The Acadia National Park region offers numerous camping and glamping opportunities. Most campgrounds operate from May to October, with some extending into early September. Sargentville sits on the mainland side of Deer Isle Bridge, providing convenient access to both coastal attractions and the Mount Desert Island area. Temperatures typically range from 50-75°F during peak camping season with higher humidity near the water.
What to do
Tide pool exploration: 1.5 miles from campgrounds. Several shoreline locations near Seawall Campground offer excellent tide pooling opportunities. "With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!" notes Steve M., who appreciated the natural marine environment.
Stargazing: best after 10pm. The darker skies away from Bar Harbor provide exceptional 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 Kyle R. from Seawall Campground, highlighting one of the region's natural nighttime attractions.
Kayaking: morning launches recommended. Several campgrounds offer direct water access for paddlers. At HTR Acadia, waterfront sites provide convenient launching. "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," explains a camper who enjoyed water activities from their site.
What campers like
Hot showers: available at most campgrounds. Even in more rustic settings, clean facilities remain important to visitors. "The bathrooms were very clean showers were 25 cents/5 minutes. There is a really nice large swimming pool perched right along the water," reports Nancy W. from Bar Harbor Campground, noting the amenities that made their stay comfortable.
Ocean proximity: waterfront sites book quickly. Many campers prioritize waterfront access when selecting campsites. "Our waterfront site 344 was terrific - gorgeous view, and one of the larger waterfront spots," shares Heather C. from Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, emphasizing the premium experience of coastal camping.
Public transportation: Island Explorer bus service. This free shuttle connects many campgrounds to popular destinations. "The Island Explorer bus for Acadia National Park stops at the campground, so you have easy access without driving, if desired," explains a camper from Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, highlighting this convenient transportation option.
What you should know
Reservation policies vary widely. Some popular campgrounds don't take reservations at all. "Bar Harbor Campground is first come first serve. Show up, find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours," explains Celeste M., detailing the unique system at this location.
Site selection impacts privacy. Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. "Sites are large and well spaced apart. Bathrooms were clean. We loved the view from the top of Mt. Battie," says Jacki B. about Camden Hills State Park Campground, highlighting the spacious nature of state park camping.
Shoulder season benefits. Visiting in late May/early June or September offers fewer crowds. "We arrived just a few days after the park opened for the season so the campground was especially quiet," notes one Camden Hills camper, pointing out timing advantages.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: varies by campground. Some locations offer dedicated children's facilities. "There's a swing set from the 1970's, a picnic shelter, and the trails," describes a Camden Hills visitor, noting the limited but available recreation options for children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: dawn/dusk best. Several campgrounds provide nature spotting right from camp. "We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" reports Michael K. from Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, sharing an exciting wildlife encounter.
Budget-friendly cabin options: $50-70 per night. Alternative glamping in Sargentville, Maine area provides affordable shelter options. "My wife and I rented a 'hobbit' cabin for our anniversary for 3 nights at 50 dollars a night—it was a great deal," shares Micah B. about his experience at Quietside Campground, highlighting value accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Limited site availability for larger rigs. Many campgrounds have size restrictions or limited large sites. "Clean, orderly and peaceful. Great campground for small rigs, pull behinds, vans and tents," explains Deborah W. about Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, clarifying size limitations.
Hookup variations: check campground specifics. Electric, water, and sewer connections vary widely between and within campgrounds. "I first had a tent space facing the ocean $36. 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," describes Celeste M., detailing their strategic approach to site selection at Bar Harbor Campground.
Road navigation challenges. Some campgrounds have tight turns or narrow access roads. "Roads in the park are paved but some corners can be a little tight for big-rigs, best to unhitch your tow car up front in case you have to back up," advises Nancy W., sharing practical driving tips for larger vehicles.
