Sorrento, Maine sits at an elevation of about 100 feet above sea level on the northern shoreline of Frenchman Bay. The area experiences coastal maritime weather patterns with cool summers averaging 75°F and cold winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Camping options around Sorrento include a mix of waterfront and wooded sites, with seasonal availability typically running mid-May through October with autumn requiring advance reservations due to increased demand during foliage season.
What to do
Kayaking on tidal waters: West Bay Acadia RV Campground offers direct water access with tidal considerations. "There is a nice path leading to an overlook and down to the water which is tidal. There is a beautiful cleared spot at the waters edge with a swing so you can enjoy the view and watch the tides (and seals come and go)," notes one visitor who recommends planning paddling around high tide to avoid "slogging your watercraft through a soft mucky clam flat."
Explore Schoodic Peninsula: Located approximately 10 minutes from Mainstay Cottages & RV Park, the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park offers less crowded trails and coastal views. "If you're looking for a camp site close to Acadia without the crowd, look to MainStay in Winter Harbor. About an hours drive to the main Acadia but just 5 minutes to the Schoodic Peninsula," explains a camper.
Community garden harvesting: Some campgrounds like West Bay Acadia RV Campground offer unique amenities. "We love the 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," notes a camper who appreciated this unusual feature.
What campers like
Shoulder season benefits: Visiting during spring or fall provides advantages. "The shoulder season here is the best time to come. Preferably in the spring before mid-June or the fall when the leaves are changing color. Not all businesses and restaurants will be open before mid-June but you will have far less crowds than in the busy summer months," explains one visitor to Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Dark sky viewing: Stargazing opportunities exist throughout the region with some campgrounds particularly dedicated to this experience. "Another great thing about this park is that it is a certified dark sky park. 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," notes a camper at West Bay Acadia.
Smaller towns accessibility: Many campers prefer exploring less busy areas. "The smaller island towns of Northwest Harbor and Southwest Harbor were more our style than the touristy Bar Harbor. Check out the farmers market in Northwest Harbor and the Common Ground Soup Kitchen in Southwest Harbor for hot delicious popovers," recommends a Narrows Too visitor.
What you should know
Water quality variations: Several campgrounds in the region have water issues worth noting. At Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, a visitor noted "The staff and campers were all very friendly and welcoming. Much of the population consists of seasonal campers with huge RVs and Motor Homes. It's very adult oriented, super quiet, and super clean."
Tide considerations: Coastal campgrounds experience significant tidal changes affecting water access. At Jonesport Campground, a reviewer explained "You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides," advising visitors to track tide schedules when planning water activities.
Weather preparedness: The coast brings specific conditions requiring preparation. A camper at Mt Desert Narrows notes, "We bought our rv and headed out from Ohio the same night, on the path to get to our very first camping experience. The site we got had an awesome view of the water, and the campsites were not too close together. Would gladly go back, just earlier in the season so we could enjoy the views better in bar harbor. It was too foggy!"
Tips for camping with families
Limited kid-friendly options: Not all campgrounds cater to children. A reviewer at Narrows Too notes, "I would primarily recommend this campsite for retirees and couples without children. The park doesn't offer many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool, so families with young children might find it lacking in entertainment options."
Seasonal activities for children: During summer, some campgrounds offer special programs. At Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, a visitor reports "I love this campsite. They have sites right on the water, a gift shop, pool, laundry, game room, free showers and the times that I've been there they've had weekly events like ice cream socials and an Elvis impersonator."
Check playground availability: Only select campgrounds offer play areas. "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide. There is a kayak launch as well, and pool, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season," notes a Mt Desert Narrows visitor, highlighting the importance of confirming seasonal amenity availability.
Tips from RVers
Optimal site selection: At Timberland Acres RV Park, a visitor advises, "I would recommend requesting a site other than 66 or 67 because it backs right up to the water pump system for the RV park, which is quite loud when the pump turns on and off. Other than that, campground was great."
Connection access varies: Internet and cellular service can be unpredictable. A Timberland Acres camper noted, "Showers & boathouse was clean and showers were some of the best I've had on a campground. Good water pressure & hot. Lots of seasonal campers. Everyone was pretty friendly."
Seasonal site availability: RV camping near Sorrento, Maine fills quickly during peak periods. At Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground, a visitor explains their booking experience: "The park was clean and staff friendly and very helpful. There are some brochure racks in a community building and laundry and the office has a variety of maps for the island and will let you look through some hiking guide books as well as restaurant menus."
