Best Campgrounds near Deer Isle, ME

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Deer Isle, Maine (123)

    1. Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park

    53 Reviews
    Bass Harbor, ME
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 244-3600

    $22 - $60 / night

    "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."

    2. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    98 Reviews
    Seal Harbor, ME
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-3274

    $30 - $60 / night

    "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."

    3. Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls

    11 Reviews
    Sedgwick, ME
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 359-5555

    $29 - $39 / night

    "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"

    4. Camden Hills State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Camden, ME
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 236-2498

    $25 - $45 / night

    "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."

    5. Mount Desert Campground

    37 Reviews
    Mount Desert, ME
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 244-3710

    "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)."

    6. Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA

    37 Reviews
    Salsbury Cove, ME
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-3520

    "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."

    7. Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 200-1279

    "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."

    8. Bass Harbor Campground

    19 Reviews
    Bass Harbor, ME
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 327-5857

    "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"

    "There are homes close by, but they are fenced off and really are out of sight, so it's not really an issue. The Bass Harbor Lighthhouse is literally 500 feet away."

    9. Smuggler's Den Campground

    21 Reviews
    Southwest Harbor, ME
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 244-9033

    "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."

    10. HTR Acadia

    17 Reviews
    Mount Desert, ME
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 244-3890

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Deer Isle, ME

719 Reviews of 123 Deer Isle Campgrounds


  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Autumn in Maine

    Camden Hills is an ideal camping location. Sites are spacious, they have a variety of trails, and the town of Camden is charming.

    Beware of weekend campers. I had no problem getting a first come first serve spot on Wednesday, but by Friday, it was busy.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

    Fun Fall Stay

    Stayed here in October, the week before they shut down for the season. Staff was friendly and super helpful. Snowmobile trails behind the campground lead to a walking path that connects the high school and elementary school for a pleasant walk in the woods.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Fall at Camden Hills State Park Campground

    I was worried when I decided to come to this part of Maine in the fall without reservations. 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.

    The campground is large, and most of the sites are on the larger side. They tend to be nestled into the woods with plenty of trees, dividing the sites. Though some of the smaller RV sites are more compact.

    It’s a great location, close to Camden, Maine, and not far from other attractions.

    I’m here in 2025 and they are doing work on their water system so none of their water is potable

  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Good spot but wood is rough

    I love the spot but all the wood is from outside the campgrounds. Its not so “dry” more like just chopped and bundled had to tend to it for over a hour+ just to get enough dry to keep the fire going. But overall a very nice quite camprground.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Megunticook Campground

    Watch out for their prices

    Online the prices was 40$ for a tent site. We didn’t need water or electric just a spot to sleep for the night. I called to reserve cause the website wasn’t very easy to work with and the man on the phone said 76$ but couldn’t explain costs and was rude with the “you’ll not find another spot for this cheap!” Which we did. For less than half that cost. So watch out on prices and the extra charges.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    So lucky!

    We tried staying here in the summer a few years back and it filled up weeks ahead of time. We got lucky this trip and got one spot open same day. Got here super late and was surrounded by other campers but the trees all around gave us privacy and everyone was super quiet so no disruptive folks like so many campgrounds. The bathrooms don’t have showers of course but they are so clean it was a great thing from other sites pit toilets. If you’re in Acadia this is the spot!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Forest Ridge Campground

    Clean, quiet and affordable

    Stayed here while visiting friends and Acadia NP. Facilities very clean every time I saw them. Showers were nice but you need to wait for the hot water. Run it all hot and it will get there in a little while. Wood available on site. Open spaces in the middle with no trees or shrubs. Campers can be very close. Sides have more wooded sites. Not too many seasonal looking sites. 1 issue: our clean out was a bit high so had to lift sewer hose to clear it out. Didn’t use pool , laundry area worked good , screen porch at facility building. Fire ring worked out well, kept lots of heat in. We were off-season mid September. Reservation system forced us into our site, wants to charge a site selection fee.

  • B
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Great campground

    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.


Guide to Deer Isle

Camping near Deer Isle, Maine, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. At Blackwoods Campground, one camper mentioned, "I love that the southern ridge trailhead for Cadillac mountain leaves from the campgrounds and connects to a bunch of other trails."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Seawall Campground noted, "Many other reviewers have reported seeing Moose near or in the campground here."
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the rocky beaches nearby. A reviewer at Mount Desert Campground said, "Wonderful spot right on the water. Super close to Bar Harbor and Acadia."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. One visitor at Schoodic Woods Campground shared, "The bathrooms are clean and look nice inside."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Hadley's Point Campground mentioned, "Small campground but surprisingly quiet tent spot even though they are close and wooded."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Smuggler's Den Campground said, "Nice staff. Nice size lot clean."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds like Bar Harbor Campground do not take reservations, which can be a hassle during peak season. A camper noted, "This campground is huge, and takes no reservations, so it works great for us who don’t like to plan ahead."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or full hookups. A reviewer at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort pointed out, "Showers are a little small but clean and hot."
  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during summer. A visitor at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA mentioned, "The sites were so close together. Everyone was really packed in."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at Smuggler's Den Campground said, "The playground was great for the kids. The swimming pool was a highlight as well."
  • Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise during quiet hours. A camper at Hadley's Point Campground noted, "The only problem was kids running around during quiet hour."
  • Easy Access to Attractions: Choose a campground close to local attractions. A visitor at Mount Desert Campground mentioned, "There are so many activities and amenities just minutes from this lovely campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Schoodic Woods Campground advised, "Choose your site carefully if you have a large rig."
  • Dump Stations: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort mentioned, "Not all campsites had full hookup and we were told that one of the dump stations worked."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Be aware that Wi-Fi can be spotty. A visitor at Bar Harbor Campground noted, "The campground is very clean with no litter and well-maintained."

Camping near Deer Isle, Maine, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

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.