128 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Deer Isle, Maine span from established campgrounds to private seaside retreats. Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground in Stonington provides RV and tent camping with wooded and open sites, while Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls in Brooklin features tent sites, RV spaces, and glamping accommodations with ocean access. Other camping areas in the region include rustic island sites along the Maine Island Trail, which offers secluded tent camping on islands like Shivers Island and Buckle Island for experienced paddlers.
Access and reservation requirements vary substantially across Deer Isle camping destinations. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, with peak visitation occurring during summer months when temperatures average 65-80°F. Many privately operated campgrounds require advance reservations, while the Maine Island Trail Association sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis for members. Island camping requires sea kayaking experience and preparation for changing weather conditions, including fog that can affect navigation. Cell coverage is limited on the islands and in some remote areas. A recent review highlighted that "landing at high tide is nearly impossible on Shivers and many other islands," an important consideration for paddlers planning island camping.
Waterfront access and ocean views consistently rank among the most valued features for campers in the Deer Isle region. At Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, campers appreciate the beach access, with one visitor noting they "went swimming at their beach and saw a seal." Sites with ocean views tend to be the most sought-after, with several campgrounds offering designated waterfront locations. The region's camping areas generally maintain a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, with many reviewers specifically mentioning the privacy of sites and tranquil settings. Campgrounds on the mainland provide varying levels of amenities, from basic outhouses to full shower facilities, while island camping requires complete self-sufficiency, including carrying all water and using wag bags for waste. The Deer Isle archipelago's camping experience centers on natural beauty, marine wildlife viewing, and stargazing opportunities away from light pollution.
"This campground is quiet, walking distance to the ocean. Family oriented. There are however, no showers. Most of the walk in campsites are only steps away from the parking lot."
"We stayed at the tent walk in sites (D25) The sites are close together but otherwise, well maintained."
from $22 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Close proximity to Bar Harbor and a lot of the main attractions of the national park. Showers are just outside of the entrance to the campground, coin operated."
"quiet, wooded, relatively secluded. good spot at 111 where we stayed. nice places for tents. private showers outside main camping area were a positive since none in camping area itself."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful, quiet location with views of the deer isle bridge and access to walking the beach. Owners are so nice and friendly and accommodating. Sites are mostly private and have space. Very clean."
"Really great views of the ocean and Deer Isle. Stayed at site 8 which had unobstructed views of ocean and close to path to beach. Def worth the visit"
from $29 - $39 / night
Check Availability"Camden Hills SP is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas. 9 out of 10 times I visit Camden (one of my favorite places in Maine), I stay at this campground."
"As with all real estate, location, location ! The camp is well situated amongst many Maine towns all of which are worth a visit to."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Desert, Maine which is right next to the fabulous town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Forest."
"Our site was right next to a potable water spigot, and within easy walking distance to a bathroom building which includes full plumbing and metered showers (4 quarters for 5 minutes)."
"This campground has beautiful tent sites along the waters edge."
"It 11 miles to Bar Harbor town proper and only 8.7 miles to the Hulls Cove Acadia National Park visitors center and the entrance to the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road."
"Decided on Bass Harbor after considering the only available tent site at Seawall (very small and close to neighbors)."
"Tent campers have a much prettier space than RV, as with most campgrounds, and they have a lot across the main road which is perfect for tent camping. if you have multiple sites for large gatherings you"
"My boyfriend and I drove all around looking for a camping place in the Bar Harbor area but nothing was open because it was the end of April."
"Esthetically it is a little rough around the edges, so as we pulled in our first impressions were not great. However, the site we were in was quite nice with enough room for 22' camper."
"Multiple sights with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. This campground has every possible kind of sight, RV, pop-up, tent, Cabin, Rustic Cabin, and tents on platforms."
"It has all the things is usually stay away from because I like a little bit more primitive accomadations- less family style."
"My wife and I stayed at Somes Sound for 4 nights on our Maine honeymoon trip in July. We absolutely loved our stay. We set up at camp site 9. Incredible view of the sound/water."
"I showed up to Maine unprepared with a place to stay. Somes Sound View Campground was the only campground I could find in the area with availability."
GuideLocation/Location - near the major attractions with clearly marked trails to hike to Adventureland. Sites were small but separated nicely with trees and shrubs. Only 50% full week after Labor Day. Also, Forrest ranger education in amphitheater each evening. Great park and stay!
