Camping cabins near Birch Harbor, Maine provide overnight options on the less-crowded Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park. The region typically receives 48-52 inches of annual precipitation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season. Many visitors choose the quieter eastern side of Mount Desert Island when the main park sections become congested during July and August.
What to do
Visit Schoodic Peninsula: Experience Acadia National Park's less-visited section where Schoodic Woods Campground offers access to coastal trails. "Surrounding the campground are miles of biking and hiking trails that are easily accessible from your campsite. There is a six-mile loop that takes you along the beautiful rocky coast with views of lighthouses, islands, forests, and wetlands," notes one camper about the recreational opportunities.
Kayak from oceanfront sites: Launch directly from waterfront sites at Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort. "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," explains a visitor. Sites with water views often fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Explore Winter Harbor: Access local shops and services within walking distance of cabin rentals. "The town of Winter Harbor is located two miles from the park and a ferry dock which takes you to Mt. Desert Island. The Acadia Island Explorer shuttle provides free transportation between various locations, island attractions, and towns," according to one Schoodic Woods visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Smuggler's Den Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "This is a really nice, clean, well-maintained campground. Bath house, while old, was among the brightest and cleanest I've ever seen in a private campground. Very impressive, especially given the volume of campers staying there," reports one visitor who appreciated the sanitary conditions.
Ocean proximity: Coastal camping provides water access and views at several locations. "Our waterfront site 344 was terrific - gorgeous view, and one of the larger waterfront spots. We could launch our kayaks directly from the site," notes a visitor to Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA. Water-access sites typically cost $5-15 more per night than standard sites.
Proximity to trails: Many campgrounds connect directly to hiking paths. "You can pick up trails right from the campground and walk to a great beach in Acadia National Park," says one Smuggler's Den camper. The convenient trail access eliminates parking concerns during busy periods.
What you should know
Varied shower facilities: Shower availability differs significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms have flush toilets and potable water but there are no showers or laundry facilities. There are some places in the nearby town of Winter Harbor that have shower facilities of which the ranger station has information on," explains a Schoodic Woods visitor. Many private campgrounds offer free hot showers, while others charge $1.50-3.00 per shower.
Limited availability: Reserve early for summer stays, especially for waterfront sites. "It is a very, very busy campground. If you are looking for privacy and peace and quiet, this is not the place to go," cautions one Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA visitor about peak season crowds. Some campgrounds open reservations 6-12 months in advance.
Transportation options: The Island Explorer shuttle serves many campgrounds. "The shuttle bus takes 50 minutes to get to Bar Harbor, by car it's closer to 30," notes a Seawall Campground guest. The free shuttle service reduces parking challenges and connects to major park attractions.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground facilities: Hadley's Point Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "There is a heated swimming pool. Best of all, the campground was on the Island Explorer bus route, which is a series of busses that take you to different areas of Acadia National Park and into the surrounding towns. Once you arrive at the campground, you wouldn't need to use your car again!" reports a family who stayed in their camping cabins.
Consider cabin locations: Select sites based on bathroom proximity with children. "Perfect location for those traveling with small kids, as it was just a stone's throw from both the bathhouse and playground," explains a Smuggler's Den visitor about their cabin site. Some campgrounds offer family bathroom facilities with larger changing areas.
Schedule family activities: Many campgrounds organize children's events. "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," shares a parent about the daily programming at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
Tips from RVers
Plan for electric limitations: Check power availability when booking cabin sites. "All sites have electric (20/30/50) and some have electric and water only reflected in cheaper prices," explains a Schoodic Woods visitor. Many campgrounds offer 30-amp service while fewer provide 50-amp connections for larger RVs.
Consider site size: RV sites vary significantly in dimensions and privacy. "Our site was nice, staff was decent. Most sites are designated for tents, there are some available for RV's," notes a Schoodic Woods camper. HTR Acadia (formerly Somes Sound View) offers cabin options with more space between sites than standard RV spaces at many locations.
Check dump station availability: Limited dump facilities can mean waiting 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 a Schoodic Woods visitor. Some cabin sites offer full hookups while others require using central dump facilities.
