Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bar Harbor, ME

Great stay! Bathrooms are clean and well maintained with showers. 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!

Great place to stay. Sue and Peter are wonderful and make you feel like family! The grounds are kept in immaculate shape. It's away from Bar Harbor but close enough to go visit. We liked going to the Winter Harbor area to hike and ride bikes. Corea Wharf was a great place to eat and LobStore is a good place to get fresh seafood!

My boyfriend and I drove all around looking for a camping place in the Bar Harbor area but nothing was open because it was the end of April. We decided to take a ride to Stonington and happen to find this gem. This camp ground was a little drive away from Bar Harbor but well worth it! It’s been months since we stayed there and I felt like I had to leave this 5 star review. The sites and bathrooms were clean. The owner was super nice and polite. The site was also spacious. We definitely will be back.

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. It's still only 25 minutes or so to Acadia National Park but is extremely quiet and secluded. The campsites are a little close together but there is still privacy. The other benefit was it is away from Bar Harbor lights so we saw soo many stars!

We stayed here from Thursday to Sunday in site #67. I would recommend requesting a site other than 66 or 67 because it backs right up to the water pump system for the RV park, which is quite loud when the pump turns on and off. Other than that, campground was great. They have a store with basically anything you need. There's a Walmart down the road. It's 30 min from Acadia NP, 15-20 min from Bar Harbor and about 15 min from Ellsworth. Showers & boathouse was clean and showers were some of the best I've had on a campground. Good water pressure & hot. Lots of seasonal campers. Everyone was pretty friendly. You can also get lobster from the camp store (cooked or live). Our spot was nice bc it backed up to the woods. The larger rig sites in the back are more open with no tree cover. Laundry building is coin operated and was super convenient. Campground is VERY dog friendly! Lots of dogs being walked and on campsites. We would stay again for sure.

**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. Hadley’s Point is a large private campground that has tent, water& electric RV, and full hook up sites, as well as Cabins. The campground is broke up in to multiple loops (campground map can be found in my pictures) with some loops in open areas with little shade and sites close together, and other loops have more wooded sites that have some shade and privacy. All style sites include a picnic table and fire ring. 

Reservations are site type, not site specific, so a little bit of a gamble. We were assigned site B27 on this visit. This site was partially shade depending on the time of day and very close to our neighbors. Other sites in the B loop did have more trees and more private, but they were full on this stay. Check-in was easy and the staff was very helpful in providing info and answering questions about the area. A host guides you to your site and assist you in positioning if needed. 

The bathroom on B-loop does not have showers so we had to hike to other loops to shower. The Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The showers are metered and cost $0.50 per 7 minutes, so don’t forget your quarters! 

Firewood and limited supplies were available at the office. There is a full grocery store about 10 minutes away. 

We found good cell phone service with Verizon throughout the property. The campground did not have wi-fi. 

The campground also has a heated pool, playground, and laundry. 

With Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park close by, there is so much to do and see in the area. One of the best benefits of the area is that there is a free shuttle with multiple routes around the island, so you can leave the car and parking hassles behind and just shuttle everywhere. The Shuttle has a stop right on the campground and is dog friendly (on leash and if your dog is friendly). 

Speaking of dog friendly, I’ve never been to an area that is so dog friendly. The campground staff was very forthcoming with dog friendly info and I have to mention Bark Harbor in downtown Bar Harbor. Bark Harbor is a pet store that bakes their own treats, has toys and gifts, and tons of info on dog friendly areas on the island. They have pre-printed lists of dog friendly hotels, restaurants, on and off leash hiking trails, and dog parks. Super friendly crew that keyed us into an off leash hiking area that our dogs loved! 

Pro Tip: A short ¼ mile walk from the campground is an off leash dog friendly beach that you can also launch your kayak or canoe from or have a sunset beach campfire. We really enjoys this beach after a long day of hiking all around the national park. 

With all the outdoor activities of the national park, kayak and boat cruises in the ocean, lobster, lobster, lobster, you’ll need a full week to explore this island. Hadley’s Point made it a perfect place for us to take it all in.

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**Product Review: **

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I tested the Morsel Spork. This spork from Morel is very handy to have in your gear list. We are teardrop campers, so our space is limited. Everything has to have a purpose and be compact. Items like the Morsel Spork, that serves multiple functions, fit right into our needs. We purchased both the mini and the XL. Both are the same (spork on one end, spoon/scraper on the other end), but the XL is a little longer. We found this very functional for regular eating from plates or bowls, or eating directly from food packets. I also found the scraper spoon side useful in cleaning out our french press carafe. Easy to clean, easy to use, comes in multiple colors, and happy to have it a part of our camping equipment.

