For those who want to get away from civilization for a weekend, but still want the comforts of home, consider renting a cabin for your Ellsworth camping trip. Find the best information on cabin camping near Ellsworth, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each cabin rental offers quick access to one or more of Ellsworth's most popular destinations.
Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA Holiday makes the perfect base camp whenever you want to experience beach camping in Bar Harbor. You and your family can enjoy your trip on the island by staying at our KOA Campground, from its proximity to Acadia National Park to the local restaurants and shops.
At Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA Holiday, we offer many campsites to help you have the camping experiences you desire. You can stay at one of our RV Sites, Deluxe Cabins, Camping Cabins, Unique Accommodations, or Tent Sites.
For Seawall campsites, 90 percent of campsites are released six months in advance on the first of each month at 10 am EST. The remaining 10 percent are released at 10 am 14 days ahead of a desired arrival date on a rolling basis. For example, if you plan to arrive on May 24, you can make an online reservation starting at 10 am EST Dec 1 from the first release or starting at 10 am EST on May 10 from the second release. All campsite reservations must be made through recreation.gov. 90% of campsites are available six months in advance, and released on a monthly basis as described above. 10% of campsites are available at 10:00 a.m. EST. fourteen (14) days in advance of the desired reservation date. Visitors are able to make same day reservations if campsites are available. All reservations must be made through recreation.gov. Reservations cannot be made through the campground office or in-person.
From gentle walks along the rugged coastline, mountain hikes, tree lined carriage roads for biking and lakes for kayaking and canoeing, Acadia offers many opportunities to get outside and be active.Park rangers at Acadia offer a variety of programs to suit every interest and activity level. Programs include walks, talks, hikes, narrated boat cruises, bike rides and more. Kids age 6-12 love Acadia's Junior Ranger Program.A 27-mile, historic loop road system offers outstanding views of the park's ocean shoreline, coastal forests and mountain silhouettes.
Southwest Harbor is located on the west side of Mount Desert Island. The west side of the Island is considered the "quiet side" of Mount Desert Island. All the sites at Seawall Campground are wooded and within a 10-minute walk to the ocean. There are many beautiful and quiet hiking trails on this side of the Island, as well as Echo Lake, a wonderful lake for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and picnics. Acadia is comprised of a cluster of islands on the Atlantic coast of Maine. Mountains, lakes, streams, wetlands, forests, meadows and beaches are all found within roughly 50,000 acres comprising Acadia.
Acadia National Park is surrounded by scenic island harbors and quaint towns. Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula, and Isle au Haut offer plenty of visitor services including restaurants, shops, museums, and tours. Please check with local Chambers of Commerce for more information.
No Shows If a camper does not check-in at the ranger station by 10:00am check-out time the day after the scheduled arrival date, their reservation will be cancelled, the camper will incur a $20.00 service fee, and forfeit the first night's camping fee. Making Changes to Your Reservation A $10.00 service fee will apply if you make any changes to your reservation. Cancelling Your Reservation If you cancel your reservation the day before or on the day of your scheduled arrival date, you will incur a $10.00 service fee and forfeit your first night's camping fee. If you cancel your reservation 2 or more days before your scheduled arrival date, you will only incur a $10.00 service fee. If you cancel a group campsite reservation within 7 full days before the scheduled arrival date, you will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Early Departures If you choose to check out of your campsite early, you must notify us in person at the Campground Ranger Station before 10:00am in order to receive a refund for your remaining nights. Please review Rules & Reservation Policies below for more information.
$22 - $60 / night
Situated in a quiet location, just off of Route 3, Hadley's Point is a camper's haven. Take a quiet five minute walk to a public saltwater beach. Acadia National Park Visitor Center and entrance is just four miles, and downtown Bar Harbor is just an eight mile drive. Shuttle service is available on the Island Explorer buses daily from late June through Columbus Day.
Hadley's Point Campground offers grassy and wooded sites, each with its own fireplace and picnic table. Tent sites, water & electric (20-30-50 Amp), and full hookup campsites available. On-site honeywagon service is available.
