Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Deer Isle, ME

Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls welcomes pets at its quiet waterfront sites overlooking Deer Isle Bridge. Campers can bring dogs to enjoy the beach access and walking paths along the shore. Most sites offer privacy with adequate space between neighbors, allowing pets to relax without disturbing other campers. Hadley's Point Campground maintains a designated off-leash dog park and dog run where pets can exercise freely. The campground enforces a strict leash policy in all other areas, requiring dogs to be on leashes no longer than 4 feet. Dogs cannot be left unattended in RVs or vehicles at most campgrounds in the region. Greenlaw's RV Park in Stonington accommodates pets with clean facilities and spacious sites, while Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA features a fenced dog park and pet-friendly cabin options.

A quarter-mile walk from Hadley's Point leads to an off-leash dog-friendly beach where pets can swim and owners can enjoy sunset campfires. The Island Explorer shuttle system serving Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park allows leashed dogs aboard, eliminating parking concerns when visiting with pets. Many hiking trails throughout the Deer Isle archipelago permit dogs, though some require them to remain leashed. Ticks are prevalent in the area, particularly black-legged deer ticks that carry Lyme disease, making regular pet checks essential after outdoor activities. Local pet supply needs can be met at Bark Harbor in downtown Bar Harbor, which provides printed lists of dog-friendly trails, restaurants, and activities. The store also bakes their own dog treats and offers extensive information about pet-friendly areas on the island. Winter Harbor's Schoodic Woods section of Acadia National Park provides less crowded pet-friendly hiking options approximately 45 minutes from Bar Harbor.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Deer Isle, Maine (72)

    1. Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park

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

    $22 - $60 / night

    "Our family of four plus one pet was impressed with the transportation system provided by Acadia in partnership with L.L Bean. Free buses are pet-friendly which allowed for maximum exploration."

    "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."

    2. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

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

    $30 - $60 / night

    "The campsites are primitive (no electricity, water or sewer) and there are no showers on site - there is a pay shower close by outside the park."

    "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."

    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

    30 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. Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA

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

    "They are mainly open in the evenings but also appear to serve lunch and breakfast on the weekends. 

    The camp store was well stocked also."

    "My cousins, my husband and our dog rented a deluxe cabin in September, and it was perfect."

    6. Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground

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

    "And it is pet friendly. Located near Stonington, it is near the harbor, restaurants, a sand beach and the ferry to Isle au Haut."

    "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."

    7. Smuggler's Den Campground

    20 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."

    8. Bass Harbor Campground

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

    "are in a pinch, a cute gift shop for the Bass Harbor Lighthhouse (bring your lighthouse passport with you to get stamped here), have coffee/muffins in the morning, washrooms were very clean, laundry, dog"

    "First of all, fires and dogs are both totally fine! We go every year. It’s a short walk to the Bass Harbor Lighthouse, on the quiet side of the island, and has clean accommodations."

    9. HTR Acadia

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

    "We decided to move around and camp in 3 locations to fully experience all that Acadia had to offer, but this easily became my favorite. And we have already booked a second trip only staying there!"

    "Close enough to Acadia National Park and BarHarbor for sightseeing, beach going, outdoor sports and hiking There are great restaurants and waterfront activities nearby."

    10. Hadley's Point Campground

    29 Reviews
    Salsbury Cove, ME
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-4808

    $29 - $90 / night

    "**Campground Review: **

    Hadley’s Point Campground is located on the north side of Mt Desert Island and just a short distance from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park."

    "There was a fire ring outside of the cabin and a picnic table. We purchased firewood at a stand close to the campground."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 72 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Deer Isle, ME

703 Reviews of 72 Deer Isle Campgrounds


  • Jillian B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls

    Peaceful and relaxing

    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.

  • Grace B.
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls

    Great Chill Place!

    Campground was quiet with spaced out sites and had a really nice outdoor shower! Lori and staff were friendly and it was easy to call and book a spot. 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

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Buckle Island

    Perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore, but both accessible from the east side of the island. We stayed at the site by the shore and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting. 

    This is a perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping as the sandy shore, which is exposed for a good portion of the day, is easy to land on and a short walk to a trail into the woods. 

    Come prepared with fresh water(there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Wheat Island

    Gorgeous Views of the Gulf

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the southwest side. We stayed at the larger site and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising. 

    Perfect island for exploring the close-by Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park, but very hard to get reservations at Duck Harbor Campground. This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. 

    Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). 

    Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2018

    Saddleback Island

    Views Galore from this Maine Island paradise

    The Maine Island Trail offers 200 islands in which to sea kayak camp and Saddleback Island is one of the many gorgeous options in the Deer Isle Archipelago. The free camping spots and beaches are maintained by the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), which is a non-profit membership organization. This island is perfect for a few small tents or you can rent the island’s cabin through MITA.

    The camping spot is simple and similar to most backcountry sites: a flat space to pitch your small tent, no toilet, no drinking water, no picnic table, and no reservations possible.  But, what this island lacks in “amenities” is made up for in beauty all around! With a deep, rocky shore, it’s the perfect place to make dinner and watch the sunrise or set, all with beautiful views of Mount Desert Island, the home of Acadia National Park.

    The closest town is Stonington, which has all the things you will need for an island camping adventure. You can even rent kayaks and nearly all the gear you need at Old Quarry Ocean Adventures.

    Things to consider when sea kayak camping in this area:  1) the fog can roll in at any minute so come prepared with a chart, compass, bearings between islands/markers and a marine radio, 2) you are required to use Wag Bags instead of digging a cat hole to dispose of human waste, 3) since all of the islands are first-come, first-served, have a back-up plan for camping on another island, 4) there are no docks, so the islands are not accessible to large boats, 5) you may get awakened by the sound of lobster boats motors, as they start their day pretty darn early; bring ear plugs if you are light sleeper, 6) the tide in this area is significant (9-14 vertical feet), and landing at high tide is nearly impossible on Saddleback (and many other islands), and 7) file a float plan before you go out (Old Quarry Ocean Adventures is the perfect spot to do this, as well as launch and park for a small fee).

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Doliver Island

    Spot for Just 1 Tent...Barely!

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island is small with barely a tent space, but a good stop for us on our 9 day journey and a perfect launching spot for crossing Jericho Bay (4.5 miles) to Marshall Island the next day.   Gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door.

    This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad all day long. 

    Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Site is first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Marshall Island

    The Most Magical Island in the Gulf of Maine

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one on the southeast side near Sand Cove and the other on the northeast side of the island. We stayed at one of the 2 sites near Sand Cove which is a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site. Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we’ve ever seen! 

    Despite the fact that the other islands had pesky mosquitoes, this site had none. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). If you happen to need a food or water resupply, Swan’s Island is a short paddle away and has a very small grocery store and town office with fresh water. Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members. And, if you do a beach clean-up during your stay and send in a picture, you will receive a Maine Coast Heritage Trust hat!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 1, 2025

    Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss

    Bucolic bliss!

    We loved our stay at the blueberry fields!   This is private land that the owner rents to campers.  We stayed in campsite 2, where the land is open and flat, and there was plenty of room for our rv.  There are 4 total campsites, and each  offers a slightly different view and sense of privacy.  The owner met us when we arrived.  Dogs are allowed.  It is dry camping, with no hookups, and generators are not allowed.   The owner had a picnic table set up with flower boxes in it, and there was a nice fire ring. They will sell you wood if you need it.  There was one other camper at site 1, and we could also see the owners house, but both were far enough away that we had a great sense of privacy. There was a shared porta potty available for use for all of the campsites.  The land was quiet and peaceful - it is acres of blueberry fields, which create a special sense of being in nature. The site we were at had a nice tree, which framed the site. The owner was very responsive to questions we had, and responded quickly.   The area was very quiet - at night we only heard the crickets and the wind.

    You are close to Castine, Ellsworth, Blue Hill, Deer Isle and Stonington.  There are numerous hiking trails in the area that can be found on All Trails, as well as easy places to kayak from, the closest of which are the Brooksville Town Landing, or Bucks Harbor public boat launch.

  • Becca H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2022

    Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

    Clean and Quiet with Friendly People!

    Stayed Here for one night after picking up a new travel trailer nearby. The staff and campers were all very friendly and welcoming. Much of the population consists of seasonal campers with huge RVs and Motor Homes. It’s very adult oriented, super quiet, and super clean. There are nice little walking trails and a small fenced in dog park where dogs can play. Would definitely stay here again if in the area!


Guide to Deer Isle

Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near Deer Isle, Maine, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and natural beauty

Pet owners like convenient amenities and activities

Tips for camping with dogs near Deer Isle

  • Always check for pet policies at Camden Hills State Park Campground to ensure your dog is welcome and to understand any specific rules.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet while enjoying the hiking trails at Smuggler's Den Campground, which is close to Acadia National Park.
  • Consider using a leash and keeping your dog close at Bass Harbor Campground to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Deer Isle, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Deer Isle, ME is Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Deer Isle, ME?

TheDyrt.com has all 72 dog-friendly camping locations near Deer Isle, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.