Stayed here for four days and three night in early May 2018. Super friendly staff, available to answer any questions. Easy direction at the gate and directions to our site. We had two vehicles, one per site, meaning we had to pack one in the overflow. The site was clean, had a picnic table and fire pit with grate. Fit both of our tents with extra room. The sites are a little close together but we had no issues with our neighbors. The bathroom area was clean and cleaned several times while we were there. There is a trash area and place to dump greywater.

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. I came to Acadia for its beauty, so location is everything and crowds were expected. I arrived on a Monday in July and had to wait a half hour just to get into the campsite because there was a line of cars waiting to get in (mid afternoon-ish). We were surprised there were no showers on the grounds but there are some options in town for $5. There is also a rule against using any spigots or sinks to clean dishes on the grounds. Instead you are supposed to collect water, bring it to your site and clean dishes there. So pack a bucket if you’re coming to blackwoods! We arrived on a Monday and left on a Wednesday and we were kept up and woken up by our neighbors here. Quiet hours are not enfourced here. But the location is great and we are lucky to have been able to stay here! I’d recommend.

Along the southwestern side of MDI, is Seawall Campground. You’re definitely on the “quiet side” in these grounds, but the landscape is serene, picturesque and absolutely must be experienced.

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. Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound is just up the road to the north, and Bass Harbor Lighthouse is to the west. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and kayaking!

Within feet outside the facility, is a magnificent seawall that peers off into the Atlantic. It is spectacular. The sunrises and sunsets are a nice alternative to Cadillac Mountain, and the day use areas are perfect for picnicking and grilling.

The grounds are well-wooded and rustic, with limited amenities. Water and bathrooms are available, but there are no showers on site. A private store up the road will charge a small fee for several minutes. The Park Service also offers a number of programs at their amphitheater, including a “bark ranger” demonstration- it is hard to get more adorable than that!

Loops D and B are the best areas for tent- camping. Loops A and C were geared toward large campers and RVs, and provided much less shade and privacy. Loop D offers a large number of walk-in sites and Loop B some drive in spots. Old wheelbarrows are provided near the rest rooms in Loop D to assist with hauling gear, but they always seem to be in use.

Sites 78, 87 and 88 were among my favorites in Loop D, though 53, 54, 58, 78, 81 and 86 weren’t bad. I had site 61, but it was smaller and more open than many of the other sites. For those who want privacy without a huge hike, 67 and 71 are nice options. As far as Loop B is concerned, sites 7, 21 and 27 were the better sites.

This is a beautiful campground. Well maintained and right on the water. We loved taking our dogs by the water at low tide. We stayed in site 121. There wasn't any trees, just an open area. This was pull thru, full hook up site. This campground did have the Island Shuttle stop. This is help to get around Bar Harbor or to Acadia when you do not have a car or do not want to take one; however we did not use this amenity. If we were to go back, we would pick the water side sites for the views but they do not have sewer hookups. It was a little bit of a drive to Acadia National Park and the town of Bar Harbor but it was worth the drive. Gorgeous area! Very pet friendly.

We stayed at this campground unexpectedly as two places I was looking at would not accept reservations less than 24 hours in advance. They had availability, offered wooded tent spots, and were affordable as some campgrounds anymore are charging an arm and leg to camp. When we arrived, the girls in the office were super sweet. They had the essentials needed if you are in a pinch, a cute gift shop for the Bass Harbor Lighthhouse (bring your lighthouse passport with you to get stamped here), have coffee/muffins in the morning, washrooms were very clean, laundry, dog park, dog run, small rec center, and pool. Tent sites are nicely wooded and spaced out, so you are not on top of one another. Quiet hours are between 10 PM and 7 AM, and it was so nice to camp in peace and quiet with others wanting the same thing. There are homes close by, but they are fenced off and really are out of sight, so it's not really an issue. The Bass Harbor Lighthhouse is literally 500 feet away. We could hear the bouy ding from our campsite. There are two beautiful hiking trails .7 miles away from the campgrounds: Ship Harbor and Wonderland, that bring you to beautiful ocean views. One of the Acadia Park entrances is 5 minutes away. Southwest Harbor is a short ride away to grab an ice cream or a nice dinner. There is a brand new mini golf center further down the road that is amazing!! The Acadia Mountain trail is not far nor is the Cranberry Island Ferry. This was a prime location to see another side of Bar Harbor, see beautiful sites and avoid the crowds of downtown Bar Harbor. So happy I stumbled across this campground by accident. I would highly recommend and will definitely return!