$29 - $90 / night
For Schoodic Woods campsites, 90 percent of campsites are released six months in advance on the first of each month at 10 am EST. The remaining 10 percent are released at 10 am 14 days ahead of a desired arrival date on a rolling basis. For example, if you plan to arrive on May 24, you can make an online reservation starting at 10 am EST Dec 1 from the first release or starting at 10 am EST on May 10 from the second release. All campsite reservations must be made through recreation.gov. 90% of campsites are available six months in advance, and released on a monthly basis as described above. 10% of campsites are available at 10:00 a.m. EST. fourteen (14) days in advance of the desired reservation date. Visitors are able to make same day reservations if campsites are available. All reservations must be made through recreation.gov. Reservations cannot be made through the campground office or in-person. Schoodic Woods is located in breathtaking Acadia National Park on the Maine coast. Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, this campground is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) southeast of Winter Harbor. It is approximately 60-70 minutes from Bar Harbor and the main section of the park. Visitors venture to Acadia for its picturesque scenery, historic sites and recreational activities, including walking, hiking, biking and kayaking.
The Schoodic Peninsula provides numerous recreational activities without the congestion of Mount Desert Island. A six-mile (10 km), one-way loop road offers views of lighthouses, seabirds, and forested islands. Vehicle turnouts provide opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. Stopping on the road and parking outside of designated pull-offs are prohibited. There are over eight miles of hiking trails on the Schoodic Peninsula and an additional eight miles of bike paths. Arey Cove Road leads to Schoodic Point, a windswept, rocky point providing spectacular views of Mount Desert Island.
Acadia is comprised of a cluster of islands on the Atlantic coast of Maine. Mountains, lakes, streams, wetlands, forests, meadows and beaches are all found within roughly 50,000 acres comprising Acadia. At Schoodic Woods, all sites are wooded and within a 15-minute walk of the ocean.
Acadia National Park is surrounded by scenic island harbors and quaint towns. The Schoodic Institute is located near Schoodic Point and has an Education and Research Center supporting science and education initiatives throughout the park. Beautiful Lamoine State Park is just 21 miles from Acadia, with boating, fishing, and scenic views of Frenchman's Bay.
No Shows If a camper does not check-in at the ranger station by 10:00am check-out time the day after the scheduled arrival date, their reservation will be cancelled, the camper will incur a $20.00 service fee, and forfeit the first night's camping fee. Making Changes to Your Reservation A $10.00 service fee will apply if you make any changes to your reservation. Cancelling Your Reservation If you cancel your reservation the day before or on the day of your scheduled arrival date, you will incur a $10 service fee and forfeit your first night's camping fee. If you cancel your reservation 2 or more days before your scheduled arrival date, you will only incur a $10 service fee. If you cancel a group campsite reservation within 7 full days before the scheduled arrival date, you will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Early Departures If you choose to check out of your campsite early, you must notify us in person at the Campground Ranger Station before 10:00am in order to receive a refund for your remaining nights. Please review Rules & Reservation Policies below for more information.
$22 - $60 / night
At Mt. Desert Narrows RV Resort you can pitch a tent, park your RV right on the water, or back up a bit and enjoy a panoramic ocean view from your very own spot at this coveted RV resort in Maine. Once you settle on the view, decide if you want to play onsite or off. Onsite Mt. Desert Narrows, you can enjoy our RV resort's many amenities and activities. Or venture out to see the sites and explore historic Bar Harbor and famous Acadia National Park, just a short drive from our RV resort in coastal Maine. Mt. Desert Narrows RV Resort offers a ton of resort style amenities and our friendly staff is ready to help you in any way they can. So come check us out at our RV resort in Maine, and have the trip of a lifetime!
Welcome to our 3rd-generation, family owned campground! With over 100 sites available (for tents, pop-ups, campers, RVs and weekly rentals!), we hope you'll take advantage of our hospitality and make our campground your home while you visit Mount Desert Island. Choose a site where you can relax in the shade of the trees or soak up the rays in a sunny lot. We are in an area where there are plenty of family-friendly activities, and are within walking distance to many of Acadia's hiking trails, and just a short drive to many of the island's best attractions. Start planning your vacation today, reserve your site at Smuggler's Den!
