M
Mathew S.
Guide
GuideMcClellan Park
Great secluded campsite
Stopped here for a night after exploring Acadia National Park, a bit out of the way but the sites were nice and are close to a beautiful portion of coast line.
Camping near Bar Harbor, ME
120 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping options near Bar Harbor, Maine range from established campgrounds to mixed-use facilities, with several located within Acadia National Park. Blackwoods Campground and Seawall Campground provide traditional tent and RV camping experiences within park boundaries, while Bar Harbor Campground offers waterfront views just outside the park. Mount Desert Campground and Schoodic Woods Campground accommodate tent, RV, and cabin camping with varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds in the region feature fire rings, picnic tables, and communal toilet facilities, with some offering electric hookups for RVs.
Seasonal availability significantly impacts camping in the Bar Harbor region, with most facilities operating from May through October. The peak summer season brings higher occupancy rates and warmer temperatures. "This is a first come, first served campground. Show up early to get the best sites or grab whatever is available and look the next morning for who leaves the better sites," noted one visitor describing Bar Harbor Campground's no-reservation policy. Many campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months. Cash or check payment is common at several facilities, with limited credit card acceptance.
Campers frequently mention the ocean views as a highlight of their Bar Harbor camping experience. Several sites at Bar Harbor Campground offer views of Frenchman Bay, with wild blueberry picking available in mid-summer. A recent review noted, "We loved this campground! Views of ocean by the pool/playground and wild blueberries around the park." The Island Explorer shuttle bus provides transportation throughout the region, allowing campers to leave their vehicles behind while exploring Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Proximity to hiking trails, carriage roads, and ocean access points makes the area particularly attractive for outdoor enthusiasts. While RV camping is widely available, tent campers may find some sites offer less privacy due to the developed nature of many campgrounds in this popular tourist destination.
Best Campgrounds near Bar Harbor (120)
1. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park
"Great location being about not to far from Bar Harbor. Walking distance of the Park loop, if you would like to drive the loop, it is down the road a bit. Access to several different trails."
"Blackwoods has a great location on mount desert island. 15 mins from bar harbor, ocean path trail, Jordan pond and top of cadilac mountain."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability2. Mount Desert Campground
"Campground within 15 minute drive from Bar Harbor and Park Loop Trail. Breathtaking views from the lake! We stayed in a platform site. It was better than expected.. we’ll be back for sure!"
"Desert, Maine which is right next to the fabulous town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Forest."
3. Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park
"If you're looking to get away from all the "noise" of the side of the island that Acadia National Park is on, this is your spot."
"The grounds are a bit off the beaten path, away from Bar Harbor and the hot spots of Acadia National Park. However you won’t lack for things to do."
from $22 - $60 / night
Check Availability4. Schoodic Woods Campground — Acadia National Park
"made the decision to visit Acadia National Park, I blindly made a reservation for a site at one of the campgrounds, not really paying attention to where specifically in the park the campground was located"
"It’s about an hours drive from the main/popular trails and Bar Harbor. We loved the sleepy and peaceful vibe of Winter Harbor."
from $22 - $60 / night
Check Availability5. Bar Harbor Campground
"We love the state parks and unorganized, off the beaten path camping. This is definitely not that!"
"We had a great experience staying at the Bar Harbor campground and exploring the Acadia National Park. I think this campground is the closest to Bar Harbor. They don't allow reservations."
from $60 - $81 / night
Check Availability6. Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA
"Being in a prime location near a national park, it is both pricey and crowded."
"This campground has beautiful tent sites along the waters edge."
7. Hadley's Point Campground
"**Campground Review: ** Hadley’s Point Campground is located on the north side of Mt Desert Island and just a short distance from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park."
"No biking/hiking trails from the campground to the park, but it makes for an easy place to retreat to if you are visiting Acadia National Park and/or Bar Harbor."
from $29 - $90 / night
Check Availability8. Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort
"Not far from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor."
"Some of the sites are very close to one another...we happened to get lucky with a site with more space. The proximity to Acadia and Bar Harbor was fantastic."
9. HTR Acadia
"My wife and I stayed at Somes Sound for 4 nights on our Maine honeymoon trip in July. We absolutely loved our stay. We set up at camp site 9. Incredible view of the sound/water."
"Close to Bar Harbor as well as many areas of the park. They have a clean bathhouse, swimming pool, waterfront with a dock for reading or fishing or just watching the sun rise."
10. Smuggler's Den Campground
"Island explorer bus stops at the campground for access to Bar Harbor and the rest of island. Great way to explore Acadia national park and Bar Harbor."
