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Tent Camping near Bernard, ME

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    The coastal waters surrounding Bernard, Maine provide access to several tent camping options ranging from island camping to mainland sites. The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) maintains a network of island camping sites including Saddleback Island, Shivers Island, and Nathan Island, all accessible primarily by boat. These islands offer primitive tent camping experiences with spectacular ocean views and stargazing opportunities for MITA members, though most lack basic amenities.

    Tent campers heading to the islands should prepare thoroughly as conditions require self-sufficiency. Most island sites have no drinking water, toilets, or trash disposal, and campers are required to use wag bags rather than digging cat holes for human waste. The tide fluctuations (9-14 vertical feet) significantly affect landing conditions, making some islands inaccessible at high tide. Weather conditions change rapidly, with fog rolling in unexpectedly. A visitor commented, "The fog can roll in at any minute so come prepared with a chart, compass, bearings between islands/markers and a marine radio."

    Mainland options include Four Acre Woods Campground, which offers more amenities for tent campers including water, electricity, showers, and toilets, though sites are described as small and close together. Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land provides walk-in tent sites about half a mile from the parking area, with sites situated along a beautiful pond surrounded by hiking trails. These sites are free and first-come, first-served, featuring fire rings and picnic tables at some locations. Many tent campers appreciate the relative seclusion of these areas compared to more developed campgrounds. One camper noted, "This was really a beautiful spot to set up camp. The spots are secluded enough but not isolated." Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut (part of Acadia National Park) offers five coveted lean-to sites requiring reservations that typically fill within minutes when they become available on April 1st.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Bernard (13)

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      1. Saddleback Island

      5.0(2)13mi from BernardTents, Cabins

      "The Maine Island Trail offers 200 islands in which to sea kayak camp and Saddleback Island is one of the many gorgeous options in the Deer Isle Archipelago. "

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      2. Shivers Island — Settlement Quarry Preserve

      5.0(2)14mi from BernardTents

      "You must heat the water up in another pot already, so why not just chuck in the coffee filter bag directly into the pot? Save a step."

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      3. Four Acre Woods Campground

      2.5(2)12mi from BernardTents, Glamping

      "All the things you need are there - firewood, water, bathrooms and showers, and even electricity at the site. Only thing is the sites are small and close together."

      from $40 - $50 / night

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      4. Rough and Raw

      4.5(2)17mi from Bernard6 sitesTents, Glamping

      "We had no idea there was a clothing optional site near Acadia and stumbled across this with hipcamp. A safe and lovely primitive site. We will be back!"

      from $40 - $100 / night

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      5. Nathan Island

      5.0(1)17mi from BernardTents

      "As a nature and wildlife photographer, I’m outside shooting pictures in every type of weather, both on land and sea."

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      6. Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss

      4.7(3)21mi from Bernard3 sitesTents

      "There are 4 total campsites, and each  offers a slightly different view and sense of privacy.  The owner met us when we arrived.  Dogs are allowed.  "

      "This location offers level sites, views of rolling blueberry fields, a picnic table, and other goodies from your host. Lakeisha really takes pride in this property, and it shows."

      from $49 - $69 / night

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      7. Duck Harbor Campground — Acadia National Park

      5.0(2)21mi from Bernard5 sitesTents

      "Camping on in the Duck Harbor Campground is nearly the stuff of legends. "

      "I describe this as "backpacking light". You need to bring everything with you (except water) on the mailboat and then walk on a short distance to one of 5 campsites."

      from $20 / night

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      8. Old Apple Trees

      Be the first to review11mi from BernardTents
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      9. Donnell Pond — Donnel Pond

      4.3(3)26mi from BernardTents

      "This lake is huge so keep that in mind. We parked at the public dock that has public parking and boated over to the beach."

      "This was really a beautiful spot to set up camp. I stayed here for only 1 night as I had reservations in Acadia (about 45 minutes outside Acadia) but I will absolutely come back in the future."

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      10. Continuous Harmony Farm

      4.7(3)37mi from Bernard4 sitesTents

      "We're so excited to have this property, hosted by Doug, on our platform. Park your van, or pop your tent, next to the pond."

      "The space is gorgeous, right next to a pond. Important to know though, there are several campsites. It's unclear how many campers could be there on any given night but it could be many."

      from $40 / night

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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bernard, ME

    10 Photos of 13 Bernard Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Tent Camping Reviews near Bernard, ME

    692 Reviews of 13 Bernard Campgrounds

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 28, 2026

      Schoodic Woods Campground — Acadia National Park

      Quiet Side of Acadia National Park

      Acadia National Park is definitely one of our favorite National Parks and Schoodic Woods Campground adds to the awesome experience. This is the “Quiet Side” of Acadia which means way less crowds. The campground is divided into two loops A and B with campsites able to fit big-rigs to tents. Loop B has large pull-thru sites adequate to fit any size RV and has water and electric with sites being more open than Loop A. Loop A has a little more privacy between sites and does offer 30/50-amp electric but no water at the site. Many sites in Loop B are not level and we had a difficult time getting level in our site (B24). All the roads are paved and campsites are gravel with a large patio and fire pit and picnic table. Each loop has two bath houses, but be forewarned, there are NO showers in the campground (you have to drive to another campground nearby and pay for showers), nor is there a laundry facility. There are dish washing stations at the bathhouses with hot water. Park staff does a great job of keeping the bathrooms clean and camp hosts regularly clean campsites and fire pits. There is a hike-in tent section but, oddly, campfires (wood and charcoal) are not allowed but you can use butane. There is Wifi at bathrooms and Ranger Station. All sites have to be booked online and they will not make reservations at the ranger station. 

