Tent camping in Bar Harbor offers diverse options across island and mainland settings throughout Maine's rugged coastal landscape. The region experiences average summer temperatures between 65-75°F with frequent coastal fog that can affect visibility and dampness at campsites. Rainfall averages 3-4 inches monthly during peak camping season, requiring proper rain gear and waterproof tent setups.
What to do
Explore tidal zones: At Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, campers enjoy proximity to coastal activities. "We swam in the water everyday, and picked/ate the blueberries!" one visitor noted, highlighting the unique seasonal opportunity during late July and early August.
Hiking mountain trails: Campsites at Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land provide access to moderate hiking trails with scenic rewards. A camper mentioned "the hike the next morning was a good climb for only about a 3+ mile hike" with views overlooking the lake and surrounding landscape.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings offer prime opportunities for wildlife viewing, though be prepared for some noise. At island camping areas, one reviewer noted "you may get awakened by the sound of lobster boats motors, as they start their day pretty darn early; bring ear plugs if you are light sleeper."
What campers like
Privacy options: Each camping area offers different levels of seclusion. At Continuous Harmony Farm, one camper described the setting as "gorgeous, right next to a pond" though noting "there are several campsites...not great for a private experience like we expected but it was still a lovely time nonetheless."
Unique accommodations: Some Bar Harbor tent camping areas feature distinctive lodging options. Rough and Raw provides a clothing-optional camping experience with one visitor calling it "A true hidden gem. We had no idea there was a clothing optional site near Acadia and stumbled across this with hipcamp."
Natural immersion: Campers consistently mention the pristine natural settings available. "The sites are secluded enough but not isolated," mentioned one Donnell Pond visitor, appreciating the balance between privacy and safety when tent camping in Bar Harbor's surrounding areas.
What you should know
Reservation processes: Some campsites require planning months in advance. Duck Harbor Campground is particularly challenging to secure: "If you don't go online within 10 minutes of opening day, April 1st, at 10 am EST, you will miss your chance to stay here for the whole year."
Tide considerations: Tidal changes significantly impact island camping access. "The tide in this area is significant (9-12 vertical feet), so landing at high tide is tricky/impossible on Nathan and many other islands."
Amenities vary widely: Facilities differ greatly between locations. Four Acre Woods Campground offers electric hookups and showers, while other locations have minimal infrastructure. One visitor noted, "The owner, Caleb, was really nice and helped us find a place that was still open for dinner."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility planning: Select sites based on how far children can hike or paddle. At Donnell Pond, a camper noted "The hike in is only about 1/2 mile so it's totally doable even if you need to make two trips," making it more manageable for families with younger children.
Noise levels: Consider neighboring sites when camping with children who need consistent sleep. Some campgrounds feature closely positioned sites where "we heard our neighbor snoring" as one Four Acre Woods visitor mentioned.
Swimming options: Nathan Island offers swimming opportunities in protected coves. "It's the perfect place to make dinner, watch the sunrise or set, and star gaze with no city lights or trees to obstruct your view," making it ideal for families seeking multi-activity sites.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Bar Harbor have minimal RV amenities. A camper at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss noted "We stayed in campsite 2, where the land is open and flat, and there was plenty of room for our rv. It is dry camping, with no hookups, and generators are not allowed."
Alternative power: Plan for power conservation as many sites restrict generator use. "The area was very quiet - at night we only heard the crickets and the wind" reflects the peaceful but power-limited experience.
Parking limitations: Many access points have restricted parking. "You can even rent kayaks and most of your gear from Old Quarry Ocean Adventures" as one Nathan Island camper mentioned, highlighting the need for alternative transportation plans when RV camping serves as a base.
