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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
