Glamping and cabin experiences near Seal Cove, Maine position visitors on the western side of Mount Desert Island where temperatures average 5-10 degrees cooler than inland regions. Located about 30 minutes from Bar Harbor, this quieter area offers direct access to Ship Harbor and Wonderland trails without the eastern shore's crowds. Water temperatures rarely exceed 55°F even in summer months.
What to do
Stargazing along the water: At Seawall Campground, visitors can experience exceptional night sky viewing. "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 Kyle R. The campground's location offers stargazing without city light pollution.
Kayak from your site: Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA provides water access for paddlers. "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. (If you don't have a waterfront site, there are 2 water access areas that anyone can launch from). The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," shares Heather C.
Blueberry picking: The Bar Harbor Campground offers seasonal berry picking opportunities. "Blueberry fields free to pick July to August," mentions Tammy H., giving campers an authentic Maine experience without leaving the grounds.
Ocean wildlife viewing: While staying at waterfront sites, watch for marine life. At Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, one camper reported, "We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" Making this a memorable nature experience for visitors.
What campers like
Free public transportation: The Island Explorer shuttle service makes exploring Acadia convenient. A camper at Hadley's Point Campground states, "The campground is on the Island Explorer bus loop, which is the bus that takes you all around Mount Desert Island, to Acadia, and Bar Harbor. We used the bus almost every day, and it was super helpful."
Unique accommodations: Quietside Campground's distinct lodging options receive consistent praise. "My wife and I rented a 'hobbit' cabin for our anniversary for 3 nights at 50 dollars a night it was a great deal," notes one reviewer, mentioning both value and novelty.
Waterfront proximity: HTR Acadia (formerly Somes Sound View) provides premium water access. "This campground was great. Beautiful view of the water. Highly recommend the waterfront sites," shares Jessica P., highlighting the appeal of oceanside camping in this region.
Heated amenities: Some campgrounds offer comfort features during cooler weather. At Bass Harbor Campground, a guest appreciated that "Weather was a bit cold when we were there, but there was a space heater" in their cabin, allowing for comfortable camping even during chilly coastal evenings.
What you should know
First-come basis: Bar Harbor Campground operates without reservations. "No reservations taken so get there early to get his sites," advises Tammy H. This system allows flexibility but requires early arrival, especially for premium locations.
Shower arrangements: Facilities vary between properties. Cheryl K. notes about Quietside Campground, "The bath house we went into had one shower for the men and one for the women. The toilet and sinks were combined into one stall with 2 stalls for the men and 2 stalls for the women."
Seasonal bugs: Insect preparation is essential for comfort. "Just remember to bring a ton of bug repellent, or opt to go during the months where bugs are less mild," advises Kyle R. about Seawall Campground.
Off-grid considerations: Some glamping sites have limited connectivity. While discussing Bass Harbor Campground, Laura L. mentioned "There is no WiFi and limited generator hours," informing guests to prepare accordingly for minimal digital access.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for kids: Lamoine State Park Campground offers water recreation alternatives to ocean swimming. "There is a day use area with a playground on the way to the ocean view!" notes Shelby L., providing options for family entertainment.
Cabin spacing: When booking glamping accommodations with children, consider site placement. At Hadley's Point Campground, "We noticed lots of families with children staying in the cabins area. The campground itself had a heated swimming pool," observes Brandy N.
Activity planning: Some locations offer organized recreation. At Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, "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," shares Melissa N.
Bathroom proximity: With young children, consider facilities access. A parent staying at Seawall noted, "They had nice clean bathroom facilities with running water, electricity, and a dish-wash station," making family meal cleanup more manageable.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For RV campers seeking specific amenities, timing matters. At Bar Harbor Campground, one RVer explained, "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."
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds have infrastructure limitations. At HTR Acadia, a camper mentioned "Water pressure was low, but the WiFi was awesome," suggesting travelers prepare accordingly with full freshwater tanks.
Leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. At Lamoine State Park, "Many sites are not flat and require significant leveling if in an RV," warns a reviewer, recommending bringing adequate leveling blocks for comfort.
Off-season advantages: Shoulder season visits offer fewer neighbors and easier bookings. A traveler at Seawall noted, "Several sites were open each night in our loop," during their September visit, indicating better availability for larger rigs outside peak summer months.
