Quietside Campground offers additional tent and yurt camping options beyond its "hobbit" cabins on the less crowded western side of Mount Desert Island. This area averages 48 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forested camping environments with mixed hardwood and evergreen stands. Campgrounds in the Southwest Harbor region sit at elevations between 75-250 feet above sea level, offering both woodland sites and ocean proximity within a relatively compact area.
What to do
Kayak from waterfront sites: At Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, visitors can launch kayaks directly from waterfront campsites or use designated water access areas. "I'm always appreciative when booking KOA. This site did not disappoint... Beach front, able to swim and SUP right from the campsite," notes one camper who enjoyed the ocean access.
Explore tide pools: The rocky coastline near Seawall Campground offers excellent tide pool exploration opportunities. A visitor mentioned, "With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!" The Ship Harbor Trail is particularly noted for its accessibility and marine life viewing.
Stargaze from strategic spots: The Southwest Harbor area offers exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. According to a Seawall camper, "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."
What campers like
Free island transportation: The Island Explorer shuttle system connects many area campgrounds to Acadia National Park and surrounding towns. A Bar Harbor Campground visitor noted, "Shuttle bus for free to any where, almost, on the island. The manager is a bit neurotic and that's the reason it is at 4 stars not 5."
Waterfront camping options: Several campgrounds offer direct ocean views and access. At HTR Acadia, "This campground was great. Beautiful view of the water. Highly recommend the waterfront sites. Some of the sites are small but the view makes up for it," according to one camper who enjoyed the prime location.
Seasonal perks: Some campgrounds offer unique seasonal advantages. One visitor to Bar Harbor Campground mentioned, "Mid July to Mid August free blueberries campside," providing a natural treat during peak summer visits.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: While most campgrounds accept advance bookings, Bar Harbor Campground operates on a first-come basis with a unique system. "This campground does not take reservations so you can pick whatever open site you want and if you want to extend your stay, you can. When you arrive, you get a map, find an empty site, get set-up and then go back to the office to register," explains one visitor.
Shower facilities differ: Many campgrounds charge for showers or have limited facilities. At Lamoine State Park Campground, "Showers were surprisingly good and often cleaned," though visitors should be prepared for potential fees at other locations.
Site privacy varies significantly: Campsite privacy levels differ dramatically between and within campgrounds. As one camper at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access options: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to ocean swimming. At Hadley's Point Campground, "our family of four stayed in a camping cabin for 5 days... The campground itself had a heated swimming pool. Best of all, the campground was on the Island Explorer bus route."
Playground availability: Families with young children should consider campgrounds with play areas. One visitor mentioned, "Nice campsites. Clean bathrooms. Wood available on site. Treehouse is fun! Nice hikes around the water," when describing Lamoine State Park.
Activity planning: Some campgrounds organize regular family-friendly events. A KOA visitor shared, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. 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."
Hookup variations: RV campers should confirm specific hookup availability before booking. "All different types of sites are available from FHU, electric/water, or privative sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring," notes a Bar Harbor Campground visitor, though hookups vary widely across area campgrounds.
Navigation considerations: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. At Bar Harbor Campground, "Roads in the park are paved 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."
