Camping near Salsbury Cove, Maine offers visitors close proximity to Acadia National Park's less-traveled trails and coves. The area sits at roughly 100 feet above sea level, with the surrounding terrain characterized by pine forests and rocky coastlines. Morning fog frequently blankets campsites through June and early July, creating cooler morning temperatures that typically range 10-15°F below daytime highs.
What to do
Tide pool exploration at Schoodic Peninsula: The Schoodic section of Acadia provides excellent tide pooling opportunities with fewer crowds. "The night was clear, the stars out, and the sounds of the Atlantic nearby made a superb camping experience. With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!" notes a visitor to Seawall Campground.
Kayak Somes Sound: Launch directly from waterfront sites to explore the only fjord on the eastern seaboard. "We got a great plot right on the water which was great to wake up to and watch the sunsets on. Located in the center of the island, which makes all the spots in Acadia easy to access," shares a camper at Mount Desert Campground.
Mountain biking on carriage roads: Access miles of car-free gravel paths perfect for cycling. "I've stayed here several times, both with just a few people and with whole groups and every time it has been fantastic. The last time we stayed and it happened to rain a couple of times over our five day trip. This didn't stop us from biking the carriage trails," reports a Blackwoods Campground visitor.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: The Schoodic Peninsula offers exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. "For stargazers, the short walk across the street to the beach will give you some unbelievable views of the milky way when the night is at peak darkness," notes a camper at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Access to Island Explorer shuttle: The free shuttle service connects campgrounds with park attractions and towns. "We used the bus almost every day, and it was super helpful because you do not want to try and find parking in Acadia in the peak season. Two days in a row our car battery didn't start, so one of the staff came with a battery pack to help us," explains a visitor to Hadley's Point Campground.
Wild blueberry picking: Mid-July through August offers wild blueberry harvesting at certain campgrounds. "Mid July to Mid August free blueberries campside," mentions a camper at Bar Harbor Campground, highlighting this seasonal perk for visitors.
What you should know
Reservations essential for waterfront sites: Prime waterfront spots book months in advance. "If you want a waterfront campsite - good luck! They let the families book them year over year so it's hard to get an opening to reserve those sites," explains a camper at Mount Desert Campground.
Insect protection necessary: Mosquitoes can be particularly challenging in wooded areas. "Amazing campground, but bring bug spray! This was my second time going to Seawall campground, I had such a great experience last year I wanted to go back! Just remember to bring a ton of bug repellent, or opt to go during the months where bugs are less mild," advises a camper.
Pay showers at many locations: Shower facilities often require quarters. "The showers are coin operated for warm water. Bring quarters! You can definitely shower completely with one session of about 5 minutes," notes a visitor to Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent sites for more comfort: Several campgrounds offer raised platforms for tent camping. "Many options to stop for firewood on the road to the campground. Despite being a fully booked campground our stay was very enjoyable. It was quiet, other campers were respectful. The bathrooms are dated but clean. There is a designated dishwashing drain to keep animals away from the campsites," shares a Blackwoods Campground visitor.
Campgrounds with fishing opportunities: Some locations offer kid-friendly fishing spots. "The BEST part of this campground for our family was Somes Sound and the floating docks. We purchased a crab bucket with net from the coffee shop one morning for around $10-12. It was well worth it as my kids crab gigged for HOURS off the docks every day!" reports a Mount Desert Campground visitor.
Playgrounds and pools: Some of the best places to camp near Salsbury Cove, Maine include family-friendly amenities. "Located at the Schoodic Institute is the Education and Research Center which offers interesting programs and has a visitor center. The town of Corea has a great waterside restaurant where you can sit outside and eat lobster while watching the boats go in and out," notes a Schoodic Woods visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access at some locations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "This is a tough Campground to get into. Reservations are almost a must. These sites have power and water. Dump station nearby in the park," shares a Schoodic Woods Campground visitor.
First-come sites for flexibility: Bar Harbor Campground offers no-reservation camping popular with RVers. "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. After 4 days and my tanks were full. I found a full hook with sewer $46 and moved for the next week," explains a camper.
Island power considerations: Many campgrounds have electrical limitations. "All sites have electric (20/30/50) and some have electric and water only reflected in cheaper prices. $22 hike-in tent sites (primitive), $30 drive up tent/small RV (20 amp), $36 RV with electric only sites (20/30/50 amp), $40 RV with electric and water (20/30/50 amp)," notes a visitor to Schoodic Woods.
