RV sites near Bradley, Maine operate seasonally with most campgrounds closing by mid-October. The area experiences significant seasonal changes with average summer temperatures between 60-80°F while winters frequently drop below freezing. Fall visitors can enjoy spectacular foliage colors throughout the region but should pack layers as evening temperatures often dip into the 40s by late September.
What to do
Paddle near the campground: At Patten Pond Camping Resort, guests have access to a small beach for swimming and kayaking. "There is a small beach at the lake where you can swim and kayak (for rent). People at the office are very nice, polite and accommodating," notes one visitor about the amenities at Patten Pond Camping Resort.
Visit Winter Harbor: Explore the less crowded section of Acadia National Park at Schoodic Peninsula. "If you're looking for a camp site close to Acadia without the crowd, look to MainStay in Winter Harbor. About an hours drive to the main Acadia but just 5 minutes to the Schoodic Peninsula," writes one camper at Mainstay Cottages & RV Park.
Attend campground events: Some campgrounds organize social activities to bring campers together. "The park organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, BBQ feast, and cold beverages offered during Friday Happy Hours," mentions a visitor at Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites that provide privacy. "There is pretty good space between sites so you don't feel cramped or right on top of your neighbor. Most sites are level and there are long pull thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night," explains a camper at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Community gardens: Unique amenities like produce gardens enhance the camping experience. "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 visitor at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
Waterfront views: Many campers appreciate sites with water views. "The site we chose was one of the premium ocean front lots and it was beautiful. The view was incredible. We could watch cars driving up Cadillac Mountain from our camp chairs," reports a camper at Narrows Too Camping Resort.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This is a large campground, right on Mount Desert Island, about 8 miles from Acadia NP. Most of the sites are pretty close together, but we got a site on the water with lots of room," reports a visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Tidal considerations: Waterfront activities require attention to tide schedules. "Just make sure you paddle around high tide or else you will be slogging your watercraft through a soft mucky clam flat," advises a camper at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
Pet restrictions: Some parks have designated pet areas and specific rules. "There is a new dog exercise area which has water and toys and is long enough for our Labrador retriever to chase a ball," notes a visitor at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Check for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds cater more to adults than families. "I would primarily recommend this campsite for retirees and couples without children. The park doesn't offer many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool, so families with young children might find it lacking in entertainment options," advises a camper at Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Consider unique accommodations: Some campgrounds offer alternative lodging options for families. "This campground is absolutely adorable. RV, tent, Treehouse camping to camping out in a Teepee! I surprised my husband with the Teepee- we were not disappointed! A huge Teepee with a very comfortable queen size bed- a couch, table, area animal rugs, coffee maker and a fan if needed," shares a visitor at Cottonwood Camping & RV Park.
Look for swimming areas: Water features can be important for keeping kids entertained. "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide. There is a kayak launch as well, and pool, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season," mentions a camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Tips from RVers
Check site configurations: RV sites vary significantly in arrangement and privacy. "We had a nice pull through site with full hook ups. Most are pretty close to each other, ours was wider but faced another camper who faced us. It really didn't matter as we spent our time at Acadia and Bar Harbor," notes a visitor at Timberland Acres RV Park.
Verify hookup locations: The placement of hookups can affect setup ease. "All the hook-ups were well-placed and we did not need extensions to connect. We received about twenty over-the-air channels with our television antenna," reports a camper at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Consider self-contained requirements: Some RV parks lack amenities like bathhouses. "This is one of the best campgrounds we have visited in many years. This small campground opened in 2021 and has amazing waterfront views and nice full hook-up sites. There is no bathhouse so all units must be self-contained," explains a visitor at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