"Multiple sights with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. This campground has every possible kind of sight, RV, pop-up, tent, Cabin, Rustic Cabin, and tents on platforms."
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Bangor, ME
- 2 hrs 19 min from Lewiston, ME
- 2 hrs 57 min from Portland, ME
- 4 hrs from Manchester, NH
Recent Camping Photos near Bar Harbor, ME
314 Photos of 120 Bar Harbor Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Bar Harbor Campgrounds
Mount Desert CampgroundD
Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park
Hadley's Point Campground
HTR Acadia
Lamoine State Park CampgroundK
Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort
Schoodic Woods Campground — Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA
Smuggler's Den Campground
Narrows Too Camping Resort
Acadia Seashore Camping and CabinsS
Recent Reviews near Bar Harbor, ME
722 Reviews of 120 Bar Harbor Campgrounds
Alissa A.
ScoutHTR Acadia
Great getaway
This is our first campground... I'd say the bathrooms are clean and the campground itself is pretty spacious when it comes to parking which isn't what I saw with alor of others. We extended our stay because its been the staff and environment has been really nice. We have site 35 which has been secluded and nice. We are going to 11 which has a partial waterfront view but not super close to water.
- TTim Z.Guide
Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park
Small sites / great location.
Location/Location - near the major attractions with clearly marked trails to hike to Adventureland. Sites were small but separated nicely with trees and shrubs. Only 50% full week after Labor Day. Also, Forrest ranger education in amphitheater each evening. Great park and stay!
- Katie D.Guide
Schoodic Woods Campground — Acadia National Park
Huge sites
Beautiful setting, huge sites, and hike and bike trails right from the campground. Would come again!
- SStacy K.Scout
Wild Acadia Camping Resort
Beautiful Campground and Family Fun Zone
This campground is wonderful and I highly recommend. Check-in was a breeze. There is ample room for multiple rigs to park during check-in. We reserved a golf cart for our stay as the campground is large. The golf cart was ready upon our check in. We were happy that we had it for the week we stayed.
There is a family fun zone with water slides, pools, mini golf, etc. It is small enough to easily keep watch over children, but large enough for them to have fun. There is a little cafe by the pools so parents can easily purchase food and treats without leaving the area.
We stayed in "D" Loop. It was very quiet there. There is space between the campsites and we didn't feel like we were crowded.
The entire campground was very clean. The bathroom/shower facilities and laundry are cleaned multiple times a day. The campsites and roads were groomed, level and very clean.
There were always plenty of staff working at any given time. All were very pleasant and helpful.
We will definitely stay at this campground again when in the area.
TERRY P.ScoutPumpkin Patch RV Resort
Sun, shade, quiet, adult
15 minutes from Bangor, affordable, about $55/nite. We like it, quiet, clean w/ fun activities. Dog friendly
- SSTEVEN J.Guide
Bar Harbor Campground
Great but not on the Leveling
Stayed three nights and really everything was great. Site was close to the eastern bay and sunrise. Bathroom were old, rustic rustic, and a quarter to shower. Pool was nice and laundry facilities was actually really nice and lots of machines. Spent a very rainy day morning doing laundry. That’s what you do when it is racing cats and dogs, right? Location to Acadia and Bar Harbor just fine. Big benefit was the restaurant across the street, Lobster Pound! Yes, ear there at least once. Not cheap but great hot lobsters roll and lobster feast. Yum yum!
- AAnna G.Scout
Continuous Harmony Farm
Lovely property
Lovely and peaceful property. Owners responsive; no contact check in. Would stay again if in the area
Debbie K.
TravelerJonesport Campground
Beautiful views
Amazing views. The camp hosts are salt of the earth. Unfortunately there are some changes coming. They are loosing 10 campsites next season.
Guide to Bar Harbor
The Acadia National Park region near Bar Harbor, Maine ranges in elevation from sea level to 1,530 feet at Cadillac Mountain, creating diverse camping microclimates. Summer temperatures average 75°F during the day but drop to 55°F at night, requiring campers to pack layers. The granite-based soil throughout the region drains quickly after rain, helping campsites dry faster than more clay-based areas.
What to do
Hiking from your campsite: At Blackwoods Campground, trails connect directly to the park's larger network. "Hiked across Cadillac Mtn and walked south and right back to camp. Sites were very gravely for tents and not level," notes one camper, highlighting the direct trail access despite challenging tent sites.
Kayaking in Somes Sound: Waterfront campsites at Mount Desert Campground offer water access. "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," reports a visitor. The rental office provides life vests and basic instruction.