GuideBeautiful setting, huge sites, and hike and bike trails right from the campground. Would come again!
ScoutThis campground is wonderful and I highly recommend. Check-in was a breeze. There is ample room for multiple rigs to park during check-in. We reserved a golf cart for our stay as the campground is large. The golf cart was ready upon our check in. We were happy that we had it for the week we stayed.
There is a family fun zone with water slides, pools, mini golf, etc. It is small enough to easily keep watch over children, but large enough for them to have fun. There is a little cafe by the pools so parents can easily purchase food and treats without leaving the area.
We stayed in "D" Loop. It was very quiet there. There is space between the campsites and we didn't feel like we were crowded.
The entire campground was very clean. The bathroom/shower facilities and laundry are cleaned multiple times a day. The campsites and roads were groomed, level and very clean.
There were always plenty of staff working at any given time. All were very pleasant and helpful.
We will definitely stay at this campground again when in the area.
Scout15 minutes from Bangor, affordable, about $55/nite. We like it, quiet, clean w/ fun activities. Dog friendly
GuideStayed three nights and really everything was great. Site was close to the eastern bay and sunrise. Bathroom were old, rustic rustic, and a quarter to shower. Pool was nice and laundry facilities was actually really nice and lots of machines. Spent a very rainy day morning doing laundry. That’s what you do when it is racing cats and dogs, right? Location to Acadia and Bar Harbor just fine. Big benefit was the restaurant across the street, Lobster Pound! Yes, ear there at least once. Not cheap but great hot lobsters roll and lobster feast. Yum yum!
TravelerLet me start by saying, I’ve “camped” very few times in my life. We ended up here on a whim and I couldn’t have asked for more. The staff were friendly and informative. Even had a cookie for the dog. There were some items for sale as well as a few books about the history of the camp and the owners.
We were in spot 24. Three sides were surrounded by trees, bushes…nature…you get it. There was a picnic table and a fire pit. It was quiet, we didn’t hear the other campers. There are a few apple trees on the property that lended something to the vibe.
The views were incredible. The sunset and sunrise were so stunning I ran out of words to describe them.
The stars were so vibrant. With each passing hour more were revealed.
If I find myself in Maine needing a little reprieve, I’ll be returning.
ScoutLovely and peaceful property. Owners responsive; no contact check in. Would stay again if in the area
ScoutWe had a terrific stay at Blackwoods campground. It was very quiet throughout our stay despite being almost at capacity; other campers were respectful and friendly. The campsite and bathroom were clean, but bring your own hand soap! Friendly, frequently seen rangers and professional/informative check-in. Acadia is amazingly beautiful, with many hikes nearby and a free shuttle bus that can take you to several different spots throughout Acadia.
TravelerWent end of Aug/Early Sept. We stayed in spot WE 8 which neighbors a small creek and forest around most of it. Space was smaller and requires leveling but was perfect for our 20ft Camp Trailer.
Camping spots near Deer Isle, Maine vary from shaded forest settings to oceanfront locations with tide-influenced access. The coastal region sees frequent fog during summer mornings that typically burns off by midday, impacting visibility for island campers. Temperatures range from 45-60°F in May and September to 65-80°F during peak season in July and August.
Stargazing opportunities: At Seawall Campground, campers can experience exceptional night sky viewing just a short walk from their site. "A short walk across the street to the beach just outside seawall on a clear night for some of the best stargazing you'll ever see," notes Kyle R. The minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for viewing celestial features.
Kayaking from your campsite: At Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, waterfront sites allow direct water access for paddlers. "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," reports a visitor. Most waterfront sites require advance reservations, especially during July and August.
Hiking without driving: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access without needing transportation. At Smuggler's Den Campground, "Hiking trails connect to the back of the campground for access to Beech Mtn and Echo Lake beach," explains Erin S. This provides convenient day hiking options within walking distance of your tent or RV.
Wildlife observation: Marine wildlife sightings are common from waterfront camping areas. One visitor to Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls mentioned, "We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities from shoreline camping sites.
Private wooded sites: Many campers value secluded spots with natural separation. At Mount Desert Campground, "The sites all had a decent amount of privacy and trees between sites. It felt more comfortable and private than expected!" according to Whitney W. Sites with natural buffers tend to fill quickly during peak season.
Campgrounds with direct water access: The ability to swim or paddle directly from camp ranks highly. One visitor to HTR Acadia noted, "Beautiful view of the water. Highly recommend the waterfront sites." These premium spots typically require reservations 6-12 months in advance.
