Mount Desert Island camping options require preparation beyond the typical RV park experience. Winter temperatures drop to 14°F, while summer averages 79°F with high coastal humidity. All major RV parks near Mount Desert close seasonally between mid-October and mid-May, with several reporting water issues during late summer droughts.
What to do
Kayaking near Belfast: The Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort provides convenient water access just minutes from downtown Belfast. "A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out," notes a visitor.
Visit Schoodic Peninsula: Less crowded than main Acadia sections, Schoodic Peninsula offers similar scenery with fewer visitors. A visitor at Mainstay Cottages & RV Park recommends, "If you're looking for a camp site close to Acadia without the crowd, look to MainStay in Winter Harbor. About an hours drive to the main Acadia but just 5 minutes to the Schoodic Peninsula."
Explore smaller coastal towns: Many campers find Northwest and Southwest Harbor less touristy than Bar Harbor. A reviewer at Narrows Too Camping Resort shared, "We love the location of this park. You are just a few miles from the bridge that takes you to Mt. Desert Island where you have Acadia National Park (NP) and the towns of Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and a few other quaint little towns at your fingertips."
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: West Bay Acadia RV Campground restricts outdoor lighting. "They were super smart and put in an outdoor shower so you can rinse the salt water off. Rental kayaks and paddle boards are available or you can bring your own and leave it down at the waters edge. Just make sure you paddle around high tide or else you will be slogging your watercraft through a soft mucky clam flat."
Community gardening: Some RV parks offer unique amenities. At West Bay Acadia RV Campground, "We love the free community garden which has a wonderful selection of produce including strawberries, tomatillos, fresh herbs, beans, lettuces, etc. Feel free to pick whatever you will eat, just leave some for others."
Waterfront access: RV sites with water views command premium rates but offer direct ocean experiences. "Beautiful view, quiet and serene. Not far from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor," mentioned one camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
What you should know
Tidal conditions affect activities: Several oceanfront RV parks experience significant tide changes. "You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides," warns a visitor to Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Water quality varies significantly: Some campgrounds experience seasonal water issues. A camper at Timberland Acres RV Park stated, "The rust level is high in this campground so I didn't feel comfortable washing laundry."
Site selection impacts experience: Not all sites provide equal amenities or views. "Our site wasn't raked before arrival and there were lots of leaves and debris on the site. We camped here in late May 2019 so maybe they were still working on cleaning up after the winter (wet spring)," noted one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Limited child-friendly options: Not all RV parks cater to families with children. A reviewer at Narrows Too Camping Resort observed, "I would primarily recommend this campsite for retirees and couples without children. The park doesn't offer many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool, so families with young children might find it lacking in entertainment options."
Grocery planning saves money: Stock up before reaching Bar Harbor. At Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, one camper advises, "Grab groceries in Ellsworth if you want to save $."
Shoulder season benefits: Visit before mid-June for fewer crowds. "The shoulder season here is the best time to come. Preferably in the spring before mid-June or the fall when the leaves are changing color. Not all businesses and restaurants will be open before mid-June but you will have far less crowds than in the busy summer months," shared a visitor at Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground.
Tips from RVers
Dump station timing: Plan dump station usage carefully in peak season. "We were told that one of the dump stations worked, but as we were leaving, we realized it didn't," reports a camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Site leveling preparation: Most RV parks near Mount Desert Island feature gravel sites with varying leveling needs. "Gravel site was packed and level," noted a camper at Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Island transportation options: Utilize island shuttles during peak season. "During the summer season, there is a free shuttle taking you (and bikes and dogs) to various locations throughout the island and within the park. If you are planning on hiking some of the popular trails (like Precipice, Dorr Mountain, Cadillac Mountain, and the Beehive) definitely take the shuttle. The parking lots are really small and you will not find a spot."