Best Campgrounds near Stonington, ME
The Stonington, Maine area provides camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote island sites. Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground offers tent and RV sites with full hookups in Stonington proper, while Shivers Island at Settlement Quarry Preserve provides primitive boat-in camping for more adventurous visitors. The region's coastal geography creates unique opportunities for island camping along the Maine Island Trail, a 200-island network accessible primarily by sea kayak. Several campgrounds within an hour's drive include Seawall and Blackwoods in Acadia National Park, offering a mix of tent, RV, and in some cases, cabin accommodations with varying levels of amenities.
Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping in the Stonington region. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, closing during harsh winter months. As one visitor noted, "This is a wonderful campground with sites with lots of privacy. We stayed for a month and were very happy with our stay." Island camping requires additional planning for tides, which can vary 9-14 vertical feet, potentially making landings impossible at high tide. Cell service varies throughout the area, with stronger reception in established campgrounds and limited to no service on remote islands. Visitors planning to camp on islands should prepare for self-sufficient stays, including carrying in all supplies and water, and using wag bags for human waste as required by land management agencies.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of the Stonington area as primary attractions. The working harbor, coastal views, and access to kayaking opportunities receive particular praise in reviews. A visitor to Shivers Island described it as having "a deep, rocky shore, it's the perfect place to make dinner, watch the sunrise or set, and star gaze with no city lights or trees to obstruct your view." Many campgrounds in the region offer water views or direct water access, though these premium sites typically fill quickly during peak season. The proximity to Isle au Haut (part of Acadia National Park) provides additional recreational opportunities for campers based in Stonington, with ferry service available from the harbor. Visitors seeking quieter alternatives to the more crowded Mount Desert Island section of Acadia often prefer camping in this area.