Looking for an adventure where you can explore Machias and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in Maine with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Machias, Maine's most popular destinations.
Five walk-in tent sites, located in the Huckins Meadow. During summer and fall, 2021 tent sites are available on a first-come, first serve basis. No reservations.
***Walk-in camping rules: -Please bring your own drinking water, there is no potable water at Huckins Beach. -Maximum stay: three nights. -No campfires permitted at any Cobscook Shores parklands. -Visitors shall respect the quiet enjoyment of nature.
Some of these sites are clothing optional. Please read below for details:
No frills at all. Camp at the edge of a small brook or close to it. There is a fire ring. Adults over 18 only. No kids allowed. These sites are the furthest from the port o potty and hose and everything else. Invisible to other campers or neighbors, this can be your chance to sit naked by the campfire or see what it is like to sleep with nothing between yourself and the stars but your skin. Very secluded part of our grounds. These are our only Naked sites and if filled on your dates please check out our others in Camping With Wolves, which are slightly less primitive.. or the comfy Cadillac Mt View Loft and Hammock site. Clothing is optional only in the Raw and Rough sites. That means you can also choose to keep it on ! . It is very important that you call two zero seven six six seven three two four four to be certain we know of your reservation and arrival . Call for last minute booking. It can be arranged but YOU MUST CALL. Not use the app method of calling. It does not necessarily reach us immediately. If we are able to answer, you may be in luck if there is a no show . Do not expect luxury. You may need to walk in depending on weather and your vehicle. If the weather is above freezing, the will likely be bugs.
$40 - $100 / night
Partridge Pond Trail (moderate, 1.7 miles): Provides access to Partridge Pond and a campsite in 1.3 miles. At 0.8 miles the trail intersects the Ducktail Pond Trail. At 1.1 mile the trail forks: the right fork ends at the Partridge Pond and campsite in 0.2 miles; the left fork continues for 0.6 miles on the west side of Partridge Pond before it dead ends. Campsites are primitive. Each authorized site has a fire ring, picnic table, and privy. Amherst Mountains Community Forest is a 4,974 acre Public Lands parcel with recreation trails and ecologically important forestland surrounding six ponds in the town of Amherst. Wildlife, including peregrine falcons, brook trout, deer, bear, partridge, and woodcock, thrive here; and thousands of migratory birds arrive each spring to nest on these lands. Secluded remote pond camping, hiking, snowmobiling, and ATVing are available here. There are primitive campsites at each pond, with an outhouse at Ducktail Pond and a small box style privy ("wet willie") at Partridge. If camping, camp responsibly.
Guide
Campground is large but very well designed. About half of the sites are spacious but others are more crowded. Very well maintained with cleaning crew in everyday to maintain restrooms and trash receptacles. The campground has access to ocean trails and Cadillac Mountain. No showers in the campground but private showers are available right outside the campground. The park shuttle has a stop at the campground and I never had to drive out of the campground. It was awesome since I visited at the busiest time of the year.
Scout
We thought our camp site was perfect . There was just enough privacy for us. Plenty of trees between us and our neighbors. The showers were easy to use and got hot fast, 5 minutes was honestly long enough. The area was nice and clean. There was even a great view when walking my dog. Acadia was about 16-20 minutes away depending on where you wanted to go. Would definitely stay again.
Legend
We spent 3 nights in Acadia National Park. Our first night was at the Blackwoods Campground and the last 2 were at the Schoodic Woods Campground. This review is for Schoodic Woods.
Before visiting Acadia I didn't realize that the 2 areas of Acadia National Park are pretty far from each other. Blackwoods Campground is on Mount Desert Island and is only about a 10 minute drive to Bar Harbor whereas Schoodic Woods Campground is on the Schoodic Peninsula and is closer to an hour away. I found Schoodic Woods to be more peaceful and more spaced out than Blackwoods. It felt further removed from the usual action of a national park. The sites were large and private. We stayed in a long, pull through site which I honestly tend to avoid because they sometimes feel less private but that was definitely not the case here. Our site had electricity, water hook ups and a fire ring.
The bathroom (no showers) was probably the nicest and cleanest I've ever been to at a campground.
There are several hiking paths from the campground including one that takes you down to the bay which is about a mile away. The Schoodic Peninsula has a ring road which you can drive around and we stopped at Schoodic Point which was spectacular- huge waves crashing against the rocks. The small town of Winter Harbor is also only about a 5 minute drive from the campground.
All in all, I really loved this campground. We had a very peaceful time!
GuideBusy but nice sites-all are pull through- fairly flat and wide for some privacy. Facilities clean-no cleaning station or hot water. Busier part of the park but very central to all - stayed here 2 nights in the RV/non-electric loop and then had a spot at Seawall which was much quieter and private (stayed in tent only on seawall…) short walk from campground to small ocean vista. Also left from the campground to hike Cadillac Mtn South Trail (no pass needed!)