Clean shower facilities: After outdoor activities, clean bathrooms matter to campers. Camden Hills State Park Campground provides "Excellent shower house" facilities according to visitors, with one camper noting, "Bathrooms were clean. We stayed in a pop-up camper. We had plenty of room for our camper."
Outdoor showers: Some campgrounds feature unique shower options appreciated by campers. At Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, Chuck W. commented on "a great outdoor shower," while another visitor mentioned "two enclosed outdoor showers and one indoor shower. Hubby used the outdoor shower and thought it was great."
Limited services on Deer Isle: Stonington and surrounding areas have fewer amenities than larger towns. A visitor to Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground noted, "The area is remote, services are around but limited." Plan accordingly by bringing essential supplies.
Reservations essential for waterfront sites: Ocean-view sites book months ahead. At Mount Desert Campground, "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 recent camper.
Weather variability: Coastal weather can change quickly, requiring preparation. At Camden Hills State Park, one camper advised, "Bring your own water though," highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency regardless of facilities available.
Off-season availability improves: September offers better site selection with fewer crowds. "It's early October, and I learned that Maine State Parks are first come first serve at this point. I was pleasantly surprised to arrive and find plenty of vacant spots," reported a Camden Hills visitor.
Choose campgrounds with dedicated kids' areas: Facilities designed for children provide entertainment options. At Smuggler's Den Campground, "There is a great playground and a nice pool with slide. Hiking trails connect to the back of the campground for access to Beech Mtn and Echo Lake beach," notes a family camper.
Look for crabbing opportunities: Kids enjoy marine wildlife activities at waterfront sites. At Mount Desert Campground, "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!"
Find campgrounds with easy lighthouse access: Historic structures interest children and provide educational opportunities. Bass Harbor Campground provides convenient lighthouse access as "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."
Consider beach proximity: Water access provides natural entertainment for children. At Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, one family noted, "Beach front, able to swim and SUP right from the campsite. Amazing fire pit." Sites with water access typically cost 20-30% more than standard sites.
Size restrictions at some campgrounds: Many Deer Isle area campgrounds limit RV length. At Mount Desert Campground, "Sites are not made for large RVs. They can fit smaller camper trailers and pop-ups, but that's about it," explains a visitor. Always confirm size limits before booking.
Water and power placement: Hookup locations vary by campground and may require extensions. At HTR Acadia, one RVer mentioned, "Our site has water and electric on the wrong side," highlighting the need to bring longer hoses and cords as backup.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. One RVer at Mount Desert Campground noted, "There is NO dump station located at the campground however a few miles down the road, there is a campground that allows you to use theirs for a $20.00 fee."
Leveling considerations: Coastal terrain often means uneven sites. A visitor to Camden Hills State Park commented, "Our site was on a hill but getting the camper in was easy." Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds on Deer Isle, Maine?
Deer Isle offers a mix of mainland and island camping experiences. Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls is highly regarded for its quiet location, ocean views, and private sites with beach access. For adventurous campers, the Deer Isle Archipelago offers island camping through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). Marshall Island features beautiful wooded sites near Sand Cove with gorgeous beaches. Other excellent MITA options include Buckle Island, Wheat Island, and Saddleback Island, each offering unique coastal camping experiences. For those seeking mainland accommodations, there are also options near Stonington on the southern part of Deer Isle.
What amenities do Deer Isle campgrounds offer?
Amenities at Deer Isle campgrounds vary widely depending on the type of camping experience. Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss offers private campsites on open, flat land with plenty of space for camping setups. This private land camping provides a unique blueberry field setting with multiple sites offering different views and privacy levels. The island camping options through the Maine Island Trail Association like Wheat Island are more primitive, focusing on natural beauty rather than facilities. Mainland campgrounds typically provide basic amenities like clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and some offer water access. Most sites are well-maintained with good spacing between campers for privacy.
Can you RV camp on Deer Isle, Maine?
Yes, RV camping is available on Deer Isle, though options are more limited than tent camping. Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground near Stonington accommodates RVs with appropriate hookups and facilities. For a unique experience, Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss has flat, open land with ample room for RVs, particularly at site #2. When planning an RV trip to Deer Isle, consider that some areas of the island have narrow, winding roads that may be challenging for larger rigs. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm site dimensions and accessibility, especially during peak summer months when availability is limited.
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