Glamping accommodations near Swans Island provide a secluded coastal Maine experience with varying levels of amenities. Located in Hancock County with elevations rarely exceeding 140 feet above sea level, the island and surrounding mainland areas experience cool summer evenings with temperatures typically dropping into the 50s even during July and August. Most camping options in this region operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October with limited off-season availability.
What to do
Kayaking from shore sites: At Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, visitors can launch directly from waterfront sites. "We stayed at site 8 which had unobstructed views of ocean and close to path to beach. Def worth the visit," reports Grace B. The campground provides easy access to explore the Eggemoggin Reach.
Tide pool exploration: The Ship Harbor and Wonderland trails near Seawall Campground offer excellent tide pooling opportunities. "With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!" notes Steve M. These areas are best visited at low tide during morning hours.
Stargazing on clear nights: The minimal light pollution around campgrounds provides exceptional night sky viewing. "Could see the Milkyway," shares Ali B. from Bass Harbor Campground, while Kyle R. advises, "Walk down to the beach just outside seawall on a clear night for some of the best stargazing you'll ever see."
Wild blueberry picking: Mid-July through mid-August, campers at Bar Harbor Campground can enjoy free blueberries. "Blueberry fields free to pick July to August," mentions Tammy H. Morning picking yields the best results after dew has dried.
What campers like
Less crowded camping: The western side of Mount Desert Island offers quieter alternatives to busy Bar Harbor. "I think the seawall campground is slightly quieter than the other campgrounds in Acadia," says Michael K., highlighting its appeal for those seeking less populated areas.
Clean shower facilities: Many campgrounds prioritize bathroom cleanliness. At Somes Sound View Campground, campers appreciate the "Excellent shower house," as noted by Rita. Similarly, at Quietside Campground, Micah B. reports, "The on site baths and showers were clean and maintained great."
Free transportation options: The Island Explorer shuttle provides convenient access to attractions. "The Island Explorer bus for Acadia National Park stops at the campground, so you have easy access without driving," explains Heather C. about her stay at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA. This free service typically runs June through October.
Private wooded sites: Many campers value separation between sites. At Lamoine State Park Campground, "Fellow campers were friendly and it was nice and quiet. Great location - a short drive to Acadia without the crowds," shares Lisa G., who appreciated the balance of accessibility and privacy.
What you should know
Site availability systems vary: Some campgrounds don't take reservations. "Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours," explains Celeste M. about Bar Harbor Campground. This first-come system means arriving early, especially during peak summer months.
Oceanfront site competition: Waterfront sites book quickly and may have less privacy. At Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, one camper noted, "During the sun set, a lot of people are out on the rocks, which are directly in front of some of the waterfront sites." Public access areas sometimes overlap with premium sites.
Seasonal restrictions: Most glamping options near Swans Island operate May through mid-October. "Safari-style tents and yurt rentals typically operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with peak summer months requiring advance bookings," according to multiple campground websites.
Unfurnished canvas structures: At Four Acre Woods Campground, canvas tents may require your own bedding. "When we got to our tent I realized that I had misread their listing - there was nothing in the tent," warns Peña B. Always verify exactly what's included with glamping rentals before arriving.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kid activities: Families appreciate structured options for children. "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," shares Melissa N.
Consider shower accessibility: When camping with children, clean and convenient facilities matter. Regarding Seawall Campground, one visitor notes, "The closest showers were around 10 minutes away and cost a decent amount was a little disappointing but livable."
Reserve cabin accommodations early: For families wanting more comfort, HTR Acadia offers multiple accommodation types. "Great campground. Staff is helpful, sites are clean. Definitely a tent friendly place. 90% of the sites are well shaded, and most have plenty of room," reports IAN P. Booking 3-6 months ahead for summer stays is recommended.
Look for playground access: Some campgrounds feature play areas for children. Lamoine State Park provides "a playground on the way to the ocean view!" according to Shelby L., giving kids a dedicated space to burn energy.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Lamoine State Park, "Many sites are not flat and require significant leveling if in an rv," warns Heather C. Bringing extra leveling blocks is advised.
Water and electric hookups: Access varies by campground. At Quietside Campground, RVers should know that while electric hookups exist, "We have a tiny trailer that fits in a tent site. But when reserving online, being unfamiliar with the campground, we were prompted to enter the total length of trailer + vehicle. That put us in loop C with huge RVs much closer together than the other loops," explains Karla J. B.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have sewer hookups. "After 4 days and my tanks were full. I found a full hook with sewer $46 and moved for the next week," shares Celeste M. about moving sites within Bar Harbor Campground to access different utility levels.
Generator restrictions: Most campgrounds near Swans Island restrict generator use. Seawall Campground permits "limited generator hours," according to Laura L., making it important to plan power usage accordingly.
