Hancock, Maine serves as a convenient gateway to the Acadia region with shoreline options that extend beyond Mount Desert Island. Located at sea level with average summer temperatures of 70-75°F, the area offers tent and RV sites with proximity to multiple bodies of water. Hancock's location provides access to camping on both the mainland and nearby peninsulas that don't experience the crowding common to Bar Harbor locations.
What to do
Beach exploration: 5 minutes from Lamoine State Park Campground provides opportunities for shell collecting and tide pool observation. "The campground is right on the ocean" with "a playground on the way to the ocean view," notes one camper who appreciated the waterfront access.
Stargazing: Best after 10pm at Seawall Campground where minimal light pollution creates exceptional viewing conditions. "Walk down to the beach just outside seawall on a clear night for some of the best stargazing you'll ever see," advises one visitor who enjoyed the night sky views.
Kayaking: Morning launches recommended from HTR Acadia where waterfront sites provide direct water access. A reviewer mentioned, "Great campground. Staff is helpful, sites are clean," adding that the "proximity to Acadia National Park, Southwest Harbor, and all the great things to do in the area is perfect."
Lighthouse visits: 10-minute walk from Bass Harbor Campground to the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. "It's walking distance to the Bass Harbor Lighthouse, and that is just beautiful. Rarely is there ample parking at the light, so walking from your site has its advantages."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Quietside Campground offers a peaceful alternative to busier Bar Harbor locations. "Quietside campground's worst feature is it is about a half hour to the major areas of Acadia National Park. Other then that the campground is a very nice, basic campground," explains one camper who appreciated the tranquility.
Transportation options: Free shuttle service from Hadley's Point Campground eliminates parking concerns. "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."
Yurt camping near Hancock, Maine: Lamoine State Park offers distinctive yurt accommodations with wooden platforms and proximity to water. "Sites at the top are grassier with more sun, and the sites near the water have more shade," notes one camper, describing the variety of settings available for yurt and tent camping in the Hancock area.
Shower facilities: Many visitors mention the well-maintained shower buildings at Bass Harbor Campground. "The best part was the hot showers. It was so nice after a full day of hiking and biking to wash off in a warm shower," shares a camper who appreciated this amenity after outdoor activities.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Bar Harbor Campground operates on a first-come basis with a unique site selection process. "This is a nice campground located close to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The campground does not take reservations so you can pick whatever open site you want and if you want to extend your stay, you can," explains one camper.
Site elevation differences: Many campgrounds feature significant grade changes between sites. "Sites at Lamoine State Park are in rows, from the top of the campground down to the water. Many sites are not flat and require significant leveling if in an rv."
Wi-Fi availability: Signal strength varies significantly by location. Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA offers reliable connectivity. "The WiFi was awesome," notes one visitor to HTR Acadia, though others at different campgrounds report spotty service.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October. "This was an extraordinary find! Their reservation system was straightforward, many diverse campsites—some with ocean view, others with real privacy," notes a visitor to Lamoine State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hadley's Point Campground offers play structures and recreational facilities. "Also a nice playground area for kids to enjoy," mentions a reviewer who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.
Swimming options: Branch Lake Camping Area provides beach access with shallow entry points. "We sat our chairs in the water and cooled down everyday and floated on our noodles. Great relaxing place," reports a camper, noting the "playground, a nice area to keep kayaks if your not on the water."
Alternative accommodations: Yurt camping in Hancock, Maine provides a middle option between tents and cabins. Quietside Campground offers unique structures: "Stayed here in the weekend I proposed, to my now wife. Excellent hiking. Sweet tiny cabins," reports one visitor describing the distinctive lodging options.
Bus transportation: Many campgrounds connect to the Island Explorer system. "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."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA offers complete utility connections though sites are close together. "A bit pricey, but it is a nice location and the free island bus stops right at the KOA," notes one RVer about the convenience factor.
Dump station logistics: Some campgrounds offer scheduled service. Branch Lake Camping area provides an onsite option: "They offer a pump out service twice a week which is nice," mentions a reviewer who stayed for an extended period.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the region require significant adjustment. "Many sites are not flat and require significant leveling if in an rv. Some sites have more buffer than others, but in general I would not say that there is great privacy between sites."
Water pressure considerations: Several campers note variable utility performance. "Water pressure was low, but the WiFi was awesome," observes one visitor, highlighting the trade-offs common to coastal Maine camping.