Located on Mount Desert Island, HTR Acadia (formerly known as Somes Sound View Campground) is an idyllic, peaceful retreat on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. HTR Acadia is known for attracting adventurous, nature-loving campers, who appreciate spending their days next to the ocean surrounded by gorgeous woods. Our park is only a short drive from Downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, so there is always something new to explore!
2020 Tripadvisor Hall of Fame! Park your big rig or rent a cozy cabin and enjoy the good life here at Narrows Too RV Resort! We offer all the amenities you need plus the ones you want at our all-inclusive RV resort in Maine. Once you have explored everything there is to do onsite at Narrows Too, take a day trip from the RV resort and go hiking in Maine's Acadia National Park or a stroll through historic Bar Harbor. While you're in Bar Harbor, check out the Asticou Inn in Northeast Harbor and enjoy the mountainside park, wild hiking trails, and beautiful formal gardens overlooking the sea. Love nature? Visit the Mount Desert Oceanarium and experience a lobster hatchery, a living salt marsh, and their whale exhibit. All of these exciting adventures are nearby Narrows Too RV Resort in Maine, just waiting for your arrival. Back at Narrows Too, we've created 200 brand new long and level full-service RV resort campsites, most with spectacular views of the ocean. Our great central location overlooking Mt. Desert Island makes Narrows Too a great place to set up camp; whether you want to stay onsite at the RV resort and relax with friends and family in coastal Maine, or you want to explore all that our amazing region has to offer. We can't wait to see you here! Love nature? Visit the Mount Desert Oceanarium and experience a lobster hatchery, a living salt marsh, and a whale exhibit. Traveling with a large group? Narrows Too is a great place for a rally, a reunion, a retreat. If your caravan has twenty-five people or more, call our Maine reservation office at (207) 288-8106 for special rates and all the details. Come for a few days...you'll want to stay for the season! All-Inclusive RV Resort in Maine Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Narrows Too Camping Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
Penobscot Bay is the deepest body of water in the Gulf of Maine…and I live at its shores with my husband Steven, father Zaven, a flock of sheep and goats, three hives of honey bees, extensive gardens and lots of space to make art and good food. Together we run a family campground that was established in 1965 and steward the land…we provide a place for people to come and relax, wander through the organic gardens, explore the beach and re-connect with themselves and others. We’re proud to be part of the working waterfront of Maine where recreation, fishing and shipping ply the same waters and provide a sense of purpose for all sorts of people.
$14 - $168 / night
Guide
We are tent campers and it’s difficult to find a review on tent sites at many KOAs. We were at site 403 and had family in a camping cabin.
We loved our site. Lots of room for our very large tent! We even put up a hammock and had room to have family over for campfires and meals. Bathrooms were close by and were always clean. It was close enough to the ocean to have a lovely view but not so close that we were swarmed with mosquitoes.
Camp staff was fantastic and the stores were great. Loved exploring tide pools too!
Scout
our family of four (my Husband and I and our 2 boys) stayed in a camping cabin for 5 days at the end of June. The cabin contained a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds. It also had a private bathroom with metered shower. 50 cents got you a hot, 7 minute shower, which was plenty of time! You need to supply your own linens and towels. Toilet paper, garbage bags and a broom/dustpan are supplied. There was a fire ring outside of the cabin and a picnic table. We purchased firewood at a stand close to the campground. We found the cabins to be spaced far enough apart that we had peace and quiet and privacy. If you had wanted to make friends with your neighbors, you could. We noticed lots of families with children staying in the cabins area. The campground itself had a heated swimming pool. Best of all, the campground was on the Island Explorer bus route, which is a series of busses that take you to different areas of Acadia National Park and into the surrounding towns. Once you arrive at the campground, you wouldn’t need to use your car again!
