Lamoine State Park sits on Frenchman Bay, offering camping on 55 acres of coastal terrain with an elevation of 30-60 feet above sea level. The area experiences mild summer temperatures averaging 75°F during peak season, with cooler nights in the 50s. Campsites here require significant leveling for RVs, while tent sites offer more flexibility on the sloped terrain.
What to do
Explore Acadia via shuttle: When staying near Lamoine, use the Island Explorer bus to access Acadia National Park. "The shuttle stops at the campground so you can hitch a ride downtown or to the park and not have to worry about parking. The shuttle has a bike rack so you can bring your bike and pets are allowed," notes a visitor to Bar Harbor Campground.
Kayak from oceanfront sites: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for kayaking. "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," shares a camper at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA.
Stargazing at Seawall Beach: For exceptional night sky viewing, take a short walk to the beach areas. "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," recommends a visitor at Seawall Campground.
What campers like
Quiet alternative to Acadia crowds: Campgrounds near Lamoine offer peaceful settings away from busier areas. "Lamoine State Park is a great option if you want to be close to Acadia but away from the crowds," notes a reviewer at Lamoine State Park Campground.
Blueberry picking opportunities: Seasonal wild blueberries grow at several campgrounds. "Mid July to Mid August free blueberries campside," mentions a camper at Bar Harbor Campground, providing a unique local experience during summer stays.
Clean facilities throughout the area: Campgrounds consistently maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were very clean showers are 25 cents/5 minutes. There is a really nice large swimming pool perched right along the water," reports a visitor at Bar Harbor Campground.
What you should know
First-come system at some campgrounds: Not all locations accept reservations. "This is a first come first serve campground. Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours," explains a camper at Bar Harbor Campground.
Limited shower facilities: Some national park campgrounds lack on-site showers. "There are no showers or laundry facilities. There are some places in the nearby town of Winter Harbor that have shower facilities," notes a reviewer at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Pay showers common at private campgrounds: Most private campgrounds charge for showers. "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water," reports a visitor to Seawall Campground, highlighting the limited availability.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for kids: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools for children. "The campground had a pool, playground and pet-friendly cabins near Bar Harbor," mentions a visitor discussing pet friendly camping near Lamoine, Maine at Hadley's Point Campground.
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Some locations offer planned family events. "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," shares a parent about Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA.
Select sites near playgrounds: For families with young children, location within campgrounds matters. "Perfect location for those traveling with small kids, as it was just a stone's throw from both the bathhouse and playground," recommends a camper at Smuggler's Den Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup sites available: Many campgrounds offer only partial hookups. "Some sites have electric and water only reflected in cheaper prices," explains a reviewer at Schoodic Woods Campground, noting the pricing differences.
Morning dump station lines: Plan ahead for departure on busy days. "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," warns an RVer at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Check site levelness before committing: Many sites in the region require significant leveling. "Many sites are not level. Some also are grass covered rather than gravel so you might inquire if it is important to avoid a grassy site," advises a visitor to Lamoine State Park Campground who found pet friendly camping near Lamoine, Maine.