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
51.Sandy Shores RV Resort
Sandy Shores RV Resort is a condominium RV Resort located in Warren, Maine. It is open from May 1st through October 31st and has privately owned sites. The resort has no overnight...
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52.Bangor / Holden KOA Holiday
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to...
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53.Duck Harbor Campground
Duck Harbor Campground is located within Acadia National Park. The park offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore the...
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54.Bucksport / Fort Knox KOA Holiday
Discover the beauty of coastal Maine from our campground and RV park, your ideal gateway to Acadia National Park. Explore charming towns like Deer Isle-Stonington, Blue Hill,...
Show more55.Schoodic Woods Campground
Schoodic Woods Campground is located within Acadia National Park in Maine. The campground is situated on the Schoodic Peninsula, offering stunning views of the surrounding...
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56.Sabao Lake Campground
Downeast Wilderness Experience was formed in 2010 to keep the Maine Forestry Campgrounds at Cranberry, Sabao, and Deer Lakes open. These State campgrounds had been State funded...
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57.Wigwams Cabin
Wigwams Cabin is a part of the Downeast Salmon Federation's campsites. The exact location and features of the cabin are not specified on the website. The federation manages...
Show more58.Blackwoods Campground
Blackwoods Campground is located in breathtaking Acadia National Park on the Maine coast. Visitors venture to Acadia for its picturesque scenery, historic sites and recreational...
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60.North End Campsite
Tinker Island is a 230-acre preserve located on the northern half of 430-acre Tinker Island in Blue Hill Bay, Tremont. The preserve features scenic vistas along its expansive...
Show moreShowing 51–60 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