RV parks near Blue Hill, Maine operate from mid-May through mid-October, with limited options available during the shoulder seasons. Located on the eastern side of Penobscot Bay approximately 14 miles southwest of Ellsworth, the area experiences temperature ranges from 55-75°F during camping season with rainfall averaging 3-4 inches monthly during summer. Coastal winds can create overnight temperature drops of 10-15 degrees compared to daytime highs.
What to do
Kayaking at low tide: Access prime kayaking spots from Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort in Bar Harbor, but plan carefully around the 10-12 foot tidal changes. "You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides," notes a camper at Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Explore Schoodic Peninsula: Visit this less crowded section of Acadia National Park, just 10 minutes from West Bay Acadia RV Campground. "Just ten minutes away is the Schoodic Woods section of Acadia– a less busy and equally beautiful area of the National Park," according to a reviewer who stayed there.
Visit nearby fishing villages: The coastal town of Stonington offers authentic Maine harbor views and fresh seafood. "Stonington has some great restaurants and is a quaint fishing village. The harbor is beautiful," reports a camper from Greenlaw's RV Park, noting that "Live lobster can be bought off the dock at the nearby town of Corea."
What campers like
Dark sky viewing: West Bay Acadia RV Campground offers certified dark sky conditions for stargazing. "Campers are asked to turn outside lights off so there is no light noise to interfere with the beautiful sky full of stars, planets, and meteor showers," explains one reviewer who appreciated this unique feature.
Community gardens: Access to fresh produce right in the campground is a highlight at West Bay Acadia RV Campground. "We love the free community garden which has a wonderful selection of produce including strawberries, tomatillos, fresh herbs, beans, lettuces, etc. Feel free to pick whatever you will eat, just leave some for others," shares a satisfied camper.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting at Greenlaw's RV Park. "This is a no frills campground and is absolutely wonderful. It is quiet and so peaceful. We stayed is site U1 which was fantastic. Last site on the deadend road and was very secluded," reports a camper who valued privacy during their stay.
What you should know
Campsite spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more room than others. "There is pretty good space between sites so you don't feel cramped or right on top of your neighbor," notes a camper about Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, while another camper observed at a different location: "Our site was level and had some shade, but most of the oceanfront sites are very expensive and very close together."
Ferry access: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to island exploration. "Located on Winter Harbor, great views. Steps away from the small ferry that goes to Bar Harbor and a few minutes to Schoodic Peninsula," reports a camper who stayed at Mainstay Cottages & RV Park.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with their water systems. "There is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," reported one camper about their experience, suggesting bringing drinking water or filtering options.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options vary by campground: Some parks offer more for children than others. "This campground caters more to adults and does not have too much for kids to do," notes a camper at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, while another mentioned: "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide."
Family-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with specific features for families. "I love this campsite. They have sites right on the water, a gift shop, pool, laundry, game room, free showers and the times that I've been there they've had weekly events like ice cream socials," shares a camper about their experience at Mt Desert Narrows.
Plan for shoulder season visits: Consider visiting before peak summer crowds arrive. "The shoulder season here is the best time to come. Preferably in the spring before mid-June or the fall when the leaves are changing color. Not all businesses and restaurants will be open before mid-June but you will have far less crowds than in the busy summer months," advises a Narrows Too camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Review campground maps carefully before booking. "The '300's' section have great views but are very pricey. Some of the '800' and '600' section sites are cheaper than the 300's and still have partial water views. The cheapest sites (the 100's and 200's) are near Route 3 which is a very busy road," details an RVer who stayed at Narrows Too.
Water views with limitations: Waterfront sites often come with specific challenges. "We got a waterfront lot but the brush is blocking most of view," notes one camper, while another points out "The park is lovely" despite this minor issue. Other campers mentioned: "The waterfront sites don't have sewer. They do have a honey wagon that will pump you out on Mondays and Fridays for $25 a pop."
Accessibility and leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have worked to accommodate large RVs. "Our site was easy to get into, and reasonably level," mentions a camper at Timberland Acres RV Park, which features "Large number of LARGE (100' Plus) pull thru sites" according to another reviewer who stayed there.
