Campsites near Addison, Maine provide access to Maine's lesser-known coastal gems without the crowds found at more popular destinations. The region sits along the Bold Coast with elevations generally below 500 feet and receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually. Most camping options maintain a traditional Maine character with gravel or grass sites, basic amenities, and limited cell service in more remote locations.
What to do
Kayaking in Somes Sound: Launch directly from the floating docks at Mount Desert Campground, where one camper noted, "We rented double kayaks from the front office for 2 hours and kayaked Somes Sound - it was beautiful water & amazing exploring! A bit more difficult with the ocean currents vs lake kayaking, so keep that in mind with kids."
Crabbing from docks: Children can spend hours catching crabs at select coastal campgrounds. "We purchased a crab bucket with net from the coffee shop one morning for around $10-12. It was well worth it as my kids crab gigged for HOURS off the docks every day!" reported a visitor to Mount Desert Campground.
ATV trail riding: The Columbia Falls area offers direct trail access for ATV enthusiasts. A camper at Cottonwood Camping & RV Park shared, "This is the first campground we have stayed at that has ATV trail access, horse friendly camping, full hookups, pull through sites, tent camping, tent rentals, teepee rentals, 'tiny bird cabin', and a tree house."
Blueberry picking: Seasonal campers can gather wild blueberries at certain locations from mid-July through mid-August. "Blueberry fields free to pick July to August" reported a camper about Bar Harbor Campground.
What campers like
Rustic platform sites: Many campgrounds accommodate the uneven coastal terrain with wooden platforms. "Sites are generally private and well-cared for... Un-level sites have platforms to put your tent on. The office even has hammer and nails for you to secure everything," noted a visitor to Acadia East Campground.
Clean facilities despite primitive settings: Even basic campgrounds maintain good standards. "Nice little campground on the coast of Maine with excellent ocean views. The views are quintessential Maine with lobster boats bobbing in the water and the tides moving in and out," described a camper at Jonesport Campground.
Local seafood access: Fresh lobster and other seafood can be purchased near many campgrounds. A visitor to Acadia Seashore Camping and Cabins mentioned, "Corea Wharf was a great place to eat and LobStore is a good place to get fresh seafood!"
Quieter experience: Many campsites provide alternatives to the busier Bar Harbor area. "This is a National Park which was very clean with some large sites. It was somewhat big rig friendly... If you want to lose contact with family, friends, business... this is the place to go," commented a visitor to Schoodic Woods Campground.
What you should know
First-come-first-served policies: Some campgrounds don't accept reservations. "This campground does not take reservations so you can pick whatever open site you want and if you want to extend your stay, you can. When you arrive, you get a map, find an empty site, get set-up and then go back to the office to register," explained a camper at Bar Harbor Campground.
Limited services: Many campgrounds have minimal hookups or dump stations. "There is only one dump station for Loop B. Each RV took about 15 minutes. If you are third in line, you will be waiting... Since there is no sewer, you would think they would offer more than one dump station," noted a visitor to Schoodic Woods Campground.
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds limit RV length. "Campers over 20 feet are not allowed. The sites are large however the terrain is difficult to navigate. There is NO dump station located at the campground however a few miles down the road, there is a campground that allows you to use theirs for a $20.00 fee," explained a visitor to Mount Desert Campground.
Strict rule enforcement: Rangers actively monitor compliance at national park campgrounds. "My left tire on the car was 6 inches on the grass... the rangers left a violation notice on my car," reported one Schoodic Woods camper.
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential during summer months. "No matter if you wear long sleeves and long pants, plus use bug spray, the mosquitos are vicious. Between gnats and mosquitos, sitting outside to eat is nearly impossible," warned a Schoodic Woods visitor.
Water temperature awareness: Ocean swimming requires tolerance for cold water. "We carefully swam to the small rock island next to the dock and collected sea snails. The water was cold but felt great when hot. Watch out for jelly fish!" advised a Mount Desert Campground visitor.
Campground shuttle access: The Island Explorer shuttle connects many campgrounds to destinations throughout Acadia. "The campground was clean and beautiful. We were able to walk to the shuttle pickup and ride it to all stops in the park, and to Bar Harbor. It was so convenient!" noted a visitor to Blackwoods Campground.
Affordable coastal options: Budget-friendly camping exists away from the main attractions. "Private place to camp right by the shore. Excellent rates. Nice, well maintained trail to bathroom/shower and to coast. Perfect place for a quiet camping experience!" shared a visitor to McClellan Park.
Tips from RVers
Quarter shower preparation: Many campground showers require coins. "Bathrooms are dated but clean. There is a designated dishwashing drain to keep animals away from the campsites," explained a visitor to Blackwoods Campground, while another camper noted, "Bring quarters! You can definitely shower completely with one session of about 5 minutes."
Cellular service variations: Coverage varies significantly across the region. "WiFi was non-existent unless you got a site near the main office. Cellular reception was very mediocre," reported a Schoodic Woods camper, while others found better service at Sunset Point Campground: "Tmobile 4g with a strong signal."
Laundry scheduling: Some campgrounds have unique laundry protocols. "You have to sign up to do laundry and schedule your time. Ok, well I did 2 loads for $14 and my hour was up and one load was not completely dry," explained a visitor to Acadia Seashore Camping and Cabins.
Wind protection: Coastal sites require securing awnings and equipment. "Since you are right on the ocean, it can get quite windy so be sure not to leave your awning out if you go away," warned a visitor to Jonesport Campground.
