Camping near Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine features several established campgrounds nestled within its forested landscape. Blackwoods Campground and Seawall Campground offer traditional National Park Service camping experiences with sites for tents and RVs. The surrounding area includes privately operated options like Mount Desert Campground, Bar Harbor Campground, and Schoodic Woods Campground. Most facilities provide basic amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, and fire rings, while some private campgrounds offer additional services including electrical hookups, showers, and dump stations. Cabin accommodations are available at Seawall Campground, Schoodic Woods Campground, and several private operations like Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA and Smuggler's Den Campground.
The camping season throughout the Acadia region typically runs from May through October, with most facilities closing during winter months due to harsh conditions. "The campground is spacious and fairly quiet. It is super close to some great hiking trails in Acadia National Park. It is also a 10-15 mins ride to Bar Harbor," noted one visitor about Blackwoods Campground. Reservations are strongly recommended for all campgrounds in the area, particularly during peak summer months when facilities regularly reach capacity. National Park campgrounds like Blackwoods and Seawall do not have showers on-site, though coin-operated shower facilities are available just outside these campgrounds. Most sites can accommodate both tents and small to medium-sized RVs, while some private campgrounds like Bar Harbor Campground offer big-rig friendly spaces with full hookups.
Many campers appreciate the proximity to natural features and park attractions. From Blackwoods Campground, several reviews mention the short walking path to ocean views, with one visitor noting "a five minute walk away in which you can sit on a cliff side while soaking in a stunning view of the ocean." Campground proximity to hiking trails, Bar Harbor, and key park attractions like Sand Beach and Jordan Pond makes these locations strategically valuable for exploring Acadia. The Island Explorer shuttle bus service connects many campgrounds to various destinations throughout the park during peak season, reducing the need to drive and park at popular locations. While National Park campgrounds offer more rustic experiences with no hookups or showers, they provide the advantage of being centrally located within park boundaries, allowing for early morning and late evening access to popular destinations.