We camped for years and years at Mount Desert Campground with our four children and my Sister-in-Law and her two sons. The kids are all grown now and are taking their own camping trips to this amazing place. It is a family run campground with immaculate grounds and bathroom facilities on Somes Sound in Mt. Desert, Maine which is right next to the fabulous town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Forest. There are so many activities and amenities just minutes from this lovely campground but, if you choose to stay put...you will not be disappointed. There are lovely camp roads to walk, run, or bike. Fresh air to breathe, an epic long dock to catch and release crabs near, kayak or canoe rentals, and so much more. The Camp store has wonderful provisions including homemade bear claws in the am to enjoy with coffee or tea. It is above and beyond a family favorite place to camp in Maine.

Love the location of this park. You are just a few miles from the bridge that takes you to Mt. Desert Island where you have Acadia National Park (NP) and the towns of Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and a few other quaint little towns at your fingertips. But, drive the other way and you will get to explore Ellsworth, Blue Hill, Surry, Schoodic Peninsula and much more. 

This area has so much to offer - the highlight being Acadia NP. Here, hundreds of trails and gorgeous views abound. Trails range from easy to strenuous with some taking you on a nice walk around a lake or pond where others guide you along steep ledges and up with ladders and rungs. Be aware that hiking during or after a rain can be quite treacherous because of slippery footing. The island is known for their granite and rock faces that are common on the trails which can be very slippery. I advise walking or biking a carriage road (which is crushed gravel) when the ground is wet to avoid slipping. The carriage roads are amazing for biking and walking and link 46 miles of the park.  If you like to kayak, there are plenty of free public boat ramps – Long Pond, Eagle Lake, and Jordan Pond being some of the prettiest.  Many of these water bodies are off limits to swimming as they are the public water supply but personal watercraft are allowed. Fishing with a state license is permitted in many of the lakes and ponds. Many were stocked years ago but I never had any luck catching in the few lakes I fished. 

The shoulder season here is the best time to come. Preferably in the spring before mid-June or the fall when the leaves are changing color. Not all businesses and restaurants will be open before mid-June but you will have far less crowds than in the busy summer months. During the summer season, there is a free shuttle taking you (and bikes and dogs) to various locations throughout the island and within the park. If you are planning on hiking some of the popular trails (like Precipice, Dorr Mountain, Cadillac Mountain, and the Beehive) definitely take the shuttle. The parking lots are really small and you will not find a spot.  Be sure to go to Cadillac Mountain for a sunrise and bring warm clothes as the wind really whips up there. Fall is a beautiful time to visit but be aware that many cruise ships frequent Bar Harbor. Some days will find over 6,000 cruise ship passengers and staff flooded into the downtown. Hiking amongst the fall colors is beautiful but we made sure to go early to avoid the crowds. 

The smaller island towns of Northwest Harbor and Southwest Harbor were more our style than the touristy Bar Harbor. Check out the farmers market in Northwest Harbor and the Common Ground Soup Kitchen in Southwest Harbor for hot delicious popovers. C-Ray Lobster offers a good lobster dinner in a casual atmosphere that is much less expensive than lobster pounds downtown Bar Harbor (and it is BYOB). Downeast Lobster Pound is our favorite place to buy lobster. We would buy them live and steam them at our campsite or you can have them cook them (for a nominal fee) and eat there or take them to go.   

The campground has some 200 sites for RVs and cabins and cottages for rent but they DO NOT allow tents. Prices range from the $30’s to over $100 depending on where you want to camp. The waterfront sites (“300’s” section) have great views but are very pricey. Some of the “800” and “600” section sites are cheaper than the 300’s and still have partial water views. The cheapest sites (the 100’s and 200’s) are near Route 3 which is a very busy road. Park staff is very accommodating and will let you move sites if you decide you prefer something different. (Be aware the park charges an additional $4/night resort fee on sites that are booked less than 30 days.) All sites have full-hookup and cable. The wifi was hit or miss. All sites and patios are gravel with some grass between them. 

There is a swimming pool, horseshoes, volleyball, laundry, and bathrooms. The bathrooms and showers were cleaned daily and in good condition when we were there. (The bathroom nearest the entrance is the newest and gets the least amount of use and was always clean.) There is a kayak/canoe rental in the park which was nice but there is no designated parking there so we had to take the car back to our site. The camp store rents two-person kayaks and canoes for a very reasonable price of ($10/hour and $5 for additional hours). However, you have about a four-hour window to paddle because of the tides. You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides. There was a free ice cream social when we were there which had four different varieties and toppings and very filling. There is no off-leash dog park but we were told by work campers that we could let our dog off-leash in one of the leach fields to throw a ball for her. Super cool.

