Camping near Sedgwick, Maine encompasses both inland forest settings and coastal sites within a 30-minute drive radius. The region sits along the Blue Hill Peninsula with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 940 feet at Blue Hill Mountain. Most campgrounds operate with limited cell service, particularly in more wooded areas away from larger towns.
What to do
Kayaking from waterfront sites: At Mount Desert Campground, visitors can rent double kayaks directly from the office for exploring Somes Sound. "We rented double kayaks from the front office for 2 hours and kayaked Somes Sound - it was beautiful water & amazing exploring! A bit more difficult with the ocean currents vs lake kayaking, so keep that in mind with kids," notes Whitney W.
Crabbing from docks: Several coastal campgrounds provide crabbing opportunities with minimal equipment needed. "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!" shares a camper at Mount Desert Campground.
Hiking to lighthouses: At Bass Harbor Campground, campers can walk directly to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse without dealing with parking issues. "It's walking distance to the Bass Harbor Head Light, and that is just beautiful. Rarely is there ample parking at the light, so walking from your site has its advantages," explains Melissa N.
Blueberry picking (July-August): Seasonal blueberry picking is available at several campgrounds. "Blueberry fields free to pick July to August," mentions Tammy H. about Bar Harbor Campground. For mid-summer campers, this provides a unique local activity that requires no additional gear.
What campers like
Ocean access: Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls in Brooklin offers direct water access. "Beautiful, quiet location with views of the deer isle bridge and access to walking the beach. Owners are so nice and friendly and accommodating. Sites are mostly private and have space," according to Jillian B.
Private tent sites: Some campgrounds provide more secluded options for tent campers. "The tent sites are very private. We felt safe and secure. It's quiet and the staff was very friendly," says Melissa N. about Smuggler's Den Campground.
Waterfront platforms: Some tent sites feature elevated platforms to compensate for the rocky, uneven terrain. "Due to the campground sitting among the rocky and mountainous coast line, they have spent the time and money building leveled platforms for all the sites. Without the platforms, the campsites would be quite miserable," explains Melissa W. about Mount Desert Campground.
Local lobster access: Fresh seafood is a highlight for many campers in the region. "Highly highly recommend getting fresh lobster from the local lobster man that lives on the grounds, they even supply you with a pot to boil them!" shares Andrew B. from Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls.
What you should know
First-come, first-served policies: Some campgrounds don't accept reservations. "Show up, find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours," explains Celeste M. about Bar Harbor Campground. "Come in early morning and wait for others to leave to grab the best sites. Or grab whatever is available and look the next morning for who leaves the better sites," adds another camper.
Limited shower facilities: Many campgrounds have coin-operated showers. "Bring quarters! You can definitely shower completely with one session of about 5 minutes," advises Whitney W. Some campgrounds have outdoor shower options: "The campground has amazing outdoor showers!" notes a camper at Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls.
Island Explorer shuttle service: Hadley's Point Campground connects to the Island Explorer bus system. "Best of all, the campground was 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!" explains Brandy N.
Varying site privacy: Privacy levels differ significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "Do your research - not all the sites here are created equal," warns IAN P. about Somes Sound View Campground. At Bar Harbor Campground, "my challenge is the sites were so close together and it was very crowded. Everyone was really packed in, with no buffer between sites."
Tips for camping with families
Accommodations for kids: Smuggler's Den Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Great for all types of camping. We've stayed here in a tent. There is a great playground and a nice pool with slide. Hiking trails connect to the back of the campground for access to Beech Mtn and Echo Lake beach," notes Erin S.
Consider cabin options: For families not fully equipped for tent camping, cabins provide a middle ground. "My family of four stayed in a camping cabin for 5 days. The cabin contained a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds. It also had a private bathroom with metered shower," shares Brandy N. about Hadley's Point Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds provide organized activities. "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 Melissa N. about Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
Swimming options: Both saltwater and freshwater swimming are available. "The BEST part of this campground for our family was Somes Sound and the floating docks," shares Whitney W. "The water was cold but felt great when hot. Watch out for jelly fish!! We took our chances by swimming around them."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds restrict large RVs. "Campers over 20 feet are not allowed. The sites are large however the terrain is difficult to navigate," explains Garrett D. about Mount Desert Campground. For larger rigs, Bar Harbor Campground may be more suitable 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."
Hook-up variations: Availability of full hook-ups varies widely. "Some rv sites are full hookup, some only electric and water, but there is a dump station onsite," notes Nancy W. about Bar Harbor Campground. At Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, electric and water hookups are available with a sanitary dump station, but no sewer connections at individual sites.
RV site spacing: Site proximity is an important consideration. "The RV sites felt a little snug," says Erin S. about Smuggler's Den Campground. Many reviewers mention the close quarters at popular campgrounds, with Heather C. noting some sites were "literally bumper to bumper."
