Dog-Friendly Camping near Swanville, ME

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    Searsport Shores Ocean Campground welcomes pets but requires them to be leashed at all times and never left unattended in RVs or vehicles. Located near Belfast, this well-maintained oceanfront property offers tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations with water views. Pumpkin Patch RV Resort provides a small fenced dog park where dogs can play off-leash, with friendly staff and seasonal campers creating a welcoming environment for pet owners. Most campgrounds in the region limit pets to two per site unless prior approval is obtained. Camden Hills State Park Campground allows pets on hiking trails and at campsites, though specific pet areas may be restricted. Campgrounds typically provide designated pet relief areas and require owners to clean up after their animals. The Moorings Campground offers ocean access where dogs can run and swim when the tide is out.

    Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park area campgrounds are exceptionally pet-friendly, with many reviewers noting they've never been to an area so accommodating to dogs. The Island Explorer shuttle service accepts leashed dogs, making it convenient to explore without parking hassles. Bark Harbor in downtown Bar Harbor provides pre-printed lists of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, on and off-leash hiking trails, and dog parks. Several campgrounds feature short walking trails suitable for dog exercise, with some offering beach access for pets to play in the water. Schoodic Woods Campground maintains quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM, creating a peaceful environment for pets sensitive to noise. Weather considerations include ticks in some areas, with reviewers reporting finding Black-Legged Deer Ticks at certain campgrounds. Most campgrounds enforce strict leash policies on trails and in common areas to protect wildlife and other campers.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Swanville (91)

      1. Searsport Shores Ocean Campground

      4.6(17)6mi from SwanvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Pet friendly BUT must be in leak at all times. Cannot be left alone in RV or vehicle. No sewer. Friendly atmosphere"

      "beautiful campground with a lot of space for kids and/or dogs to run around, including a jungle gym, basketball court, volley ball, and a dog run. they have a garden of veggies, and flowers, a stage for"

      from $14 - $168 / night

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      2. Camden Hills State Park Campground

      4.3(33)20mi from SwanvilleRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Camden Hills SP is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas. 9 out of 10 times I visit Camden (one of my favorite places in Maine), I stay at this campground."

      "As with all real estate, location, location ! The camp is well situated amongst many Maine towns all of which are worth a visit to."

      from $25 - $45 / night

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      3. Moorings Campground

      4.3(4)6mi from SwanvilleRVs, Tents

      "Overall, this is a great little private RV park with awesome views (from some sites) and great access to the ocean. "

      "This is a great location from which to explore Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor and towns of Belfast, Rockland and Camden."

      4. Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort

      4.0(1)7mi from SwanvilleRVs, Tents

      "This is a great little private RV park with awesome views (from some sites) and great access to the ocean."

      5. Cooley-Davies Homestead

      5.0(1)10mi from Swanville1 siteGlamping

      from $69 / night

      6. Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

      4.7(10)21mi from Swanville1 siteRVs, Cabins

      "Stayed Here for one night after picking up a new travel trailer nearby. The staff and campers were all very friendly and welcoming."

      "Snowmobile trails behind the campground lead to a walking path that connects the high school and elementary school for a pleasant walk in the woods."

      from $50 / night

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      7. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

      4.5(98)42mi from Swanville292 sitesRVs, Tents

      "The campsites are primitive (no electricity, water or sewer) and there are no showers on site - there is a pay shower close by outside the park."

      "Close proximity to Bar Harbor and a lot of the main attractions of the national park. Showers are just outside of the entrance to the campground, coin operated."

      from $30 - $60 / night

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      8. Shady Oaks Campground and Cabins

      3.8(4)15mi from SwanvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "we stayed here last year on our vacation to maine,we actually made a wrong turn,ended up getting there very late,they left the key for us to find and were very hospitable the entire visit. we stayed for"

      "We were welcomed.with a hearty.hello and an escort to our deluxe drive thru site for our 34' motorhome. Management was gracious and very accommodating."

      from $36 - $115 / night

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      9. Balsam Cove Campground

      4.5(4)17mi from SwanvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Located on a beautiful lake, this campground is hard to beat for both activities and a sense of calm. Staff is very friendly and accommodating."

      from $36 - $89 / night

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      10. Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA

      4.5(37)32mi from SwanvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "They are mainly open in the evenings but also appear to serve lunch and breakfast on the weekends.  The camp store was well stocked also."

