Best Campgrounds near Bucksport, ME

Campgrounds near Bucksport, Maine provide a mix of waterfront and wooded camping experiences within reach of Acadia National Park and the Maine coast. The region includes established campgrounds like Balsam Cove Campground in Orland and Masthead Family Campground in Bucksport itself, along with several options extending toward Ellsworth and Bar Harbor. Most sites accommodate a range of camping styles with tent and RV sites available throughout the area. Campgrounds frequently feature cabins for those seeking more comfort, while several properties offer direct water access. Balsam Cove Campground, with its 124 sites, provides lake access alongside traditional camping amenities, while others like Shady Oaks Campground and Cabins cater to mixed-use camping needs.

Seasonal operation defines most campgrounds in the region, with the majority open from May through mid-October. Reservations become essential during the summer season when travelers use the area as a base for exploring coastal Maine. Winter closures affect all campgrounds, with many shutting down after Columbus Day weekend. The camping season aligns with Maine's tourism pattern, offering the most comfortable conditions during summer and early fall. Most properties provide water, electric, and sewer hookups for RVs, though tent campers will find designated areas at nearly all facilities. According to one visitor at Branch Lake Camping Area, "We pulled up at around 7:30pm and found most campers sitting out of their RV's enjoying the night. Everyone there was extremely nice and friendly."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many campers visiting the Bucksport region. Campers consistently mention the appeal of lakeside and oceanfront sites. Patten Pond Camping Resort and Branch Lake Camping Area offer swimming and boating opportunities that enhance the camping experience. A visitor to Patten Pond noted, "There is a small beach at the lake where you can swim and kayak (for rent)." Family-friendly amenities appear frequently in campground descriptions, with playgrounds, organized activities, and swimming areas available at many locations. Campground reviews highlight the friendly atmosphere and clean facilities at most properties. While sites at some campgrounds may be close together, the peaceful settings and natural surroundings provide a relaxing camping experience within reach of area attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Bucksport, Maine (140)

    1. Searsport Shores Ocean Campground

    16 Reviews
    Searsport, ME
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 548-6059

    $14 - $168 / night

    "Direct access to Maine's rocky shore. Everything you need to be comfortable including hot showers and bathrooms cleaned three times a day."

    "On our way out we had some trouble with our electric entry steps. Steve and another member of the community came and helped us out until we were able to rectify the problem."

    2. Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA

    37 Reviews
    Salsbury Cove, ME
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-3520

    "This campground has beautiful tent sites along the waters edge."

    "It 11 miles to Bar Harbor town proper and only 8.7 miles to the Hulls Cove Acadia National Park visitors center and the entrance to the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road."

    3. Balsam Cove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Bucksport, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 469-7771

    $36 - $89 / night

    "Located on a beautiful lake, this campground is hard to beat for both activities and a sense of calm. Staff is very friendly and accommodating."

    4. Shady Oaks Campground and Cabins

    4 Reviews
    Bucksport, ME
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 469-7739

    $36 - $115 / night

    "we stayed here last year on our vacation to maine,we actually made a wrong turn,ended up getting there very late,they left the key for us to find and were very hospitable the entire visit. we stayed for"

    "We were welcomed.with a hearty.hello and an escort to our deluxe drive thru site for our 34' motorhome. Management was gracious and very accommodating."

    5. Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Hermon, ME
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 848-2231

    $50 / night

    "Snowmobile trails behind the campground lead to a walking path that connects the high school and elementary school for a pleasant walk in the woods."

    "We have been here around six times. It’s a quiet peaceful campground. It is very well kept, and the staff is always welcoming. Sites are large and level. Nice walking areas and close to dunkin!"

    6. Patten Pond Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    Ellsworth, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Close enough to drive to Mt Desert Island. Campground is set way back off the road so you get no road noise! Visit Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mtn, Fort Knox Observatory."

    "The campsite is surrounded by beautiful trees."

    7. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    98 Reviews
    Seal Harbor, ME
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-3274

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Close proximity to Bar Harbor and a lot of the main attractions of the national park. Showers are just outside of the entrance to the campground, coin operated."

    "quiet, wooded, relatively secluded. good spot at 111 where we stayed. nice places for tents. private showers outside main camping area were a positive since none in camping area itself."

    8. Masthead Family Campground

    1 Review
    Bucksport, ME
    5 miles
    +1 (207) 469-3482

    9. Mount Desert Campground

    37 Reviews
    Mount Desert, ME
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 244-3710

    "Desert, Maine which is right next to the fabulous town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Forest."

