Camping near Whitneyville, Maine offers access to the rocky coastline of Washington County where tidal fluctuations can exceed 20 feet. The region experiences cool summer temperatures averaging 70-75°F during peak camping season, with frequent coastal fog and mist. Cell service throughout Washington County remains inconsistent with stronger coverage near larger towns and minimal reception in remote coastal areas.
What to do
Tidal kayaking opportunities: At Sunset Point RV Park in Lubec, campers can launch kayaks from a mowed path to access Johnson Bay. "Beware that the tidal range is around 20 feet so make sure you paddle around high tide or you will have to cross a mucky, seaweed covered, rocky clam flat to get back to shore," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenience of leaving boats along the path rather than returning them to the campsite daily.
Hiking at Schoodic Peninsula: Located approximately 45 minutes from Acadia's main section, the less crowded Schoodic area provides similar coastal views. "Just ten minutes away is the Schoodic Woods section of Acadia—a less busy and equally beautiful area of the National Park. Plus, there are many nearby nature preserves and public lands that have great hiking," explains a camper who stayed at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
ATV trail access: For off-road enthusiasts, Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers direct access to ATV trails. "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," reports one visitor who found the variety of accommodation options noteworthy.
What campers like
Dark sky viewing: West Bay Acadia RV Campground prioritizes stargazing opportunities through light restrictions. "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 a reviewer who appreciated the astronomical viewing conditions.
Community gardens: Some campgrounds offer unique amenities like shared food production. "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," notes a camper who stayed at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
Waterfront camping: Jonesport Campground provides authentic coastal immersion according to visitors. "The views are quintessential Maine with lobster boats bobbing in the water and the tides moving in and out. If you like hanging out in the unpopulated rural areas of Downeast Maine, then this is the place for you," writes a reviewer who appreciated the campground's remote location at the peninsula's end, about ten miles south of Route 1.
What you should know
Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds experience water issues that affect daily use. One visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort reported, "There is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown."
Seasonal constraints: Coastal Maine weather affects operating dates for most facilities. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with some facilities closing earlier due to weather conditions. Campgrounds like Timberland Acres RV Park specifically operate "Mid May to Mid Oct."
Variable bathhouse conditions: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "The bath houses are horrible. Badly in need of modernization and upkeep. Every morning the toilets were stopped up. The showers were mildewy," noted one camper about Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort, while others reported clean facilities elsewhere in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools for children. "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide. There is a kayak launch as well, and pool, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season," reported a visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort who traveled during the shoulder season.
Grocery planning: Stock up before heading to smaller coastal communities. "Grab groceries in Ellsworth if you want to save $," advised one family staying at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort. Jonesport has limited shopping with "a hardware store, small grocery store, two places to get pizza and a few other shops scattered here or there."
Unique accommodations: For families seeking alternatives to traditional camping, Timberland Acres RV Park offers diverse options. "The campground is surrounded by beautiful trees. A good location between Ellsworth and Bar Harbor," noted one visitor who found the staff particularly helpful, adding, "The two women who run the front office are AMAZING! So sweet and helpful."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing awareness: Many RV parks feature closely positioned sites. A camper at Sunset Point RV Park observed, "Sites are right on top of each other—better hope you like your neighbor!" noting the lack of privacy between camping spots. This layout affects overall experience when campgrounds reach capacity.
Hookup configurations: West Bay Acadia RV Campground provides thoughtful hookup designs for different RV types. "Most sites have two sewer hook-ups which is convenient because hook ups vary depending on RV type," explained a camper who appreciated the flexibility this offered for positioning their vehicle.
Winter Harbor convenience: Mainstay Cottages & RV Park offers a strategic location for accessing different sections of Acadia National Park. "If you're looking for a camp site close to Acadia without the crowd, look to MainStay in Winter Harbor. About an hours drive to the main Acadia but just 5 minutes to the Schoodic Peninsula," notes a visitor who preferred the less crowded experience.