      "My cousins, my husband and our dog rented a deluxe cabin in September, and it was perfect."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Swanville, ME

    747 Reviews of 91 Swanville Campgrounds


    • Becca H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 16, 2022

      Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

      Clean and Quiet with Friendly People!

      Stayed Here for one night after picking up a new travel trailer nearby. The staff and campers were all very friendly and welcoming. Much of the population consists of seasonal campers with huge RVs and Motor Homes. It’s very adult oriented, super quiet, and super clean. There are nice little walking trails and a small fenced in dog park where dogs can play. Would definitely stay here again if in the area!

    • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 25, 2019

      Hadley's Point Campground

      Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Hadley’s Point Campground

      **Campground Review: **

      Hadley’s Point Campground is located on the north side of Mt Desert Island and just a short distance from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Hadley’s Point is a large private campground that has tent, water& electric RV, and full hook up sites, as well as Cabins. The campground is broke up in to multiple loops (campground map can be found in my pictures) with some loops in open areas with little shade and sites close together, and other loops have more wooded sites that have some shade and privacy. All style sites include a picnic table and fire ring. 

      Reservations are site type, not site specific, so a little bit of a gamble. We were assigned site B27 on this visit. This site was partially shade depending on the time of day and very close to our neighbors. Other sites in the B loop did have more trees and more private, but they were full on this stay. Check-in was easy and the staff was very helpful in providing info and answering questions about the area. A host guides you to your site and assist you in positioning if needed. 

      The bathroom on B-loop does not have showers so we had to hike to other loops to shower. The Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The showers are metered and cost $0.50 per 7 minutes, so don’t forget your quarters! 

      Firewood and limited supplies were available at the office. There is a full grocery store about 10 minutes away. 

      We found good cell phone service with Verizon throughout the property. The campground did not have wi-fi. 

      The campground also has a heated pool, playground, and laundry. 

      With Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park close by, there is so much to do and see in the area. One of the best benefits of the area is that there is a free shuttle with multiple routes around the island, so you can leave the car and parking hassles behind and just shuttle everywhere. The Shuttle has a stop right on the campground and is dog friendly (on leash and if your dog is friendly). 

      Speaking of dog friendly, I’ve never been to an area that is so dog friendly. The campground staff was very forthcoming with dog friendly info and I have to mention Bark Harbor in downtown Bar Harbor. Bark Harbor is a pet store that bakes their own treats, has toys and gifts, and tons of info on dog friendly areas on the island. They have pre-printed lists of dog friendly hotels, restaurants, on and off leash hiking trails, and dog parks. Super friendly crew that keyed us into an off leash hiking area that our dogs loved! 

      Pro Tip: A short ¼ mile walk from the campground is an off leash dog friendly beach that you can also launch your kayak or canoe from or have a sunset beach campfire. We really enjoys this beach after a long day of hiking all around the national park. 

      With all the outdoor activities of the national park, kayak and boat cruises in the ocean, lobster, lobster, lobster, you’ll need a full week to explore this island. Hadley’s Point made it a perfect place for us to take it all in.

      **---------------------------- **

      **Product Review: **

      As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I tested the Morsel Spork. This spork from Morel is very handy to have in your gear list. We are teardrop campers, so our space is limited. Everything has to have a purpose and be compact. Items like the Morsel Spork, that serves multiple functions, fit right into our needs. We purchased both the mini and the XL. Both are the same (spork on one end, spoon/scraper on the other end), but the XL is a little longer. We found this very functional for regular eating from plates or bowls, or eating directly from food packets. I also found the scraper spoon side useful in cleaning out our french press carafe. Easy to clean, easy to use, comes in multiple colors, and happy to have it a part of our camping equipment.

