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Best Tent Camping near Acadia National Park

642 Reviews

Tent campsites around Acadia National Park, Maine range from established campgrounds to remote island locations accessible only by boat or hiking trails. Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut offers five lean-to tent sites within the boundaries of Acadia National Park, while Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land provides more primitive walk-in tent sites with mountain views approximately 45 minutes from the main park area.

Most tent camping areas near Acadia National Park require advance planning, especially for the limited Duck Harbor sites which typically fill within minutes when reservations open on April 1st. Sites at Donnell Pond are first-come, first-served with a half-mile walk-in required to reach the main camping area. One camper noted that "the sites are a little cramped unless you have a boat or are an ultralight backpacker and want to either cross the lake by boat or hike a few miles to a campsite with more privacy." Many locations have basic fire rings but minimal services, with potable water available only at select established campgrounds. During summer months, mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at Duck Harbor where bringing bug netting is recommended.

Tent campers seeking solitude can explore the Maine Island Trail system, which offers multiple primitive camping islands in the Deer Isle Archipelago such as Nathan, Saddleback, and Shivers Islands. These boat-in tent sites provide no amenities but compensate with unparalleled coastal views and stargazing opportunities. A recent review described camping on these islands as "nothing we had ever experienced before. The views were incredible." Weather conditions can change rapidly, with fog rolling in quickly across the Gulf of Maine, making navigation challenging for paddlers accessing island tent sites. Campers should bring marine charts, compasses, and tide tables, as significant tidal changes (9-14 vertical feet) can make landing at high tide difficult or impossible at many island tent camping locations.

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Best Tent Sites Near Acadia National Park (13)

    1. Rough and Raw

    2 Reviews
    Lamoine, ME
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 667-3244

    $40 - $100 / night

    "We had no idea there was a clothing optional site near Acadia and stumbled across this with hipcamp. A safe and lovely primitive site. We will be back!"

    2. Donnell Pond — Donnel Pond

    3 Reviews
    Franklin, ME
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 941-4412

    "This lake is huge so keep that in mind. We parked at the public dock that has public parking and boated over to the beach."

    "This was really a beautiful spot to set up camp. I stayed here for only 1 night as I had reservations in Acadia (about 45 minutes outside Acadia) but I will absolutely come back in the future."

    3. Saddleback Island

    2 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    22 miles
    Website

    "The Maine Island Trail offers 200 islands in which to sea kayak camp and Saddleback Island is one of the many gorgeous options in the Deer Isle Archipelago. "

    4. Shivers Island — Settlement Quarry Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    23 miles
    Website

    "You must heat the water up in another pot already, so why not just chuck in the coffee filter bag directly into the pot? Save a step."

    5. Four Acre Woods Campground

    2 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 314-1587

    $40 - $50 / night

    "All the things you need are there - firewood, water, bathrooms and showers, and even electricity at the site. Only thing is the sites are small and close together."

    6. Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss

    3 Reviews
    Brooksville, ME
    26 miles
    +1 (207) 469-8523

    $49 - $69 / night

    "There are 4 total campsites, and each  offers a slightly different view and sense of privacy.  The owner met us when we arrived.  Dogs are allowed.  "

    "This location offers level sites, views of rolling blueberry fields, a picnic table, and other goodies from your host. Lakeisha really takes pride in this property, and it shows."

    7. Nathan Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    26 miles
    Website

    "As a nature and wildlife photographer, I’m outside shooting pictures in every type of weather, both on land and sea."

    8. Old Apple Trees

    Be the first to review!
    Brooklin, ME
    19 miles
    Website

    9. Duck Harbor Campground — Acadia National Park

    2 Reviews
    Isle au Haut, ME
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 335-5551

    $20 / night

    "This remote island off the coast of Maine only has 5 campsites in this part of Acadia National Park, and reservations are required. "

    "I describe this as "backpacking light". You need to bring everything with you (except water) on the mailboat and then walk on a short distance to one of 5 campsites."

    10. Continuous Harmony Farm

    2 Reviews
    Lincolnville Center, ME
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 763-3891

    $40 / night

    "We're so excited to have this property, hosted by Doug, on our platform. Park your van, or pop your tent, next to the pond."

    "The space is gorgeous, right next to a pond. Important to know though, there are several campsites. It's unclear how many campers could be there on any given night but it could be many."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Acadia National Park

20 Photos of 13 Acadia National Park Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Acadia National Park

642 Reviews of 13 Acadia National Park Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2018

    Duck Harbor Campground — Acadia National Park

    Hard to get to, difficult to get a reservation, but so worth the time!

