Camping Near Acadia National Park
Maine | Established 1919
About Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park protects 49,075 acres of granite-domed mountains, rocky Atlantic coastline, and spruce-fir forests on Mount Desert Island and the nearby Schoodic Peninsula. Cadillac Mountain rises 1,528 feet above sea level, making it the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise from October through March.
The park features 158 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of historic carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., and a 27-mile Park Loop Road that connects major attractions including Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Jordan Pond House, and the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Tidepooling, whale watching, and kayaking round out the coastal experience.
Camping in Acadia centers on two frontcountry campgrounds on Mount Desert Island and one on the Schoodic Peninsula. Blackwoods Campground sits just minutes from the Park Loop Road, while Seawall offers a quieter setting on the western side. Schoodic Woods provides modern facilities with the least crowding. None of the campgrounds have electric or water hookups, so RVers should plan for self-contained stays or use nearby private campgrounds in the Bar Harbor area.
Camping Tips for Acadia
- Reserve Blackwoods and Seawall through Recreation.gov at least two to three months ahead for summer dates, as both campgrounds fill quickly between late June and early September.
- Maximum RV and trailer length is 35 feet at both Blackwoods and Seawall. Schoodic Woods accommodates RVs up to 40 feet with wider pull-through sites.
- No campground in Acadia has electric, water, or sewer hookups. Fill freshwater tanks and empty holding tanks at private facilities in Bar Harbor or Ellsworth before arriving.
- The Island Explorer shuttle bus is free and runs from late June through Columbus Day, connecting campgrounds to trailheads, Bar Harbor, and other villages. Dogs are welcome on board.
- Acadia welcomes leashed dogs on most trails, all carriage roads, and in all campgrounds. Exceptions include ladder trails like Precipice and Beehive.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Acadia National Park
1.Cold River Campground
Cold River Campground is nestled in the scenic Penobscot River valley in Eddington, Maine, offering acres of forest trails with quiet and inviting campsites. Located within an...
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2.Cottonwood Camping & RV Park
Cottonwood Camping & RV Park is located in the heart of Downeast Maine in Columbia Falls, known as the Blueberry Capital of the world. Set back off Route 1 and surrounded by...
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3.Bar Harbor Campground
Bar Harbor Campground is a scenic coastal campground perched on a bluff overlooking Bar Harbor, Maine, offering breathtaking ocean views and the charm of Maine's coastline....
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4.Bass Harbor Campground
Bass Harbor Campground is a rustic family campground located in the heart of Acadia National Park on the quietside of Mount Desert Island in Maine. Situated just a half mile from...
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5.Greenlaw's RV Park and Campground
Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground is a peaceful island camping destination located on Deer Isle in Down East Maine, near the charming lobster fishing village of Stonington. This...
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6.Mount Desert Campground
Mount Desert Campground is a scenic waterfront and wooded campground located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, just minutes from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The campground...
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7.MainStay Cottages & RV Park
MainStay Cottages & RV Park is a waterfront lodging destination located in Winter Harbor, Maine, that has been welcoming guests since 1979. The property now offers both cottages...
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8.Smuggler's Den Campground
Smuggler's Den Campground is a third-generation, family-owned campground located on Mount Desert Island in Southwest Harbor, Maine, offering over 100 sites for tents, pop-ups,...
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9.Pumpkin Patch RV Resort
Pumpkin Patch RV Resort is a quiet, country-atmosphere RV park located in Hermon, Maine, known as 'the friendliest RV resort in New England.' The resort features 85 open and...
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10.Balsam Cove Campground
Balsam Cove Campground is a family-friendly lakeside campground located in Orland, Maine, on the peaceful shores of Toddy Pond in Down East Maine. The campground offers a perfect...
Show moreShowing 1–10 of 77 campgrounds within 50 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are inside Acadia National Park?
Acadia has three campgrounds: Blackwoods (281 sites, $30 per night), Seawall (202 sites, $22-30 per night), and Schoodic Woods (92 sites, $22-40 per night). None have electric or water hookups. All operate from late May through mid-October and require reservations through Recreation.gov.
Blackwoods is the most centrally located, sitting a short walk from the Park Loop Road and close to popular trails like Great Head and the Beehive. Seawall sits on the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island near Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Schoodic Woods is on the Schoodic Peninsula across Frenchman Bay, offering the most modern facilities and least crowding. Group sites are available at Blackwoods and Seawall for parties of 7-15 people.
Can I bring my dog to Acadia National Park?
Dogs on a leash of six feet or shorter are welcome on most trails, all carriage roads, and in all campgrounds. They are prohibited only on ladder trails (Precipice, Beehive, Jordan Cliffs) and Sand Beach from June 15 through September 15.