    • MJ B.
      Jun. 19, 2024

      Bass Harbor Campground

      Hidden Gem When Visiting Acadia National Park

      We stayed at this campground unexpectedly as two places I was looking at would not accept reservations less than 24 hours in advance. They had availability, offered wooded tent spots, and were affordable as some campgrounds anymore are charging an arm and leg to camp. When we arrived, the girls in the office were super sweet. They had the essentials needed if you are in a pinch, a cute gift shop for the Bass Harbor Lighthhouse (bring your lighthouse passport with you to get stamped here), have coffee/muffins in the morning, washrooms were very clean, laundry, dog park, dog run, small rec center, and pool. Tent sites are nicely wooded and spaced out, so you are not on top of one another. Quiet hours are between 10 PM and 7 AM, and it was so nice to camp in peace and quiet with others wanting the same thing. There are homes close by, but they are fenced off and really are out of sight, so it's not really an issue. The Bass Harbor Lighthhouse is literally 500 feet away. We could hear the bouy ding from our campsite. There are two beautiful hiking trails .7 miles away from the campgrounds: Ship Harbor and Wonderland, that bring you to beautiful ocean views. One of the Acadia Park entrances is 5 minutes away. Southwest Harbor is a short ride away to grab an ice cream or a nice dinner. There is a brand new mini golf center further down the road that is amazing!! The Acadia Mountain trail is not far nor is the Cranberry Island Ferry. This was a prime location to see another side of Bar Harbor, see beautiful sites and avoid the crowds of downtown Bar Harbor. So happy I stumbled across this campground by accident. I would highly recommend and will definitely return!

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 18, 2017

      Moorings Campground

      Love the Ocean Access and Views

      Overall, this is a great little private RV park with awesome views (from some sites) and great access to the ocean. The park is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Belfast (a sweet little Maine town) which offers plenty to do and see. Plus, you are just five miles from the cute town of Searsport which houses the wonderful Penobscot Marine Museum and two miles from Moose Point State Park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and more gorgeous views.

      The park offers a variety of sites (44 total) depending on if you want oceanfront, ocean view, or a pull-thru. All sites have electric (50 or 30 amp), water, cable and wifi. The five pull-thru sites also include sewer. A mobile sewer pump-out service is available for guests staying one week or longer and there is a dump station. Roads and sites are gravel with grass patios and level. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Our Verizon 4G phone and Hotspot worked great but we mostly used the free wifi which worked very well.

      Park amenities include private ocean access, horseshoes, playground, laundry, showers/bathrooms, free coffee in the morning, free weekend papers delivered to your site, free donuts on Sunday mornings, and a restaurant on-site. The park organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, and free wine and beer during Friday Happy Hours. The laundry has two wash machines/dryers and was clean and tidy.

      The Moorings is in a great location. It is just a few miles from downtown Belfast where you will find restaurants, a brewery, boutiques, a movie theater, art galleries, historic museums/sites, and plenty of water-related activities. Grocery stores and fuel stations are within a few miles of the RV Park. Just a mere 20 miles away is the popular coastal town of Camden.   

      What we liked about this park is the town of Belfast and how close the RV park is to downtown. Also, the parks small size and friendly people make this an enjoyable place to stay. We like the fact that they had social activities (like free happy hour and donuts) that bring people together. The ocean access in this park is great! A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out. 

      The biggest downside for us was the price and lack of sewer and 50 amp at some sites. Our site was $66/night for a FHU (50 amp) pull-thru on the hill in the front of the park without much in the way of a water view. Premier oceanfront sites (with no sewer and 30 amps) are $72/night during high season. That being said, there are not too many options for campgrounds in the Belfast area and we really did like staying here. 

      From a dog owners perspective this park gets mixed reviews. The rules ask that dogs be on a 4’ or less lease, you may only have two pets (unless you get prior approval), they must do their business in one small area and are not allowed on most grassy areas throughout the park. We make a consorted effort not too let our dog pee or poop in others yards but we don’t always have control over where that happens. We did like the fact that you could take them down to the ocean to play in the water and on the beach when the tide was out. Within two miles of the RV park is Moose Point State Park with a few miles of hiking trails, picnic area and water access (a daily use fee is charged). Downtown Belfast does have a fenced off-leash 1.4 – acre dog park with water for dogs and benches for owners.

    • D
      Jul. 23, 2023

      Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA

      Great KOA!

