Camping near Bar Harbor, Maine offers a distinctive mix of ocean proximity and woodland settings, with seasonal temperatures ranging from 70°F summer days to 30°F winter nights. Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October, with peak season falling in July and August when overnight temperatures rarely drop below 50°F. The region's campsites include both private campgrounds and Acadia National Park options within a 30-minute drive radius of downtown Bar Harbor.
What to do
Stargazing at Seawall: Walk across the street from Seawall Campground to experience exceptional night sky viewing. "For stargazers, the short walk across the street to the beach will give you some unbelievable views of the milky way when the night is at peak darkness," reports Kyle R.
Kayak from your site: Many oceanfront sites at Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls allow water access right from your campsite. "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," notes one visitor.
Hike nearby trails: Several walking paths are accessible within minutes of most campgrounds. "Ship Harbor Trail and the seawall, both very close and walking distance from the campground," states Laura L. about nearby hiking options.
Beach exploration: Low tide reveals tide pools and marine life along rocky shorelines. "The beach was nice but really nothing could have made up for being stuck on this postage stamp for 6 days," shares Amy G., highlighting the importance of site selection for beach access.
What campers like
Quieter camping experience: The western side of Mount Desert Island offers a more peaceful alternative to busier areas. "Somes Sound Campground was great. Beautiful view of the water. Highly recommend the waterfront sites," says Jessica P. about HTR Acadia, formerly known as Somes Sound View Campground.
Outdoor showers: Several campgrounds feature open-air shower facilities with hot water. "Very very great staff!! Upon arrival we checked in, in the office/store. Then a staff member lead us to our site," describes Samantha S., appreciating the personal guidance at her oceanfront site.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking more comfort while camping near Bar Harbor, Maine, yurt accommodations provide climate-controlled spaces. "Stayed in the Potting Shed cabin for 3 nights. Bathroom was clean and had plenty of sinks, toilets and showers," notes Cheryl K. about her stay at Bass Harbor Campground.
Level sites: Many campgrounds offer platforms or graded areas for easier tent setup. "We had a site with a wooden platform that was perfectly level. There was enough tree cover that we didn't get soaked during the rain," shares Les R. about Quietside Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "We didn't have reliable cell service. The shuttle bus takes 50 minutes to get to Bar Harbor, by car it's closer to 30," explains Karla J.B.
Shower costs: Many campgrounds charge for shower use. "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water," reports one Seawall Campground visitor.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance bookings while others operate first-come, first-served. "The Bar Harbor Campground does not take reservations so you can pick whatever open site you want and if you want to extend your stay, you can," explains Nancy W. about Bar Harbor Campground.
No-reservation policy limitations: First-come camping can mean uncertainty. "We loved the state parks and unorganized, off the beaten path camping. This is definitely not that! However, for easy access to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, the Bar Harbor Campground is a pretty good place to park," states Gary G.
Tips for camping with families
Consider campground activities: Some sites offer programming specifically for younger campers. "My daughter begs to camp here. As with any KOA they have lots of activities throughout the day for families, and a pool, but she loves the ice pop contest. If you find a painted rock and bring it to the office you get a free ice pop," shares Melissa N. about camping with children.
Use Island Explorer shuttle: Free transportation connects major campgrounds to attractions. "The Island Explorer (free) shuttle that have various routes and stops on Mount Desert Island and Acadia NP. The shuttle stops at the campground so you can hitch a ride downtown or to the park and not have to worry about parking," notes a visitor at Hadley's Point Campground.
Seek campgrounds with playgrounds: Some facilities include play areas near water views. "The bathrooms and showers are cleaned regularly and the price for camping is great. There is a playground on the way to the ocean view!" reports Shelby L. about family-friendly amenities.
Book early for family sites: Family-sized spots with adequate space fill quickly during summer months. "We stayed in a camping cabin for 5 days at the end of June. The cabin contained a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds," explains Brandy N. about accommodations that work well for families.
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds limit or prohibit generator use. "There are no hookups and limited generator hours, but there is a dump site and water available to fill," explains Laura L.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some sites. "Many sites are not flat and require significant leveling if in an RV. Some sites have more buffer than others, but in general I would not say that there is great privacy between sites," reports one Lamoine State Park visitor.
Site selection priority: For RVs, finding appropriate locations matters significantly. "We were put on a shared site that had a pull thru in the middle of the two sites. Small site and not private," recalls Melissa L., emphasizing the importance of site choice for RV camping.
Full hookup availability: Services vary widely between campgrounds. "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. After 4 days and my tanks were full. I found a full hook with sewer $46 and moved for the next week," shares Celeste M. about her experience finding appropriate hookups.
