Acadia National Park Camping Guide

Acadia Campgrounds: Complete Guide

Mount Desert Island Campgrounds

Schoodic Peninsula Campground

Isle au Haut Campground

Campground Comparison Table

Campground	Location & Sites	Cost & Reservations
Blackwoods (NPS)	East side MDI 306 wooded sites (tents/RVs, no hookups)	$30/night standard site Recreation.gov (6 mo. advance)
Seawall (NPS)	West side MDI ~200 sites (mix of tent & RV, no hookups)	$30/night standard site Recreation.gov (6 mo. advance)
Schoodic Woods (NPS)	Schoodic Peninsula, mainland 89 sites (electric hookup sites available)	$22-$40/night depending on site type Recreation.gov (6 mo. advance)
Duck Harbor (NPS)	Isle au Haut 5 lean-to shelters (primitive, boat access only)	$20/night per site Recreation.gov (opens April 1 annually)

Campground Amenities and Best Uses

Mount Desert Island Campgrounds: Blackwoods provides central access to popular attractions like Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain, and Jordan Pond within minutes, making it ideal for first-time visitors and families. The trade-off is a busier atmosphere with tightly spaced sites. Seawall offers a more relaxed experience on the island's west side with more space between sites and proximity to tide pools and Bass Harbor Head Light, though it requires 30-40 minutes to reach main attractions.

Schoodic Peninsula & Isle au Haut: Schoodic Woods serves as Acadia's hidden gem, seeing fewer visitors and offering generous site spacing with many electric hookups. The campground provides excellent access to biking trails and dramatic coastline viewing at Schoodic Point, though it requires a day trip for Mount Desert Island attractions. Duck Harbor delivers a true wilderness experience for adventurous campers prepared to be completely self-sufficient on a remote island largely to themselves.

Photo by Annie C

Planning Your Acadia Camping Trip

When to Visit Acadia National Park

Season	Conditions	Camping Availability
Spring (April-May)	Cool & damp; snow melts by April at lower elevations Temps avg 50°F days, 30-40°F nights	Park roads gradually open by mid-May Blackwoods opens early May Fewer crowds but prepare for rain and blackflies
Summer (June-Aug)	Mild days (70-80°F) with ocean breezes 60°F nights, occasional thunderstorms	All campgrounds open and fully operational Peak visitor season requires advance reservations Free Island Explorer shuttles run late June-Aug
Fall (Sept-Oct)	Refreshing days (60s°F) and crisp nights (40s°F) Brilliant foliage late Sept to mid-Oct	Most campgrounds open through early October Lighter crowds after Labor Day Pack warm gear for cold nights
Winter (Nov-Mar)	Cold and windy; coastal storms likely Temps 30s°F daytime, teens/20s°F nights	No frontcountry campgrounds open No legal winter camping inside park Private campgrounds also closed

Acadia Reservation Systems Explained

Securing a campsite in Acadia requires using Recreation.gov, as all park campgrounds use this system. Reservations open on the first of each month at 10:00 am Eastern Time for sites 6 months out. Popular dates like summer weekends or early October leaf-peeping season can book within minutes.

General Campgrounds Strategy: Create your Recreation.gov account ahead of time, decide on target campground and dates, and be ready to book the moment the window opens. If you don't get your site initially, keep checking back as cancellations occur, and additional sites become available on a 14-day rolling basis at 10 am.

Duck Harbor Special Process: All dates for the season (mid-June through mid-October) become available on April 1 at 10:00 am EST each year. These five sites are in very high demand despite the remote setting. Have flexibility with dates and consider weekday slots for a better chance.

Campground Costs and Budgeting

Campground Type	Nightly Cost	Key Features
National Park Frontcountry	$22-$30 (standard site) $36-$40 (electric hookup site)	Basic amenities (picnic table, fire ring, restrooms) No hookups except Schoodic electric sites
National Park Remote	$20 per night	Duck Harbor lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut Primitive camping, no services
Private Campgrounds	$30-$60 (tent site) $50-$90 (RV full hookups)	Hot showers, flush toilets, stores on-site Some offer pools, playgrounds, Wi-Fi

Additional Fees and Budget Tips

Park Entrance Fee: Camping in Acadia requires a park entrance pass. The fee is $35 per vehicle (good for 7 days in Acadia). Consider the $70 annual Acadia pass or the $80 America the Beautiful National Parks Pass for longer visits.

Firewood and Ice: Maine prohibits bringing firewood from out of state to prevent forest pests. Buy local firewood near the park for around $5-7 per bundle. Ice for coolers costs about $3 per bag at area shops or camp stores.