      My family and I stayed at this KOA this past week. It was agreat experience! That staff was awesome and over the top accommodating. We had a pull through site with full hook up right across from the on site Lobster Trap Cafe. The site was spacious and comfortable. The whole campground was neat and clean. Staff members pick up trash throughout the day at all of the sites. The Lobster Trap had a good menu, and great customer service. They are mainly open in the evenings but also appear to serve lunch and breakfast on the weekends. 

      The camp store was well stocked also. There is also an island shuttle bus stop right at the entrance to the campground. There is a gas station and take out restaurant ( Island Take Out) right across from the entrance as well. There was a nice dog park as well. Cell service with AT&T was great. Cell service with T-Mobile was spotty. We did not try the campground wifi. The only down side to the trip was gnats and mosquitos, but that was all over the island and no fault of the KOA. This was one of the best KOA's we have visited and we will definitely stay there again when we visit Acadia.

    • Laurie H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 18, 2022

      Mount Desert Campground

      A Place To Visit For Generations

      We camped for years and years at Mount Desert Campground with our four children and my Sister-in-Law and her two sons. The kids are all grown now and are taking their own camping trips to this amazing place. It is a family run campground with immaculate grounds and bathroom facilities on Somes Sound in Mt. Desert, Maine which is right next to the fabulous town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Forest. There are so many activities and amenities just minutes from this lovely campground but, if you choose to stay put...you will not be disappointed. There are lovely camp roads to walk, run, or bike. Fresh air to breathe, an epic long dock to catch and release crabs near, kayak or canoe rentals, and so much more. The Camp store has wonderful provisions including homemade bear claws in the am to enjoy with coffee or tea. It is above and beyond a family favorite place to camp in Maine.

    • Rebecca T.
      Jul. 11, 2021

      Hadley's Point Campground

      Pet and family friendly campground BUT crowded and crawling with ticks

      Hadley's Point is a private campground just outside Acadia National Park. This campground prides itself on being family-friendly and welcoming to pets.

      Children are allowed to bike throughout the campground until dusk. While we stayed, there was a campground-wide Fourth of July bike parade. The kids loved it. 

      Pets are welcome but cannot be abandoned in the motorhome when you leave. Plan to take your pet with you everywhere.

      Hadley's Point offers laundry facilities, showers, a heated pool, cornhole, and shuffleboard. While the pool is heated, it is not hot -- or even very warm. But this is Maine we are talking about, and I'm sure that the water was warmer than it would otherwise have been. 

      The campground is primarily designed to accommodate RVs and motorhomes. The large fields and open lots for RVs provide ample parking and the campground offered electricity as well as other hookups. 

      Cute cabins offer cozy sleeping (but no running water) for visitors without tents or RVs. 

      We brought our tent and felt a little like second-class citizens at this RV-focused campground. The tent sites were tiny. Our large van, tent, and screened-in pavilion covered the entire site, leaving very little walking space. Our site also lacked trees for shade and hammocks. 

      Worse yet, the campground has an infestation of Black-Legged Deer Ticks -- the ticks responsible for Lyme disease. We found two on our son during our stay. I hope they treat for these ticks soon because it poses a huge risk to their campers. 

      There is a lot of potential for this campground but they need to spray the grounds for ticks and create more comfortable sites. They could be awesome if they shifted their focus from trying to fit as many people as possible to creating a comfortable camping experience for all. 

      Pros:

      - Heated pool

      - Bathrooms cleaned regularly

      - Laundry

      - Good price

      - Good location

      - Playground

      - Kid and pet friendly

      - Island Explorer Bus stops at the campground

      Cons:

      - Cramped sites

      - Ticks

      - Crowded

    • Jacquelin P.
      Aug. 6, 2018

      Old Quarry Ocean Adventures (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

      Perfect pet friendly campground near Acadia but far enough away

      Perfect pet friendly campground near Acadia but far enough away from it all. Friendly staff, peaceful nature setting on the water, and starry nights. Clean bathrooms and large campsites. Couldn’t have asked for more. Great also if you love kayaking or paddling!!

    • K
      Jun. 29, 2019

      Lamoine State Park Campground

      Nice tent sites

      Great place to camp outside the crazy tourist packed Acadia but only a 25 minute drive to the park. Very nice sites, flush toilets and showers. I got a lake view site but also forested sites available. Pet friendly camping. Would definitely go back!


