Long before Acadia was a national park, long before Maine was a state in the Union, this coastal region of North America was populated by the Algonquian peoples, who hunted, fished and harvested the land for more than 12,000 years. As European immigrants settled the region, they recognized the natural beauty of Maine’s spectacular islands and coastline—all carved and sculpted by water, ice, and time. Many of the upper crust built vacation cottages in the area to enjoy its mountains and woods, lakes and wetlands. It was finally established as a national park in 1916, with the distinction of being the first national park east of the Mississippi. Today, Acadia is one of the most-visited parks in the United States, where millions of visitors come to the park each year for its outdoor recreation opportunities, abundant wildlife, and unparalleled scenery. Acadia’s Blackwoods Campground is the ideal base for all of your Acadia adventuring. Located in the southeast region of the park, approximately 90 minutes southeast of Bangor, it features more than 300 wooded tent-camping sites near Otter Point. The campground can also accommodate small RVs/trailers up to 35 feet, but hookups and utilities are not available. Some sites are ADA accessible. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, and all have access to potable water, restrooms and shower facilities; a dump station is located onsite. Dogs are welcome in the park, but must remain leashed, and are not permitted in buildings, on ranger-led programs, or on some trails. The campground is open from May through October. Campsites are $30/night; group sites are $60/night. Reservations are recommended, and can be made up to six months in advance. There is no shortage of things to do and see in Acadia National Park. One of the best ways to discover the park, and enjoy its stunning scenery is by taking a hike. More than 120 miles of trails, from short, family-friendly nature trails to long, strenuous mountain climbers, offer something for everyone. Bicycle and horseback riding on the park’s 45 miles of old carriage roads is another great way to see the park. Coastal areas offer plenty of swimming, paddling, and tidepooling opportunities, and anglers can fish for salmon, trout, perch and pickerel in many of the park’s freshwater lakes and ponds. Wildlife watchers can scan for some of the more than 300 species of birds known to inhabit the park, as well as a variety of small and large animals. And, of course, leaf-peeping is one of Adadia’s most popular pastimes, when the park’s woods are transformed into a kaleidoscope of autumn-colored trees.
