Best Camping Near Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Camping

By Alex Murphy

Acadia National Park in Maine was the first park established by the National Park Service east of the Mississippi River and remains one of the most popular destinations in the Northeast today. Acadia follows the Maine coastline and is known for its dramatic cliffs that give way to the Atlantic Ocean. The park includes several islands.

Visitors to Acadia National Park can enjoy many activities, from hiking trails and fishing to various camping options.

There are several campgrounds in Acadia that keep visitors directly inside the park allowing quick access to popular spots like Mount Desert Island, an island that makes up a significant portion of the park, and Sand Beach, a popular spot to relax and enjoy the ocean with great views of the nearby mountains as well.

The most popular spot in the area on Campendium based on reviews is Schoodic Woods Campground. This is actually the newest campground in Acadia National Park and the only camping option on the mainland. Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, the campground offers campsites with some amenities like RV hookups, including running water. Many reviewers appreciate how clean the campsites are.

Visitors can find more options at Blackwoods Campground, another popular option on Campendium. This campground is located on Mount Desert Island and offers shuttles from the campsites to popular attractions, which is helpful because Acadia is one of the busiest in the United States. Blackwoods Campground is located near the ocean and is a short walk from each campsite.

On the opposite side of the island is the Seawall Campground. This location has group campsites, along with options for RVs and tent camping. Like many campgrounds within the park, Seawall Campground books up early, and making a reservation beforehand on recreation.gov is recommended.

If all the campgrounds within the National Park are booked, you do not need to cancel your summer adventure plan to Acadia. Another option for those into backpacking and tent camping, there are a number of backcountry camping spots, but they may require some hiking to get to. There are also plenty of nearby private camping options in the state.

The nearby town of Bar Harbor can accommodate RV campers at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort and Bar Harbor Campground. Both offer full amenities, including a dump station, and offer a quick drive down Route 3 to get in and out of the park.

Another popular option on Campendium is Bass Harbor Campground. Most reviews say this place may be more appropriate for tent camping, but it remains popular due to its proximity to water. It's also on the opposite side of Mount Desert Island, which is perfect for anyone looking to avoid the crowds of Bar Harbor.

Finally, Acadia National Park can be a unique destination for your dog. Unlike many other parks, where the National Park Service bans dogs on trails, Acadia allows visitors to bring their four-legged friend as long as they're kept on a leash.

See a map of all the camping in and around Acadia National Park.