Guide
This is the first campground we have stayed at that has ATV trail access, horse friendly camping, full hookups, pull through sites, tent camping, tent rentals, teepee rentals, "tiny bird cabin", and a tree house.
A must see!
Guide
Cute little single yurt-style cabin! Lovely for a romantic little ocean side get-away!
ScoutMy cousins, my husband and our dog rented a deluxe cabin in September, and it was perfect. The cabin provided all of the amenities of a home including linens, dishes, cookware, heat, a/c and even cable tv. Outside we had a small deck with a grill and a fire pit on the ground. It was the perfect place for our group of six to retire at the end of a day of hiking.
The cabin we stayed in was not secluded in any way. Our neighbors were right next to us on all sides, but it wasn't a problem for us at all. Just something to keep in mind if you're looking for a more rustic experience.
RangerTypically, a KOA wouldn’t have been my first choice. They tend to be campy and incredibly dense-if I wanted to feel like I was “camping in the ‘burbs” I’d go and tent out at my parents’ backyard. I was pleasantly surprised, however, with Bar Harbor/Woodlands KOA!
Having only planned my Maine getaway only three weeks prior, I was without many choices. I caught a lucky break with this KOA. The grounds provided a comfortable, yet affordable option, while being within close proximity to Bar Harbor, Acadia, and all the amenities Mount Desert Island has to offer.
My site, 735, was wooded and while denser than most state or federal parks I venture to, provided the shade and privacy I enjoy when camping. The facilities were clean and updated- which was actually a nice change for me! Much of the programming was of course geared toward kids and family. One such event included a family-friendly “hayride” that embarked at dusk in search of the infamous “bigfoot”. I got the biggest kick out of the 6 foot cryptid running at me while cleaning dishes.
I also need to give a shout-out to the friendly and helpful staff, who assisted me in a pinch when my car battery died! Kindness is never forgotten!
If you and your loved ones find yourself out in this neck of the woods or planning your own Maine getaway, this is not a bad stop! As a tent camper who enjoys that “woodsy” wilderness feel, I recommend sites 624, 701, 702, 707, 710, 715, and 735. 710 is arguably the best site on the grounds, and 624 provided a combination of solitude and convenience with its “camp kitchen” fixture.
You also have your choice of cabins, classic and deluxe, campers, “glamper” tents and group sites.
Traveler
Hidden gem. Rustic, quiet and affordable. Super friendly owners. Cabins are awesome!
Ranger
The location of this campsite couldn't be better. It's just a short drive from Acadia National Park, Ellsworth, and numerous other hikes and coastal attractions, making it a perfect base for exploring the area.
However, I would primarily recommend this campsite for retirees and couples without children. The park doesn't offer many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool, so families with young children might find it lacking in entertainment options.
On the upside, the serene and tranquil atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a peaceful getaway. The facilities are well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Overall, it's a great spot for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the region in a convenient location.
TravelerStayed here in the weekend I proposed, to my now wife. Excellent hiking. Sweet tiny cabins
Guide
My husband and I stayed here for our honeymoon to Acadia National Park! We stayed in a small cabin and it was perfect for our stay. Weather was a bit cold when we were there (October 2018), but there was a space heater. Had space to prepare food as well as a microwave, fire pit, and grill for use. The showers and bathroom were well maintained and close to the cabins. Walking distance to the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and other National Park hiking trails. We loved it and look forward returning for another trip!
Traveler
we stayed here last year on our vacation to maine,we actually made a wrong turn,ended up getting there very late,they left the key for us to find and were very hospitable the entire visit. we stayed for 2 days,ready to go back again,we stayed in a cabin,it was very clean...the park was very quiet and they had all the supplies we needed... excellent campground!!
Traveler
Great camp ground all the host we’re great and pleasant. We sleep in a tent the first year, site was good size with good fire place placement. The second time we rented a cabin. Clean and hey it was very clean and comfortable.
LegendSites were spaced out enough for privacy. We had a site with a wooden platform that was perfectly level. There was a enough tree cover that we didn't get soaked during the rain. We went tent camping, but they had some very nice looking cabins on the grounds.
