Camping sites near Corea, Maine offer access to both the quieter Schoodic Peninsula section and the more popular Mount Desert Island area of Acadia National Park. The region receives about 50 inches of precipitation annually, with summer temperatures averaging between 55-75°F. Several campgrounds provide water access for kayaking and exploring the rocky shoreline, while others focus on providing easier transportation to park attractions.
What to do
Kayak Somes Sound: Mount Desert Campground provides direct water access to Maine's only fjord. "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," notes one visitor to Mount Desert Campground.
Stargaze at the shoreline: Many campers highlight the exceptional night sky viewing from campgrounds with ocean access. "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," reports a camper at Seawall Campground.
Visit Bass Harbor Lighthouse: Located just minutes from Seawall Campground, this iconic lighthouse offers excellent photo opportunities. "Bass Harbor Light House is very close, and the sea-wall is close enough to walk to for a very pretty sunrise!" writes one visitor who appreciated this easy access from the campground.
Hike the less crowded trails: The Schoodic Peninsula section offers excellent hiking options with fewer crowds. "Surrounding the campground are miles of biking and hiking trails that are easily accessible from your campsite. There is a six-mile loop that takes you along the beautiful rocky coast with views of lighthouses, islands, forests, and wetlands," describes a visitor to Schoodic Woods.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers frequently mention the privacy at certain campgrounds despite being in popular areas. "The sites all had a decent amount of privacy and trees between sites. It felt more comfortable and private than expected!" writes a visitor to Mount Desert Campground.
Free island transportation: The Island Explorer shuttle system connects many campgrounds to park attractions. "The shuttle bus takes 50 minutes to get to Bar Harbor, by car it's closer to 30. There was really nothing to do at the campground except camp - no hikes or trails directly there," notes one camper staying at Seawall Campground, highlighting the transportation option's convenience despite the distance.
Ocean proximity: Direct access to the water ranks high on camper satisfaction. "Our waterfront site 344 was terrific - gorgeous view, and one of the larger waterfront spots. We could launch our kayaks directly from the site," reports a visitor to Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
Unique camping options: Several campgrounds provide alternatives to standard tent sites. "Stayed in one of their cabins out of season and really enjoyed it. Not far from the best Acadia hiking (like 20 minutes), has a nice view of the ocean," writes one camper about Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
What you should know
Reservation timing varies by campground: Bar Harbor Campground uses an unusual first-come system. "This large campground over looks Frenchmens bay. No reservations though. Come in early morning and wait for others to leave to grab the best sites. Or grab what ever is available and look the next morning for who leaves the better sites," explains a camper.
Shower access differences: Many park campgrounds lack shower facilities, requiring off-site options. "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water," notes a visitor to Seawall, while at Blackwoods Campground, a camper mentioned, "We had to drive offsite to showers, though. The campground felt safe with Park Rangers walking around."
Bug preparation essential: Mosquitoes can be particularly challenging in certain areas. "This was my second time going to Seawall campground, I had such a great experience last year I wanted to go back! Just remember to bring a ton of bug repellent, or opt to go during the months where bugs are less mild," advises a regular visitor.
Site selection matters: Waterfront sites often require special booking strategies. "If you want a waterfront campsite - good luck! They let the families book them year over year so it's hard to get an opening to reserve those sites," explains a visitor to Mount Desert Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Consider scheduled activities: KOA campgrounds typically offer organized children's programs. "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 family visitor to Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
Look for crabbing opportunities: Several waterfront campgrounds allow for simple fishing activities. "The BEST part of this campground for our family was Somes Sound and the floating docks. 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!" notes a family at Mount Desert Campground.
Find camping cabins for easier family trips: Several locations offer cabin options that simplify family camping. "Our family of four (my Husband and I and our 2 boys) stayed in a camping cabin for 5 days at the end of June. The cabin contained a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds. It also had a private bathroom with metered shower," explains a parent who stayed at Hadley's Point Campground.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply at some campgrounds: Many campgrounds limit RV size to preserve the camping atmosphere. "We have a 19 ft travel trailer and are not very experienced with backing it up. The staff member was incredible with his directions and helped me back it into a small lot that went down hill and around a corner," notes an RV camper at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
Dump station timing: Plan dump station usage strategically during busy periods. "There was only one dump station for Loop B. Each RV took about 15 minutes. If you are third in line, you will be waiting," warns a camper at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Electric hookup differences: Power options vary considerably between campgrounds. "Our campsite had a fire ring and picnic table and room for our car. Sites have a decent amount of privacy so you don't feel like you are right on top of your neighbor," explains a visitor to Hadley's Point Campground, which offers various hookup options.
