Campgrounds surrounding Blue Hill, Maine cluster within a 25-mile radius, with most located on Mount Desert Island approximately 30 minutes east. The peninsula's inland camping options sit among spruce-fir forests at elevations ranging from sea level to 900 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop to 10°F, restricting most campground operations to the May-October season when overnight temperatures moderate to 50-60°F.
What to do
Hike accessible trails: At Mount Desert Campground, visitors can access Acadia National Park trails directly from the campsite. "Hiking trails connect to the back of the campground for access to Beech Mtn and Echo Lake beach," notes one camper who found this location ideal for exploring different sections of the park.
Kayak tidal waters: The 10-12 foot tidal changes at Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls create unique paddling opportunities along Eggemoggin Reach. "We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" reports one visitor. The campground offers water access from their floating dock, though timing activities around tides is essential.
Stargaze from shoreline spots: For astronomical viewing away from Bar Harbor light pollution, take a short walk from Seawall Campground to nearby beaches. "Walk down to the beach just outside seawall on a clear night for some of the best stargazing you'll ever see," recommends a visitor who noted exceptional Milky Way visibility during dark nights.
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: At Smuggler's Den Campground, guests appreciate the proximity to Echo Lake. "There is a wonderful pool, a playground, and lots of outdoor toys including basketballs available to campers. You can pick up trails right from the campground and walk to a great beach in Acadia National Park," notes one reviewer who found the location ideal for water activities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Tidal flats around the Blue Hill peninsula attract diverse marine life. "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," reports a visitor at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, who observed seals and shorebirds during paddling excursions.
Quiet alternatives to busy areas: Many campers near Blue Hill value the relative solitude compared to Bar Harbor. "Blue Hill peninsula is a chill antidote to busy crowded MDI but close enough to visit," states a Reach Knolls visitor. Another camper at Blackwoods Campground appreciated that "despite being a fully booked campground our stay was very enjoyable. It was quiet, other campers were respectful."
What you should know
Limited shower availability: National Park campgrounds typically lack shower facilities. "There is no shower facility at this campground. The shower house is located in a separate facility about a mile from the campground entrance... the showers in the separate facility up the road are expensive," reports one Seawall Campground visitor.
Off-season challenges: Spring and fall camping offers fewer crowds but reduced services. "We stayed early in the season, before Memorial Day, and there were very few camp sites that were occupied," notes a camper at Narrows Too Camping Resort, who added that while WiFi worked well, many area businesses remained closed.
Tent platform considerations: Several campgrounds use raised wooden platforms for tent sites due to uneven terrain. "Due to the campground sits among the rocky and mountainous coast line, they have spent the time and money building leveled platforms for all the sites. Without the platforms, the campsites would be quite miserable," explains one Mount Desert Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible beach exploration: Families with children should consider timing beach visits with tides. "The tide is out it's just a gross area of mud, muck, and rocks. We couldn't even kayak because the tide is that dramatic," notes one camper describing the dramatic tidal shifts that affect water activities.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's programming. "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," shares a parent staying at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
Bathroom proximity: When camping with young children, consider site location relative to facilities. "Bathrooms are far, and only 3 showers, one was down," notes a camper at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, while another at Hadley's Point recommends "site #16, right across from the office...perfect location for those traveling with small kids, as it was just a stone's throw from both the bathhouse and playground."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds near Blue Hill limit RV length. "Campground has a small camp store, a heated pool and children's pool, large home style gas grills with picnic area, horseshoe pits, a large playground for children and a large field for anything from badminton to football. This campground has every possible kind of sight, RV, pop-up, tent, Cabin, Rustic Cabin, and tents on platforms," notes a Smuggler's Den visitor, though they caution that larger RVs may not fit.
Leveling challenges: The rocky terrain creates uneven sites throughout the region. "Sites were very gravely for tents and not level," reports a Blackwoods Campground visitor, while another adds "the sites are all gravel so be sure you have a thick footprint to protect a delicate nylon floor."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds experience seasonal water issues. "And there is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," reports a Mt. Desert Narrows camper, suggesting RVers might want to arrive with fresh water tanks already filled.