LegendMost private national park camping sites I’ve ever experienced
Traveler
This campground is beautiful, in a great location and perfect for tent, camper van or very small trailer camping.
We stayed on two sites due to the availability of the waterfront site we wanted.
The first night we were on site C29. This site was OK, it had water and electric, was level and easy to park a small camper on. The site also had a view of the ocean across the street and down the boat ramp. With that said, the site wasn't as private as others as it was on a corner
The next two nights we stayed on site B7. this site also had water and electric, the site was private and had a tent platform. There was a nice view of the water and direct water frontage, the water access was pretty steep so you probably wouldn't be launching a kayak or swimming from it, but probably could cast a fishing line if you wanted. Most of the waterfront sites can not accommodate a trailer so we lucked out with this site. It appears sites B5 and B6 could also accommodate a small trailer.
As for the rest of the campground, it was very well maintained, bathrooms and showers were always clean, campers were quiet and respectful.
The gathering spot is a good place to grab a coffee or pastry, I just wish they had a small camp store for supplies.
Proximity to the main attractions at the park and Bar Harbor was also great.
Ranger
Nice and quiet during our stay. Friendly staff and clean facilities.
Ranger
The KOA staff were very friendly and helpful, the facilities were very clean, and the store was well-stocked. The sites were a bit close, but the neighbors I had during my stay would be out and about during the day if I didn't happen to be out and about in Acadia NP or Bar Harbor myself... so that kind of made up for it. The first few nights of my stay was spent in the "Premium" section where we were on the other side of the road from the "Oceanfront" sites--it almost felt like Oceanfront sites when Big Rigs weren't blocking the view. The next 5 nights we were at an "Oceanfront" site, which was really great and worth the extra money to watch the seals, birds, and easy access for kayaking. HOWEVER--despite knowing privacy isn't really something you can find at most KOAs, it was SHOCKING to me the lack of social awareness some people have at sunset. Despite being next to the public oceanfront area (where lovely chairs and tables are provided) people would literally walk to the Oceanfront campsites and stand there snapping photos or just hanging around at sunset, even if my husband and I were sitting down at our picnic table eating our dinners and trying to enjoy the sunset together. (Picture provided [with blocked faces) of just one of the couples one evening standing right next to our firepit... maybe 10ft from where we were setting up dinner on our picnic table.) So... be prepared with how to handle that if it's something you think may bother you, too.
Scout
Not well known.
Legend
Little bit of noise, but ok
RangerNice little campground. $15/night now and is paid through a slot at the office/restroom building (see pictures).
Ranger
Sites are right on top of each other--better hope you like your neighbor! Otherwise, good location if you're traveling in a van/RV to the Lubec area and want a spot near town. Showers are a bit tiny, but great in that they're not coin-op nor on a timer.
Scout
Pay no attention to any reviews that are a year older as there are new owners now. The prices have tripled and there are 7 pages of rules you have to sign off on!! This campground has lost its personality! The previous owners were fantastic and extremely accommodating. New owners are invisible and everything is automated online and pricing is ridiculous! This used to be a very busy place but not anymore! I hope the new owners figure it out before it’s too late!
Ranger
Picked this location because it was close to several locations we could take day trips to the coast.
Visited Bar Harbor, Eastport and several places in between.
Because of those activities, we spent most of our time here sleeping and preparing 1-2 meals a day.
Evenings here were pretty quiet and not much traffic after dark. Bathroom was good but no water or garbage service.
Ranger
Stayed for two nights after Labor Day. Only one other camper in the park and we never saw them but occasionally we could hear a voice. Other than that, it was quiet.
There are about 9 campsites, each with a picnic table, a fire ring and a large camping and parking area for each site.
The best feature of this campground is the view. There is a Lake on both east and west sides of the camping area. Three sites are view of both lakes from the camp sites. I woke up to a view of one lake and my wife saw the other lake from our camper.
The campground has three pit toilets. The large size of the camp sites makes it feel more secluded than it is
We did hear something like a lumber mill operating one morning. Not sure what that was all about.
A Ranger stopped by and visited with us. He then offered us a brochure on the camping area we are planning to visit next. Nice customer service right at our camp site!
ScoutDespite taking place during the period of social distancing, everyone at the SF-160 campsite strictly followed the clearly posted epidemic prevention regulations. This created a safe and comfortable space for everyone. Experience Traffic Jam 3D right now!
ScoutI stayed in a small site, just me and my vehicle. I asked for a quiet spot with elec and the site was perfect. It is basic, but more like what you would find at national parks, which I prefer MUCH MORE. My spot was shaded and level enough to have a tent, vehicle, chairs and table (not provided at my site), and they have a fire ring.
It isnt the usual RV sites that are sterile and squished in like sardines, so if thats what you looking for, this isnt it.
