The best places to camp near Cranberry Isles, Maine concentrate on the surrounding coastline of Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Peninsula, where elevations range from sea level to over 1,500 feet at peaks like Cadillac Mountain. Winter temperatures drop to an average low of 14°F in January, while summer highs average around 76°F in July. The campgrounds in this region typically experience 20-30% higher occupancy during fall foliage season (late September to mid-October) compared to early summer.
What to do
Kayaking from shoreline sites: At Mount Desert Campground, campers can rent double kayaks directly from the front office to explore Somes Sound. "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 Whitney W. The floating docks provide easy water access with rentals available by the hour.
Hiking trailhead access: Some campgrounds offer direct trail connections into Acadia National Park. "You can pick up trails right from the campground and walk to a great beach in Acadia National Park," explains Jennifer P. about Smuggler's Den Campground. The proximity allows hikers to avoid parking issues at popular trailheads during peak season.
Stargazing opportunities: The Schoodic Peninsula area offers exceptional dark sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "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," shares Kyle R. about Seawall campground. September through early October typically provides clearer night skies than summer months.
What campers like
Site privacy levels: Site seclusion varies significantly between campgrounds and specific loops. "The tent sites are very private. We felt safe and secure. It's quiet and the staff was very friendly," explains Melissa N. about Smuggler's Den. At Bass Harbor Campground, "The tent sites come with a picnic table, fire pit, and parking spot. There are numerous water stations throughout the campground for filling up and a big sink for washing dishes by the bathroom," according to Geneva H.
Platform tent options: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms for tents, which provide level sleeping surfaces on the rocky coastal terrain. "Un-level sites have platforms to put your tent on. The office even has hammer and nails for you to use to secure everything," explains Clean Slate D. about Mount Desert Campground. These platforms typically measure 10-14 feet square and keep tents dry during rain.
Waterfront proximity: Sites with ocean views command premium rates but provide unique coastal experiences. At Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, "Our waterfront site 344 was terrific - gorgeous view, and one of the larger waterfront spots. We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. There were great sunrises and sunsets at the park," notes Heather C. Water-adjacent sites typically cost 25-50% more than standard sites.
What you should know
Shower availability varies: National Park Service campgrounds typically lack shower facilities. "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water," explains Karla J.B. about Seawall campground. In contrast, private campgrounds like Bass Harbor Campground offer "hot showers. It was so nice after a full day of hiking and biking to wash off in a warm shower," according to Geneva H.
Reservation systems differ: While most campgrounds require advance booking, Bar Harbor Campground operates on a first-come basis. "No reservations taken so get there early to get his sites," explains Tammy H. "Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours. I first had a tent space facing the ocean $36." The campground uses a unique system where campers can relocate to better sites as they become available.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access are inconsistent across the region. "WiFi is spotty. Hot h2o though and great water pressure," notes Audra H. about Bar Harbor Campground. Most campgrounds provide limited or no WiFi outside central facilities, and cellular coverage decreases significantly on the western side of Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Peninsula.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several private campgrounds offer swimming pools suitable for children. "Very family friendly camp, with lots of activities for kids. The camp store is large and well stocked," notes Heather C. about Bar Harbor KOA. Hadley's Point Campground features "a heated swimming pool. Best of all, the campground was on the Island Explorer bus route, which is a series of busses that take you to different areas of Acadia National Park and into the surrounding towns," according to Brandy N.
Playground facilities: Many campgrounds include dedicated play areas for children. "Nice facility... Also a nice playground area for kids to enjoy," reports Melissa L. about Hadley's Point. These amenities provide activity options during downtime between park explorations.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular programs for younger campers. "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," explains Melissa N. about Bar Harbor KOA. These programs typically run between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds restrict RV length due to narrow roads and small sites. At Schoodic Woods Campground, "It was somewhat big rig friendly. I was traveling with two other motorhomes (caravan) and my site was the smallest. Electric and water was good - no sewer. WiFi was non-existent unless you got a site near the main office," reports Rick C. Sites accommodating RVs over 35 feet are limited throughout the region.
Dump station availability: Most campgrounds provide limited dump stations with potential wait times during peak checkout 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," notes Rick C. about Schoodic Woods. Some private campgrounds charge non-guests $15-20 to use their dump facilities.
Generator restrictions: National park campgrounds enforce strict generator hours or prohibit them entirely. "This is a National Park which was very clean with some large sites. The rules are extremely enforced," explains Rick C. Private campgrounds typically offer electric hookups as an alternative, with rates between $36-46 per night for RV sites with utilities.