    Guide to Swanville

    Camping options near Swanville, Maine showcase the region's diverse coastal and woodland landscapes. Located in Waldo County with elevations ranging from 250-500 feet, this area experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season. Sites typically remain open from mid-May through mid-October, with some offering early fall walk-in options when temperatures begin to drop.

    What to Do

    Kayaking and water activities: Moorings Campground provides excellent ocean access. "A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out," notes Nancy W., highlighting the camp's coastal appeal.

    Hiking nearby trails: Camden Hills State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems directly from your campsite. "One of the real pluses of this park were the miles and miles of hiking trails just outside our doorstep," shares Nancy W., while Jacki B. adds "definitely check out the trails along the ocean."

    Historic site exploration: Within short driving distance of Fort Knox, campers can explore Maine's coastal history. "You are about fifteen minutes to downtown Bangor which has some good restaurants... Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are about an hour away and definitely worth a visit," suggests Nancy W. when staying at Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.

    What Campers Like

    Oceanfront camping: Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort offers prime waterfront sites. Nancy W. explains, "The park offers a variety of sites depending on if you want oceanfront, oceanview, or a pull-thru," noting the resort's unique setting.

    Community atmosphere: Seasoned campers appreciate the social environment at several campgrounds. At Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, Dan G. shares, "We are full time RV'rs and have stayed at lots of campgrounds but this place holds a special place in our hearts. The people working are the perfect compliment to a beautiful location."

    Cedar showers: Unique bathroom facilities stand out at Megunticook by the Sea Campground. "We loved the showers!! And super congenial and helpful hosts," reports Maryanne S., while Rafi K. adds, "Bathrooms were super clean and the showers are of similar construction to a sauna and it feels like a hot shower outdoors."

    What You Should Know

    Reservation requirements: Many sites require advance booking, especially for summer stays. At Blackwoods Campground, campers need to plan ahead. "Reservations can be made on-line but only about half of the sites are reservable leaving the other half for walk-ups," explains Nancy W.

    Site limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on equipment size or type. At Searsport Shores, Marilyn S. cautions, "We were asked what size our tent was (this was not addressed during the reservation), and told that it was too large. They told us that there was a maximum 10x10 for tents."

    Weather considerations: Coastal Maine temperatures fluctuate significantly. "Despite being a fully booked campground our stay was very enjoyable... Best part though was the lack of biting flies and mosquitoes!" reports Dana S. about their Blackwoods experience.

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Kid-friendly activities: Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA designs programs specifically for children. Melissa N. explains, "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."

    Dog friendly campgrounds near Swanville: Most parks welcome pets with specific rules. "Nice hiking trails around the property that out dog just loves," mentions Dan G. at Searsport Shores, while peach L. notes the campground has "a lot of space for kids and/or dogs to run around, including a jungle gym, basketball court, volley ball, and a dog run."

    Proximity to attractions: Staying central to multiple activities helps with family logistics. "This was the perfect location to explore the mid Maine coast. The camp sites are large and well spaced apart," shares Jacki B. about Camden Hills State Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Full hookup availability: Shady Oaks Campground provides complete services for larger rigs. "We were welcomed with a hearty hello and an escort to our deluxe drive thru site for our 34' motorhome. Management was gracious and very accommodating," reports Heidi H.

    Site selection considerations: Waterfront RV sites often book quickly but provide exceptional views. "Very very great staff!! Upon arrival we checked in, in the office/store. Then a staff member lead us to our site. We have a 19 ft travel trailer and are not very experienced with backing it up. The staff member was incredible with his directions," explains Samantha S. at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.

    Seasonal differences: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Swanville have different offerings depending on time of year. "The Verizon signal on our phone and wifi on our hotspot were strong. The park does have free wifi at most campsites and the signal was very strong. (Sites #68-81 do not have wifi)," notes a camper at Camden Hills State Park.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Swanville, ME?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Swanville, ME is Searsport Shores Ocean Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Swanville, ME?

    TheDyrt.com has all 91 dog-friendly camping locations near Swanville, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.