Best Campgrounds near Vinalhaven, ME

Camping options near Vinalhaven, Maine center primarily on island locations and coastal settings along the Gulf of Maine. Several campgrounds in the area, including Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut (part of Acadia National Park) and Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground in Stonington, provide established sites with varying amenities. The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) maintains numerous island camping areas throughout the Deer Isle Archipelago, such as Nathan Island, Buckle Island, and Shivers Island, which offer primitive tent sites accessible primarily by sea kayak or small boat.

Seasonal timing significantly affects camping availability in this coastal region, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Duck Harbor Campground requires reservations that become available on April 1st and typically fill within minutes of opening. Many Maine island sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are accessible only to MITA members. For island camping, tidal considerations impact landing possibilities, with 9-14 foot tides making access challenging at high water. Campers need to carry all necessary supplies, including fresh water and waste disposal bags. A recent visitor noted, "The fog can roll in at any minute so come prepared with a chart, compass, bearings between islands/markers and a marine radio."

Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings from campers visiting the region. The islands provide exceptional opportunities for solitude and stargazing without light pollution. Several visitors mentioned the opportunity to observe wildlife and enjoy unobstructed views of sunrise and sunset as particular highlights. Mainland campgrounds like Greenlaw's RV Park offer more amenities while maintaining a quiet atmosphere. Some reviews emphasized the importance of mosquito protection, particularly around sunset. According to one camper, "This is a wonderful campground with sites with lots of privacy. The amenities are all well done, limited in scope. The result is a quiet atmosphere." For those seeking a true wilderness experience, the island camping areas provide primitive sites with stunning coastal scenery but require advanced preparation and paddling skills.

Best Camping Sites Near Vinalhaven, Maine (107)

    1. Camden Hills State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Camden, ME
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 236-2498

    $25 - $45 / night

    "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."

    2. Meguniticook by the Sea Campground

    16 Reviews
    Rockport, ME
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-2428

    $32 - $58 / night

    "The campsites start level with the main road and then tier downwards towards the water. Campsites on the southside have less trees while campsites in the north are a little more rocky."

    "**The location of this campground is outstanding. Conveniently situated between Camden and Rockport off of Route One, the views of the Penobscot Bay are drop dead gorgeous."

    3. Megunticook Campground

    11 Reviews
    Rockport, ME
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-2428

    "The campground is perfectly located between Camden and Rockland Maine. For a private campground the sites are a decent size with some trees. There is a beautiful overlook to the ocean."

    "Lovely campground near the beautiful lake. Great fishing and boating! There’s quite a few hiking trails located in the town around the campground."

    4. Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 200-1279

    "My boyfriend and I drove all around looking for a camping place in the Bar Harbor area but nothing was open because it was the end of April."

    "Esthetically it is a little rough around the edges, so as we pulled in our first impressions were not great. However, the site we were in was quite nice with enough room for 22' camper."

    5. Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park

    53 Reviews
    Bass Harbor, ME
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 244-3600

    $22 - $60 / night

    "This campground is quiet, walking distance to the ocean. Family oriented. There are however, no showers. Most of the walk in campsites are only steps away from the parking lot."

    "We stayed at the tent walk in sites (D25) The sites are close together but otherwise, well maintained."

    6. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    98 Reviews
    Seal Harbor, ME
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 288-3274

    $30 - $60 / night

    "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."

    "quiet, wooded, relatively secluded. good spot at 111 where we stayed. nice places for tents. private showers outside main camping area were a positive since none in camping area itself."

    7. Duck Harbor Campground — Acadia National Park

    2 Reviews
    Isle au Haut, ME
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 335-5551

    $20 / night

    "Camping on in the Duck Harbor Campground is nearly the stuff of legends. "

    "You need to bring everything with you (except water) on the mailboat and then walk on a short distance to one of 5 campsites. It is a great place to just get away."

    8. Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls

    11 Reviews
    Sedgwick, ME
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 359-5555

    $29 - $39 / night

    "Beautiful, quiet location with views of the deer isle bridge and access to walking the beach. Owners are so nice and friendly and accommodating. Sites are mostly private and have space. Very clean."

    "Site number 4 was great it was tucked away a bit yet still had a nearby bathroom and a 3 minute walk to the seashore which was beautiful!"

    9. Lobster Buoy Campsites

    5 Reviews
    Spruce Head, ME
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-7546

    "The price was incredible given the proximity to the water. The only negative was that the RVs were pretty loud."

    "Campground was somewhat old but nice and located along the Atlantic Ocean with a small beach. RV sites are close together but ok and has electric and water. A dump station is located at the CG."

    10. Nathan Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    10 miles
    Website

    "This weekend, we did some sea kayak camping and hiking on the islands in the Gulf of Maine."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 107 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Vinalhaven, ME

728 Reviews of 107 Vinalhaven Campgrounds


  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Good spot but wood is rough

    I love the spot but all the wood is from outside the campgrounds. Its not so “dry” more like just chopped and bundled had to tend to it for over a hour+ just to get enough dry to keep the fire going. But overall a very nice quite camprground.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Megunticook Campground

    Watch out for their prices

    Online the prices was 40$ for a tent site. We didn’t need water or electric just a spot to sleep for the night. I called to reserve cause the website wasn’t very easy to work with and the man on the phone said 76$ but couldn’t explain costs and was rude with the “you’ll not find another spot for this cheap!” Which we did. For less than half that cost. So watch out on prices and the extra charges.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    So lucky!

