Cabin options around Winter Harbor, Maine provide direct access to the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park. The area averages 46-50 inches of annual rainfall with humid summers in the 70s and cold winters dropping below 20°F. The quiet side of Acadia offers cabin camping with fewer crowds than Bar Harbor but equally stunning coastal scenery.
What to do
Explore tide pools at low tide: At Schoodic Woods Campground, you're just minutes from remarkable shoreline exploration. "Surrounding the campground are miles of biking and hiking trails that are easily accessible from your campsite. There is a six-mile loop that takes you along the beautiful rocky coast with views of lighthouses, islands, forests, and wetlands," explains one visitor.
Take the Island Explorer shuttle: The free shuttle system connects multiple campgrounds to park attractions. "The Acadia Island Explorer shuttle provides free transportation between various locations, island attractions, and towns (and is dog-friendly and can accommodate bikes). The shuttle operates from late June to mid-October and is a great way to get around if you don't have a car or want the hassle of parking," notes a Schoodic Woods reviewer.
Visit Corea for seafood: Acadia Seashore Camping and Cabins puts you near local fishing villages. One guest mentioned, "Corea Wharf was a great place to eat and LobStore is a good place to get fresh seafood!" Local seafood restaurants serve freshly caught lobster at better prices than Bar Harbor's tourist spots.
What campers like
Private cabin sites: Smuggler's Den Campground offers varied cabin privacy levels. "Great for all types of camping. We've stayed here in a tent. There is a great playground and a nice pool with slide. Hiking trails connect to the back of the campground for access to Beech Mtn and Echo Lake beach," reports a camper.
On-site dish washing stations: Clean-up after meals is easier at campgrounds with dedicated facilities. At Schoodic Woods, "A dish-washing station is located at the bathrooms which is really handy and kept clean." This practical amenity saves water in your cabin and keeps food waste from attracting wildlife.
Waterfront cabin options: HTR Acadia offers waterfront cabin rentals with scenic ocean views. "We stayed at site A-49 on the edge of loop A. It was a good site with a large fire ring and was level," reports one visitor. The peaceful setting provides direct water access from select sites.
What you should know
Cabin reservations essential: Summer cabins book months in advance, especially at national park locations. "It is best to reserve online as this park fills up and very rarely has a walk-up site. The ranger station will not make reservations over the phone so don't bother calling," advises a Schoodic Woods camper.
Shower facilities vary significantly: Many park cabins lack shower facilities. "The bathrooms have flush toilets and potable water but there are no showers or laundry facilities. There are some places in the nearby town of Winter Harbor that have shower facilities of which the ranger station has information on," notes a Schoodic visitor.
Bug protection required: The coastal environment supports active mosquito populations. "No matter if you wear long sleeves and long pants, plus use bug spray, the mosquitos are vicious. Between gnats and mosquitos, sitting outside to eat is nearly impossible," warns one camper at Schoodic Woods.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin alternatives for larger groups: For families needing more space than standard cabins, Hadley's Point Campground offers family-sized accommodations. "The cabin contained a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds. It also had a private bathroom with metered shower. 50 cents got you a hot, 7 minute shower, which was plenty of time!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Smuggler's Den Campground provides excellent recreation options. "Amazing campground. Staff is extremely friendly. Campground has a small camp store, a heated pool and children's pool, large home style gas grills with picnic area, horseshoe pits, a large playground for children and a large field for anything from badminton to football."
Activity planning: Mainstay Cottages & RV Park provides a quieter base for family exploration. "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." This location balances access with fewer crowds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites with cabin rentals nearby offer different privacy levels. "We incurred damage to our vehicle relying on the eyes/directions of an employee. The sites are very close together, some are shaded, some not. Our sewer dump was 3 ft or less from the neighbors fire pit," cautions an RVer at Hadley's Point.
Utilities and services: Different properties offer varying hookup options. "All sites have electric (20/30/50) and some have electric and water only reflected in cheaper prices," notes a Schoodic Woods visitor. Cabin renters should check which utilities are shared with RV sections.
Off-season availability: Some cabin rentals extend into shoulder seasons. "Stayed in one of their cabins out of season and really enjoyed it. Not far from the best Acadia hiking (like 20 minutes), has a nice view of the ocean, and the campground is well maintained and clean and everyone is very friendly," reports a visitor to Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
