The Swans Island region offers rugged coastal terrain with significant tidal changes of 10-12 feet, creating diverse camping conditions throughout the day. Campgrounds near Swans Island provide varying levels of service and amenities, with peak season typically running from early June through mid-September. Most facilities close by mid-October when temperatures begin to drop below freezing at night.
What to do
Kayaking from waterfront sites: At Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, campers can launch directly from their sites. "You can launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," notes one visitor about the oceanfront camping experience.
Visit Schoodic Peninsula: Just 10 minutes from West Bay Acadia RV Campground, this less crowded section of Acadia offers similar beauty without the crowds. "Just ten minutes away is the Schoodic Woods section of Acadia– a less busy and equally beautiful area of the National Park," explains a camper who found this alternative to the main park.
Explore nearby islands: The ferry from Winter Harbor near Mainstay Cottages takes visitors to Bar Harbor. "Located on Winter Harbor, great views. Steps away from the small ferry that goes to Bar Harbor and a few minutes to Schoodic Peninsula," reports a camper who enjoyed the convenient transportation option.
What campers like
Dark sky viewing: The West Bay Acadia RV Campground limits light pollution for stargazing. "Another great thing about this park is that it is a certified dark sky park. Campers are asked to turn outside lights off so there is no light noise to interfere with the beautiful sky full of stars, planets, and meteor showers," explains one reviewer who appreciated the night sky policy.
Seasonal camper community: At Timberland Acres RV Park, the social atmosphere is active. "This place is a hidden gem. We originally booked at Narrows Too but they had to cancel the morning we were scheduled to arrive due to a water issue. Booked at Timberland as a last minute option and was pleasantly surprised! It is so quiet," noted one visitor who found the campground by chance.
Fresh produce access: Some campgrounds offer garden access for guests. "We love the free community garden which has a wonderful selection of produce including strawberries, tomatillos, fresh herbs, beans, lettuces, etc. Feel free to pick whatever you will eat, just leave some for others," comments a visitor about the unique amenity.
What you should know
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have water concerns. At Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, one camper mentioned, "And there is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown."
Tidal considerations: The dramatic tides affect shoreline access. "You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides," warns a camper about kayaking at Narrows Too, emphasizing the importance of timing water activities.
Road noise: Sites along main roads experience traffic noise. "The cheapest sites (the 100's and 200's) are near Route 3 which is a very busy road," explains a camper about location differences at Narrows Too.
Limited bathrooms: Not all RV parks include shower facilities. "There is no bathhouse so all units must be self-contained," notes a review about West Bay Acadia RV Campground, making this an important consideration for tent campers.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Patten Pond Camping Resort offers swimming options. "There is a small beach at the lake where you can swim and kayak (for rent). People at the office are very nice, polite and accommodating," writes a camper about the family-friendly amenities.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated programs. "They have sites right on the water, a gift shop, pool, laundry, game room, free showers and the times that I've been there they've had weekly events like ice cream socials and an Elvis impersonator," shares a family about Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Consider campground size: Some parks have minimal amenities for children. "I would primarily recommend this campsite for retirees and couples without children. The park doesn't offer many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool, so families with young children might find it lacking in entertainment options," advises a visitor at Narrows Too about the atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Sewer hookup locations: At Narrows Too Camping Resort, oceanfront sites lack some amenities. "I thought I had full hookups. Come to find out none of the oceanfront sites have sewer. They do have a honey wagon that will pump you out on Mondays and Fridays for 25$ a pop," shares one RVer about the service limitations.
Site selection strategy: For better values, consider partial view sites. "The '800' and '600' section sites are cheaper than the 300's and still have partial water views. The cheapest sites (the 100's and 200's) are near Route 3 which is a very busy road."
Prepare for close quarters: Space between sites varies significantly. "The RV spots are a bit narrow, but have a nice firepit with grill and good picknick bench!" notes a camper at Mt Desert Narrows, highlighting the limited separation between neighboring sites.
Tree clearance: Tall pines at some campgrounds require careful navigation. "Lots of tall pine trees provide shade but also make it a little difficult to navigate the roads. We had to go pretty slow to avoid hitting tree branches. Parking under the pines also meant a lot of sap on our roof which was a bear to remove."
