Campsite options near Birch Harbor, Maine extend beyond the main Acadia National Park areas to include smaller, more secluded properties along the coast and inland areas. Most camping facilities operate from mid-May through mid-October with winter closures due to the harsh Maine coastal climate. The region experiences temperatures that can drop into the 30s during spring and fall nights, requiring proper cold-weather gear even during nominal summer months.
What to do
Kayaking from campground shores: At Mount Desert Campground, campers can rent kayaks directly from the office and launch into Somes Sound. "We rented double kayaks from the front office for 2 hours and kayaked Somes Sound - it was beautiful water & amazing exploring! A bit more difficult with the ocean currents vs lake kayaking, so keep that in mind with kids," noted Whitney W.
Tide pool exploration: Located just minutes from Seawall Campground, the rocky shoreline offers excellent tide pooling opportunities. "With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!" reports Steve M. The Ship Harbor Trail provides a 1.2-mile loop with exceptional tide pool access.
Crabbing from docks: Several waterfront campgrounds offer dock access where families can try their hand at crabbing. "We purchased a crab bucket with net from the coffee shop one morning for around $10-12. It was well worth it as my kids crab gigged for HOURS off the docks every day!" shares a Mount Desert Campground visitor.
Free shuttle transportation: Avoid parking hassles by using the Island Explorer shuttle service available at multiple campgrounds. "The camp host 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," explains a Bar Harbor Campground reviewer.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Blackwoods Campground and several others offer wooden platforms for tent setup on uneven terrain. "Sites were very gravely for tents and not level," notes one camper about standard sites, making platforms a preferred option. "We have a tiny trailer that fits in a tent site. But when reserving online, being unfamiliar with the campground, we were prompted to enter the total length of trailer + vehicle."
Hike-in privacy: For those seeking more seclusion, several campgrounds offer walk-in sites. "I'd say the campground was above average. They had nice clean bathroom facilities with running water, electricity, and a dish-wash station. The sites are all walk-to sites so you're not right on top of each other with a bunch of RV's and generators which was a huge plus in my book. Makes it feel more like camping," explains Chuck Y. about Seawall Campground.
Campground wifi access: Several properties now offer limited wifi, particularly at central locations. One Mount Desert visitor noted, "The main gathering spot (aptly named the Gathering) offers a spot to get some tasty treats in the morning and evening as well as wifi. The cold brew coffee in the morning is a nice treat while camping."
Blueberry picking: Bar Harbor Campground offers a unique amenity – blueberry fields for guest picking during summer. "Mid July to Mid August free blueberries campside," shares Tammy H. The wild Maine blueberries are smaller and more intensely flavored than cultivated varieties.
What you should know
No reservation system at some campgrounds: Unlike the national park campgrounds, some private campgrounds operate on a first-come basis. "Is a first come first serve campground. Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours," explains Celeste M. about Bar Harbor Campground. "Key note: sites are first come first serve and you must pay with cash or check. No credit cards are accepted."
Limited shower facilities: Many Acadia National Park campgrounds lack showers. "There isn't a shower facility at this campground. The markings for the sites could have been better," notes a Seawall Campground visitor. Nearby pay showers typically cost $1.50-2.00 for 2-5 minutes and may have limited hours.
Seasonal insects: Schoodic Woods Campground and others face seasonal pest challenges. "No matter if you wear long sleeves and long pants, plus use bug spray, the mosquitos are vicious. Between gnats and mosquitos, sitting outside to eat is nearly impossible," reports Rick C. Bug activity is typically highest from June through August.
Dishwashing stations: Many campgrounds provide designated dishwashing areas to reduce wildlife attraction. "The bathrooms are dated but clean. There is a designated dishwashing drain to keep animals away from the campsites," notes Dana S. about Blackwoods Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Quiet camping options: For families seeking less crowded experiences, Schoodic Peninsula offers quieter alternatives to Mount Desert Island. "This campground is a gem! It is located on the Schoodic Peninsula which is the quieter side section of Acadia National Park but no less breathtaking. Here you get to enjoy the hiking and biking trails, amazing coastal scenery, quaint towns, and a peaceful campground," shares Nancy W.
Cabin alternatives: Hadley's Point Campground offers cabin options for families wanting more protection from the elements. "Our family of four (my Husband and I and our 2 boys) stayed in a camping cabin for 5 days at the end of June. The cabin contained a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds. It also had a private bathroom with metered shower," reports Brandy N.
Bicycle-friendly facilities: Many campgrounds connect to Acadia's extensive carriage roads. "We stayed here several times, both with just a few people and with whole groups and every time it has been fantastic. The last time we stayed and it happened to rain a couple of times over our five day trip. This didn't stop us from biking the carriage trails or taking the free shuttle out to Bar Harbor," shares Joseph N.
Age-appropriate campground activities: "My daughter begs to camp here. As with any KOA 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," notes Melissa N. about Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access at some campgrounds: Size restrictions apply at several properties. "Mount Desert Campground offers a car camping experience that is rustic enough to feel like you are enjoying the outdoors but not too much that you feel like you are roughing it. Campers over 20 feet are not allowed," explains Heather J.
Dump station availability: Plan ahead for waste disposal as options are limited. "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... Since there is no sewer, you would think they would offer more than one dump station," notes a Schoodic Woods visitor.
Portable water tank considerations: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Sites have a decent amount of privacy so you don't feel like you are right on top of your neighbor. Since the campground is is relatively new not all the trees have filled in from construction but they did a great job preserving trees and shrubs. All sites have electric (20/30/50) and some have electric and water only reflected in cheaper prices."
Unlevel sites common: Many campsites require leveling blocks. "We have a tiny trailer that fits in a tent site. But when reserving online, being unfamiliar with the campground, we were prompted to enter the total length of trailer + vehicle. That put us in loop C with huge RVs much closer together than the other loops."
