Cabin camping near Surry, Maine typically experiences cool summer nights with temperatures dropping to the mid-50s even in July and August. Located along Maine's rocky coastline with elevations ranging from sea level to 400 feet, this area offers diverse camping terrain within a 30-minute drive of Acadia National Park. Most cabin rentals remain open from mid-May through mid-October, with peak demand during leaf peeping season in late September.
What to do
Kayak from your campsite: At Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, waterfront sites provide direct water access. "We got a waterfront lot but the brush is blocking most of view. The park is lovely and we look forward to what we discover!" notes Nancy. Other campers highlight the recreational options: "There is a kayak launch as well, and pool, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season."
Hike nearby trails: Smuggler's Den Campground connects directly to Acadia hiking paths. A reviewer explains, "You can pick up trails right from the campground and walk to a great beach in Acadia National Park." Another camper notes the campground has "Multiple sights with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains."
Explore the quiet side: The Schoodic Peninsula section offers less crowded natural areas. "The town of Winter Harbor is located two miles from the park and a ferry dock which takes you to Mt. Desert Island. The Acadia Island Explorer shuttle provides free transportation between various locations, island attractions, and towns." For stargazers, Seawall Campground offers spectacular night views: "For stargazers, the short walk across the street to the beach will give you some unbelievable views of the milky way."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hadley's Point Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses. "The bathrooms are very clean, as well as everything else. Quiet peaceful, we were so happy we extended our stay and rebooked to come back next month!" reports one camper. Another mentions, "Very clean bathrooms. Would stay again!"
Transportation options: Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA provides access to public transit. "The Island Explorer bus for Acadia National Park stops at the campground, so you have easy access without driving, if desired," notes one visitor. This helps during peak season when "The location is an easy drive for downtown for Bar Harbor, North East Harbor and South West Harbor."
Privacy levels: Tent sites tend to offer more seclusion than cabin areas. At Seawall Campground, "They are all really nice and Acadia is great! The sites are all walk-to sites so you're not right on top of each other with a bunch of RV's and generators which was a huge plus in my book. Makes it feel more like camping." Another camper adds, "Lots of privacy for a campground. Plenty of trees for setting up hammocks and such."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for cabins during summer. At Schoodic Woods Campground, "This is a tough Campground to get into. Reservations are almost a must." Another reviewer noted, "We were there in mid June and made reservations ahead of time, but there were still some sites empty on a Friday."
Bug situation: Mosquitoes can be intense, especially in wooded areas. "Between gnats and mosquitoes, sitting outside to eat is nearly impossible." One camper specifically warns, "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... Just remember to bring a ton of bug repellent, or opt to go during the months where bugs are less mild."
Shower access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site showers. At Seawall, "There aren't a nice shower facility at this campground. The shower house is located in a separate facility about a mile from the campground entrance. A bit inconvenient, but not terrible... Plus, the showers in the separate facility up the road are expensive." Another camper notes, "Bathrooms and showers were clean. The Rangers were very nice."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: HTR Acadia offers family-friendly amenities. "Great campground. Staff is helpful, sites are clean. Definitely a tent friendly place. Great pool and other facilities." Another camper mentions, "The sites were equipped with hammock trees, fire rings, picnic tables, and even running water and electricity!"
Consider cabin location: Select cabins away from roads for safety with children. At Hadley's Point, "our family of four stayed in a camping cabin for 5 days at the end of June. The cabin contained a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds. It also had a private bathroom with metered shower. 50 cents got you a hot, 7 minute shower, which was plenty of time!"
Check for organized activities: Some campgrounds offer family programming. "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."
Tips from RVers
Water and sewer considerations: At Forest Ridge Campground, "Large level sites, full and partial hookup, wifi, play area for kids, laundry facility, and bath house." Another RVer mentioned a minor issue: "1 issue: our clean out was a bit high so had to lift sewer hose to clear it out."
Plan for dump station lines: During peak checkout times, facilities can become congested. "There is only one dump station for Loop B. Each RV took about 15 minutes. If you are third in line, you will be waiting... Since there is no sewer, you would think they would offer more than one dump station."
Site selection advice: At Narrows Too, "We stayed early in the season, before Memorial Day, and there were very few camp sites that were occupied. The site we chose was one of the premium ocean front lots and it was beautiful." Another camper warns about proximity issues: "A lot of full timers with elaborate and trashy set ups. our neigbors were one if them and felt entitled to intrude on our space."
