Camping near Lamoine, Maine provides direct access to the Frenchman Bay shoreline with sites situated on terrain that ranges from flat grasslands to sloped woodlands. Most campgrounds in the region sit at sea level, creating high humidity conditions during summer months with overnight lows typically in the 50s even in July and August. Water temperatures rarely exceed 60°F in summer, making coastal swims refreshing but brief for most campers.
What to do
Kayaking from waterfront sites: At Mount Desert Campground, visitors can rent double kayaks from the front office to explore Somes Sound. "We took our chances by swimming around them. Wear life vests!" advises Whitney W., who notes ocean currents make kayaking more challenging than lake paddling.
Biking through Acadia: Stay at Blackwoods Campground for easy access to the Acadia carriage trails. "Could get up and walk to loop road with my bike, or go a little further and sit on the boulders overlooking the sea," shares מלאכי א., highlighting the convenient location.
Tide pool exploration: The rocky shoreline near Seawall Campground offers excellent tide pooling opportunities. Steve M. describes his experience: "With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!"
What campers like
Shuttle access: Many campgrounds connect to the Island Explorer bus system. "We were able to walk to the shuttle pickup and ride it to all stops in the park, and to Bar Harbor. It was so convenient!" explains Roxanne R. about her stay at Blackwoods Campground.
Private wooded sites: HTR Acadia (formerly Somes Sound View) offers secluded camping spots. "Sites are nice size, fairly private and mostly level," notes Rita, while Sam L. adds, "The sites were equipped with hammock trees, fire rings, picnic tables, and even running water and electricity!"
Less crowded beaches: Campers appreciate the quieter shoreline access. "It felt more like camping with the ocean as the background. It poured all night so we took off pretty early," reports Joshua B. about his experience at Bar Harbor Campground, where sites face Frenchman Bay.
What you should know
Limited hookup availability: Not all waterfront sites have full services. Lynette L. warns about Mount Desert Narrows: "I thought I had full hookups. Come to find out none of the oceanfront sites have sewer. They do have a honey wagon that will pump you out on Mondays and Fridays for $25 a pop."
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds don't accept reservations. "Bar Harbor Campground is first come first serve. Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours," explains Celeste M. about their system.
Site leveling challenges: Many coastal sites require significant adjustment. "Some sites have platforms to put your tent on. The office even has hammer and nails for you to use to secure everything," reports Clean Slate D. about Mount Desert Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Beach exploration access: Lamoine State Park Campground offers easy shore access for kids. "Quick walk to a beautiful beach with lots of rocks and shells to comb through! Sunset was epic!" shares Erin W., emphasizing the natural treasures for children to discover.
Organized activities: For families seeking structured fun, consider Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA. Melissa N. reports, "My daughter begs to camp here. 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."
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature play areas. "Nice site, great location and clean bathhouses. Great place to camp close to Acadia and Bar Harbor," writes Jimmy M. about Lamoine State Park, noting its playground on the way to the ocean view.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate large rigs. Mount Desert Campground limits RVs to under 20 feet. "Campers over 20 feet are not allowed. The sites are large however the terrain is difficult to navigate," cautions Garrett D.
Corner navigation: Some campgrounds require careful maneuvering. Kelly B. shares about Mount Desert Campground: "It's a big campground with a maze of well marked, one-way roads. We took advantage of the island shuttle which picked us up right at the campground."
Water quality concerns: Test water before filling tanks. "When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," reports Lynette L. about Mount Desert Narrows. Multiple reviewers recommend filling tanks in Ellsworth before arriving at coastal campgrounds.
