Cabins near Whitneyville, Maine range from rustic to modern with varying amenities. Located in Washington County where average winter temperatures drop to 10°F, most cabin rentals require advance planning due to limited availability during peak summer months.
What to do
Kayak at Keenes Lake: Keenes Lake Family Campground offers direct lake access for paddlers. "The lake was clean and we swam, kayaked and crossed the lake on paddle boards," notes one visitor to Keenes Lake Family Campground.
Explore Schoodic Peninsula: Less crowded than main Acadia areas, Schoodic offers similar coastal beauty. "Located on the Schoodic Peninsula which is the quieter side section of Acadia National Park but no less breathtaking. Here you get to enjoy the hiking and biking trails, amazing coastal scenery, quaint towns, and a peaceful campground," according to a camper at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Fish local waters: The Machias River area provides fishing opportunities. "I've caught smallmouth bass, chubs and trout in the river so far! Black and silver Jerk baits work great," reports a visitor at Machias Rips Campsite.
What campers like
ATV trail access: Some properties offer direct trail connections. "This is the first campground we have stayed at that has ATV trail access, horse friendly camping, full hookups, pull through sites, tent camping, tent rentals, teepee rentals, 'tiny bird cabin', and a tree house," explains a guest at Cottonwood Camping & RV Park.
Oceanfront options: Several locations offer direct water views. "We had site 344... one of the larger waterfront spots. We could launch our kayaks directly from the site," mentions a visitor to Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA.
Free public transit: The Island Explorer bus serves multiple campgrounds. "The campground is on the Island Explorer bus loop, which is the bus that takes you all around Mount Desert Island, to Acadia, and Bar Harbor. We used the bus almost every day, and it was super helpful because you do not want to try and find parking in Acadia in the peak season," explains a camper at Hadley's Point Campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Fog can impact coastal views. "Would gladly go back, just earlier in the season so we could enjoy the views better in bar harbor. It was too foggy!" shares a camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Cabin variations: Accommodations range from basic to fully equipped. "This is a new campground so lots of construction going on. Owner is very helpful. Will be a great park when it really gets going," reports a visitor to Cottonwood Camping & RV Park regarding their developing facilities.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location. "No wifi, my car (ATT) got better service than my phone (Tmobile)," reports a Keenes Lake visitor, while another camper at Machias Rips Campsite notes: "I myself had to drive 20 Minutes up the road for signal. A cell signal booster may work here."
Tips for camping with families
Free camping options: Budget-conscious families can find no-cost sites. "There are about 5 spots. Some are rough and not super flat, but it's pretty and the river is right there," explains a visitor about Machias Rips Campsite.
Educational opportunities: Some locations offer ranger programs. "Great nightly ranger programs. Easy access to trails and bike paths," notes a camper at Schoodic Woods Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds organize special events 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," explains a Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited dump stations: Plan accordingly for waste management. "There is only one dump station for Loop B. Each RV took about 15 minutes. If you are third in line, you will be waiting," cautions a Schoodic Woods Campground visitor.
Site selection importance: Request specific sites if possible. "We were put on a shared site that had a pull thru in the middle of the two sites. Small site and not private," warns a visitor to Hadley's Point Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Off-season visits offer quieter experiences but limited services. "We camped here in late May 2019 so maybe they were still working on cleaning up after the winter (wet spring)," notes a Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort visitor about their early-season stay.
