Cabins near Salsbury Cove, Maine provide access to the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park, located on the mainland approximately 45 minutes from Mount Desert Island. Most cabin rental sites operate from mid-May through mid-October, with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s°F even during summer months. The region experiences significant tidal fluctuations of 10-12 feet, affecting water activities and shoreline appearance throughout the day.
What to do
Hike Ship Harbor Trail: Located near Bass Harbor Campground, this trail offers relatively easy walking with coastal views. "The proximity to Ship Harbor and the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse was great for catching sunrises and sunsets," notes a visitor who appreciated the convenient location for photography.
Kayak from waterfront sites: Several campgrounds offer water access for paddling, though timing is important. "You have about a four-hour window to paddle because of the tides. You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides," advises a camper at Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Visit the quieter side of Acadia: The Schoodic Peninsula section provides similar scenery with fewer crowds. "Driving the one way loop is a joy compared to the loop road on Mount Desert... one feels that you almost have the park to yourself," reports a visitor at Schoodic Woods Campground, noting the more relaxed atmosphere compared to the main park.
What campers like
Waterfront cabin options: Many campers appreciate oceanfront accommodations despite higher costs. At Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, "We got a waterfront lot but the brush is blocking most of view. The park is lovely," notes one reviewer, suggesting guests may want to inquire about specific site visibility before booking.
Evening wildlife experiences: The region offers unique nighttime nature encounters. "One of the nights we heard a bunch of coyotes howling nearby which was pretty cool," reports a camper at Somes Sound View Campground, who stayed for six nights and appreciated the natural soundscape.
Stargazing opportunities: Dark skies make for excellent star viewing conditions. "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," shares a visitor at Seawall Campground, highlighting the astronomical viewing possibilities.
What you should know
Shower facilities vary widely: While some campgrounds include showers, others require additional payment or travel. "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water," reports a visitor at Seawall Campground regarding off-site facilities.
Insect protection is essential: Bug activity can be intense, particularly in wooded areas. "A short drive to the main part of the park & far enough away so that it's not crowded during busy weekends. Just remember to bring a ton of bug repellent, or opt to go during the months where bugs are less mild," advises a repeat visitor to Seawall Campground.
Cell service and wifi limitations: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region. At Schoodic Woods Campground, "WiFi was non-existent unless you got a site near the main office. Cellular reception was very mediocre. If you want to lose contact with family, friends, business... this is the place to go," notes one visitor, suggesting downloads and offline planning.
Tips for camping with families
Consider cabin locations carefully: Family-friendly cabin sites vary in privacy and space. At Hadley's Point Campground, "We noticed lots of families with children staying in the cabins area," observed one family, suggesting this section is particularly suitable for those with kids.
Utilize the Island Explorer shuttle: This free service connects campgrounds to park attractions and eliminates parking hassles. "The campground is 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. Once you arrive at the campground, you wouldn't need to use your car again!" shares a family who stayed at Hadley's Point.
Look for campgrounds with children's activities: Some sites offer specific kid-friendly amenities. "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," explains a parent who stayed at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA.
Tips from RVers
Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds have water quality issues to plan around. "When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," reports a visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, suggesting bringing drinking water might be advisable.
Reserve well in advance for the best sites: Premium spots with views book quickly, especially for larger rigs. "I was traveling with two other motorhomes (caravan) and my site was the smallest. Electric and water was good - no sewer," notes an RVer at Schoodic Woods Campground, emphasizing the importance of early reservations for preferred accommodations.
Dump station timing: Plan departure schedules around potential lines. "There was only one dump station for Loop B. Each RV took about 15 minutes. If you are third in line, you will be waiting..." advises an RVer at Schoodic Woods, suggesting earlier or later checkout times might avoid delays.