      We love this section of Acadia because there are far less crowds but you still have the beautiful coastline and plenty of hiking and biking opportunities. Hiking trails and the carriage roads are accessible right from the campground so you don’t have to drive anywhere. Frazier Point is a great place to launch a canoe or kayak, just be aware of the 10–12-foot tides and plan accordingly. The Musquito Harbor Brewery is a great place to go for pizza and beer after a morning exploring the park.

    • Daniel S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Cottonwood Camping & RV Park

      Nice peaceful place to stay

      Nice owner and staff, spotless and modern washrooms, great showers, fast WiFi... There is a lot to like about this place!

    • Veronica V.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Timberland Acres RV Park

      Clean facilities. Laundry available for $2.50 for wash and $2.50 for dry. All hook ups worked for me. I stayed at spot 085, very close to bathrooms which was helpful. Friendly and helpful staff.

    • Thomas B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 6, 2026

      Holden Family Campground

      Quiet and Pleasant

      Spent a few days here in early October. Pleasant host, easy check-in, and quiet campground with full hookups. Minutes from the highway and an hour or so from Acadia.

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 5, 2026

      Timberland Acres RV Park

      Acadia Visit

      This is a BIG campground with lots of amenities. Laundry, dog park, bath house, etc…. The size of the place makes using some of the amenities prohibitively—you could walk well over a quarter mile to get to the bath house. Generally a very clean location with easy access to the road to Acadia NP.

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 4, 2026

      Mount Desert Campground

      Amazing site

      This has been our favorite site yet! We at C54 which is apparently the best site. We have a roof top tent and the site had power and water. It is a “corner lot”! It has so much room and is right near the bathroom and showers. You are in the woods and there is a beautiful lake with kayak rentals right on site. The staff was so kind and helpful. We felt they were truly happy we were there.

    • Dana M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 30, 2026

      Lamoine State Park Campground

      Great Find!

      Nice state campground. Older style restrooms and showers but clean. We got a beautiful site looking out at the bay. We will likely extend our already booked 2 night stay.

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 30, 2026

      Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

      Camping from a truck bed

      Overall great campsite! However it was raining here so if you are truck bed camping make sure to have another cover to hangout under. There aren’t many places to hangout on site. Also, showers are not in the park they are located a “short” walk from loop B if you are midway and a long walk from loop A- they also cost quarters to operate. Probably close to a mile walk from loop A and about .5 to loop B

    • jThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 27, 2026

      Cottonwood Camping & RV Park

      Great place for a few nights

      Very friendly staff. Outdoor pavilion with chairs and TV. Great showers. Most sites are large and secluded with fire pits and tables. Dog Park in back. Wi-Fi is iffy at the site, good at the pavilion.

    Guide to Bernard

    Bernard, Maine borders Frenchman Bay and sits on the western side of Mount Desert Island. Summer temperatures average 75°F during the day with night lows around 55°F, while ocean breezes help keep humidity levels comfortable. Camping sites range from sea level to 500 feet elevation, with most island options requiring tide awareness as fluctuations can affect landing possibilities.

    What to do

    Hiking near Isle au Haut: The Duck Harbor Campground area offers several miles of moderate hiking trails. "There are several miles of moderate hikes. Starting in 2018 reservations will be online starting April 1. The campground is open mid May to mid October but the mailboat only goes to the campground from late June to late September; otherwise a 5 mile walk from town," notes Patricia P.

    Wild blueberry picking: At Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, campers can experience Maine's famous wild blueberry fields. "We absolutely loved this site, it was nothing we had ever experienced before. The views were incredible, we swam in the water everyday, and picked/ate the blueberries!" shares Korie M. The blueberry season typically peaks in late July through early August.

    Sea kayaking: The archipelago surrounding Bernard offers numerous paddling routes. "This island is perfect for 1-2 small tents and is just a stone's throw away from the famous and beautiful Isle au Haut (part of Acadia National Park). We stayed 2 nights on Nathan and paddled to Duck Harbor for some day hiking on Isle au Haut," writes a reviewer about Nathan Island.

    What campers like

    Private beach camping: Donnell Pond offers beach camping with mountain views. "This was really a beautiful spot to set up camp. The spots are secluded enough but not isolated. People in the other campsites were very friendly and respectful. Had dinner on the beach as the sun set behind the lake," reports Erik C. about Donnell Pond.

    Farm-based camping: Some of the best tent camping near Bernard, Maine includes agricultural settings. "Park your van, or pop your tent, next to the pond. Chill out and watch the sheep, or pick your own blueberries alongside their raking crew in their organic wild blueberry barrens," describes a visitor at Continuous Harmony Farm.

    Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. "With a deep, rocky shore, 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," notes a camper about Shivers Island.

    What you should know

    Reservation challenges: For popular sites, planning far ahead is essential. "Camping on in the Duck Harbor Campground is nearly the stuff of legends. This remote island off the coast of Maine only has 5 campsites in this part of Acadia National Park, and reservations are required...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," explains Shari G.

    Tidal considerations: The coastal nature of Bernard tent camping requires tide awareness. "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)," advises a seasoned kayaker.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bernard, ME?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bernard, ME is Saddleback Island with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Bernard, ME?

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Bernard, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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