Cabins near Milbridge, Maine offer camping options along Maine's rugged Downeast coast where the Atlantic meets rocky shores and dense forests. Located approximately 45 miles east of Ellsworth, this region experiences cool summer evenings with average July temperatures around 75°F during the day and 55°F at night. Most campgrounds in the area operate on well water systems, which can sometimes affect water pressure during peak season.
What to do
Explore Schoodic Peninsula: Just 30 minutes from Milbridge, the quieter section of Acadia National Park features coastal hiking with fewer crowds. "This campground is a gem! It is located on the Schoodic Peninsula which is the quieter side section of Acadia National Park but no less breathtaking. Here you get to enjoy the hiking and biking trails, amazing coastal scenery, quaint towns, and a peaceful campground in one of America's top 10 parks without the crowds and craziness of Bar Harbor," notes a visitor at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Kayak Mount Desert Narrows: Launch directly from campsites at several locations with protected water access. "We had a waterfront site 344 that was terrific - gorgeous view, and one of the larger waterfront spots. We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," reports a camper at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA.
Visit local fishing communities: The towns of Winter Harbor and Corea offer authentic Maine fishing village experiences. "The town of Corea has a great waterside restaurant where you can sit outside and eat lobster while watching the boats go in and out," recommends a reviewer from Schoodic Woods Campground.
What campers like
Ocean views and direct water access: Waterfront sites provide front-row seats to coastal Maine's natural beauty. "The sites are 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... 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," shares a visitor at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA.
Clean facilities despite high usage: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathhouses even during peak season. "The bathrooms are very clean, as well as everything else. Quiet peaceful, we were so happy we extended our stay and rebooked to come back next month!" reports a camper at Smuggler's Den Campground.
Local knowledge from owners: Family-operated accommodations near Milbridge offer personalized recommendations. "The owners are incredibly friendly and had a lot of great recommendations for things to do and where to eat," notes a guest at Acadia Seashore Camping and Cabins.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Secure sites 3-6 months ahead for July-August stays. "This is a tough Campground to get into. Reservations are almost a must," advises a camper at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Bug preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, especially in wooded sites and at dusk. "No matter if you wear long sleeves and long pants, plus use bug spray, the mosquitos are vicious. Between gnats and mosquitos, sitting outside to eat is nearly impossible," warns a visitor at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Shower facilities vary widely: Some campgrounds offer free showers while others charge per use or have limited facilities. "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water," reports a camper at Seawall Campground.
Water quality considerations: Well water systems may have aesthetic issues at some properties. "And there is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," notes a camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for temperature swings: Pack layers as coastal Maine evenings can drop 20°F from daytime highs. "The night was clear, the stars out, and the sounds of the Atlantic nearby made a superb camping experience. With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!" shares a visitor at Seawall Campground.
Consider unique accommodations: Specialty cabins appeal to children and create memorable experiences. "This campground is absolutely adorable. RV, tent, Treehouse camping to camping out in a Teepee! I surprised my husband with the Teepee—we were not disappointed! A huge Teepee with a very comfortable queen size bed- a couch, table, area animal rugs, coffee maker and a fan if needed," describes a guest at Cottonwood Camping & RV Park.
Use the Island Explorer shuttle: Free transportation connects campgrounds with attractions, eliminating parking hassles. "The campground is on the Island Explorer bus loop, which is the bus that takes you all around Mount Desert Island, to Acadia, and Bar Harbor. We used the bus almost every day, and it was super helpful because you do not want to try and find parking in Acadia in the peak season," advises a visitor at Smuggler's Den Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Research specific site dimensions before booking as sizes vary dramatically. "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. it's the simple things in life, right? we tent camp, without power, so we are way out back. no car noise, Private, a bit of a walk to the showers and bathrooms but the privacy is worth it," notes a visitor at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA.
Plan for dump station lines: Factor extra time on departure days, especially at larger campgrounds. "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... Since there is no sewer, you would think they would offer more than one dump station," cautions a visitor at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Water and power hookups: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups with dump services available. "Our site was nice, staff was decent. One worker was somewhat short and condescending towards me, but overall alright," shares a camper at Schoodic Woods Campground.