Showers and Laundry: Park campgrounds lack showers, so budget a few dollars per shower at nearby facilities. Private campgrounds sometimes offer pay showers for non-guests (typically $5 for a hot shower). Laundry in Bar Harbor or Ellsworth runs around $3-4 per wash and dry load.

Transportation Savings: The Island Explorer shuttle bus is free, allowing campers to save on gas and avoid parking fees. It stops at Blackwoods, Seawall, and near private campgrounds in summer.

Essential Gear for Acadia Camping

Coastal Maine's environment requires gear for variable weather conditions including fog, rain, and cool nights even in summer.

Shelter and Sleeping: Weatherproof tent with full rainfly and sturdy footprint for rain and wind protection. Sleeping bag rated to 20-30°F since even summer nights can dip into the 40s. Sleeping pad for insulation from cool ground and extra blanket for unexpected cold nights.

Clothing System: Layered clothing system with T-shirts or moisture-wicking base layers, warm mid-layer (flannel or fleece), and waterproof/windproof outer layer. Rain jacket is essential as Acadia sees frequent fog and showers. Sturdy hiking boots with good traction for granite rocks and rooted trails.

Kitchen Setup: Camp stove and fuel since campfires may be restricted during dry periods. Cooler with ice available in Bar Harbor or camp stores. Hard-sided container for food storage to avoid raccoons and squirrels. Biodegradable soap and wash basin for dishwashing away from water sources.

Safety and Health: Headlamp or flashlight since campgrounds have very little ambient light. First aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic, and personal medications. Sunscreen and lip balm as coastal breeze can mask sun intensity. Bug spray including tick repellent since deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are present.

Photo by Whitney W

Wildlife Safety and Park Regulations

Wildlife Considerations in Acadia

Black bears are present in Maine though sightings on Mount Desert Island are infrequent. More commonly, raccoons, foxes, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, and gulls create campsite issues if attracted by food.

Food Storage: Always secure food, trash, and toiletries when not in use. Store all scented items in hard-sided vehicles or animal-resistant containers. Never keep food inside your tent as smells can draw animals that will chew through fabric. Use park-provided trash dumpsters and recycling bins regularly.

Wildlife Viewing: Do not feed any wild animals, including seagulls at picnic areas. Maintain safe distance from all wildlife you encounter. At coastal campsites, observe harbor seals from a distance without attempting interaction. Do not disturb nesting birds or other marine wildlife.

Park Regulations and Etiquette

Regulation Category	Rules to Follow	Notes/Penalties
Campfires	Allowed only in metal fire rings provided at campsites Use local firewood (Maine law prohibits outside wood) Must be attended at all times and fully extinguished	Rangers may issue fines for unattended fires Out-of-state firewood can lead to penalties
Quiet Hours	10:00 PM to 6:00 AM - no loud voices, music, or generators Generator use only during daylight hours	Persistent noise complaints could result in eviction
Group Size & Vehicles	Maximum 6 people per standard campsite No more than 2 vehicles per site Tents must fit on designated tent pad	Overcrowded sites monitored for safety Extra vehicles directed to overflow parking
Pets	Must be leashed (6 ft or shorter) at all times Clean up after your pet Cannot be left unattended	Continuous barking or roaming results in warnings Repeated issues could mean eviction

Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in including all trash, food waste, and gear. Do not cut or damage trees for firewood or campsite clearance. It is illegal to disturb or remove natural features including picking flowers, collecting rocks or shells, or carving into trees.

Environmental Protection: Tide pools and shorelines are fragile - admire sea creatures but leave them where they are. Do not build new cairns or rock stacks as the park service uses official cairns to mark trails and unofficial ones can mislead hikers.

Photo by Lee D

Beyond the Campground: Activities and Exploration

Day Trips from Acadia Campgrounds

From Blackwoods Campground (East Side MDI): Staying at Blackwoods puts you minutes from iconic sights. Sand Beach is only a 10-minute drive north with trailheads for Great Head and the Beehive right at the beach. Otter Cliff and Thunder Hole along Park Loop Road are nearby for scenic drives. The town of Bar Harbor (5 miles north) is close for dinner and still allows return to your campfire quickly.

From Seawall Campground (West Side MDI): Seawall campers find plenty to explore on the quiet side. The actual Seawall natural granite barrier sits outside the campground for sunset viewing and tide pool searching. Bass Harbor Head Light is a few minutes away, one of Maine's most picturesque lighthouses. Wonderland Trail and Ship Harbor Trail offer easy family-friendly loops to beautiful rocky shorelines.

