Camping opportunities near Blue Hill, Maine present pet-friendly options beyond the main tourist areas of Acadia National Park. Located on the Blue Hill Peninsula with elevations reaching 940 feet, this coastal region experiences fog in early summer months and cooler temperatures even in July. Most campgrounds in the area open from late May through mid-October, with unpaved access roads common at smaller establishments.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: At Blackwoods Campground, trails accommodate four-legged companions throughout Acadia National Park. "Lots of cool trails to explore within the campground and lots of privacy! Facilities were clean and it was very dog friendly," notes Molly G., who found the park accessible for pets.
Tidepooling at low tide: HTR Acadia offers water access for exploration. "Walk down to the beach just outside seawall on a clear night for some of the best stargazing you'll ever see," suggests Kyle R. after visiting the area. The rocky coastline reveals marine life during 10-12 foot tide changes.
Kayaking from campsites: Water access varies between locations. At Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, campers report excellent launching conditions. "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," writes Heather C., highlighting the convenience of waterfront sites.
What campers like
Star visibility: Far from city lights, the night skies impress visitors. At Seawall Campground, campers access dark sky viewing spots. "For stargazers, the short walk across the street to the beach will give you some unbelievable views of the milky way when the night is at peak darkness," explains Kyle R.
Wildlife encounters: Morning and evening animal sightings enhance the camping experience. "We did manage to see a few deer and were delighted when we saw loons on Hadlock Pond," reports Bran P. who stayed at Narrows Too Camping Resort while exploring the region.
Free transportation: The Island Explorer shuttle eliminates parking hassles. "The campground is on the Island Explorer bus loop, which is the bus that takes you all around Mount Desert Island, to Acadia, and Bar Harbor. We used the bus almost every day," shares Jenna L., who appreciated this service at Hadley's Point Campground.
What you should know
Shower situations: Public showers vary widely between campgrounds. "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water," notes Karla J.B. about Seawall Campground. Meanwhile, Smuggler's Den offers "free hot showers, which apparently is a rarity on Mt. Desert Island."
Site selection strategies: At The Bar Harbor Campground, reservations work differently. "No reservations taken so get there early to get his sites," advises Tammy H. Another camper explains, "When you arrive, you get a map, find an empty site, get set-up and then go back to the office to register."
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet access remains spotty throughout the region. At Narrows Too Camping Resort, one visitor reports, "The wifi was hit or miss," while another cautions, "Be aware that cell phone reception is dismal at best. The camp wifi is just okay, but gets congested easily."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities for children. "There is a really nice large swimming pool perched right along the water, nice little nature trails/dog walking areas, laundry, game room, shuffleboard, playground, water access, arcade, and more," describes Nancy W. about The Bar Harbor Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Organized events keep younger campers engaged. "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 Melissa N. about her daughter's experience at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
Quiet spots for families: Some locations offer more peaceful settings. "The campground was quiet, other campers were respectful. The bathrooms are dated but clean. There is a designated dishwashing drain to keep animals away from the campsites. Best part though was the lack of biting flies and mosquitoes!" reports Dana S. after staying at Blackwoods Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain. "Sites were very gravely for tents and not level," notes מלאכי א. about Blackwoods Campground, while another visitor at HTR Acadia advises, "avoid campsite 14, because the parking spot is about six feet above the camping area, and the camping area is not especially level."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical services vary significantly. At Narrows Too Camping Resort, a visitor confirms "All sites have full-hookup and cable," but other campgrounds offer limited services. The Bar Harbor Campground visitor explains, "All different types of sites are available from FHU, electric/water, or primitive sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring."
Maneuverability concerns: Larger rigs face navigation challenges at some locations. "Roads in the park are paved but some corners can be a little tight for big-rigs, best to unhitch your tow car up front in case you have to back up," warns one Narrows Too Camping Resort visitor with a larger vehicle.
