Best Campgrounds near Isle au Haut, ME
Isle au Haut, Maine offers a mix of camping experiences from remote island sites to established campgrounds. Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut itself provides tent-only camping within Acadia National Park, accessible primarily by boat. The surrounding region includes several developed campgrounds like Seawall and Blackwoods on Mount Desert Island, as well as private options such as Greenlaw's RV Park near Stonington, which serves as a gateway to Isle au Haut via ferry.
Reservations are essential for Duck Harbor Campground, which operates from May 15 to October 15 and has extremely limited availability. According to one visitor, "Perfect island for exploring the close-by Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park, but very hard to get reservations at Duck Harbor Campground." Most camping in the region requires advance planning, particularly during summer months when facilities reach capacity. The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) maintains several island camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago near Isle au Haut, though these primitive sites require membership and proper preparation. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and many island sites have no fresh water sources or facilities, requiring campers to bring all supplies.
The coastal camping experience near Isle au Haut features stunning ocean views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers consistently mention the pristine natural setting and stargazing as highlights. Several visitors noted the unique experience of island camping, with one describing "a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising" from their site. The mainland campgrounds provide more amenities, with Seawall and Blackwoods offering tent and RV sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. Private campgrounds in the region typically provide additional services like showers, electrical hookups, and camp stores. The quiet atmosphere of the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park offers an alternative to the more crowded Mount Desert Island campgrounds while still providing access to similar coastal landscapes.
