Several campgrounds near Sandy Point provide seasonal camping options from mid-May through mid-October, with varying degrees of amenities and natural settings. The region's tidal patterns create dramatic water level changes of 10-12 feet, affecting waterfront activities and views at oceanside campgrounds. Winter Harbor and Stonington offer quieter alternatives to the busier Mount Desert Island area, with significantly fewer crowds but similar coastal Maine landscapes.
What to do
Visit Schoodic Peninsula: Located just 10 minutes from West Bay Acadia RV Campground, the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park offers less crowded trails and coastal views. "This small campground opened in 2021 and has amazing waterfront views and nice full hook-up sites," notes one visitor who appreciates the proximity to this quieter section of the national park.
Explore local islands: Take the ferry from Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor for a day trip from Mainstay Cottages & RV Park. "Located on Winter Harbor, great views. Steps away from the small ferry that goes to Bar Harbor and a few minutes to Schoodic Peninsula," reports a camper who enjoyed this strategic location.
Stargaze under dark skies: The region offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from light pollution. At West Bay Acadia RV Campground, "campers are asked to turn outside lights off so there is no light noise to interfere with the beautiful sky full of stars, planets, and meteor showers," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many rv sites near Sandy Point, Maine feature water views or direct shoreline access. At Narrows Too Camping Resort, visitors appreciate the scenic location. "We got a site on the water with lots of room. Water and 30-amp electric, some are full hook up, and a dump station. The site was easy to get into, and reasonably level. Lots of shade, and a steady breeze off the water," reports a satisfied camper.
Community gardens: Some campgrounds offer unique amenities like shared garden spaces. West Bay Acadia RV Campground provides "a free community garden which has a wonderful selection of produce including strawberries, tomatillos, fresh herbs, beans, lettuces, etc. Feel free to pick whatever you will eat, just leave some for others."
Local seafood access: Many campers enjoy buying fresh seafood directly from nearby docks. "Live lobster can be bought off the dock at the nearby town of Corea," notes a visitor to the Gouldsboro area, while others mention nearby lobster pounds for convenient seafood meals.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks in the region operate from May through October. Timberland Acres RV Park runs "Mid May to Mid October," and visitors note its convenient location: "30 minutes from Acadia National Park, 50 AMP, sewer & water hookup, nice amenities," though some mention "gravel site, no shade" as potential drawbacks.
Tidal considerations: Waterfront activities are significantly impacted by tides. At West Bay Acadia, you need to "make sure you paddle around high tide or else you will be slogging your watercraft through a soft mucky clam flat." Plan water activities according to the 10-12 foot tidal ranges.
Cell service and internet: Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds. While some parks invest in robust systems, others have limited connectivity. As one camper at West Bay noted, "the Wi-Fi is so awesome that you are given free reign to stream, zoom, or surf without restrictions."
Tips for camping with families
Consider campground amenities: Not all parks cater equally to children. At Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, a visitor observed it "seems to be targeted at older crowd with no playground or pool. Sites are very clean, good space, well laid out and pretty level."
Plan for weather variations: Coastal Maine experiences significant fog, especially in mornings. One camper at Mt Desert Narrows shared, "It was too foggy!" Pack appropriate layers and have indoor activities ready.
Check for seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events during peak season. "They have weekly events like ice cream socials and an Elvis impersonator. The staff is really friendly and helpful and the campsite is very clean and well maintained!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For optimal camping experience, research specific sites before booking. At Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground, a visitor recommends: "We stayed is site U1 which was fantastic. Last site on the deadend road and was very secluded."
Alternative dump options: Not all oceanfront sites offer sewer connections. "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," notes one camper sharing valuable information for extended stays.
Tree clearance awareness: Navigate RV parks carefully when trees are present. Some visitors caution about low-hanging branches in densely wooded campgrounds, noting they "had to go pretty slow to avoid hitting tree branches. Parking under the pines also meant a lot of sap on our roof which was a bear to remove."