ScoutAmazing campground. Staff is extremely friendly. Campground has a small camp store, a heated pool and children's pool, large home style gas grills with picnic area, horseshoe pits, a large playground for children and a large field for anything from badminton to football. 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. All sights are decently leveled having some slight grades for drainage so no sights are flooded. Camp store has firewood, ice and other essentials including live lobsters. Campground is extremely close to Acadia Nation Park and does have access to a few parts of the park within walking distance. Local brewery and Winery within a 15 minute drive of the camp ground. There is a local grocery store and ice cream shop within walking distance of the campground. Downtown Bar Harbor is only a 25 minute drive away.
TravelerMy wife and I rented a "hobbit" cabin for our anniversary for 3 nights at 50 dollars a night it was a great deal. The on site baths and showers were clean and maintained great. There is trash site easily gotten to, they sell on site many camping necessaries and fire wood. We loved our time there and look forward to returning next year
ScoutStayed in one of their cabins out of season and really enjoyed it. Not far from the best Acadia hiking (like 20 minutes), has a nice view of the ocean, and the campground is well maintained and clean and everyone is very friendly. Would stay again. Tip: Don’t buy their firewood ($8), there’s tons of bundles being sold on the side of the road for half the price and double the wood!
TravelerWe stayed early in the season, before Memorial Day, and there were very few camp sites that were occupied. The site we chose was one of the premium ocean front lots and it was beautiful. The view was incredible. We could watch cars driving up Cadillac Mountain from our camp chairs! The manager was friendly and let us explore the unoccupied sites/cabins. WiFi worked fine. Very close to take-out seafood....steamed lobsters and fried clams!
Traveler
We stayed May--October 31 2018 ( spouse is a Travel Nurse) It is a great place to stay, quiet and they have events during holidays ( fireworks, food truck and live music) This is a family owned & operated campground, they are very helpful and accommodating to their long staying RV'ers. Full hookups and they also offer tent campers, and have 1 cabin. Shower house and laundry onsite. There is a pond and also a swimming pool and playground, also a little store in the office.
RangerThis is a great place to stay if you are exploring Acadia National Park, especially late in the season as I was because a lot of the other campgrounds are closed by mid-October. This friendly site is just a stones throw from the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse right off Highway 102A. Nice campsites even though they are a little close together, but what campsites aren't? Lots of options here from big rigs to tents to cabins. Nice play area for the kids, a laundry, recreation room and large, clean facilities. There are campsites on both sides of the highway.
Legend
The sites here are nicely wooded and have a decent amount of separation between most of them BUT the campground is located too close to the road and, with the exception of sites 84-87 and cabins 8-10, you will hear road noise in your site. Options are 10 rustic cabins, tent sites, partial and FHU sites.
The bathhouse was very clean and there are both outdoor and indoor showers; both looked nice although we did not use them.
I thought $50 for a tent site was a little steep but it was all the potential extra fees that irked me:
*$30 site lock to ensure you get the site you want when you reserve. I took a chance and was able to get the site I reserved without paying this fee
*$4 weather guarantee (allows you to cancel due to inclement weather). I didn’t bother with this one
*7.95 if you need to hook up to WiFi. We were able to use our own portable WiFi
*$10 to use the dump station (we found another place that charged $5)
Aside from the fees and proximity to the road, this is a nice campground with a host of amenities: pool (which I was surprised was still open on October 1), horseshoes, laundry, dishwashing sink, a playground, and trash pick-up at your site. There is also a path to the shore with picnic tables, and chairs. Repairs to the sea wall are in progress so caution was recommended.
