Seasonal weather at Hulls Cove ranges from summer daytime highs around 75-80°F with cool nights dropping to 50-55°F to fall temperatures between 45-65°F. The camping season typically runs from late May through mid-October, with September offering less crowded conditions but requiring warmer sleeping gear as overnight temperatures can dip into the 40s.
What to do
Hiking on less-traveled trails: The Ship Harbor Trail and Seawall areas accessible from Seawall Campground provide excellent coastal exploration without the crowds. "A short drive to the main part of the park & far enough away so that it's not crowded during busy weekends. Just remember to bring a ton of bug repellent, or opt to go during the months where bugs are less mild," notes Kyle R.
Stargazing from oceanside locations: The dark skies near campgrounds offer exceptional night sky viewing. At Seawall Campground, "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," shares reviewer Kyle R.
Kayaking from waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for paddlers. At Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, Julian M. mentions, "We rented a site next to the ocean, and it was great!" Another camper adds, "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site."
Fishing from public docks: Lamoine State Park offers fishing opportunities from its public dock area. As one camper noted, "The public dock is an interesting spot to watch in the evening as boats are unloaded."
What campers like
Free shuttle transportation: The Island Explorer shuttle stops at multiple campgrounds, eliminating parking hassles. At Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, a visitor notes: "The Island Explorer bus for Acadia National Park stops at the campground, so you have easy access without driving, if desired."
Dishwashing stations: Several campgrounds provide dedicated facilities for cleaning dishes. At Schoodic Woods Campground, one camper appreciated that "A dish-washing station is located at the bathrooms which is really handy and kept clean."
Off-peak camping: September offers less crowded conditions with similar amenities. "We stayed in mid September. Lovely campground, new bathrooms with dishwashing sink. Quiet and peaceful. Plenty of space and privacy between sites," shares Cheryl K. about Schoodic Woods.
Oceanfront sunrises and sunsets: Waterfront sites provide stunning daily shows. "The water access areas has a number of chairs for sitting and relaxing, or people walk out on the rocks. There were great sunrises and sunsets at the park," reports Heather C.
What you should know
First-come, first-served options: Not all campgrounds require advance booking. Bar Harbor Campground operates differently: "Is a first come first serve campground. Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours," explains Celeste M., adding "Next morning I found an electric and water spot $40 close by and moved."
Shower availability varies: Some campgrounds have limited or no shower facilities. At Seawall, "There are restrooms in the campground, but no shower houses. The shower house is located in a separate facility about a mile from the campground entrance."
Bug preparation essential: Mosquitoes and biting insects can be intense, particularly in wooded areas. "Just remember to bring a ton of bug repellent, or opt to go during the months where bugs are less mild," advises Kyle R. about camping at Seawall.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require equipment for leveling. At Lamoine State Park, "Many sites are not level 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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Hulls Cove feature play areas for children. At Smuggler's Den Campground, Seth W. notes: "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."
Campground activities: Look for organized events at family-oriented campgrounds. At Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, Melissa N. shared: "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."
Quiet side locations: For families seeking less crowded experiences, consider campgrounds on the "quiet side" of Mount Desert Island. Smuggler's Den Campground is "Great for all types of camping. We've stayed here in a tent. There is a great playground and a nice pool with slide. Hiking trails connect to the back of the campground for access to Beech Mtn and Echo Lake beach," notes Erin S.
Kid-friendly beaches: Several campgrounds offer access to beaches suitable for children. Lamoine State Park features "a playground on the way to the ocean view" and "Quick walk to a beautiful beach with lots of rocks and shells to comb through!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For last-minute camping at popular pet-friendly campgrounds, arrive early in the day. At Bar Harbor Campground, one RVer suggests: "Come in early morning and wait for others to leave to grab the best sites. Or grab what ever is available and look the next morning for who leaves the better sites."
Full hookup availability: When needing all services, research options in advance. The Bar Harbor Campground offers multiple hookup types: "I first had a tent space facing the ocean $36. Next morning I found an electric and water spot $40 close by and moved. After 4 days and my tanks were full, I found a full hook with sewer $46 and moved for the next week."
Dump station timing: Plan accordingly as facilities can get congested. At Schoodic Woods Campground, "There was only one dump station for Loop B. Each RV took about 15 minutes. If you are third in line, you will be waiting..."
Backup travel plans: Having contingency options is important in this popular area. "We loved this site as a place to explore Acadia National park from. Definitely check out ship harbor trail and the seawall, both very close and walking distance from the campground."
Ranger