I paid $36 for my night, on par with national/ state parks, but much cheaper than most commerical camping grounds. The area is a little overpriced, so it was nice to stay somewhere reasonable, especially at the end of the season.
THere isnt wifi, my car (ATT) got better service than my phone (Tmobile).
The road is decent, maybe a few spots to watch out for, and they ask you to keep the speed down (5mph) so they are trying to take care of it (or not let it get torn up too much)
I didnt use the shower, but the bathroom was plumbed.
TravelerThe Bar Harbor KOA delivered what it promised, but I am not sure we’d return. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They deliver nicely bagged firewood and have daily garbage pickup. The bathrooms were clean and camp store well stocked. The Island Explorer bus for Acadia stops at the campground. There are rv, tent, and cabin options. Our waterfront site was terrific - gorgeous view, and we could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The fire pit was big and sturdy. There were great sunrises and sunsets. The location is an easy drive for downtown for Bar Harbor, North East Harbor and South West Harbor.
My challenge with the KOA is the sites were so close together. Everyone was really packed in, with no buffer between sites. The 339 - 342 sites were literally bumper to bumper. It is a very busy campground. If you are looking for privacy, this is not the place to go.
ScoutWe just spent 4 wonderful nights here and it is possibly my favorite campground, ever. The campground is relatively new and although they could have fit more sites in here, I am so glad they did not. The sites are carefully designed so that although you might hear your neighbor you likely will not see them. We sleep in our van and also have a tent for storage and changing. Every tent site has electric, and water is available at the bathhouse. There is also a dishwashing station there, as well as trash, recycling, and food scrap bins. There are no showers, but you can wash up in the bathhouse and also heat water at your site for a quick wipe down. That was fine for us for 4 nights. There are some negative reviews on here about the lack of showers but maybe this is just not the campground for them. There are plenty of other campgrounds in the area that have showers. If that's what you're looking for ....
We stayed at A48 and loved it. The driveway is deep, so we felt very secluded, especially at night. The only thing we didn't like about this site is that the fire ring is in the middle of the site. We moved the picnic table to the side and had room, but it did. limit our options for the tent a little bit.
This is a dark sky park so no string lights or anything like that and as a result it is also VERY quiet at night. Very dog friendly and everyone seemed very responsible as far as no barking and picking up after their pets.
At night we drove over to Fraser Point and took amazing photos of the northern lights. Not for the feint of heart, though — it is VERY dark! This is such an amazing campground, I almost don't want to tell you because it feels like a hidden little secret!
TravelerHello! I love camping. This is a great vacation for me. I really like to rest in nature. Fortunately, I found the best solution for myself best literature review writing service and these authors helped me a lot. For me, this is an incredible pleasure, but during the session at the university, I cannot do it, I have a lot of tasks. Come experience the charm and convenience of Bar Harbor Campground, where your perfect camping getaway awaits.
Traveler
Overall, this was a nice place to stay. The laundromat was helpful. The bathrooms were fairly clean. We had a beautiful view from our campsite! Not all campsites had full hookup and we were told that one of the dump stations worked, but as we were leaving, we realized it didn’t.
Legend
Pros: 30 minutes from Acadia National Park 50 AMP, sewer & water hookup Nice amenities
Cons: Gravel site No shade
LegendPros: Location overlooking Johnson Bay 50 AMP & water hookup 4 miles from eastern most point in US
Cons: Gravel site No shade No sewer hookup
GuideWell maintained campground with clean bathrooms right the heart of the park. I love that the southern ridge trailhead for Cadillac mountain leaves from the campgrounds and connects to a bunch of other trails. Campsites are close together but that’s on par for all the national parks. And big shoutout to Ferd and the other rangers at the station for helping me clean and dress a wound when I clipped my finger with my hatchet. They were all very kind and patient.
Guide
This was really a beautiful spot to set up camp. I stayed here for only 1 night as I had reservations in Acadia (about 45 minutes outside Acadia) but I will absolutely come back in the future. The hike in is only about 1/2 mile so it’s totally doable even if you need to make two trips. The spots are secluded enough but not isolated. People in the other campsites were very friendly and respectful. Had dinner on the beach as the sun set behind the lake and the hike the next morning was a good climb for only about a 3+ mile hike.
Guide
This is a huge campground. So many of the campsites here are lovely, many with views of the water and the amazing change of tides. Some are perched on a slope with tent platforms level but not much else on the site is. Pit toilets. There are showers at the main area, a bit of a walk or drive. There is a boat launch area a short distance away and the kayaking is great. This campground was so quiet and peaceful. We loved it.
TravelerThe owners were so incredibly nice and helpful! They not only surprised our girls with picks of their own antique dolls on arrival but they gave us their own brochure with hidden gems all around the area. We got to hike some of the best spots without the crowds and even got to catch starfish at a spot nearby. The sites are a bit crowded but the view we had more than made up for it. We will 100% be returning!
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Machias, ME is Fair Head — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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