Cabins near Cranberry Isles, Maine offer convenient overnight lodging options on Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula. Many campgrounds maintain small cabin structures that provide shelter from Maine's variable coastal weather, where temperatures can drop into the 40s even during summer nights. While the Cranberry Isles themselves don't have camping facilities, nearby mainland accommodations range from rustic to fully-equipped.
What to do
Kayak from waterfront sites: At Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, guests can launch directly from oceanfront sites. "We were at an 'Oceanfront' site, which was really great and worth the extra money to watch the seals, birds, and easy access for kayaking," notes one camper. The water access points allow for exploration of Mt. Desert Narrows.
Hike to lighthouses: Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse stands as an accessible landmark from nearby campgrounds. "It's walking distance to the Bass Harbor Head Light, and that is just beautiful. Rarely is there ample parking at the light, so walking from your site has its advantages," explains a camper. The lighthouse offers dramatic coastal views and photography opportunities.
Explore tide pools: The rocky coastline near Seawall Campground provides excellent tide pool exploration during low tide. "With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!" shares one visitor. The diverse marine ecosystems contain starfish, crabs, and various coastal creatures.
What campers like
Heated pools: Several campgrounds maintain heated swimming pools for guests when ocean waters prove too cold for comfort. "There is a nice heated pool with slide. Hiking trails connect to the back of the campground for access to Beech Mtn and Echo Lake beach," notes a guest at Smuggler's Den Campground.
Quiet alternatives to Bar Harbor: For those seeking a less crowded experience than Bar Harbor, the western side of Mount Desert Island offers peaceful options. "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," explains a camper at Schoodic Woods Campground. The smaller towns provide authentic Maine experiences without the cruise ship crowds.
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds offer wooden platforms for tent camping, providing flat, dry surfaces for setup. "We had a site with a wooden platform that was perfectly level. There was enough tree cover that we didn't get soaked during the rain," shares a Quietside Campground visitor. These elevated platforms prove especially valuable during wet weather.
What you should know
Shower facilities vary widely: Some campgrounds feature free hot showers while others require quarters. "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water," notes a Seawall camper. Other properties maintain pay showers on-site with metered systems requiring coins.
Water access limited by tides: At Narrows Too Camping Resort, tidal changes significantly impact water activities. "You have about a four-hour window to paddle because of the tides. You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides," explains one visitor. Tide charts prove essential for planning water activities.
Laundry facilities limited: Most campgrounds feature coin-operated washers and dryers, though water quality concerns exist at some locations. "The rust level is high in this campground so I didn't feel comfortable washing laundry," notes one camper. Consider bringing extra clothing or plan visits to laundromats in larger towns.
Tips for camping with families
Book platform cabins for rainy weather: Elevated cabin structures keep families dry during wet coastal weather. "We stayed in a small cabin and it was perfect for our stay. Weather was a bit cold when we were there (October 2018), but there was a space heater," mentions a visitor at Bass Harbor Campground. These structures provide shelter while maintaining a camping experience.
Use public transportation: The Island Explorer shuttle connects many campgrounds to Acadia destinations, eliminating parking hassles. "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. Once you arrive at the campground, you wouldn't need to use your car again!" notes a Hadley's Point visitor. Most shuttles accommodate bikes and dogs.
Look for campgrounds with playground access: Several properties feature playground equipment for children. "They have a pool, which my daughter loved but I much preferred going down the road to the lake to swim," shares a Bass Harbor camper. During inclement weather, some facilities maintain indoor recreation spaces with games.
Tips from RVers
Waterfront sites often lack sewer hookups: Many premium waterfront locations come with limitations. "The waterfront sites ('300's' section) have great views but are very pricey. Some of the '800' and '600' section sites are cheaper than the 300's and still have partial water views," explains a visitor at HTR Acadia. These middle-tier sites often provide better value with most amenities.
Prepare for tight navigation: Many older campgrounds feature narrow roads and closely-spaced sites. "Although the tent sites were large, the RV sites felt a little snug," notes a camper at Smuggler's Den. Consider smaller rigs or practice maneuvering before arrival.
Budget for premium pricing: Coastal Maine commands higher rates than many other camping destinations. "We paid a lot of money for 7 nights - over 900$. Expected more in the way of amenities," shares one visitor. Weekday stays and shoulder season visits (May-early June or September-October) typically offer better rates and availability.
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