Popular dog-friendly hikes include the Ship Harbor Trail, Wonderland Trail, Jesup Path, Ocean Path, and all 45 miles of crushed-stone carriage roads. The free Island Explorer shuttle bus also welcomes dogs. Bar Harbor and surrounding towns offer dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating and several pet supply stores for any forgotten gear.
What is the maximum RV size allowed at Acadia campgrounds?
Blackwoods and Seawall have a 35-foot maximum length for RVs and trailers. Schoodic Woods on the Schoodic Peninsula accommodates RVs up to 40 feet on wider pull-through sites. No campground in Acadia offers electric, water, or sewer hookups.
For larger rigs or full-hookup needs, several private campgrounds near Bar Harbor and Ellsworth accommodate RVs over 40 feet with full hookups. Hadley's Point Campground, Narrows Too Camping Resort, and Bar Harbor Campground are popular choices within 15 miles of the park entrance. A dump station is available at Blackwoods near the campground entrance.
When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?
Late June through September offers the warmest weather and all facilities fully open. Fall foliage peaks from late September through mid-October, drawing large crowds but offering spectacular color. Shoulder months of May and October provide fewer crowds with cooler temperatures.
Summer daytime highs average 70-78 degrees with cool nights in the 50s. Fog is common along the coast, especially in July and August. Fall brings crisp days in the 50s-60s and brilliant foliage across the park's hardwood forests. Cadillac Mountain summit sunrises are most dramatic from October through March when it receives the first rays of sunlight in the United States. Winter camping is not available, but the Park Loop Road remains partially open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
How do I see the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain?
Drive or hike to the 1,528-foot summit of Cadillac Mountain before dawn. From October through March, this is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise. A vehicle reservation is required from late May through late October for Cadillac Summit Road.
The summit road is 3.5 miles long with a parking area at the top that fills quickly. Vehicle reservations through Recreation.gov become available in advance and sell out fast for summer months. Alternatively, the Cadillac North Ridge Trail (2.2 miles one way) or Cadillac South Ridge Trail (3.5 miles one way) offer beautiful sunrise hikes. Dress in layers as summit temperatures run 10-15 degrees cooler than sea level and wind can be strong.
Is the Island Explorer shuttle bus free?
The Island Explorer is a free, propane-powered shuttle that operates from late June through Columbus Day weekend. It connects Bar Harbor, campgrounds, trailheads, and villages across Mount Desert Island with eight routes. Dogs are allowed on board.
The shuttle eliminates the need to find parking at popular trailheads and attractions, which is a significant advantage during peak summer months when lots fill by mid-morning. Route 3 serves Blackwoods Campground, Route 7 serves Seawall, and the Schoodic route connects the mainland to the Schoodic Peninsula via ferry. Bikes with front wheels removed are also permitted. Check the schedule as routes run at different frequencies throughout the season.
Do I need a reservation to enter Acadia National Park?
A vehicle reservation is required for Cadillac Summit Road and the Ocean Drive section of Park Loop Road from late May through late October. General park entry does not require a reservation beyond the entrance pass. Campground reservations are separate and should be booked well in advance.
Vehicle reservations for Cadillac Summit Road and Ocean Drive are available through Recreation.gov and cost $6 per vehicle on top of the park entrance fee. Reservations are released in batches and popular dates sell out quickly. If you miss a reservation, the Island Explorer shuttle provides access to Ocean Drive stops without a vehicle reservation. Biking the Park Loop Road before 10 AM is another popular car-free option.
What are the best hikes in Acadia National Park?
Top hikes include Precipice Trail (iron rungs and ladders, 1.6 miles), Beehive Trail (exposed climbing, 1.5 miles), Jordan Pond Path (flat loop, 3.3 miles), Cadillac North Ridge (panoramic summit views, 4.4 miles round trip), and Ocean Path (coastal walk, 4 miles along the shore).
For families and casual hikers, Jordan Pond Path, Ship Harbor Trail, and Wonderland Trail offer flat, scenic walks under two miles. Moderate hikers enjoy Gorham Mountain and Bubble Rock trails. Experienced hikers seeking a challenge should try the Precipice or Beehive ladder trails, which involve exposed climbing on iron rungs bolted into granite. The carriage roads provide 45 miles of gentle, wide paths ideal for walking, biking, and horseback riding through forests and around lakes.
Quick Facts
- Entrance Fee
- $35/vehicle (7 days)
- Best Time to Visit
- Late May – early October
- Nearest Town
- Bar Harbor, ME, Southwest Harbor, ME, Northeast Harbor, ME
- Elevation
- Sea level – 1,528 ft
- Park Size
- 49,075 acres
- Annual Visitors
- ~4.1 million