Traveler
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. Our site was large enough for a 12 person tent with plenty of room for pop up canopy and other gear. We had electricity and water right at the site. The staff is very friendly and informative. The campground has a heated pool which was nice after hikes and being out all day. The grounds also have a small quarry with a paddle boat you can use for free! It's a older boat but was nice to have for a quick boat ride. The bathrooms were some of our favorite we have used, the toilets are separated into their own rooms for maximum privacy. Hot showers are $1 for 5 minuets and were separated into their own rooms as well. Very clean. The campground also offers yurt camping and water sites, which are extremely close to the water and beautiful. We went down to the water at night and sat on the dock, it was an amazing experience with the stars and sky so clear. Kayak rentals are located right at the campground which was so convenient, the views were insane! The campground is located outside of Bar Harbor and is on the quiet side which we enjoyed just as much as Bar Harbor and Acadia. Highly recommend this campground for a getaway or family trip!
GuideYou should know that the view is not an ocean view. This campgrounds view is a bay view. The beach is a rocky small beach. Good for the kids to go exploring but you wouldn't want to swim in it. We stayed for 6 nights at this KOA as we used it as a basecamp to tour Bar Harbor and Acadia National park. Instead of bringing our camper we actually stayed in the cabins this time. They were air conditioned. You didn't need the air for how hot it was but it was humid and loud. Seemed like every few days this KOA had campers depart and another crew came in. Where we were was in the middle of it all. The employees were very nice and helpful to get information and maps. The store was great. Had lots of supplies in case you forgot and pretty good prices.
Ranger
10-15 from downtown Bar Harbor and the gorgeous Acadia NP. We vacationed here for my birthday. We had full hookups with free WiFi and cable. The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide. There is a kayak launch as well, and pool, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season. Everyone was nice and we had an amazing time.
Tip: Grab groceries in Ellsworth if you want to save $.
Scout
We travel the country for 4 months during the summer and fall. Tomorrow we check in to Acadia NP for 14 days. We arrived in the area without a reservation. We put The Dyrt to the test and found Forest Ridge in Ellsworth, ME. What a terrific find , last minute or not. Super friendly staff, large full hookup sites, most shaded, some sunny. Level gravel most pull through and many big rig sites. About 20 minutes outside Acadia NP, where there are no hookups except for electric on Scoodic..
LegendLove the location of this park. You are just a few miles from the bridge that takes you to Mt. Desert Island where you have Acadia National Park (NP) and the towns of Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and a few other quaint little towns at your fingertips. But, drive the other way and you will get to explore Ellsworth, Blue Hill, Surry, Schoodic Peninsula and much more.
This area has so much to offer - the highlight being Acadia NP. Here, hundreds of trails and gorgeous views abound. Trails range from easy to strenuous with some taking you on a nice walk around a lake or pond where others guide you along steep ledges and up with ladders and rungs. Be aware that hiking during or after a rain can be quite treacherous because of slippery footing. The island is known for their granite and rock faces that are common on the trails which can be very slippery. I advise walking or biking a carriage road (which is crushed gravel) when the ground is wet to avoid slipping. The carriage roads are amazing for biking and walking and link 46 miles of the park. If you like to kayak, there are plenty of free public boat ramps – Long Pond, Eagle Lake, and Jordan Pond being some of the prettiest. Many of these water bodies are off limits to swimming as they are the public water supply but personal watercraft are allowed. Fishing with a state license is permitted in many of the lakes and ponds. Many were stocked years ago but I never had any luck catching in the few lakes I fished.
The shoulder season here is the best time to come. Preferably in the spring before mid-June or the fall when the leaves are changing color. Not all businesses and restaurants will be open before mid-June but you will have far less crowds than in the busy summer months. During the summer season, there is a free shuttle taking you (and bikes and dogs) to various locations throughout the island and within the park. If you are planning on hiking some of the popular trails (like Precipice, Dorr Mountain, Cadillac Mountain, and the Beehive) definitely take the shuttle. The parking lots are really small and you will not find a spot. Be sure to go to Cadillac Mountain for a sunrise and bring warm clothes as the wind really whips up there. Fall is a beautiful time to visit but be aware that many cruise ships frequent Bar Harbor. Some days will find over 6,000 cruise ship passengers and staff flooded into the downtown. Hiking amongst the fall colors is beautiful but we made sure to go early to avoid the crowds.
