Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park sits on Mount Desert Island's eastern side, just 5 miles from Bar Harbor. The campground features gravel tent sites set among a dense pine forest at 200 feet elevation with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding coastal areas during summer months. While inland, campers can access the Park Loop Road and multiple trails directly from the campground.
What to do
Sunrise hikes from camp: From Blackwoods Campground, you can access Cadillac Mountain via connecting trails. "I could get up and walk to loop road with my bike, or go a little further and sit on the boulders overlooking the sea. Hiked across Cadillac Mtn and walked south and right back to camp," notes מלאכי א.
Tide pooling with pets: The rocky shoreline near Schoodic Woods Campground offers excellent marine wildlife viewing opportunities. "Amazing campground with huge spots and clean bathrooms. Easy pick up spot for the Schoodic bus line," reports Michelle H. The Schoodic section has fewer visitors, making it ideal for quiet exploration with dogs.
Kayak from your campsite: Waterfront sites at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA allow direct water access. "Beautiful view, and one of the larger waterfront spots. We could launch our kayaks directly from the site," shares a camper. Even without a waterfront site, the campground provides two water access areas where anyone can launch.
What campers like
Quiet camping sections: Loop D at Seawall Campground provides wooded tent sites that feel more secluded. "I love the back-country feel of the hike-in campsites (loop D). 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," says Kyle R.
Free transportation with pets: The Island Explorer shuttle makes pet-friendly camping near Cranberry Isles, Maine more convenient. "We were able to walk to the shuttle pickup and ride it to all stops in the park, and to Bar Harbor. It was so convenient!" explains Roxanne R. from Blackwoods. The shuttle allows dogs and has bike racks.
Clean washing facilities: Bass Harbor Campground provides practical amenities for longer stays. "They had nice clean bathroom facilities with running water, electricity, and a dish-wash station," notes Chuck Y. "There are numerous water stations throughout the campground for filling up and a big sink for washing dishes by the bathroom."
What you should know
Shower limitations: National Park campgrounds like Schoodic Woods and Seawall lack shower facilities. "There is a dump station located towards the exit of the park if you have an RV. The bathrooms have flush toilets and potable water but there are no showers or laundry facilities," explains Nancy W. External pay showers typically cost $1.50 for 2 minutes.
Bug situation varies by season: "Just remember to bring a ton of bug repellent, or opt to go during the months where bugs are less mild," advises Kyle R. about Seawall. The shoulder seasons (May and September) typically have fewer mosquitoes than the peak summer months.
Reservation requirements: Most Smuggler's Den Campground sites need advance booking, especially waterfront locations. "This is a really nice, clean, well-maintained campground. They have everything, from rustic tent sites with mountain views, to a full hookup section," reports Jen V. Reservations open 6 months in advance for most campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible beginner trails: "Great campground. First two nights I was in a hike-in site. Way up top H2. Quite a hike uphill. The view was great," shares Donna D. about Schoodic Woods. The campground connects to six miles of biking trails suitable for children.
Playground options: HTR Acadia (formerly Somes Sound View) offers activities beyond hiking. "Great campground. Staff is helpful, sites are clean. 90% of the sites are well shaded, and most have plenty of room. Great pool and other facilities," mentions IAN P. The campground pool provides welcome relief after hot days.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: "It was so pleasant to camp in relative seclusion after a day of exploring the scenic beauty and the many trails that twist around this fantastic national treasure. With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!" says Steve M. about Seawall. Bring binoculars for spotting seals, seabirds, and occasionally porpoises.
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Most Acadia campgrounds have strict noise policies. "My generator was not on. It was the 3 air-conditioners on the roof. Standard AC's from the factory," explains Rick C. about a misunderstanding with park rangers at Schoodic Woods. Check specific campground rules on generator use hours, which are typically limited to 8-10 AM and 4-7 PM.
Dump station congestion: "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. Plan extra time during checkout hours for dump station lines or use off-site facilities.
Site selection strategy: For RVs at Bar Harbor Campground, "Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours," advises Celeste M. "I first had a tent space facing the ocean $36. Next morning I found an electric and water spot $40 close by and moved. After 4 days and my tanks were full, I found a full hook with sewer $46 and moved for the next week."
Legend
