Glamping near Otis, Maine centers around the Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor region, where temperatures range from mid-70s in summer to below freezing in winter. The area features a mix of oceanfront and wooded terrain, with most glamping sites situated within 30-45 minutes of Acadia National Park's 158 miles of hiking trails. Seasonal fluctuations affect availability, with most operations closing from late October through April due to harsh Maine winters.
What to do
Kayaking on Branch Lake: Branch Lake Camping area offers direct water access where campers can enjoy paddling on the 26.5-mile perimeter lake. "We sat our chairs in the water and cooled down everyday and floated on our noodles. Great relaxing place. We had loons come in close to our site. Saw an Eagle too," notes one visitor to Branch Lake Camping area.
Blueberry picking: The Bar Harbor Campground features wild blueberry fields with free picking available during mid-summer. "Mid July to Mid August free blueberries campside," mentions a regular visitor to Bar Harbor Campground.
Shoreline exploration: Lamoine State Park provides access to a rocky beach area perfect for tide pooling and shell collecting. "Quick walk to a beautiful beach with lots of rocks and shells to comb through! Sunset was epic!" reports one camper who visited the park.
What campers like
Island Explorer shuttle access: Many campgrounds connect to the free Island Explorer bus system, eliminating parking concerns in congested areas. "The shuttle bus takes 50 minutes to get to Bar Harbor, by car it's closer to 30. The campground was on the Island Explorer bus route, which is a series of busses that take you to different areas of Acadia National Park and into the surrounding towns," explains a visitor to Seawall Campground.
Waterfront camping options: Several campgrounds near Otis offer direct waterfront sites. At HTR Acadia, "We stayed right by the water and it was just breath taking. Restrooms were clean and the owners/workers are nice and helpful," reports one glamper.
Peace and quiet away from crowds: Campgrounds on the "quiet side" of Mount Desert Island provide a respite from busier Bar Harbor. "Lamoine State Park is a great option if you want to be close to Acadia but away from the crowds," states a visitor to Lamoine State Park Campground.
What you should know
First-come availability system: Some campgrounds don't accept reservations. "No reservations taken so get there early to get his sites," advises a regular at Bar Harbor Campground, where you "Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours."
Limited cellular connectivity: Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly at campgrounds farther from towns. "We didn't have reliable cell service," notes a camper at Seawall Campground.
Off-season limitations: Most glamping operations close by mid-October. "Very nice sites, flush toilets and showers. I got a lake view site but also forested sites available. Pet friendly camping," shares a visitor discussing seasonal options.
Tips for camping with families
Playground and activity options: Hadley's Point Campground offers structured activities for children. "Also a nice playground area for kids to enjoy," mentions a camper at Hadley's Point Campground.
Kid-friendly programs: KOA locations in the area provide organized activities specifically for children. "my daughter begs to camp here. 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," shares a parent from their experience at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA.
Cabin options for easier family camping: Several locations offer cabin accommodations that simplify camping with kids. "our family of four (my Husband and I and our 2 boys) stayed in a camping cabin for 5 days at the end of June. The cabin contained a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds. It also had a private bathroom with metered shower," reports a family who stayed at Hadley's Point.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds offer a variety of hookup options. "Is a first come first serve campground. Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours. I first had a tent space facing the ocean $36. Very close to the Pool for one night. Next morning I found an electric and water spot $40 close by and moved."
Leveling challenges: Some campsites in the region require significant work to level RVs. "Many sites are not flat and require significant leveling if in an rv. Some sites have more buffer than others, but in general I would not say that there is great privacy between sites," cautions an RV camper about Lamoine State Park.
Local amenities: RVers staying at Bangor Holden KOA appreciate full-service amenities. "Pros: Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP) Lots of Amenities. Cons: Gravel site, Not much shade," notes an RV camper about their stay.