    Camping on in the Duck Harbor Campground is nearly the stuff of legends. This remote island off the coast of Maine only has 5 campsites in this part of Acadia National Park, and reservations are required. The Park’s website describes this in classic Park Service understatement, “Duck Harbor Campground is very popular. Please plan your trip in advance.” What they mean is if you don’t go online within 10 minutes of opening day, April 1st, at 10 am EST, you will miss your chance to stay here for the whole year. You won’t be the first to get denied and certainly not the last. You might however, get lucky if you’re in the area for long enough and there is a sudden cancellation. 

    I believe I’m right in saying that the hype is worth it here, more than just because it’s difficult to get here and difficult to get a reservation. This is a beautiful place to camp and an amazing island to explore by bike, by kayak, and on foot.

    Each of the 5 sites offers a classic lean-to structure with a campfire ring and a picnic table. But it’s not the site which makes this place so special. Sticking out into the Gulf of Maine, this is one of the most remote islands with established camping and recreational trails on the coast. It feels like another world entirely than Mount Dessert Island, where the rest of Acadia National Park is located. By comparison, MDI feels like Central Park.

    There is fresh water a short walk away from the campground, and a bear proof food storage locker at each lean-to. Mosquitoes can be bad during the summer, so I would recommend bringing a bug net or small backpacking tent which you could set up in the lean-to for more protection and privacy. 

    Getting to the island is possible through the daily mailboat which goes directly to Duck Harbor from Stonington, but the best way to get there is to paddle up in a sea kayak as we did!

  • Dakota S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2018

    Mount Desert Campground

    Great Campground

    Very nice campsites, bathrooms and showers were very clean and easily accessible. Friendly and helpful staff. Only about 10 minutes from Acadia National Park and many great lobster shacks nearby. Would definitely stay again. Only thing was tent sites were a bit pricey.

  • Sable W.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Super convenient camping in Acadia National Park

    Blackwoods is one of only a couple of campgrounds in Acadia National Park, which doesn't allow backpacking. It's connected to the South Ridge Trail, which gives you the opportunity to hike to Cadillac Mountain directly from the campground; we did this for the sunrise on our last day, and HIGHLY recommend it! (See the last picture.)

    Rangers consistently patrol the campground, even driving through a couple of times after quiet hours begin; I found this really helped keep the noise down, despite the number of campers. (The campground was sold out for the duration of our stay!)

    Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table, and sites are spaced decently; I would've appreciated a bit more privacy and space, but I'm sure the tree cover varies based on the site. My friend, who stayed at B121, seemed to have a bit more vegetation between her site and the surrounding sites.

    There are plenty of bathrooms throughout the campground, as well as taps with potable water. There is an ampitheatre which is used for nightly activities; I think it can be rented by groups, too. There are showers just outside the campground (8 quarters for 4 minutes; the water isn't always hot, though!) and you can also purchase wood at the shower facility.

    One of the routes run by the FREE shuttle bus stops at Blackwoods every hour during the summer; using this shuttle, you can get to Sieur de Monts, Otter Cliff, and the Village Green, where you can connect to any other bus. This is awesome, because it means you don't have to waste half the day jockeying for parking!

    Overall, I think Blackwoods Campground is a great value and a great place to camp while visiting Acadia.

  • Melissa N.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park

    Laid Back National Park Camping

    if the tide is right, Seawall has amazing sights! I’ve taken some amazing photos here. the Campgound is directly across from the public boat landing/picnic area. it’s a really nice area. the campground itself is very laid back for a National Park. the rangers almost act as though camping is your business and they only get involved if needed. whereas at blackwoods the rangers seem to try to be as accommodating as possible. it’s cute that they compete, and definitely are different. the sites are not usually as clean as blackwoods, they leave the “leave no trace” responsibility to the campers and if the person before you didn’t clean up, you might have to. other than that it’s QUIET! you can see the stars because there are no city lights. you don’t hear cars, AND the tent sites are very private. there are fresh water spouts everywhere, and plenty of trash/recycling areas. no electrIcity on the sItes, and rv can onlybIse geberators dIrIng lImItes hours. the bathrooms flush and have running water, but there are no showers. Echo Lake is right down the road, a great place to swim in fresh water.