    "Our site was right next to a potable water spigot, and within easy walking distance to a bathroom building which includes full plumbing and metered showers (4 quarters for 5 minutes)."

    10. Hadley's Point Campground

    29 Reviews
    Salsbury Cove, ME
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-4808

    $29 - $90 / night

    "**Campground Review: ** Hadley’s Point Campground is located on the north side of Mt Desert Island and just a short distance from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park."

    "There was a fire ring outside of the cabin and a picnic table. We purchased firewood at a stand close to the campground."

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Recent Reviews near Bucksport, ME

739 Reviews of 140 Bucksport Campgrounds


  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Autumn in Maine

    Camden Hills is an ideal camping location. Sites are spacious, they have a variety of trails, and the town of Camden is charming.

    Beware of weekend campers. I had no problem getting a first come first serve spot on Wednesday, but by Friday, it was busy.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

    Fun Fall Stay

    Stayed here in October, the week before they shut down for the season. Staff was friendly and super helpful. Snowmobile trails behind the campground lead to a walking path that connects the high school and elementary school for a pleasant walk in the woods.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Fall at Camden Hills State Park Campground

    I was worried when I decided to come to this part of Maine in the fall without reservations. It’s early October, and I learned that Maine State Parks are first come first serve at this point. I was pleasantly surprised to arrive and find plenty of vacant spots.

    The campground is large, and most of the sites are on the larger side. They tend to be nestled into the woods with plenty of trees, dividing the sites. Though some of the smaller RV sites are more compact.

    It’s a great location, close to Camden, Maine, and not far from other attractions.

    I’m here in 2025 and they are doing work on their water system so none of their water is potable

  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Good spot but wood is rough

    I love the spot but all the wood is from outside the campgrounds. Its not so “dry” more like just chopped and bundled had to tend to it for over a hour+ just to get enough dry to keep the fire going. But overall a very nice quite camprground.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Quiet on the River

    Very nice with easy access with wonderful hosts.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Megunticook Campground

    Watch out for their prices

    Online the prices was 40$ for a tent site. We didn’t need water or electric just a spot to sleep for the night. I called to reserve cause the website wasn’t very easy to work with and the man on the phone said 76$ but couldn’t explain costs and was rude with the “you’ll not find another spot for this cheap!” Which we did. For less than half that cost. So watch out on prices and the extra charges.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    So lucky!

    We tried staying here in the summer a few years back and it filled up weeks ahead of time. We got lucky this trip and got one spot open same day. Got here super late and was surrounded by other campers but the trees all around gave us privacy and everyone was super quiet so no disruptive folks like so many campgrounds. The bathrooms don’t have showers of course but they are so clean it was a great thing from other sites pit toilets. If you’re in Acadia this is the spot!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Forest Ridge Campground

    Clean, quiet and affordable

    Stayed here while visiting friends and Acadia NP. Facilities very clean every time I saw them. Showers were nice but you need to wait for the hot water. Run it all hot and it will get there in a little while. Wood available on site. Open spaces in the middle with no trees or shrubs. Campers can be very close. Sides have more wooded sites. Not too many seasonal looking sites. 1 issue: our clean out was a bit high so had to lift sewer hose to clear it out. Didn’t use pool , laundry area worked good , screen porch at facility building. Fire ring worked out well, kept lots of heat in. We were off-season mid September. Reservation system forced us into our site, wants to charge a site selection fee.


Guide to Bucksport

Campsite options near Bucksport, Maine extend beyond the immediate town, with locations positioned along freshwater bodies and coastal areas within a 30-mile radius. The region's camping season typically runs May through mid-October, with July and August requiring reservations weeks or months in advance. Weather varies from warm summer days reaching 75-85°F to cooler nights that often dip into the 50s even in peak season.

What to do

Kayaking from campsites: At Mount Desert Campground, visitors can rent kayaks to explore Somes Sound directly from the property. "We rented double kayaks from the front office for 2 hours and kayaked Somes Sound - it was beautiful water & amazing exploring! A bit more difficult with the ocean currents vs lake kayaking, so keep that in mind with kids," reports Whitney W.

Crabbing and marine life: Young campers particularly enjoy marine activities at Mount Desert Campground. "We purchased a crab bucket with net from the coffee shop one morning for around $10-12. It was well worth it as my kids crab gigged for HOURS off the docks every day!" shares Whitney W.

