Cabins near Corea, Maine offer campers direct access to Schoodic Peninsula, the less crowded section of Acadia National Park located about 45 minutes east of Bar Harbor. Winter temperatures in this coastal region typically range from 14°F to 25°F, while summer averages hover between 55°F and 75°F. Most cabin accommodations remain open from May through mid-October when weather conditions are most favorable for exploring the rocky coastline.
What to do
Hike the Schoodic Peninsula trails: This quieter section of Acadia offers miles of hiking paths with fewer crowds than Mount Desert Island. At Schoodic Woods Campground, visitors can access "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. An additional eight miles of carriage roads and four miles of hiking trails wind through the park."
Explore Winter Harbor: The small town near cabin accommodations provides essential services and dining options. "The town of Winter Harbor is located two miles from the park and a ferry dock which takes you to Mt. Desert Island. The Acadia Island Explorer shuttle provides free transportation between various locations, island attractions, and towns (and is dog-friendly and can accommodate bikes)."
Kayak from oceanfront sites: Several waterfront cabin properties allow direct water access. Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort provides "sites right on the water" where guests can launch kayaks directly from their accommodation. "The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows."
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: The Schoodic Peninsula area offers a quieter alternative to the main sections of Acadia. "This campground is a gem! It is located on the Schoodic Peninsula which is the quieter side section of Acadia National Park but no less breathtaking. Here you get to enjoy the hiking and biking trails, amazing coastal scenery, quaint towns, and a peaceful campground in one of America's top 10 parks without the crowds and craziness of Bar Harbor."
Clean facilities: Hadley's Point Campground maintains well-kept amenities that receive positive feedback from guests. "Staff friendly, welcoming, helpful and all around wonderful. The bathrooms are very clean, as well as everything else. Quiet peaceful, we were so happy we extended our stay and rebooked to come back next month!"
Transportation options: The Island Explorer shuttle system eliminates parking concerns. "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, and it was super helpful because you do not want to try and find parking in Acadia in the peak season."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin accommodations fill quickly during peak season. Seawall Campground reports: "We stayed 7 nights, most people were there 1-3. Several sites were open each night in our loop." However, this experience varies by season and location.
Shower facilities: Shower availability differs between properties. Some campgrounds with cabins offer full facilities while others provide more limited options. "There are restrooms in the campground, but no shower houses. The shower house is located in a separate facility about a mile from the campground entrance. A bit inconvenient, but not terrible."
Internet access: Connectivity varies significantly between properties. "Spotty WiFi, tv antenna only grabbed 4 public access channels. Good water pressure. Playground and pool looked nice. Free shuttle service to Acadia and Bar Harbor available."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities that appeal to children. Smuggler's Den Campground features "a heated pool and children's pool, large home style gas grills with picnic area, horseshoe pits, a large playground for children and a large field for anything from badminton to football."
Activity programs: Some properties organize special events for younger guests. "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."
Playground facilities: Multiple cabin properties include play areas for children. "This is a really nice, clean, well-maintained campground. They have everything, from rustic tent sites with mountain views, to a full hookup section that looks like a small-scale KOA. Camp store was well-stocked, playground and pool looked brand new."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV cabin sites vary significantly in size and privacy. Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA offers premium waterfront locations but "my challenge with the KOA is the sites were so close together and it was very crowded. Everyone was really packed in, with no buffer between sites."
Oceanfront considerations: Waterfront locations offer spectacular views but come with unique challenges. "We upgraded to the oceanfront sites and though we enjoy camping on the water, the waterfront sites are very expensive and very close together. Also, while the tide is out it's just a gross area of mud, muck, and rocks. We couldn't even kayak because the tide is that dramatic."
Winter Harbor access: Mainstay Cottages & RV Park provides convenient access to a less-visited section of Acadia. "Very small RV site. Located on Winter Harbor, great views. Steps away from the small ferry that goes to Bar Harbor and a few minutes to Schoodic Peninsula. Couple of nice restaurants close by."