Most RV camping near Aurora, Maine offers water and electric hookups with some sites including 50-amp service. The area sits within Maine's coastal region where tidal changes can impact waterfront sites. Many campgrounds remain open from May through mid-October with closing dates varying by location.
What to do
Explore Schoodic Peninsula: Only a 45-minute drive from Timberland Acres RV Park, this less-crowded section of Acadia National Park offers similar scenery with fewer visitors. "We stayed here in late May 2019 so maybe they were still working on cleaning up after the winter (wet spring). Its in a very convenient location to Acadia," noted one camper.
Kayak at high tide: At West Bay Acadia RV Campground, visitors can launch kayaks or paddleboards from the property. "There is a beautiful cleared spot at the waters edge with a swing so you can enjoy the view and watch the tides (and seals come and go). Make sure you paddle around high tide or else you will be slogging your watercraft through a soft mucky clam flat," advises a reviewer.
Visit local organic farms: Several campgrounds near Aurora provide access to fresh local produce. "There is a wonderful organic farm down the road and a couple of local wineries are nearby. The nearby town of Gouldsboro has a delicious little ice cream stand and the Pickled Wrinkle restaurant serves great food," reports a visitor at West Bay Acadia.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Pumpkin Patch RV Resort in Hermon receives praise for its quiet environment. "It's a quiet peaceful campground. It is very well kept, and the staff is always welcoming. Sites are large and level. Nice walking areas and close to dunkin!" said one reviewer.
Dark sky viewing: Some parks minimize light pollution for stargazing. West Bay Acadia is "a certified dark sky park. Campers are asked to turn outside lights off so there is no light noise to interfere with the beautiful sky full of stars, planets, and meteor showers," according to a visitor.
Winter Harbor ferry access: Mainstay Cottages & RV Park offers convenient transportation options. "Located on Winter Harbor, great views. Steps away from the small ferry that goes to Bar Harbor and a few minutes to Schoodic Peninsula," notes one reviewer.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have issues with water systems. At Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, a camper noted, "And there is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown."
Bathroom facilities differ greatly: While some parks maintain excellent facilities, others need improvement. "The bath houses are horrible. Badly in need of modernization and upkeep. Every morning the toilets were stopped up. The showers were mildewy," reported a visitor at Mt Desert Narrows.
Self-contained requirements: Not all parks offer full facilities. At West Bay Acadia, "There is no bathhouse so all units must be self-contained," explains a reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Consider age-appropriate amenities: Some campgrounds lack children's activities. "I would primarily recommend this campsite for retirees and couples without children. The park doesn't offer many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool, so families with young children might find it lacking in entertainment options," notes a visitor at West Bay Acadia.
Look for off-season availability: Visiting before peak season can mean less crowding. "We stayed early in the season, before Memorial Day, and there were very few camp sites that were occupied," explains a camper at Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Check campground layout: Some parks have areas better suited for families. At Mt Desert Narrows, a visitor mentions, "We had a beautiful view from our campsite! Not all campsites had full hookup and we were told that one of the dump stations worked, but as we were leaving, we realized it didn't."
Tips from RVers
Bring extra water: Some parks like Jonesport Campground have limited water services. "Electricity is 30 amp and there is no sewer or potable water (so make sure you fill up before you come)," advises a reviewer.
Prepare for coastal weather: Wind protection is essential at waterfront sites. "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," notes a camper at Jonesport.
Use community garden offerings: Some parks provide unique amenities. At West Bay Acadia, "We love the free community garden which has a wonderful selection of produce including strawberries, tomatillos, fresh herbs, beans, lettuces, etc. Feel free to pick whatever you will eat, just leave some for others."