Off-season exploration: Visiting in September provides a quieter experience. "We stayed here one night in September in a Tuesday. Quiet, very few people. Had a non electric site without water and paid the same price as the state park in Camden," notes Cheryl K. about Balsam Cove Campground.

What campers like

Oceanfront camping sites: At Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, waterfront sites offer direct access to the shoreline. "We got a prime campsite right on the bay... the atmosphere is sooooo friendly and laidback. The facilities are SPOTLESS," writes Grace M. The property features a small rocky beach for exploring during low tide.

Arts and cultural activities: Unique among regional campgrounds, Searsport Shores offers unexpected cultural events. "A magical place. This place is so much more than a beautiful campground nestled among gorgeous old growth trees located right on the shore. It's also a treasure trove of arts of all kinds - fiber arts, metal sculptures, carvings, paintings, and music," explains Kathy L.

Platforms for tent camping: Several campgrounds address the region's uneven terrain with purpose-built accommodations. "Since 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," notes Melissa W. about Mount Desert Campground.

What you should know

Public shuttle transportation: Acadia National Park's Island Explorer bus system serves several campgrounds, eliminating parking concerns. "The Island Explorer bus for Acadia National Park stops at the campground, so you have easy access without driving, if desired," explains Heather C. about Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.

Privacy varies widely: Site spacing differs dramatically between campgrounds. "The sites were a bit close together and it was very crowded. Everyone was really packed in, with no buffer between sites," reports Heather C. about Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, while Travis A. notes Balsam Cove Campground provides "a sense of calm."

Pay showers standard: Many campgrounds, including those in Acadia National Park, charge for hot showers. At Hadley's Point Campground, "50 cents got you a hot, 7 minute shower, which was plenty of time!" according to Brandy N.

Tips for camping with families

Fenced dog areas: Pet owners find designated spaces at some properties. "There is a new dog exercise area which has water and toys and is long enough for our Labrador retriever to chase a ball," reports Nancy W. about Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.

Playground facilities: Balsam Cove Campground offers structured recreation areas. "There is a playground and a common eating area. The kids feel like they are at summer camp while here," explains Melissa N.

Activity programs: Hadley's Point Campground runs structured 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 Melissa N. about a similar program at another regional campground.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Many campgrounds near Acadia restrict larger vehicles. "Campers over 20 feet are not allowed. The sites are large however the terrain is difficult to navigate," explains Garrett D. about Mount Desert Campground. This size limitation is common at several properties on Mount Desert Island.

Seasonal considerations: Most RV campgrounds in the region close by mid-October. Pumpkin Patch RV Resort operates May 1 to October 15, with Nancy W. noting: "The staff and other campers were very friendly. Much of the population consists of seasonal campers with huge RVs and Motor Homes."

Hookup availability: Full-service sites book quickly in summer. "There is a mix of sun and shade depending on what site you are in. Our Verizon phone got good reception and our hot spot worked well. The campground wi-fi was decent at our site," reports Nancy W. about Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities do Bucksport area campgrounds typically offer?

Campgrounds in the Bucksport region typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Narrows Too Camping Resort provides well-maintained facilities with convenient access to Acadia National Park while avoiding crowds. Many area campgrounds offer water hookups, electric sites, and clean bathrooms. Smuggler's Den Campground features amenities like a heated pool, children's pool, camp store, playground, and large field for recreational activities. Other common amenities in the region include shower facilities (some coin-operated), picnic areas, fire rings, and dump stations. RV-friendly campgrounds typically offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections. Some campgrounds also provide laundry facilities, WiFi access, and camp stores for basic supplies.

What campgrounds are available near Bucksport, Maine?

The Bucksport area offers several camping options within reasonable driving distance. Masthead Family Campground is located directly in Bucksport, making it the most convenient option for exploring the town. For those willing to drive a bit further, Balsam Cove Campground in nearby Orland provides a peaceful setting. Other options within a short drive include Lamoine State Park Campground (about 30 minutes east), Searsport Shores Ocean Campground (20 minutes south), and numerous campgrounds around Acadia National Park (45 minutes east). The region offers a mix of private, state park, and national park camping facilities suitable for different camping styles from tent camping to RV accommodations.

What camping is available near Bucksport, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bucksport, ME offers a wide range of camping options, with 140 campgrounds and RV parks near Bucksport, ME and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bucksport, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bucksport, ME is Searsport Shores Ocean Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bucksport, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Bucksport, ME.