  • Beth R.
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Timberland Acres RV Park

    Great location

    Pros: 30 minutes from Acadia National Park 50 AMP, sewer & water hookup Nice amenities

    Cons: Gravel site No shade

  • T
    Sep. 25, 2021

    Branch Lake Camping area

    Quiet RV park

    Very friendly staff, very open to our changing plans. Nice peaceful lake view and access. Location was a good 45 min drive from Acadia National Park, longer than we anticipated. Drive got old after a couple days.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Simply Acadia Style Camping

    Blackwoods campground is a very large, very busy, somewhat rustic campground in the heart of Acadia National Park. We camped here 3 nights in July and every site was full. The sites are fairly standard, with a picnic table and fire ring. There are bathrooms generally within a short walk from each site, but no showers. There is a private shower house just outside the campground, bring your roll of quarters with you. You can also purchase firewood just about everywhere outside the campground itself. There is a shuttle bus that runs to the campground and will take you to various other parts of the park including many trailheads. We camped in site A31 which was directly off the campground loop road, but felt more private than many of the sites located in the inner circles of the campground. We could walk a short trail from camp to the ocean. There is no WiFi, and little cell phone coverage at all within the area. Amenities are few within the campground itself, but this is an area people come to explore and take in the beauty of Acadia, not hang out at camp.

  • K
    Jun. 25, 2020

    Mount Desert Campground

    Our Favorite Campground

    This is our favorite campground. Perfect sites. Raised tent landings. Beautiful views of the ocean/marsh. Kayaks for rent. Not too far from acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Clean bathrooms. Well marked. Highly recommend.

Guide to Acadia National Park

Tent camping near Acadia National Park in Maine offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning views and outdoor activities. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Local attractions and activities

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and swimming opportunities at Saddleback Island, where you can also explore the nearby Deer Isle Archipelago by kayak.
  • Shivers Island — Settlement Quarry Preserve is ideal for those looking to hike and enjoy the beauty of Maine's coastline, with stunning rocky shores and starry skies.
  • Experience the thrill of fishing and hiking at Four Acre Woods Campground, where you can also enjoy the local wildlife and serene forest surroundings.

Tips for tent camping near Acadia National Park

  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience at Partridge Pond Primitive Campsite — Lower Penobscot Forest, which offers a more rugged camping experience with basic amenities.
  • For a unique experience, consider Rough and Raw, a clothing-optional site that provides a relaxed atmosphere and a chance to connect with nature in a different way.
  • Always check for availability and plan ahead, especially for popular spots like Nathan Island, where first-come, first-served camping is the norm and can fill up quickly during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What private campgrounds near Acadia National Park offer tent sites?

Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss offers a unique tent camping experience near Acadia with level sites overlooking rolling blueberry fields. This private property features four distinct campsites, each offering different views and privacy levels. The owner takes pride in maintaining the property and providing a memorable experience. For adventurous campers seeking a coastal experience, Saddleback Island provides free tent camping spots through the Maine Island Trail Association. This island in the Deer Isle Archipelago offers pristine beaches and beautiful natural surroundings for sea kayakers willing to venture off the mainland for a more remote camping experience.

How does tent camping in Bar Harbor compare to camping inside Acadia National Park?

Tent camping inside Acadia National Park offers a more immersive natural experience compared to Bar Harbor options. Inside the park, you'll find more primitive camping with basic amenities but direct access to trails, scenic views, and a true wilderness feel. Near Bar Harbor, private campgrounds like Four Acre Woods Campground and Old Apple Trees offer more amenities but are located in more developed areas. While Bar Harbor camping provides easier access to town services, restaurants, and shopping, you'll sacrifice some of the solitude and natural immersion found within park boundaries. The trade-off comes down to convenience versus wilderness experience, with Bar Harbor options generally offering more facilities but less seclusion.

Where are the best tent camping sites in Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park offers exceptional tent camping options, with Duck Harbor Campground being one of the most sought-after experiences. Located on a remote island, Duck Harbor features just five campsites and requires reservations due to its legendary status and popularity. For a less remote option, Donnell Pond provides beautiful tent sites about 45 minutes outside the main park area. The sites feature stunning lake views with beaches accessible by a short half-mile hike or by boat. While slightly removed from the main park, the natural setting and moderate hiking trails make it worth considering for tent campers looking for a more secluded experience near Acadia.

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