Camping options near Vinalhaven, Maine extend beyond the island itself, with numerous mainland campgrounds serving as convenient bases for island exploration. Located in Maine's midcoast region, Vinalhaven sits in Penobscot Bay with elevations ranging from sea level to 220 feet, experiencing typical coastal Maine summer temperatures between 60-75°F. The surrounding mainland areas provide camping accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with varying seasonal availability.
What to do
Kayaking and water activities: Visitors can launch kayaks directly from Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort where "the kayak launch as well as pool" are popular amenities, though pool availability depends on timing as some travelers note that "both were closed since we came in at the end of season." Water conditions are ideal during morning hours with minimal wind.
Hiking at nearby preserves: Explore mainland nature preserves before or after visiting Vinalhaven. West Bay Acadia RV Campground offers proximity to multiple hiking spots as "there are many nearby nature preserves and public lands that have great hiking." The Schoodic Woods section of Acadia National Park is "just ten minutes away" and offers "a less busy and equally beautiful area of the National Park."
Island day trips: From Mainstay Cottages & RV Park in Winter Harbor, visitors can access "the small ferry that goes to Bar Harbor" as noted by one reviewer. For Vinalhaven specifically, travelers can use mainland campgrounds as base camps for island ferry excursions, which run multiple times daily during peak season.
Local food experiences: Sample fresh seafood from nearby sources, including West Bay Acadia RV Campground where "live lobster can be bought off the dock at the nearby town of Corea." The campground also features "a wonderful organic farm down the road and a couple of local wineries are nearby."
What campers like
Sunrise views: Waterfront RV camping near Vinalhaven provides exceptional sunrise opportunities. At Meguniticook by the Sea Campground, campers report having "an amazing view of the sunrise" with sites that "tier downwards towards the water" creating excellent vantage points for morning views.
Dark sky stargazing: West Bay Acadia RV Campground is "a certified dark sky park" where "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." This makes it an ideal spot for astronomy enthusiasts visiting the Vinalhaven region.
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds prioritize tranquility, particularly Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground in Stonington, which one reviewer describes as having "sites with lots of privacy" in a "wonderful campground." Another camper notes that it's "quiet and so peaceful," providing a serene mainland base for Vinalhaven excursions.
Community gardens and amenities: Fresh produce access appeals to many campers. West Bay Acadia features "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."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Timberland Acres RV Park, some sites have specific limitations. One reviewer cautions to avoid "requesting a site other than 66 or 67 because it backs right up to the water pump system for the RV park, which is quite loud when the pump turns on and off."
Tidal considerations: Water access varies significantly throughout the day at coastal RV parks. At Narrows Too Camping Resort, one camper mentions "you will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides." Similarly, West Bay Acadia advises to "make sure you paddle around high tide or else you will be slogging your watercraft through a soft mucky clam flat."
Seasonal availability: RV camping near Vinalhaven varies by season, with Patten Pond Camping Resort operating "May 15 to Columbus Day" and Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort from "May 15 to October 9." Off-season visitors have limited options as most facilities close during winter months.
Variable internet connectivity: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Narrows Too Camping Resort has "wifi that was hit or miss," while West Bay Acadia boasts "Wi-Fi so awesome that you are given free reign to stream, zoom, or surf without restrictions."
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate campground selection: Not all RV parks near Vinalhaven suit families equally. At Camden Hills RV Resort, "there are not many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool, so families with young children might find it lacking in entertainment options."
Playground and recreation access: For families, Patten Pond Camping Resort offers several kid-friendly features including "a small beach at the lake where you can swim and kayak" with boats available for rent. One reviewer mentions "people at the office are very nice, polite and accommodating" to family needs.
Seasonal events: Some campgrounds host family-friendly gatherings throughout the season. At Meguniticook by the Sea Campground, "The owners host a Lobster bake on Saturdays" which families report enjoying together, with one reviewer noting it was "so good."
Traffic safety concerns: At some locations, children require extra supervision. One Timberland Acres visitor noted "it felt dangerous driving my trailer in because small children kept whizzing by on bikes and scooters, not stopping even as I was backing my trailer in."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Several campgrounds accommodate larger motorhomes, with Narrows Too Camping Resort specifically noted as having "some 200 sites for RVs" with pricing that "range from the $30's to over $100 depending on where you want to camp." Site selection matters, as "the waterfront sites ('300's' section) have great views but are very pricey."
Electric usage monitoring: Some parks track electrical consumption separately from site fees. West Bay Acadia RV Campground charges "possible additional charges for electricity usage" beyond the base site rate of "$125-165/night depending on the season."
Site orientation for views: RVers can maximize water views through strategic parking. At Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, one RVer explains "Our site was easy to get into, and reasonably level" with "lots of shade, and a steady breeze off the water."
Honesty system policies: Some campgrounds operate with less rigid payment structures. At Greenlaw's RV Park, "once your reservation is made reservations are on the honor system that you show up. No prepayment was required. An invoice is emailed to you with payment options the morning after you check in."