Winter Harbor exploring: The quieter Schoodic Peninsula section offers less crowded trails. "Located at the Schoodic Institute is the Education and Research Center which offers interesting programs and has a visitor center. The town of Corea has a great waterside restaurant where you can sit outside and eat lobster while watching the boats go in and out," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Wild blueberry picking: Campers at Bar Harbor Campground enjoy seasonal foraging. "Great campground. No reservations taken so get there early to get his sites," mentions one reviewer, while another states, "Mid July to Mid August free blueberries campside." The wild blueberries grow naturally throughout the campground and are available for guests to pick.
Platform tent sites: Many campgrounds offer wooden platforms to keep tents dry and level. "The campground has amazing water sites right on the water with great views but these sites are pretty close together and hard to get since the campground is first come, first served," notes a reviewer about Bar Harbor Campground. Platform sites help with the rocky, uneven terrain common in the region.
Clean facilities: "The bathrooms were clean and the campground was well maintained. Our site wasn't raked before arrival and there were lots of leaves and debris on the site. We camped here in late May 2019 so maybe they were still working on cleaning up after the winter," explains a visitor to Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
What you should know
No reservation options: Some campgrounds operate strictly first-come, first-served. "This is a first come first serve campground. Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours. I first had a tent space facing the ocean $36. Very close to the Pool for one night. Next morning I found an electric and water spot $40 close by and moved," explains a Bar Harbor Campground visitor.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across the area. "WiFi was non-existent unless you got a site near the main office. Cellular reception was very mediocre. If you want to lose contact with family, friends, business... this is the place to go," notes a camper at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Bar Harbor, Maine?
What are the best campgrounds near Bar Harbor, Maine?
Bar Harbor offers excellent camping options both near town and throughout Mount Desert Island. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park is highly regarded for its prime location just 15 minutes from Bar Harbor with easy access to popular attractions like Ocean Path Trail and Cadillac Mountain. Mount Desert Campground is another top choice with breathtaking lake views and clean facilities, located within a 15-minute drive to Bar Harbor. Other excellent options include Hadley's Point on the north side of the island and Bar Harbor Campground. For those seeking a quieter experience away from crowds, consider campgrounds on the island's western side like Seawall or Bass Harbor.
What are the typical rates for campgrounds in Bar Harbor?
What are the typical rates for campgrounds in Bar Harbor?
Campground rates in Bar Harbor vary based on amenities, location, and season. National Park campgrounds like Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park are typically more affordable, ranging from $30-40 per night for standard tent sites. Private campgrounds offer a wider range of prices. Hadley's Point Campground provides tent, water & electric RV, and full hookup sites at varying price points. Most private campgrounds charge $35-50 for basic tent sites, $45-65 for water/electric sites, and $55-90 for full hookup RV sites. Premium waterfront or specialty sites often command higher rates. During peak season (July-August), expect prices to be at their highest, while shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) offer better values.
Are there oceanfront or beach camping options in Bar Harbor?
Are there oceanfront or beach camping options in Bar Harbor?
Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park offers a serene oceanfront camping experience on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island. While it's about 25 minutes from the main section of Acadia, it provides a picturesque coastal setting with more seclusion than campgrounds closer to Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA is another option providing waterfront views and coastal access. Though true beach camping is limited in the immediate Bar Harbor area, many campgrounds offer water views or quick access to shorelines. The oceanfront camping options typically fill quickly during peak season, so advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for prime waterfront sites.
Are there family-friendly camping options in Bar Harbor?
Are there family-friendly camping options in Bar Harbor?
Bar Harbor excels at family-friendly camping options. Acadia Seashore Camping and Cabins provides a welcoming family atmosphere with immaculately maintained grounds. The owners make guests feel like family, and while it's slightly removed from Bar Harbor, it offers good access to Winter Harbor for hiking and cycling. Bass Harbor Campground is another excellent family option on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island. Many families return to Mount Desert Campground year after year, creating traditions across generations. Most campgrounds in the area offer amenities families appreciate, including clean bathrooms, showers, and proximity to family-friendly activities in Acadia National Park and surrounding communities.
What types of RV accommodations are available in Bar Harbor?
What types of RV accommodations are available in Bar Harbor?
Timberland Acres RV Park offers dedicated RV sites with amenities including a camp store with basic supplies. The park provides various hookup options but campers should be aware of potential noise from the water pump system at certain sites. Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground is another excellent option for RVers, though it's a bit further from Bar Harbor. Most RV parks in the area offer water, electric, and sewer hookups, with some providing cable TV and WiFi. Many accommodate big rigs, though road access on some parts of Mount Desert Island can be challenging for larger vehicles. Reservations are essential during peak season as RV sites throughout the Bar Harbor area fill quickly.
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