The smaller island towns of Northwest Harbor and Southwest Harbor were more our style than the touristy Bar Harbor. Check out the farmers market in Northwest Harbor and the Common Ground Soup Kitchen in Southwest Harbor for hot delicious popovers. C-Ray Lobster offers a good lobster dinner in a casual atmosphere that is much less expensive than lobster pounds downtown Bar Harbor (and it is BYOB). Downeast Lobster Pound is our favorite place to buy lobster. We would buy them live and steam them at our campsite or you can have them cook them (for a nominal fee) and eat there or take them to go.
The campground has some 200 sites for RVs and cabins and cottages for rent but they DO NOT allow tents. Prices range from the $30’s to over $100 depending on where you want to camp. The waterfront sites (“300’s” section) have great views but are very pricey. Some of the “800” and “600” section sites are cheaper than the 300’s and still have partial water views. The cheapest sites (the 100’s and 200’s) are near Route 3 which is a very busy road. Park staff is very accommodating and will let you move sites if you decide you prefer something different. (Be aware the park charges an additional $4/night resort fee on sites that are booked less than 30 days.) All sites have full-hookup and cable. The wifi was hit or miss. All sites and patios are gravel with some grass between them.
There is a swimming pool, horseshoes, volleyball, laundry, and bathrooms. The bathrooms and showers were cleaned daily and in good condition when we were there. (The bathroom nearest the entrance is the newest and gets the least amount of use and was always clean.) There is a kayak/canoe rental in the park which was nice but there is no designated parking there so we had to take the car back to our site. The camp store rents two-person kayaks and canoes for a very reasonable price of ($10/hour and $5 for additional hours). However, you have about a four-hour window to paddle because of the tides. You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides. There was a free ice cream social when we were there which had four different varieties and toppings and very filling. There is no off-leash dog park but we were told by work campers that we could let our dog off-leash in one of the leach fields to throw a ball for her. Super cool.
The park was clean and staff friendly and very helpful. There are some brochure racks in a community building and laundry and the office has a variety of maps for the island and will let you look through some hiking guide books as well as restaurant menus. We would definitely come back here again. The only downside is that it is a little pricier than other parks but the location is ideal.
GuideHadley's Point is a private campground just outside Acadia National Park. This campground prides itself on being family-friendly and welcoming to pets.
Children are allowed to bike throughout the campground until dusk. While we stayed, there was a campground-wide Fourth of July bike parade. The kids loved it.
Pets are welcome but cannot be abandoned in the motorhome when you leave. Plan to take your pet with you everywhere.
Hadley's Point offers laundry facilities, showers, a heated pool, cornhole, and shuffleboard. While the pool is heated, it is not hot -- or even very warm. But this is Maine we are talking about, and I'm sure that the water was warmer than it would otherwise have been.
The campground is primarily designed to accommodate RVs and motorhomes. The large fields and open lots for RVs provide ample parking and the campground offered electricity as well as other hookups.
Cute cabins offer cozy sleeping (but no running water) for visitors without tents or RVs.
We brought our tent and felt a little like second-class citizens at this RV-focused campground. The tent sites were tiny. Our large van, tent, and screened-in pavilion covered the entire site, leaving very little walking space. Our site also lacked trees for shade and hammocks.
Worse yet, the campground has an infestation of Black-Legged Deer Ticks -- the ticks responsible for Lyme disease. We found two on our son during our stay. I hope they treat for these ticks soon because it poses a huge risk to their campers.
There is a lot of potential for this campground but they need to spray the grounds for ticks and create more comfortable sites. They could be awesome if they shifted their focus from trying to fit as many people as possible to creating a comfortable camping experience for all.
Pros:
- Heated pool
- Bathrooms cleaned regularly
- Laundry
- Good price
- Good location
- Playground
- Kid and pet friendly
- Island Explorer Bus stops at the campground
Cons:
- Cramped sites
- Ticks
- Crowded
Legend
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).
Discover the charm of cabin camping near Ellsworth, Maine, where you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comforts of home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Ellsworth, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Ellsworth, ME is Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Ellsworth, ME?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 cabin camping locations near Ellsworth, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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