RV camping near Northport, Maine provides coastal access while avoiding the higher-priced accommodations closer to Acadia National Park. Located on the western shore of Penobscot Bay, Northport's surrounding campgrounds typically open from mid-May through mid-October, when coastal Maine temperatures range from 50-75°F. The region's 10-12 foot tidal changes affect both waterfront campsites and water activities at several locations.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for paddlers. At Patten Pond Camping Resort in Ellsworth, "There is a small beach at the lake where you can swim and kayak (for rent)," according to Mara S. The campground is set back from major roads, providing a quieter experience.
Explore Stonington: While farther from Northport, Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground provides access to an authentic Maine fishing village. "Located near Stonington, it is near the harbor, restaurants, a sand beach and the ferry to Isle au Haut. Opportunities for Kayaking, SUP's and hiking abound here on a quiet island," notes Bob W.
Acadia alternatives: The Schoodic Peninsula offers access to Acadia National Park without the crowds. "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," advises Brent H.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Unlike many oceanfront RV parks, some campgrounds offer more spacious sites. "This is a small, wooded campground with large private sites. They are working to improve the campground everyday," reports Ian R. about Greenlaw's RV Park, where payment systems are refreshingly simple: "No deposit for reservations and payment is online."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for their amenities. At Timberland Acres RV Park in Ellsworth, Jessica D. notes "Showers & boathouse was clean and showers were some of the best I've had on a campground. Good water pressure & hot." This campground also provides convenient access to shopping and services.
Quieter camping options: Several campgrounds offer more serene alternatives to busy Bar Harbor locations. "This has to be one of the prettiest campsites we've stayed in. On the water, shaded. Serene," writes Lynette L. about Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, though she cautions about water quality issues and dated bath facilities.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Several campgrounds have reported water issues. "There is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," notes Lynette L. about Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort. Bringing water for drinking or confirming current conditions before arrival is advisable.
Ocean sites have tidal limitations: Waterfront sites offer views but practical challenges. At Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, "I thought I had full hookups. Come to find out none of the oceanfront sites have sewer. They do have a honey wagon that will pump you out on Mondays and Fridays for 25$ a pop," Lynette L. reports.
Facility maintenance inconsistency: Quality of bathrooms and facilities varies significantly between campgrounds. Some parks have older facilities: "The bath houses are horrible. Badly in need of modernization and upkeep. Every morning the toilets were stopped up. The showers were mildewy," according to a review of Mt Desert Narrows.
Tips for camping with families
Limited family-focused amenities: Many campgrounds cater more to adults than children. At Narrows Too Camping Resort in Trenton, Paulina B. advises: "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."
Beach access considerations: Sandy beaches are limited in the region. At Patten Pond Camping Resort, one camper mentioned "a small beach at the lake" where swimming is permitted, unlike many bodies of water in the area that serve as public water supplies.
Family-friendly locations: Some campgrounds provide better options for children. At Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, Kasey M. shares: "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide. There is a kayak launch as well, and pool, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Many parks have varying quality between sites. At Narrows Too Camping Resort, Katie notes: "Some nice sites, but definitely at a premium. We were given a site along the highway, and I was very unhappy there. The site isn't even in the main campground area. No privacy and lots of road noise."
Off-season benefits: Visiting before peak season offers advantages. At Pumpkin Patch RV Resort in Hermon, Nancy W. shares: "The price was decent for the area($46+tax/night) for a full hookup site but they also offer discounts for Good Sam/FMCA/military/Passport America and have better rates for weekly/monthly/seasonal stays."
Grocery planning: Stock up in larger towns before heading to remote campgrounds. As Kasey M. suggests at Mt Desert Narrows: "Tip: Grab groceries in Ellsworth if you want to save $."