RV campgrounds around Bernard, Maine provide access points to both Acadia National Park and quieter coastal areas. The Schoodic Peninsula section offers an alternative to the busier Mount Desert Island, accessible from campgrounds in Winter Harbor and Gouldsboro. Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October, with seasonal amenities adjusted for spring and fall weather fluctuations around Penobscot Bay.
What to do
Kayaking from your campsite: Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort in Belfast offers direct ocean access via a short set of stairs, perfect for launching kayaks. Keep tide schedules in mind as the area experiences 10-12 foot tides. "A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out," notes Nancy W.
Explore Acadia's less-visited areas: West Bay Acadia RV Campground in Gouldsboro provides access to the Schoodic Peninsula 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," explains Nancy W.
Visit local fishing villages: When staying at Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground in Stonington, explore this working fishing harbor. "Located near Stonington, it is near the harbor, restaurants, a sand beach and the ferry to Isle au Haut. Opportunities for Kayaking, SUP's and hiking abound here on a quiet island," recommends Bob W.
What campers like
Oceanfront views: Mainstay Cottages & RV Park in Winter Harbor offers premium waterfront locations. "Beautiful park with well maintained sites. Located on Winter Harbor, great views. Steps away from the small ferry that goes to Bar Harbor and a few minutes to Schoodic Peninsula," writes Mark C.
Dark sky viewing: Some campgrounds minimize light pollution for stargazing opportunities. West Bay Acadia RV Campground has been certified as a 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," explains a reviewer.
Community gardens: Fresh produce access is available at select campgrounds. "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," notes a West Bay Acadia camper.
What you should know
Tide considerations: Coastal campgrounds experience significant tidal changes that affect water activities. "You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides," warns a reviewer about paddling near Belfast.
Wi-Fi availability varies: Narrows Too Camping Resort in Trenton provides inconsistent connectivity despite advertising it. "The wifi was hit or miss," notes one camper, while other parks like West Bay prioritize reliable internet: "the Wi-Fi is so awesome that you are given free reign to stream, zoom, or surf without restrictions."
Reservation requirements: Most parks don't require deposits, which can be convenient for flexible travelers. At Greenlaw's RV Park, "Once your reservation is made reservations are on the honor system that you show up. No prepayment was required. An invoice is emailed to you with payment options the morning after you check in," explains Coffee&Camping T.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kid amenities: Timberland Acres RV Park in Ellsworth offers family-friendly facilities. "They have a store with basically anything you need. There's a Walmart down the road. Showers & boathouse was clean and showers were some of the best I've had on a campground. Good water pressure & hot," notes Jessica D.
Consider pet restrictions: While most campgrounds welcome pets, policies vary on number of animals allowed and designated relief areas. At Moorings Oceanfront, "Park rules say that you may only have two pets (unless you get prior approval), they must do their business in one small area and are not allowed on most grassy areas throughout the park."
Check age-appropriate campgrounds: Some parks cater more to adults than children. "I would primarily recommend this campsite for retirees and couples without children. The park doesn't offer many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool, so families with young children might find it lacking in entertainment options," writes Paulina B. about Narrows Too.
Tips from RVers
Access road considerations: Pumpkin Patch RV Resort in Hermon offers easy navigation for large rigs. "The roads in and out and around the park are wide and easy to maneuver around. Our site was a full hook-up pull thru which was perfect for our one-night stay. All the hook-ups were well-placed and we did not need extensions to connect," shares Nancy W.
Electricity usage surcharges: Some parks charge additional fees for power consumption. West Bay has "great full hook-up sites. Prices range from $125-165/night depending on the season (with possible additional charges for electricity usage)."
Site selection strategies: Request specific sites based on your priorities. At Narrows Too, "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."