Top 6 Places to Camp in Acadia National Park

Fancy a gentle walk along the rugged Atlantic coastline of Maine? Or how about scenic mountain hikes or bike paths to explore? Perhaps kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, boat tours? How about waking up to a view of the coast whilst seabirds gently call above you?

Yes, that’s exactly why we know you’ll love Acadia National Park.

One of the oldest and most popular National Park in the US. It is the perfect location for an inexpensive family camping trip which you will all long remember!

Here’s our selection of the best campgrounds in Acadia National Park, along with reasons why you should go stay there on your next trip.

1. Mount Desert Campground

Located right in the heart of Mount Desert Island but perfectly secluded. This campground is the place you go to enjoy wide wooded areas, hike or bike the mountain trails and enjoy the beauty of this part of the world.

There’s also plenty going on if you’re traveling with your family including canoe and kayak rentals, saltwater swimming, SUP, fishing and plenty of ice-cream available to keep your sweet tooth satisfied.

They accept tents, trailers, and RVs up to 20 feet and facilities include WIFI, hot showers, picnic tables, cell service, fire pits, electric hookups, and water hookups. Sadly, there isn’t a dump station here though.

Note that they’re only open between Memorial Day to Columbus Day, so plan your trip accordingly if you want to stay here.

Find out more about Mount Desert Campground here.

2. Blackwoods Campground

The only campground in Acadia National Park is open all year round. This enormous 306 site campground offers a friendly welcome, spacious sites and exactly the amount of calm you need when you go on a camping trip.

Just 10 minutes walk away from the ocean, in Otter Creek, you’ll enjoy flush toilets, running water, a dump station, picnic tables, and fire rings. Whilst there aren’t showers on-site, you can head to Otter Creek if you really want to clean up. That’s also where you need to head if you want to visit the store and top up your supplies. The free Island Explorer Shuttle also stops here, which makes it even more convenient to get outside and explore your scenic surroundings.

Booking is highly recommended as this is a popular campground.

Find out more about Blackwoods Campground here.

3. Seawall Campground

Are you’re a fan of quiet, unspoiled hiking trails? Or you’d like to kick back and relax with a spot of lake swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing or kayaking? Therefore, the Seawall Campground should be top of your list.

Just four miles south of Southwest Harbor, and nestled in a gorgeous wooded area. It is a great choice for families and those who like peace and quiet. If you’re lucky you can even see Great Cranberry Island from here.

Facilities include paved roads, picnic tables, campfire rings, flush toilets nearby, dump station and showers just a mile from the campground. The free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus also runs here between June and September so you can enjoy your surroundings stress-free.

Again, reservations are highly recommended.

Find out more about Seawall Campground here.

4. Schoodic Woods Campground

Sick of the heavy traffic in the rest of the park? Then head to the newest campground in Acadia National Park: Schoodic Woods Campground. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all and soak up nature.

This is where you can enjoy views of the ocean, forested islands, seabirds, lighthouses and much more of this stunning part of the park. There are also several hiking trails and bike paths that run through the area and are perfect for getting around.

Facilities include flush toilets, potable running water, a dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, electricity hookups, water hookups, and even food lockers. They also accept RVs as well as tents. However, there are no showers available nearby so come prepared.

Open late May to mid-October, booking is required if you want to stay here.

Find out more about Schoodic National Park here.

5. Duck Harbor Campground

Duck Harbor Campground is the most remote on our list. That’s one of the many reasons we believe it’s so special. Located on Isle Au Haut, a rugged island south of Mount Desert. Its five primitive sites sit on a hill overlooking the sea and they’re a great place to get away from it all.

Come here and you can expect a three-sided lean-to shelter with a roof and floor within which you have to set up your tent. You can’t come with more than five other people and you can only stay for three nights per year. Yes, that’s how special it is!

You can only get here via a ferry which comes from Stonington- this isn’t a car ferry so come prepared to do some backcountry camping!

For your money, you also get several basic facilities including a fire ring, a picnic table, composting toilets and a storage locker for food and toiletries. There’s even a hand pump for water located about a ¼ mile from the campground.

Find out more about Duck Harbor Campground here.

 6. Bar Harbor Campground

Those who prefer some home comforts are going to love Bar Harbor Campground. This family-owned campground is within easy access to Bar Harbor and provides plenty of amenities. The facilities including a heated pool, bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, electricity hookups, laundry, dumping stations, and water too. It’s also walking distance from shops, entertainment, and dining in the town.

The free shuttle bus even stops here too so you can easily access the rest of Acadia National Park and explore.

Open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, you can don’t need to book to stay here, simply rock up and choose whichever site takes your fancy. It really is the perfect place to stay when you’re camping with your family

Find out more about Bar Harbor Campground here.

Whether you’re looking to really get off the beaten track for a spot of primitive camping or you’d prefer to explore Acadia National Park with plenty of home comforts, we’ve got you covered. Choose a campground from this list and you’re guaranteed to have a trip you’ll never forget.

Learn more about 13 Best National Parks for Camping and Hiking.