Cabin camping near Southwest Harbor, Maine provides rustic getaway options on Mount Desert Island's western "quiet side." The region typically receives 45-55 inches of annual rainfall, contributing to its lush forested surroundings with average summer temperatures between 60-75°F. Most cabin accommodations remain open from mid-May through mid-October, with some facilities extending their season depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Kayak from your cabin site: At Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, waterfront cabins offer direct water access. "We rented a site next to the ocean, and it was great! Beach front, able to swim and SUP right from the campsite," reports one visitor who spotted wildlife during their stay: "we saw few dolphins and seals, we had a great time here."
Explore the Schoodic Peninsula: Located about an hour from Southwest Harbor, Schoodic Woods Campground provides a less-crowded Acadia experience with cabins and forested sites. "The Schoodic Peninsula which is the quieter side section of Acadia National Park but no less breathtaking. Here you get to enjoy the hiking and biking trails, amazing coastal scenery, quaint towns, and a peaceful campground in one of America's top 10 parks without the crowds and craziness of Bar Harbor," notes a regular visitor.
Night sky viewing: The area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities away from city lights. "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," writes a Seawall Campground guest. Another camper adds, "Walk down to the beach just outside seawall on a clear night for some of the best stargazing you'll ever see."
What campers like
Private tent platforms: Many cabin campers appreciate having the option of tent sites for future visits. At Quietside Campground, sites feature wooden platforms that improve comfort: "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." Cabins here earn praise too: "Stayed here in the weekend I proposed, to my now wife. Excellent hiking. Sweet tiny cabins."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained shower buildings. "The bathhouse was pretty clean. I was happy to meet the local dogs," notes one camper at Bass Harbor Campground. Another visitor elaborates on amenities: "The roomy showers were a great surprise!" A third camper details, "There are numerous water stations throughout the campground for filling up and a big sink for washing dishes by the bathroom."
Waterfront views: Cabins with ocean views rank as most desired. "We stayed in site #16, right across from the office. Site was huge, fairly level, and well-shaded. Was kind of U-shaped. Easily fit our pop-up, TV, and screen house," describes a visitor to Smuggler's Den Campground. At HTR Acadia, formerly Somes Sound View Campground, a reviewer shares: "This campground was great. Beautiful view of the water. Highly recommend the waterfront sites."
What you should know
Seasonal operating schedules: Most cabin facilities close after mid-October. "We stayed in a small cabin and it was perfect for our stay. Weather was a bit cold when we were there (October 2018), but there was a space heater," notes a visitor at Bass Harbor Campground. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with some closing earlier in fall.
Varying levels of seclusion: Site privacy differs dramatically between campgrounds. "The sites were decently spacious, and the campground is generally quiet. Privacy between sites is lacking here - there are some sites that have a little bit of privacy between neighboring sites, and some have none at all," explains a Seawall camper. At Smuggler's Den Campground, a guest reports: "the tent sites are very private. we felt safe and secure. it's quiet and the staff was very friendly."
Advance planning essential: Many visitors recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for prime cabin sites. "This is a tough Campground to get into. Reservations are almost a must," warns a Schoodic Woods visitor. Limited availability makes last-minute trips challenging during peak season from late June through August.
Tips for camping with families
Consider cabin locations carefully: Choose sites based on proximity to bathrooms and play areas. A visitor to Hadley's Point Campground shares: "We stayed in a camping cabin for 5 days at the end of June... We found the cabins to be spaced far enough apart that we had peace and quiet and privacy. If you had wanted to make friends with your neighbors, you could. We noticed lots of families with children staying in the cabins area."
Check pool availability: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools for children. "The campground has a heated swimming pool. 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," notes a Hadley's Point guest.
Budget for metered showers: Some facilities charge for shower use. "Also, the closest showers were around 10 minutes away and cost a decent amount was a little disappointing but livable," mentions a Seawall Campground visitor. Another camper advises: "Showers were clean and the campground was well maintained. Our site wasn't raked before arrival and there were lots of leaves and debris on the site."
Tips from RVers
Consider site location vs. privacy: Seasoned RVers recommend prioritizing either view or seclusion. "Our waterfront site 344 was terrific - gorgeous view, and one of the larger waterfront spots. We could launch our kayaks directly from the site... My challenge with the KOA is the sites were so close together and it was very crowded. Everyone was really packed in, with no buffer between sites," shares a Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA guest.
Use the shuttle service: The Island Explorer bus system connects campgrounds with attractions. "The Island Explorer bus for Acadia National Park stops at the campground, so you have easy access without driving, if desired," explains a visitor. This free service runs seasonally and reduces parking challenges at popular sites.
Check amenities carefully: Cabin facilities vary widely in what's provided. "You need to supply your own linens and towels. Toilet paper, garbage bags and a broom/dustpan are supplied. There was a fire ring outside of the cabin and a picnic table," details a camper from Hadley's Point. Firewood availability and policies differ between locations, so confirm before arrival.