From Schoodic Woods Campground: The Schoodic Loop Road begins at the campground entrance, leading to Schoodic Point where waves crash dramatically against granite headlands. The Anvil & Schoodic Head trails provide a 3.2-mile loop to 440-ft Schoodic Head summit with likely trail solitude. A network of gravel bike paths radiates from the campground through forests and along the coast.

From Duck Harbor/Isle au Haut: Day trips are the hikes and beaches of Isle au Haut itself. Starting from Duck Harbor, you can do the Duck Harbor Mountain loop (3.3-mile circuit with ocean views) or follow coastline south to Western Head. A full-day adventure is the Duck Harbor to Eastern Head loop traversing varied forest and rocky shore for 5-6 hours.

Top Hiking Trails Near Campgrounds

Trail Name	Difficulty & Distance	Key Features
Ocean Path	Easy 4.2 miles round-trip (mostly level)	Coastal cliff walk from Sand Beach to Otter Point Sea views, Thunder Hole, suitable for all ages
Cadillac South Ridge Trail	Moderate/Strenuous 7.1 miles round-trip	Classic summit hike to Cadillac Mountain Open granite ridges with ocean and island vistas
Beehive Loop Trail	Strenuous (exposed) 1.5 miles round-trip	Short but steep with iron rungs and ladders Thrilling climb overlooking Sand Beach
Jordan Pond Path	Moderate 3.3 miles loop (mostly flat)	Encircles clear waters with Bubble Mountains views Boardwalk sections over wetlands
Schoodic Head Trail Loop	Moderate 2.8 miles round-trip	Spruce-fir woods to 440-ft summit Sweeping ocean and island views, uncrowded
Wonderland Trail	Easy 1.4 miles round-trip	Gentle path to rocky shoreline on west side Tide pools, seabirds, wildflowers

Water Activities in Acadia

Swimming Areas: Sand Beach offers Acadia's only sandy ocean beach, though water rarely exceeds 55°F even in summer. Echo Lake Beach on the west side provides warmer freshwater swimming in a shallow sandy area that can reach comfortable temperatures by mid-summer. Always be cautious of cold water shock and swift currents.

Paddling and Boating: Sea kayaking is one of the most scenic ways to experience Acadia's coastline. Bar Harbor has multiple outfitters offering guided tours on Frenchman Bay. For interior waters, Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake allow boating but require boat cleaning to prevent invasive species. Long Pond offers peaceful canoeing with rental available on-site.

Fishing Opportunities: Freshwater fishing in Acadia's lakes requires a Maine freshwater fishing license for ages 16+. Jordan Pond hosts brook trout and landlocked salmon (fly fishing only in certain areas). Saltwater fishing requires free registration with Maine Department of Marine Resources. Good surf casting spots include shoreline near Thunder Hole/Otter Point.

Water Safety: Whether ocean or lake, water will be cold except in shallow areas at peak summer. Tidal range can be 10-12 feet so keep track of tide times. No lifeguards are present at most areas, so swim at your own risk and within your abilities. Do not drink from streams without treating water.

The Dyrt Community Insights

Ranger Recommendations

The Dyrt Rangers offer these insider tips from experienced Acadia campers:

Blackwoods Campground - Best Sites: "Try to grab a site along Loop A near the Ocean Path trail," suggests one Ranger. Sites A10 through A16 back up to woods leading toward shore, offering more privacy and quick ocean access. Sites on outer side of Loop B (like B37-B43) are more secluded than inner loop sites.

Hidden Gem Campground: Rangers consistently praise Schoodic Woods Campground as Acadia's hidden treasure. "It's worth the drive for the peaceful atmosphere, new facilities, and starry skies," one Ranger emphasizes. The electric sites mean no generator noise, and you'll likely hear owls and waves instead of car engines.

Last-Minute Campers: "If you arrive without a site, don't panic," one Ranger advises. Bar Harbor Campground (first-come private campground) is the top recommendation. "Aim to arrive by 9 or 10 am to snag a departing camper's spot." Keep checking Recreation.gov for next-day openings due to cancellations.

