There is nothing better than smelling the forest’s woodsy aroma, feeling the salty ocean breeze, and listening to the sounds of the birds. Having these magical experiences will surely enhance your vacation especially while at Acadia National Park.
Can you camp in Acadia National Park?
There are multiple campgrounds in Acadia National Park where camping is encouraged and allowed. The types of camping that aren’t allowed anywhere in Acadia are backcountry camping, out-of-bounds camping, and overnight parking.
Camping at Acadia is one of the best ways to experience and explore the national park. The park consists of numerous private campgrounds and three front country campgrounds.
Acadia National Park Camping Guide
- Each standard campsite only accommodates two small tents and six people. For larger groups, you can reserve two campsites or find other campgrounds with double campsites or group campsites.
- During the months of summer, the stay limit is 14 days. Camping fees are 50% for Access Pass/Senior holders. There is also no appointed first-come, first-served sites during these months of summer.
- Each campsite only permits one vehicle, in some instances, but there is available overflow parking. Trailers, RV’s, and 5th Wheels are counted as a vehicle.
- All camping equipment should fit on the pad of the campsite. It is the guest’s responsibility to reserve a site with enough size to accommodate their camping equipment. Setting up camping equipment and walking on vegetation is not allowed since it is a priority to protect the park.
- It is highly discouraged to bring your own firewood for the campfires because the wood contains harmful non-native pests. Wood for campfires can be purchased and available near the campgrounds.
- Reservations and booking can be made in advance, up to 6 months, on Recreation.gov.
Getting to the Campgrounds
Located on the Mountain Desert Island, Seawall and Blackwoods are the most popular park sights and nearest to Bar Harbor. While on the Schoodic Peninsula, approximately 1.5 hours away from Bar Harbor, you can find the Schoodic Woods.
Before making your reservations, you can take a look at the park map first.
How to Get a Campsite
Every campground in Acadia National Park needs advance reservations. Without reservations, it is highly possible to be out-of-luck for camping in Acadia especially during the summer months.
However, there are also numerous private campgrounds near the Acadia National Park. If you are planning on camping during the off-season, campgrounds such as Blackwoods, offer sites on a first-come, first-serve basis.
You can also select a site and just pay at the kiosk for self-registration which is located near the ranger station during April-May and November. For the months of December-March, the park requires a winter permit which you can pick up at the Chamber of Commerce in Bar Harbor.
In addition to that, you will have to hike from the entrance road to get into the campgrounds. Here are some in-park options that can help decide on which campground would be ideal for you.
Acadia National Park Camping Cabins
Seawall Campground
Open Seasons: before Memorial Day- mid-October
Fee: $22-$30
Max RV Length: 35 ft and strictly enforced
Number of Sites: 200
The campground is located on Mount Desert Island’s west side. It offers a serene and peaceful stop near the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and various beautiful hikes. It is also far away from the busy crowds, restaurants, and lodges of Bar Harbor.
The campsites in Seawall are wooden and near the ocean. It includes RV-only sites, group sites, walk-in sites, and tent-only sites. Restrooms have flush toilets with running water and showers can be found in nearby towns.
Blackwoods Campground
Open Season: May-October
Fee: $30/night
Max RV Length: 35 ft and strictly enforced
Number of Sites: 306
The park’s most central place to camp is at Blackwoods Campground. The campground is located near the Bar Harbor, Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain, and Jordan Pond making it the perfect spot to start your Acadia adventure.
It includes RV-only sites, group sites, and tent-only sites. Restrooms have flush toilets with running water and showers can be found in nearby Otter Creek’s community.
Schoodic Woods Campground
Open Seasons: before Memorial Day- mid-October
Fee: $22-$40
Max RV Length: 60 ft
Number of Sites: 94
Schoodic Woods Campground is the nicest and newest of the three campgrounds. It is located 1.5 hours from Bar Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula. The sites are spacious, well-groomed, and near the beautiful views of Acadia.
The campground is far from the main central point like Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountains hence it is not a very good choice if you want to be closer to your planned daily activities. It includes RV-only sites, group sites, walk-in sites, and tent-only sites. Restrooms have flush toilets with running water and showers can be found in nearby towns.
