Camping near Islesford, Maine centers around Mount Desert Island with elevations reaching 1,530 feet at Cadillac Mountain. The quiet side of the island remains less congested during peak summer months, when temperatures typically range from 55-75°F. Fall camping offers colorful foliage displays through October, though nights can dip into the 40s requiring warmer sleeping gear.
What to do
Tide pool exploration: 1-2 miles from Bass Harbor. Bass Harbor Campground provides access to marine ecosystems waiting to be discovered. A camper noted, "It's walking distance to the Bass Harbor Head Light, and that is just beautiful. Rarely is there ample parking at the light, so walking from your site has its advantages."
Night sky viewing: 30-45 minutes from Bar Harbor. HTR Acadia offers exceptional stargazing opportunities from Mount Desert Island's less developed side. According to reviews: "This is truly a stunning little spot and it was so peaceful" with "spectacular ocean views and stargazing opportunities."
Kayaking from camp: Direct water access. Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls offers water activities right from the campground. A camper shared: "We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" The rocky coastline provides ideal conditions for exploring by boat.
Sunrise hiking: Early morning starts recommended. The eastern facing shores offer dramatic sunrise views. A visitor to Seawall mentioned: "With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!"
What campers like
Budget-friendly yurt options: Around $50-70 per night. For those interested in yurt camping near Islesford, Maine, Hadley's Point Campground provides affordable yurt accommodations. A visitor explained: "The cabin contained a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds. It also had a private bathroom with metered shower. 50 cents got you a hot, 7 minute shower, which was plenty of time!"
Primitive beach camping: Direct ocean access. Waterfront sites allow campers to fall asleep to ocean sounds. At Bar Harbor Campground, a visitor shared, "Hubby used the outdoor shower and thought it was great. Rather than toilets, the CG provides 'privies' - basically permanent porta-potties in nice large wood sheds. All were exceptionally clean."
Blueberry fields: Peak season July-August. Several campgrounds feature wild blueberry picking during summer months. One camper noted: "Blueberry fields free to pick July to August. Pay showers. No reservations though."
Alternative camping structures: Cabins, yurts, and unique shelters. Quietside Campground offers distinctive accommodations: "My wife and I rented a 'hobbit' cabin for our anniversary for 3 nights at 50 dollars a night it was a great deal." These structures provide a middle ground between tent camping and full accommodations.
What you should know
First-come, first-served challenges: Arrive by 9am for best sites. Some campgrounds don't take reservations, requiring early arrival. A Bar Harbor Campground visitor explained, "Come in early morning and wait for others to leave to grab the best sites. Or grab whatever is available and look the next morning for who leaves the better sites."
Site selection importance: Level sites limited. Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Lamoine State Park Campground, "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."
Shower availability: Limited hours, coin-operated. Most facilities require quarters for showers. One camper reported: "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water."
Public transportation: Seasonal shuttle service. Island Explorer bus service doesn't start until late June. A visitor noted: "Shuttle doesn't run until late June. Pool is cold in June. WiFi is spotty."
Tips for camping with families
Private swimming spots: Ocean temperature 55-65°F summer. Families can find protected swimming areas at several campgrounds. One parent shared: "The pool is perched right along the water, nice little nature trails/dog walking areas, laundry, game room, shuffleboard, playground, water access, arcade, and more."
Playground accessibility: Walking distance from sites. Camping parents appreciate designated play areas. At Lamoine State Park, "There is a playground on the way to the ocean view!"
Kid-friendly activities: Daily programs in season. Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA offers organized activities for children. A visitor mentioned: "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."
Yurt camping for families: Beds included. Yurt camping near Islesford provides comfort for families with young children. One family reported: "The sites were equipped with hammock trees, fire rings, picnic tables, and even running water and electricity!"
Tips from RVers
Water hookup challenges: Bring extra hose. Some campsites have awkwardly placed water connections. A visitor noted: "Our site has water and electric on the wrong side. Excellent shower house."
Site selection for larger rigs: Call ahead. Not all campgrounds accommodate bigger RVs. One RVer shared: "Roads in the park are paved but some corners can be a little tight for big-rigs, best to unhitch your tow car up front in case you have to back up."
Dump station locations: Limited availability. Plan waste management carefully. A camper advised: "Not all sites full hookup but it's coming next year. Would stay again."
Generator restrictions: Quiet hours strictly enforced. Most campgrounds limit or prohibit generator use. According to one RVer: "There are no hookups and limited generator hours, but there is a dump site and water available to fill."