Top-Rated Sites from The Dyrt Community

Category	Top Pick & Rating	Key Highlights
Highest-Rated In-Park	Schoodic Woods Campground 4.9/5 stars	Quiet wooded sites, less crowded than MDI Electric hookups available, incredible stargazing
Most Recommended Private	Mount Desert Campground 4.7/5 stars	Waterfront tent sites on Somes Sound Immaculate facilities, very scenic setting
Best Waterfront Camping	Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA 4.5/5 stars	Unbeatable sunset views over the bay Full-service amenities, family-friendly

Community Insights: Campers frequently praise Seawall Campground for offering respite from busier Bar Harbor side attractions. The consensus: if you don't mind extra driving, Seawall's calm environment and star-filled skies are worth it. Those venturing to Schoodic Peninsula often call it their trip highlight, loving the spaciousness and wildlife sightings right from campsites.

Reservation Strategies: A golden piece of advice from seasoned Acadia campers: "Book your campsite first - even before ferry tickets or other lodging." Campground reservations drive trip dates since spots are hard to get. Several reviewers had success checking exactly 2 weeks out when additional sites are released on a rolling basis.

Photo by Robert L

Responsible Camping Practices

Camping in Acadia's delicate coastal and forest environments requires Leave No Trace principles and following park rules to preserve the area's beauty for future generations.

Pack It In, Pack It Out: Bring a trash bag and carry out all garbage, food scraps, and litter. Even tiny food bits like apple cores should not be left behind as they attract wildlife or take years to decompose. Use dumpsters and recycling bins at campgrounds daily to avoid tempting animals at your site.

Use Established Campsites: Stay only in designated campsites within official campgrounds. Dispersed camping is not allowed anywhere in the park. Each campsite has a defined tent pad - set up there, not in woods or adjacent areas. Do not trench around tents or alter the site.

Fire Safety: Keep fires small and contained to provided fire rings. Only use park-approved firewood: buy locally or gather dead and down wood no bigger than your wrist. Never leave a fire unattended and fully extinguish before sleeping or leaving. Be aware of fire bans during dry periods.

Respect Wildlife: Keep wildlife wild by observing from distance and not feeding them. Store food in vehicles or containers as raccoons are clever campsite visitors. At night, secure toiletries and clothes with cooking odors. Protect wildlife by using eco-friendly products and never dumping soapy water on ground or in water bodies.

Mind Facilities and Others: Only wash dishes in utility sinks or at your site with water in a basin - not in restroom sinks. Follow quiet hours to minimize noise pollution. Keep sites tidy, supervise children and pets, and treat others respectfully.

Leave What You Find: Resist collecting souvenirs from the wild including rocks, shells, or flowers. Don't carve names into trees or picnic tables. Leave everything as you found it so the next camper experiences the same wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Acadia's campgrounds open and close? Blackwoods typically opens early May and closes October 20. Seawall and Schoodic Woods usually open late May and close early October. Duck Harbor opens June 15 and closes October 15. All park campgrounds are closed in winter with no official winter camping. Exact dates vary by weather, so check the park website before your trip.

Can I just show up and find a campsite in Acadia? During busy season (June through early October), all in-park campgrounds require advance reservations. There are no first-come, first-served sites except inventory released 14 days ahead. If you arrive without a reservation, try Bar Harbor Campground (private, first-come) - plan to arrive by morning to snag a departing spot.

Do any campgrounds in Acadia have RV hookups or hot showers? Schoodic Woods offers electric and some water hookups at many RV sites, but Blackwoods and Seawall do not have any hookups. None of the park campgrounds have showers. Private campgrounds outside the park often provide full hookups and hot showers. Public shower facilities are available in Bar Harbor or Southwest Harbor for a fee.

What's the best campground in Acadia for families with kids? Blackwoods for convenience with easy access to town, ranger programs, and gentle attractions like tidal pools. Seawall if your kids enjoy nature and less crowds with a rocky beach to explore and open space for biking. For amenities like showers and pools, consider Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA with playground, activities, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Can I camp in Acadia in the winter? No, not in official campgrounds. All Acadia campgrounds close by mid-fall and do not operate in winter. Winter camping or overnight parking is not permitted inside park boundaries. Winter visitors stay in open hotels or rentals in Bar Harbor, or day-trip from surrounding areas.

Is backcountry camping or overnight backpacking allowed in Acadia? No. Unlike many western national parks, Acadia does not have designated backcountry campsites. The park is relatively small with fragile ecosystems, so overnight camping is confined to established frontcountry campgrounds. The only quasi-backcountry experience is Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut, but even that requires using lean-tos with permits.

How can I get around the park from my campground without driving? Acadia has the Island Explorer, a free shuttle bus system operating on Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Peninsula in peak season (late June to early September). You can hop on from Blackwoods or near Seawall to reach trailheads, beaches, and towns. The shuttles have bike racks for carriage road cycling. Check schedules as buses wind down in the evening.