    We tried staying here in the summer a few years back and it filled up weeks ahead of time. We got lucky this trip and got one spot open same day. Got here super late and was surrounded by other campers but the trees all around gave us privacy and everyone was super quiet so no disruptive folks like so many campgrounds. The bathrooms don’t have showers of course but they are so clean it was a great thing from other sites pit toilets. If you’re in Acadia this is the spot!

  • Phillip H.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Chewonki Campground

    Friendly campground

    From booking to check in it was warm and welcoming. Pull in full hook up site. Coin operated shower. Clean and very well maintained. Property is very nice. Some Rt 1 noise at a distance but nothing unbearable.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Forest Ridge Campground

    Clean, quiet and affordable

    Stayed here while visiting friends and Acadia NP. Facilities very clean every time I saw them. Showers were nice but you need to wait for the hot water. Run it all hot and it will get there in a little while. Wood available on site. Open spaces in the middle with no trees or shrubs. Campers can be very close. Sides have more wooded sites. Not too many seasonal looking sites. 1 issue: our clean out was a bit high so had to lift sewer hose to clear it out. Didn’t use pool , laundry area worked good , screen porch at facility building. Fire ring worked out well, kept lots of heat in. We were off-season mid September. Reservation system forced us into our site, wants to charge a site selection fee.

  • B
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Great campground

    quiet, wooded, relatively secluded. good spot at 111 where we stayed. nice places for tents. private showers outside main camping area were a positive since none in camping area itself.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA

    Nice location, actually on the ocean

    A bit pricey, but it is a nice location and the free island bus stops right at the KOA

  • Jenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Beautiful campground and a beautiful park!

    A good campground in a absolutely wonderful park. There's a lot of trees around so even though the campsites are close together they feel very private. Good amount of bathrooms, trash cans, and water spickets


Guide to Vinalhaven

Camping near Vinalhaven, Maine, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Acadia National Park. One camper mentioned, “I love that the southern ridge trailhead for Cadillac mountain leaves from the campgrounds and connects to a bunch of other trails” at Blackwoods Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Seawall Campground noted, “Many other reviewers have reported seeing Moose near or in the campground here.”
  • Kayaking: Enjoy the beautiful coastline. A camper at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA shared, “Our waterfront site was terrific - gorgeous view, and we could launch our kayaks directly from the site.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. One review for Mount Desert Campground stated, “Restrooms were very clean and there was plenty of hot water for the coin-operated showers.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A visitor at Schoodic Woods Campground mentioned, “This is such an amazing campground, I almost don't want to tell you because it feels like a hidden little secret!”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A review for Smuggler's Den Campground noted, “The staff was friendly and accommodating.”

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Bar Harbor Campground, do not take reservations, so be prepared to find an open site upon arrival.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or full hookups. A camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort mentioned, “Showers are a little small but clean and hot.”
  • Site Privacy: Some sites can be close together. A visitor at Seawall Campground noted, “While campsites are deep and set off the road, some of them open up to each other at the rear points of each site.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A review for Hadley's Point Campground said, “The playground was great for the kids. The swimming pool was a highlight as well.”
  • Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good experience. A camper at Smuggler's Den Campground mentioned, “The only problem was kids running around during quiet hour.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Mount Desert Campground appreciated the “homemade bear claws in the am to enjoy with coffee or tea.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Schoodic Woods Campground noted, “Choose your site carefully if you have a large rig.”
  • Dump Station Availability: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Hadley's Point Campground mentioned, “Lack of enough sewer necessitating a $12 pump out.”
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service. A visitor at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA noted, “Cell service with T-Mobile was spotty.”

Camping near Vinalhaven, Maine, provides a great opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you're hiking, kayaking, or just relaxing, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the official camping sites on Vinalhaven, Maine?

Vinalhaven has limited official camping options as it's primarily a residential island. The main camping option is Nathan Island, which is accessible only by boat. For visitors seeking alternatives in the general region, consider Duck Harbor Campground — Acadia National Park on nearby Isle au Haut, which requires ferry access and advance reservations. Most visitors to Vinalhaven typically stay at lodges, vacation rentals, or B&Bs on the island, or choose to camp on the mainland at places like Camden or Bar Harbor and make day trips to Vinalhaven via ferry.

What camping amenities and facilities are available on Vinalhaven?

Camping amenities on Vinalhaven are quite primitive. The island's remote location means facilities are minimal compared to mainland options. At boat-accessible sites, expect primitive camping with no hookups, potable water, or established bathroom facilities. For those wanting more amenities while staying in the region, Megunticook Campground on the mainland offers better facilities, or consider Camden Hills State Park Campground, which provides clean bathrooms, fresh water, and access to hiking trails. Remember to pack in and pack out all supplies when camping on Vinalhaven as services are limited.

Do I need a permit for camping on Vinalhaven Island?

Yes, permits are required for camping on Vinalhaven. The limited camping options on the island are regulated to protect the natural environment. For Nathan Island, you should contact the local land trust or town office before planning your trip as permission may be needed. If looking at nearby island alternatives, Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls on the mainland requires reservations that essentially serve as permits. Be aware that unauthorized camping on private property is prohibited. Always check current regulations before your trip as permit requirements may change seasonally.