Cabins near Franklin, Maine serve as strategic base camps for exploring coastal areas and protected wilderness, with many sites situated within 30-45 minutes of Acadia National Park. The region experiences cold, snowy winters and moderate summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F from June through August. Fall camping offers colorful foliage but requires warmer sleeping gear as nighttime temperatures regularly drop into the 40s during September and October.
What to do
Kayaking from waterfront sites: At Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, campers can launch directly from waterfront sites. "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," notes Heather C., who adds that non-waterfront campers still have "2 water access areas that anyone can launch from."
Hiking accessible trails: Schoodic Woods Campground offers direct trail access from campsites. "Surrounding the campground are miles of biking and hiking trails that are easily accessible from your campsite. There is a six-mile loop that takes you along the beautiful rocky coast with views of lighthouses, islands, forests, and wetlands," explains Nancy W., highlighting the convenience of campsite-accessible activities.
Stargazing at Seawall: The coastal location at Seawall Campground provides exceptional night sky viewing. "For stargazers, the short walk across the street to the beach will give you some unbelievable views of the milky way when the night is at peak darkness," writes Kyle R., who visited specifically for astronomical observation opportunities.
What campers like
Quiet side experience: Acadia Seashore Camping and Cabins (previously Mountain View) offers a less crowded alternative to Bar Harbor. Lawrence P. appreciates that "It's away from Bar Harbor but close enough to go visit. We liked going to the Winter Harbor area to hike and ride bikes. Corea Wharf was a great place to eat and LobStore is a good place to get fresh seafood!"
Free transportation options: Schoodic Woods Campground connects to public transit. "The Acadia Island Explorer shuttle provides free transportation between various locations, island attractions, and towns (and is dog-friendly and can accommodate bikes). The shuttle operates from late June to mid-October," notes Nancy W., highlighting this useful amenity for campers without vehicles.
Dish washing facilities: Many campgrounds feature practical amenities like dedicated dish washing stations. At Schoodic Woods, LoneCamper C. appreciated that despite having "No showers, but excellent dish washing set-up," while Chuck Y. at Seawall Campground mentioned "nice clean bathroom facilities with running water, electricity, and a dish-wash station."
What you should know
Tidal considerations: The dramatic tides impact water activities at several campgrounds. Michelle C. at Narrows Too Camping Resort warns, "While the tide is out it's just a gross area of mud, muck, and rocks. We couldn't even kayak because the tide is that dramatic."
Shower availability varies: Many campgrounds lack shower facilities or have limited options. Karla J.B. at Seawall reports, "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water." Similarly, at Schoodic Woods, campers must use off-site facilities as Nancy W. notes, "The bathrooms have flush toilets and potable water but there are no showers or laundry facilities."
Laundry restrictions: At some locations, laundry facilities have specific protocols. One camper at Acadia Seashore Camping and Cabins complained about tight restrictions: "You have to sign up to do laundry and schedule your time. I did 2 loads for $14 and my hour was up and one load was not completely dry."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Hadley's Point Campground offers amenities specifically for children. "There is 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," explains Brandy N.
Camp store treasures: Stores at many campgrounds offer more than just essentials. At Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, Melissa N. shares, "My daughter begs to camp here. As with any KOA they have lots of activities throughout the day for families, and a pool, but she loves the ice pop contest. If you find a painted rock and bring it to the office you get a free ice pop."
Cabin spacing considerations: Family cabin rental experiences vary by campground. At Smuggler's Den Campground, Jen V. found "site #16, right across from the office... was huge, fairly level, and well-shaded. Perfect location for those traveling with small kids, as it was just a stone's throw from both the bathhouse and playground."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Some campgrounds offer better RV accommodation than others. Bill V. at Forest Ridge Campground appreciates the "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 Schoodic."
Crowding issues: Campsite density affects RV experiences. Heather C. at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA found "the sites were so close together and it was very crowded. Everyone was really packed in, with no buffer between sites. The 339-342 sites were literally bumper to bumper."
Electric service: Power options vary widely between campgrounds. At Schoodic Woods, "All sites have electric (20/30/50) and some have electric and water only reflected in cheaper prices: $36 RV with electric only sites (20/30/50 amp) and $40 RV with electric and water (20/30/50 amp)," according to Nancy W.
