Camping in Georgetown, Maine ranges from coastal park sites to inland forest options within 40-55 miles of Acadia National Park. Winter temperatures average 10-35°F while summer averages 55-75°F with frequent fog rolling in from the Atlantic. Many campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, with limited or no winter camping available due to the harsh Maine winters.
What to Do
Kayaking from oceanfront sites: Acadia East Campground offers easy access to coastal paddling opportunities. "We recently stayed three nights at the Acadia MTN campsite. This was my first time camping and we (my boyfriend, pup, and I) had a blast...Short drive from some great hikes. We took the pup to Schoodic Head trail & also Taft Point Preserve which was a very close by gem," reports Jess T.
Apple picking during late summer: At Bar Harbor Campground, seasonal fruit grows right near campsites. "Mid July to Mid August free blueberries campside," notes Tammy H. The campground's location provides easy biking access to Bar Harbor as well, with Kevin W. explaining: "Rode our bicycles to Bar Harbor, a little over 12 miles round trip."
Rocky coastline exploration: The region offers numerous opportunities to explore Maine's distinctive coast. "McClellan Park offers a campground with light on amenities, heavy on coastal views," writes Shari G. "Just a few miles off the beaten track of Route 1 in Milbridge, Maine, lies a simple and inexpensive little campground with few amenities but with direct access to a stunning, rocky coastline."
What Campers Like
Quieter camping alternatives: Schoodic Woods Campground provides a more peaceful experience than other areas. "Nice campground! First two nights I was in a hike-in site. Way up top H2. Quite a hike uphill. The view was great. And on second night I could watch the fog roll in," shares Donna D. The campground features both hike-in and drive-up options.
Free transportation options: The Island Explorer shuttle system connects many of the best places to camp near Georgetown, Maine. "The campground is on the Island Explorer bus loop, which is the bus that takes you all around Mount Desert Island, to Acadia, and Bar Harbor. We used the bus almost every day, and it was super helpful because you do not want to try and find parking in Acadia in the peak season," explains Jenna L. from Hadley's Point Campground.
Platform camping sites: Many tent campers appreciate the level wooden platforms available at some campgrounds. "Due to Covid this was all I could find for a planned Acadia trip in the fall. After my stay, I can honestly say it was worth the cost and I would highly recommend the campground," writes Melissa W. "Since the campground sits among the rocky and mountainous coast line, they have spent the time and money building leveled platforms for all the sites. Without the platforms, the campsites would be quite miserable."
What You Should Know
Shower availability varies significantly: While national park campgrounds often lack shower facilities, private campgrounds typically offer them, though often at additional cost. "The bathrooms have flush toilets and potable water but there are no showers or laundry facilities. There are some places in the nearby town of Winter Harbor that have shower facilities of which the ranger station has information on," notes Nancy W. about Schoodic Woods.
Site selection factors: Campground layout and site characteristics differ widely throughout the region. "Very clean bathroom and dish wash station. Free bus ride around the loop and to the schoondic point. One dump station for the whole campground and can get crowded near checkout time," advises Jae H.
Reservation policies: Mount Desert Campground has high demand for certain premium sites. "They have amazing water sites right on Somes Sound, but my understanding is that they book fast and are reserved months in advance, typically by the same families who go back year after year (and understandably so!)," explains Danielle V.
Tips for Camping with Families
Platform tenting options: Families with tents will appreciate the wooden platforms available at some campgrounds. "Stayed here as a family for our first time in Acadia- it was awesome! Lots of cool trails to explore within the campground and lots of privacy! Facilities were clean and it was very dog friendly," shares Molly G. about Blackwoods Campground.
Cabins for easier family stays: For families wanting more shelter, cabins provide a good alternative. "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," writes Brandy N. about Hadley's Point.
Water activities for kids: Water access keeps children entertained. "A good campground in a absolutely wonderful park. There's a lot of trees around so even though the campsites are close together they feel very private. Good amount of bathrooms, trash cans, and water spickets," notes Jenna L.
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Some campgrounds have strict limitations on the size of RVs they can accommodate. "Campers over 20 feet are not allowed. The sites are large however the terrain is difficult to navigate. There is NO dump station located at the campground however a few miles down the road, there is a campground that allows you to use theirs for a $20.00 fee," warns Garrett D. about Mount Desert Campground.
Hookup availability: Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers full-service sites and unique accommodations. "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," reports J B.
Electric connections: Some sites provide electrical service but not full hookups. "All sites have electric (20/30/50) and some have electric and water only reflected in cheaper prices," explains Nancy W., detailing the 2017 rates: "$22 hike-in tent sites (primitive), $30 drive up tent/small RV (20 amp), $36 RV with electric only sites (20/30/50 amp), $40 RV with electric and water (20/30/50 amp), $60 group tent sites."