Do I need bear spray when camping in Acadia? Generally no - bear spray is not necessary in Acadia. While black bears exist in Maine, encounters on Mount Desert Island are extremely rare. Instead of bear spray, focus on proper food storage to avoid raccoons and other small animals. Bug spray is far more useful in Acadia, especially for blackflies in late spring and mosquitoes in summer.

Planning Resources

Essential Acadia Links

• The Dyrt Campground Finder Near Acadia National Park - Camper reviews and info on campgrounds in and around Acadia NP
• Acadia National Park Official Website - Current park conditions, alerts, maps, and official information
• Recreation.gov - Acadia Campground Reservations - Booking platform for all Acadia campgrounds
• Island Explorer Shuttle Bus - Routes, timetables, and season dates for free shuttle service
• Maine Tide Chart - Bar Harbor Area - Daily tide times for coastal activities

Reservation Timeline for Acadia

Time Before Trip	Reservation Task	Details
6+ Months Prior	Secure National Park campsites	Recreation.gov opens sites 6 months out (1st of each month at 10 am EST) Mark calendar and book as soon as window opens Duck Harbor releases April 1 for all summer dates
3-4 Months Prior	Book private campground stays	Reserve nights at private campgrounds (KOA, Mount Desert, etc.) Many accept bookings starting January for upcoming summer
1-2 Months Prior	Plan activities & special permits	Reserve Cadillac Mountain Vehicle Reservation for sunrise (90 days out) Book guided tours that might fill up in summer
2 Weeks Prior	Check for campground openings	Look at Recreation.gov 14 days before trip Newly released sites or cancellations might appear
1 Week Prior	Finalize gear and supplies	Check packing list against expected weather Buy last-minute gear, stock up on non-perishables
Day Before Arrival	Travel prep	Confirm campground check-in procedures Check park alerts for closures Download offline maps

Acadia Camping Checklist

Reservations and Documents:

• Campground reservation confirmation (printed or saved on phone)
• Park entrance pass or receipt
• Photo ID and credit card used for reservation
• Ferry tickets or tour reservations if applicable
• Acadia park map and campground maps

Shelter and Camping Gear:

• Tent with all poles, stakes, guylines, and rainfly
• Sleeping bags rated appropriately for coastal conditions
• Sleeping pads or air mattresses and pump if needed
• Tarp or ground cloth for under tent
• Camp pillows or pillowcases to stuff clothes
• Camp chairs or hammock for site comfort
• Headlamps and flashlights with extra batteries
• Lantern or string lights for ambient lighting

Cooking and Food:

• Cooler sized for your group with ice packs
• Camp stove with sufficient propane or fuel
• Cooking pots, pan, and utensils including spatula and tongs
• Plates, bowls, cups, and eating utensils (reusable preferred)
• Heavy-duty foil for cooking and food storage
• Dishwashing basin, biodegradable soap, sponge, and towel
• Trash bags and zip-top food storage bags
• Can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew if needed
• Water jugs (fill with potable water on arrival)

Clothing:

• Rain jacket and rain pants (essential for coastal weather)
• Fleece or insulated jacket for cool evenings
• Long pants and shorts for layering options
• T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts including flannel for campfire
• Sleepwear appropriate for temperature drops
• Hiking socks (wool or synthetic, avoid cotton)
• Extra socks and underwear (more than you think you need)
• Sturdy hiking boots broken in with good traction
• Camp shoes or sandals for easy site wear
• Swimsuit for brave ocean dips or Echo Lake
• Sun hat and warm hat plus light gloves for temperature swings

Health and Hygiene:

• Insect repellent (essential for bug season)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF protection
• First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, tweezers for ticks
• Prescription medications and basic pain relievers
• Hand sanitizer and toilet paper in waterproof storage
• Toiletries including biodegradable soap if using camp showers
• Quick-dry towel for various uses

Safety and Navigation:

• Park map and guidebook kept in car or daypack
• Compass as backup navigation
• Phone with offline maps downloaded for areas with poor cell service
• Portable power bank and charging cables
• Camera with spare battery and storage if desired
• Emergency whistle for each hiker
• Basic tools and repair kit for gear fixes

By planning carefully, respecting park regulations, and embracing the beauty of Maine's rocky coast and forested mountains, your Acadia camping trip will create lasting memories. Whether you're watching sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, exploring tide pools near your campsite, or simply enjoying the starry sky above coastal Maine, camping in Acadia connects you to one of America's most distinctive and beloved national parks.