried out.

• Closest town: The Isle au Haut Town Landing is located nearby where you can find a general store, seasonal gift shop, a seasonal food shack, and a post office.

• Nearby hikes & attractions: Duck Harbor Mountain Trail, Cliff Trail, Isle Au Haut Light

• Taking the ferry over to Isle Au Haut: The mailboat takes passengers to Isle Au Haut from Stonington Maine. Read more on ferry schedules and rates here.

• Click here to reserve camping sites at Duck Harbor Campground

RV Parks near Acadia National Park

If you are looking for RV camping near Acadia National Park (just outside the park’s boundaries) that offer more amenities, such as pools, laundry facilities, and more sites with electric, water, or sewer hook-ups a private RV park might be your best bet.

The following are a few popular options for local campgrounds just outside of Acadia, as well as our personal favorite, Bar Harbor Campground:

Bar Harbor Campground

Bar Harbor Campground is the closest private campground to Acadia National Park. Family-run and operating for over 50 years, this campground offers a variety of sites that accommodate tents and small RVs or vans to larger RVs.

They have wooded sites that make you feel like you are in the middle of the forest, more open sites with a more traditional RV park feeling, and premium sites with water views.

It also features a heated pool with ocean views that are hard to beat and is also within walking distance of a great lobster pound, BBQ joint, and 2 ice cream shops.

Our favorite sites are the waterfront sites and the private back-in sites in section K, as they provide the best views and most privacy.

The biggest thing to note about Bar Harbor Campground is that they do not accept reservations. This means that you arrive, are given a map with open and available sites, and choose which site you want. You always have the option to move sites as well during your stay, if a site you like better becomes available.

This campground only accepts cash or check – no credit or debit cards! With sites generally ranging from $35-$50/night, a prime location, great amenities, and beautiful views this campground truly feels like a hidden gem and has rates that are much cheaper than other local private campgrounds.

Arriving on Sundays for each of our visits, we never had a problem securing a site, even with our big 38-foot fifth wheel, which limits the spots we would fit in.

• Amenities: Full hookup, partial hookup, and dry camping sites. Heated pool and laundry facilities. Also has access to the free Island Explorer Shuttle

• Closest town: Bar Harbor, ME (5 miles away)

• Nearby hikes & attractions: 5 minutes to the Hulls Cove Visitor Center; 9 miles to the Ocean Path trailhead (where you can see many of the great attractions along Park Loop Road) and the famous Beehive Trail

Timberland Acres RV Park

If you have a big rig, Timberland Acres RV Park might be the perfect place for you. Catering to longer RVs, this campground offers long pull-through sites (with 50 sites over 100 feet long) and is only 14 miles from Acadia National Park.

This is a traditional RV park, with long sites and grass areas separating one campsite to the next.

• Amenities: Pool, basketball court, arcade, pavilion, snack shack, store, scheduled activities

• Closest town: Trenton, ME (17 miles to Bar Harbor)

• Nearby hikes & attractions: 23 minutes to the Hulls Cove Visitor Center; 40 minutes to the Ocean Path trailhead (where you can see many of the great attractions along Park Loop Road) and the famous Beehive Trail

• Cost: $51-$59/night

Narrows Too Camping Resort

Narrows Too is a Thousand Trails-affiliated campground with RV sites and rental cabins. Some waterfront sites available. Pricier sites (with sites over $100/night), but this can be offset if you are a Thousand Trails member.

We boondock on public land enough and prefer State Parks that memberships like that are not worth it for us as full-time RVers, but if you plan to stay at RV parks with amenities often, this could be worth it.

• Amenities: Pool, laundry facilities, dog park, store, clubhouse, scheduled activities like ice cream socials and magic shows

• Closest town: Trenton, ME (16 miles from Bar Harbor)

• Nearby hikes & attractions: 23 minutes to the Hulls Cove Visitor Center; 40 minutes to the Ocean Path trailhead (where you can see many of the great attractions along Park Loop Road) and the famous Beehive Trail

For even more camping options near Acadia National Park, click here to check out a map of other local campgrounds on Campendium

Is backcountry camping allowed in Acadia National Park?

There is no backcountry camping allowed in Acadia National Park. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds.

The park prioritizes the preservation of its delicate ecosystems and wildlife, which is why backcountry camping is not permitted. There are plenty of opportunities for day hiking and exploring the park’s extensive trail system.

In our opinion, the best experience comes from hiking and exploring Acadia during the day and returning to designated campgrounds and campsites for the night, where you can continue to be immersed in the area’s natural beauty.

What To Do During Your Visit

Acadia is one of our favorite National Parks! We love the rocky hiking with sparkling coastal views, the local seafood is divine, and towns like Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor exude quintessential New England charm.

There truly is no shortage of things to do and below are some of our favorites:

• Visit Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula
• Catch an epic sunrise on Cadillac Mountain (requires a permit; our guide includes how to reserve one!)
• Check out one of Acadia’s Best Hikes (linked is a guide to our review of over 20 trails we have hiked in the park!)
• Eat at a local lobster pound (we recommend Bar Harbor Lobster Pound and Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound, but be prepared…they are expensive!)
• Stroll around downtown Bar Harbor
• Take your dog for an off-leash stroll around Little Long Pond
• Drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road scenic drive
• Explore the historic Carriage Roads

For a more in-depth guide to designing a fulfilling trip, read more on the Best Things To Do in Acadia National Park

Consider visiting another great city on the beautiful coast of Maine by exploring Portland! We don’t spend much time in cities, but loved the coastal views, laid-back vibe, great food, and array of lighthouses we experienced during our visit.

Check out our guide to the perfect Portland Maine itinerary to help you plan your trip!

Fulfilling Travel Tips

As a full-time travel couple, we have a unique perspective on travel. While we travel often and see many amazing places, we try our best to travel mindfully and focus on having immersive and transformative experiences in each place we go. This means not looking at travel as an opportunity to merely cross things off a list, but to grow and change through the experiences we have and deepen our connection with the world around us.

To make the most of your time in Acadia National Park, here are our best tips:

• Make Reservations in Advance: Acadia National Park and the surrounding campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. To secure a camping spot, make reservations well in advance.

• Be Prepared for Changing Weather: Due to its coastal location, the weather near Acadia National Park can be unpredictable. Pack clothing for various weather conditions, including rain gear and warm layers, as temperatures can fluctuate. Check the weather forecast regularly and be prepared for changes. Be flexible with your plans so that you can adapt based on fog, rain, and cold!

• Plan Hikes and Activities: Acadia National Park offers numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor activities. We recommend researching and planning your desired hikes or activities in advance to help you get a sense of how much time you might want in the area. Be sure to check the National Park Service website for trail conditions and closures. Two trails we had on our list (Precipice and Jordan Cliffs were closed for the entirety of our visit)

• Explore Beyond the Park: While Acadia National Park is the main attraction, consider exploring the surrounding area as well. Visit nearby coastal towns (like Portland Maine) lighthouses (like the Bass Harbor Lighthouse), and other points of interest to experience the charm and beauty of Maine or greater New England.

• Schedule Open Time: While putting together a list of what you want to do in the park can be helpful, don’t forget to leave yourself some open time! This can be helpful for being flexible for things like weather, and can also give you the opportunity to be spontaneous and explore without a strict itinerary. Sometimes that freedom can lead to the best experiences and memories!

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