The park was clean and staff friendly and very helpful. There are some brochure racks in a community building and laundry and the office has a variety of maps for the island and will let you look through some hiking guide books as well as restaurant menus. We would definitely come back here again. The only downside is that it is a little pricier than other parks but the location is ideal.

This is a nice campground located close to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The 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. Once you’re in the park if you want a different site that has a better view or FHU’s, the best thing to do is drive or walk around the section you are interested in and if you see someone packing up put a personal item (chair, table cloth, etc.). Then head to the office and let them know what site you are moving to. Weird system but it seems to work as this is how things have always been done. All different types of sites are available from FHU, electric/water, or privative sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are some sections that are nicely wooded which is great for the shade in the summer and to add a little privacy. Other sites are right on the ocean with great views but these sites are pretty close together and hard to get since the campground is first come, first served. Roads in the park are paved but some corners can be a little tight for big-rigs, best to unhitch your tow car up front in case you have to back up. The camp hosts do a great job of keeping the campground clean and were always out and about cleaning sites, fire pits, and the bathrooms.

This campground is in a good location right off Route 3 and a short drive to Bar Harbor. There is 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.  The shuttle has a bike rack so you can bring your bike and pets are allowed.  The campground is very clean with no litter and well-maintained. The bathrooms were very clean showers are 25 cents/5 minutes. There is a really nice large swimming pool perched right along the water, nice little nature trails/dog walking areas, laundry, game room, shuffleboard, playground, water access, arcade, and more. 

Just outside the campground (within walking distance) is Utter Heaven an ice cream shop and Mainely Meat a BBQ joint. Across the street is a Pirates Cove– a mini golf course on steroids. During the summer season this place is really busy but calms down when kids go back to school.

Stayed Here for one night after picking up a new travel trailer nearby. The staff and campers were all very friendly and welcoming. Much of the population consists of seasonal campers with huge RVs and Motor Homes. It’s very adult oriented, super quiet, and super clean. There are nice little walking trails and a small fenced in dog park where dogs can play. Would definitely stay here again if in the area!

Close proximity to Bar Harbor and a lot of the main attractions of the national park. Showers are just outside of the entrance to the campground, coin operated. Perfect site for hiking trails and seeing the town

This is one of the best campgrounds we have visited in many years. This small campground opened in 2021 and has amazing waterfront views and nice full hook-up sites. Rob and Peggy are wonderful campground owners who are super engaging and friendly. They take lots of pride in the campground and have planned group events like lobster and oyster dinners, campfires and music, and are always available or answer your questions or provide information on the local area. Definitely check out their website which has an extensive amount of information about the campground and local activities. West Bay has a great online reservation system that lets you see what sites are available and pictures of each site so you can pick what works best for you. Sites range in price from$125-165/night depending on the season (with possible additional charges for electricity usage). 

There are 26 sites in this terraced campground all of which have full hook-up with a water view. Sites in the Woodlands Section(and#18) have nice tall trees for shade; whereas, the others are in full sun. Most sites have two sewer hook-ups which is convenient because hook ups vary depending on RV type. Roads and campsites are gravel and all sites are level. There is no cable but the Wi-Fi is so awesome that you are given free reign to stream, zoom, or surf without restrictions (in fact they pride themselves on their great Wi-Fi). 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. There is no bathhouse so all units must be self-contained. The campground is right on the water and there is a nice path leading to an overlook and down to the water which is tidal. 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 wake up early and head down to the point because the sunrises are spectacular. They were super smart and put in an outdoor shower so you can rinse the salt water off. Rental kayaks and paddle boards are available or you can bring your own and leave it down at the waters edge. Just make sure you paddle around high tide or else you will be slogging your watercraft through a soft mucky clam flat. Another great thing about this park is that it 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. Recently added is a short nature trail and off leash dog park. 

The campground is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Bar Harbor and the main section of Acadia National Park. Just ten minutes away is the Schoodic Woods section of Acadia– a less busy and equally beautiful area of the National Park. Plus, there are many nearby nature preserves and public lands that have great hiking. 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. Live lobster can be bought off the dock at the nearby town of Corea.

Beautiful view, quiet and serene. Not far from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.