Best Campgrounds near Mount Desert, ME
Mount Desert, Maine encompasses a network of coastal campgrounds primarily centered around Acadia National Park, with options ranging from national park sites to private campgrounds along the rugged Atlantic shoreline. The area features three distinct Acadia National Park campgrounds: Blackwoods and Seawall on Mount Desert Island, plus Schoodic Woods on the mainland Schoodic Peninsula. Private options include Mount Desert Campground on Somes Sound, Bar Harbor Campground, and several KOA locations. Most campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, ocean views, and proximity to Bar Harbor's amenities. According to campers, the sound of ocean waves can be heard from exterior sites at Seawall Campground, creating "a very pleasant way to sleep."
The camping season in Mount Desert generally runs from May through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer visits when the area experiences high visitation. Blackwoods Campground operates from May 1 to October 31, while Seawall has a shorter season from late May to early September. Weather conditions vary significantly throughout the season, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60-80°F in summer and 50-60°F in spring and fall. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with better connectivity near Bar Harbor and limited or no service in more remote areas like Seawall Campground. One visitor noted that "T-Mobile and Verizon did not provide any service" at Seawall, while Schoodic Woods offered "1-2 bars of LTE" suitable for basic email.
The camping experience varies significantly between locations on Mount Desert Island. The eastern side near Bar Harbor tends to be busier with more amenities and closer proximity to popular park attractions. The western "quiet side" offers more secluded experiences but requires longer drives to main park features. The Island Explorer shuttle service connects many campgrounds to Bar Harbor and park destinations, reducing parking challenges during peak season. Campers report that Schoodic Woods, opened in 2015, offers "the most pleasant, clean, accommodating camping experience in the National Park" but requires "close to an hour each way" to reach main park attractions. Most national park campgrounds lack showers, though nearby pay facilities are available, while private campgrounds typically offer full amenities including showers, laundry, and camp stores.
