Glamping options around Sorrento, Maine sit along the edge of Frenchman Bay, where the rocky Maine coastline meets the Atlantic Ocean. The area experiences average summer high temperatures around 74°F, making it a comfortable retreat from the heat that affects other parts of the country. Luxury camping accommodations range from well-equipped cabins with modern amenities to more rustic yurt options, all positioned to maximize access to Acadia National Park and the surrounding coastal wilderness.
What to do
Beach exploration: 10-15 minute walk from Bass Harbor Campground to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse for sunset viewing. "We stayed here the first night ever camping in Acadia. Tent campers have a much prettier space than RV, as with most campgrounds, and they have a lot across the main road which is perfect for tent camping," notes Melissa N.
Kayak from your campsite: HTR Acadia (formerly Somes Sound View) offers waterfront sites with direct water access. "Great campground. Staff is helpful, sites are clean. Definitely a tent friendly place. 90% of the sites are well shaded, and most have plenty of room," according to IAN P., who enjoyed exploring the area by water.
Wildlife observation: At Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, guests can spot marine wildlife. "We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" shares Michael K., highlighting the natural encounters possible during luxury camping near Sorrento. The campground provides chairs overlooking the channel for optimal sunset and wildlife viewing.
Stargazing at Seawall: The short walk across the street to the beach at Seawall Campground offers 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," says Kyle R.
What campers like
Heated pool amenities: Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA provides waterfront relaxation with swimming options. "The KOA staff were very friendly and helpful, the facilities were very clean, and the store was well-stocked. The sites were a bit close, but the neighbors I had during my stay would be out and about during the day," explains Meghan B.
Private tent sites: At Quietside Campground, platform tent sites provide comfort and stability. "Sites were spaced out enough for privacy. We had a site with a wooden platform that was perfectly level. There was enough tree cover that we didn't get soaked during the rain," Les R. explains.
Free transportation: The Island Explorer shuttle stops at multiple campgrounds. "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 because you do not want to try and find parking in Acadia in the peak season," advises Jenna L. from Hadley's Point.
Blueberry picking: Bar Harbor Campground offers seasonal berry harvesting. "Blueberry fields free to pick July to August. Pay showers. No reservations though," explains Tammy H., highlighting an activity that can be enjoyed right from your glamping site.
What you should know
First-come, first-served policies: Bar Harbor Campground doesn't take reservations. "This large campground overlooks Frenchmens bay. Large pool. Inexpensive laundry. Blueberry fields free to pick July to August. Pay showers. No reservations though. Come in early morning and wait for others to leave to grab the best sites," advises Tammy H.
Busy season challenges: "During the sun set, a lot of people are out on the rocks, which are directly in front of some of the waterfront sites, including site 344 - so you may be sharing your area with others," notes Heather C. about the KOA, warning that privacy can be limited even at premium sites.
Shower costs: At Lamoine State Park Campground, the facilities are well-maintained but come with fees. "Showers were surprisingly good and often cleaned," says LoneCamper C., who appreciated the cleanliness despite the cost.
Limited cell service: "We didn't have reliable cell service," reports Karla J. B. about Seawall Campground, an important consideration for those planning luxury camping trips that still require connectivity for work or emergencies.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: "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," shares Melissa N. about KOA's family programming.
Campsite selection for privacy: "We tent camp, without power, so we are way out back. No car noise, Private, a bit of a walk to the showers and bathrooms but the privacy is worth it," advises the same reviewer, highlighting the tradeoff between amenity proximity and quiet space.
Playground access: Hadley's Point Campground offers recreational facilities for children. "Also a nice playground area for kids to enjoy," mentions Melissa L., noting that the campground balances natural settings with family-friendly amenities.
Budget-friendly cabin 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," reports Micah B. about Quietside Campground, highlighting affordable glamping options for families near Sorrento.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: "When you arrive, you get a map, find an empty site, get set-up and then go back to the office to register. Once you're in the park if you want a different site that has a better view or FHU's, the best thing to do is drive or walk around the section you are interested in and if you see someone packing up put a personal item (chair, table cloth, etc.)," explains Nancy W. about Bar Harbor Campground's unique system.
Shuttle services: "The shuttle has a bike rack so you can bring your bike and pets are allowed," adds Nancy, noting the flexibility of public transportation for RVers wanting to explore without moving their rigs.
Limited RV sites at premium locations: "A little bit unusual in that you can't make a reservation. We were able to drop in and get a nice RV site. Spent two comfortable nights. Rode our bicycles to Bar Harbor, a little over 12 miles round trip," shares Kevin W., highlighting both the spontaneity and exercise options at Bar Harbor Campground.
Leveling challenges: At Lamoine State Park, "Many sites are not flat and require significant leveling if in an RV. Some sites have more buffer than others, but in general I would not say that there is great privacy between sites," warns Heather C., providing practical advice for large vehicle setup.
