Cabin camping near Bass Harbor, Maine positions visitors at the southwestern edge of Mount Desert Island, with access to Acadia National Park's diverse terrain and rugged coastline. The area sits at approximately 75 feet above sea level and experiences morning fog patterns during summer months, creating dramatic coastal visibility changes throughout the day. Winter cabin accommodations require advance planning as many facilities close between mid-October and May.
What to do
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse trails connect directly to Bass Harbor Campground, making it a convenient base for coastal exploration. "It's walking distance to the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and other National Park hiking trails. We loved it and look forward returning for another trip!" reports Rachel K.
Kayaking from waterfront sites: Launch watercraft directly from some campsites at Somes Sound View Campground. A camper noted, "During low tide it's just a gross area of mud, muck, and rocks. We couldn't even kayak because the tide is that dramatic." Tidal changes can be 10-12 feet, so time your paddling carefully.
Stargazing opportunities: The darker skies on the island's quieter side provide excellent night viewing. "At this site though could see amazing stars - could see the Milkyway," shares Ali B. from Bass Harbor Campground. Seawall Campground offers even more remote stargazing: "A 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."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Tent sites often provide more seclusion than RV areas. "Tent campers have a much prettier space than RV, as with most campgrounds, and they have a lot across the main road which is perfect for tent camping," explains Melissa N. about Bass Harbor Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower buildings at many campgrounds receive regular maintenance. "The bathrooms and bath houses are extremely cleane," notes Bradley S. about Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA. Similarly, a Smuggler's Den visitor mentioned their bath house was "among the brightest and cleanest I've ever seen in a private campground."
Access to transportation: The Island Explorer shuttle connects many campgrounds to key destinations. "The free Island Explorer shuttle bus also makes stops right at the office," mentions Jen V. about Smuggler's Den Campground. This service typically runs from late June through mid-October.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Many campgrounds have minimal buffer zones between sites. "The sites are all right next to each other and very open so if there is someone next to you there's 0 privacy," reports Ali B. about Bass Harbor Campground. For more seclusion, ask for wooded sites when booking.
Reservation timing matters: Peak season (July-August) requires booking months in advance. "This is a tough Campground to get into. Reservations are almost a must," explains Dennis A. about Schoodic Woods Campground.
Shower availability: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities on-site. "The bathrooms in the campground are on ground level... there are only 3 stalls available in each building, not 5," reports Ashlee L. about Seawall Campground. Some locations charge for shower use: "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "There is a large playground for children and a large field for anything from badminton to football," notes Seth W. about Smuggler's Den Campground.
Swimming options: Pools provide safer alternatives to ocean swimming for children. "The pool and playground were great for family," shares Erin S. about her stay at Smuggler's Den Campground. Their heated pool includes a children's section.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds organize regular events for younger guests. "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 Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric access varies by location. "All sites have electric (20/30/50) and some have electric and water only reflected in cheaper prices," explains Nancy W. about Schoodic Woods Campground.
Site leveling considerations: Terrain can be challenging at some campgrounds. "We had a site on a hill but getting the camper in was easy," shares TJ S. about Somes Sound View Campground. Some sites offer wooden platforms that provide perfectly level surfaces for setup.
Dump station access: Limited facilities can create backups during peak checkout times. "There was only one dump station for Loop B. Each RV took about 15 minutes. If you are third in line, you will be waiting," warns Rick C. about Hadley's Point Campground, noting the lack of sewer hookups requires planning around dump station usage.
