Ellsworth, Maine serves as a central hub for camping excursions along the Maine coast, situated at the junction of Routes 1 and 3, approximately 26 miles from Acadia National Park. The area experiences warm summers with average temperatures of 75-80°F and cool evenings dropping to 55-60°F, ideal for campfire gatherings. Most campgrounds near Ellsworth operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with limited off-season availability.
What to do
Kayaking at Mount Desert Narrows: Visitors can rent kayaks directly from the Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort campstore for $10/hour. "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," notes a camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Visit Schoodic Peninsula: Located about 45 minutes from West Bay Acadia RV Campground, this less crowded section of Acadia National Park offers scenic hiking trails. "Just ten minutes away is the Schoodic Woods section of Acadia– a less busy and equally beautiful area of the National Park. Plus, there are many nearby nature preserves and public lands that have great hiking," reports one visitor.
Explore Winter Harbor: This small coastal town near Mainstay Cottages & RV Park offers a quieter alternative to Bar Harbor. "Located on Winter Harbor, great views. Steps away from the small ferry that goes to Bar Harbor and a few minutes to Schoodic Peninsula. Couple of nice restaurants close by," notes a camper who stayed there.
Visit local farms: Several organic farms operate near Ellsworth. "There is a wonderful organic farm down the road and a couple of local wineries are nearby. The nearby town of Gouldsboro has a delicious little ice cream stand and the Pickled Wrinkle restaurant serves great food. Live lobster can be bought off the dock at the nearby town of Corea," reports a camper at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
What campers like
Community gardens: Some campgrounds feature unique amenities like garden access. "We love the free community garden which has a wonderful selection of produce including strawberries, tomatillos, fresh herbs, beans, lettuces, etc. Feel free to pick whatever you will eat, just leave some for others," remarks a visitor at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
Quiet camping options: For those seeking tranquility, several campgrounds provide secluded sites. "If you are looking for a quiet spot near Acadia park this is it. WiFi is not good but everything else makes up for it," notes a camper about Mainstay Cottages & RV Park. Another mentions that Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground offers "sites with lots of privacy. We stayed for a month and were very happy with our stay."
Dark sky viewing: Astronomical observations are excellent in certain areas. "Another great thing about this park is that it is a certified dark sky park. Campers are asked to turn outside lights off so there is no light noise to interfere with the beautiful sky full of stars, planets, and meteor showers," reports a camper at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
Community activities: Many campgrounds organize social events. "The park organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, BBQ feast, and cold beverages offered during Friday Happy Hours," notes a visitor at Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort.
What you should know
Tidal considerations: Water access is significantly affected by tide schedules. "The ocean access is great! A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out," notes a camper at Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort. Remember that tide changes can leave mudflats that are difficult to navigate.
Weather preparedness: Morning fog can impact visibility and activities. "It was too foggy! Would gladly go back, just earlier in the season so we could enjoy the views better in bar harbor," reports a Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort visitor.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds have limited operational seasons. "Pumpkin Patch RV Resort operates from May 1 to October 15," while Timberland Acres RV Park runs "Mid May to Mid October," requiring advance planning for shoulder season visits.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds experience water discoloration. "When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," reports a camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, suggesting bringing drinking water may be advisable at certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
Alternative locations for kid-friendly amenities: Not all campgrounds cater to families with children. "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," notes a visitor at Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Playground access: Some facilities offer recreational equipment for children. "I love this campsite. They have sites right on the water, a gift shop, pool, laundry, game room, free showers and the times that I've been there they've had weekly events like ice cream socials and an Elvis impersonator," reports a Mt Desert Narrows camper.
Specialty camping experiences: Unique accommodations appeal to adventurous families. "This campground is absolutely adorable. RV, tent, Treehouse camping to camping out in a Teepee! I surprised my husband with the Teepee- we were not disappointed! A huge Teepee with a very comfortable queen size bed- a couch, table, area animal rugs, coffee maker and a fan if needed," shares a visitor at Cottonwood Camping & RV Park.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas. "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," notes a Mt Desert Narrows camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Highway proximity affects noise levels. "The site we got had an awesome view of the water, and the campsites were not too close together," reports an RVer at Mt Desert Narrows. However, another notes "The cheapest sites (the 100's and 200's) are near Route 3 which is a very busy road."
Site leveling: Most RV parks provide level pads. "Sites are level and there are long pull thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night," notes a visitor at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Rental options: Many campgrounds offer cabin alternatives for those without RVs. "There are some 200 sites for RVs and cabins and cottages for rent but they DO NOT allow tents," cautions a Narrows Too Camping Resort reviewer.
Full hookup availability: Waterfront sites may lack sewer connections. "Come to find out none of the oceanfront sites have sewer. They do have a honey wagon that will pump you out on Mondays and Fridays for 25$ a pop," reports a camper at Mt Desert Narrows.
Legend
