Acadia National Park Camping
Acadia National Park offers a variety of camping experiences for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of this natural paradise. Camping in Acadia allows visitors to fully experience the park’s unique ecosystems, from oceanfront views to quiet forested retreats. Here’s a detailed look at the camping options within Acadia National Park.
Types of Camping in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park offers three primary campgrounds: Blackwoods Campground, Seawall Campground, and Schoodic Woods Campground, as well as a group site at Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut. Each campground offers distinct experiences, from forested inland sites to coastal, ocean-side camping, catering to both tent campers and RV travelers.
1. Blackwoods Campground
Blackwoods Campground is the most popular and easily accessible campground in Acadia, located just 5 miles south of Bar Harbor. Its proximity to Bar Harbor and many of Acadia’s major attractions makes it a convenient choice for visitors who want to be near popular hiking trails like the Precipice and Beehive, or enjoy early morning views of the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
Location: Off Route 3, near Otter Creek.
Reservations: Required year-round.
Camping Season: Open year-round, but only self-contained RVs are allowed in the off-season (December through March). Full services are available from May to October.
Amenities: Blackwoods offers flush toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. There are no electrical or water hookups, and no showers at the campground, although nearby private campgrounds offer showers for a small fee.
Best For: Campers who want a central location with easy access to Bar Harbor and Acadia’s main attractions.
Blackwoods is heavily wooded, providing a tranquil environment and lots of shade, perfect for a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring the park. Its large size and close proximity to attractions make it a favorite for many visitors, though it can fill up quickly, so reservations are highly recommended.
2. Seawall Campground
Located on the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island, Seawall Campground offers a more remote and less crowded camping experience than Blackwoods. With ocean views and rocky shores nearby, Seawall is perfect for those who want to experience the rugged beauty of Acadia’s coastline in a more secluded setting.
Location: Along Route 102A, near Southwest Harbor.
Reservations: Required for the summer season (May to October).
Camping Season: Open late May to mid-October.
Amenities: Seawall offers flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and an amphitheater for ranger-led programs. Like Blackwoods, there are no showers, but nearby private campgrounds offer shower facilities. Some sites can accommodate small RVs, but there are no hookups.
Best For: Visitors looking for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with access to the park’s western side, including Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and quieter hiking trails like the Beech Mountain and Long Pond trails.
Seawall Campground is a great spot for nature lovers who prefer to escape the busier areas of the park, offering a more peaceful and reflective camping experience near the ocean.
3. Schoodic Woods Campground
Situated on the Schoodic Peninsula, about an hour’s drive from Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Woods Campground provides a quieter, less-visited area of Acadia National Park. The Schoodic Peninsula is known for its rugged coastline, scenic vistas, and opportunities to explore without the crowds that frequent the main section of the park.
Location: Schoodic Peninsula, north of Winter Harbor.
Reservations: Required.
Camping Season: Open late May to mid-October.
Amenities: Schoodic Woods offers both tent and RV sites, with some sites featuring electric hookups. The campground includes flush toilets, potable water, and a limited number of sites with full hookups for RVs. It is also one of the few campgrounds in the park with showers available for campers.
Best For: Campers seeking a more remote, tranquil experience, with easy access to less crowded trails and the scenic Schoodic Loop Road.
Schoodic Woods offers a more remote and peaceful alternative to the bustling areas of Mount Desert Island. The Schoodic Peninsula is ideal for visitors who wish to enjoy cycling, hiking, and coastal exploration in solitude.
4. Duck Harbor Campground (Isle au Haut)
For those seeking a true backcountry experience, Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut offers a remote and adventurous camping option. Isle au Haut is accessible only by boat, and camping here is an exceptional way to experience a less-developed, wild side of Acadia National Park.
Location: Isle au Haut, accessible by ferry from Stonington.
Reservations: Required (limited to five sites).
Camping Season: Open mid-May to mid-October.
Amenities: Duck Harbor offers primitive campsites with limited facilities. There are no flush toilets or running water, and campers must pack in their own supplies, including drinking water. The remoteness of this campground offers an unparalleled wilderness experience.
Best For: Experienced campers looking for solitude, adventure, and a more rugged camping experience. Ideal for those interested in multi-day hikes and exploring less-visited sections of Acadia.
The limited number of campsites and the need to arrive by ferry ensure that this is one of the least crowded places to camp in Acadia. Visitors here will enjoy the island's quiet hiking trails, pristine shorelines, and remote feel.
Backcountry Camping and Restrictions
Unlike many other national parks, Acadia National Park does not offer traditional backcountry camping (except at Duck Harbor), and camping outside of designated campgrounds is prohibited. This is to preserve the park’s fragile ecosystems and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.
Planning Your Acadia Camping Trip
Acadia National Park's campgrounds tend to fill up quickly during the peak summer months, especially at Blackwoods and Seawall. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended, especially for holiday weekends and during fall foliage season in late September and October. Here are a few additional tips for planning your Acadia camping trip:
1. Booking Early: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance on Recreation.gov, and it’s advisable to book as early as possible to secure your desired dates and campsite.
2. Park Shuttles: Acadia operates a free Island Explorer shuttle system that stops at Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds, as well as other popular destinations in the park, allowing campers to explore the park without needing to drive.
4. Leave No Trace: As with all national parks, visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect Acadia’s natural beauty. Be sure to clean up your campsite, avoid disturbing wildlife, and minimize your impact on the environment.
