Did you know there are four campgrounds in Acadia National Park? In addition to two on Mount Desert Island, there are also campgrounds on the mainland and on another island, Isle au Haut. This Acadia National Park camping guide will dive deep into all four. Plus, learn about options for camping near Acadia National Park.
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Table of Contents
Map of Acadia National Park Campgrounds
Acadia National Park Camping Regulations
- Due to Covid-19, in 2021 all campgrounds in Acadia National Park require reservations. You may reserve up to 60 days prior to arrival. You can reserve here or by calling (877) 444-6777.
- There is no backcountry camping in Acadia National Park. All campers must stay in a designated campground.
- Firewood must be purchased locally (within 50 miles of the park); please do not bring your own firewood. You may collect dead and downed wood in your campground.
- Pets are permitted in all Acadia campgrounds except Duck Harbor. Pets must be leashed or caged at all times and may not be left unattended.
- In addition to Acadia National Park camping fees, entrance fees are required. It costs $30/vehicle, $25/motorcycle, or $15/individual to enter Acadia. Entrance fees are valid for 7 days.
- Do not leave any food unattended. Store food in hard-sided containers or in your vehicles while you are away.
- Additional rules and regulations vary per campground. Please check the “need to know” section under facilities before you book.
Campgrounds in Acadia National Park
Blackwoods Campground
Blackwoods Campground is one of two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island. Located on the east side and just 5 miles south of Bar Harbor, this is a great campground for those who wish to be close to restaurants and other amenities. It’s also only a 10-minute walk to the ocean.
The free Island Explorer, Acadia National Park’s bus system, stops here and can transport you to Bar Harbor in addition to many trailheads and carriage roads.
Despite its proximity to Bar Harbor, cell reception is unlikely here and there is no WiFi.
Cost: $30 for tent or RV sites, $60 for group camping
Amenities: Flush toilets, running water, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings
Reservations Required?: Yes; there is currently no first-come, first-served camping in Acadia National Park.
RVs?: Yes; maximum length is 20 feet
Season: Early May to mid-October. Blackwoods Campground was open year-round prior to the pandemic, but is currently closed in the off-season.
Sites: 221 tent sites, 60 RV sites, 4 group sites
Duck Harbor Campground
Acadia’s most remote camping experience is Duck Harbor Campground, located on Isle au Haut.
This remote and rugged island off the coast of Stonington, Maine is not accessible by car. You cannot drive to Isle au Haut and must access the campground via ferry.
From the ferry port, you may need to hike 4 miles to your campsite. Check the ferry schedule to see if it is landing at Duck Harbor during your stay.
There are only five primitive sites here, all equipped with lean-tos, fire rings, and picnic tables. No pets are permitted and all trash must be carried out.
Due to the popularity of this campground, stays are limited to one per person per calendar year. You can stay for a maximum of three nights and four days.
Cost: $20/night
Amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, lean-tos, composting toilets
Reservations Required?: Yes; there is currently no first-come, first-served camping in Acadia National Park.
RVs?: No
Season: Early June to mid-October
Sites: 5
Schoodic Woods Campground
The only Acadia campground on the mainland, Schoodic Woods is a great option for anyone looking to get away from the crowds while remaining close to civilization.
Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula offers a lot of the same experiences as the most popular sections on Acadia on Mount Desert Island. There are bike paths similar to the carriage roads, scenic drives along a rocky coastline, and hiking trails to granite peaks with ocean views.
Staying at Schoodic Woods (Acadia’s newest campground) provides tranquility without missing out on Acadia’s charm.
Cost: $22 for hike-in sites, $30 for drive-in sites, $36 RV sites with water, $40 RV sites with water and electric, $60 group sites
Amenities: Dump station, grills, flush toilets, fire rings; no campfires are permitted at hike-in sites
Reservations Required?: Yes; there is currently no first-come, first-served camping in Acadia National Park.
RVs?: Yes; length restrictions vary per site with the highest being 70 feet
Season: Late May to mid-October
Sites: 13 tent sites, 41 RV sites, 2 group sites
Seawall Campground
The west side of Mount Desert Island is commonly referred to as “the quiet side”, the perfect place for Seawall Campground. If you’re hoping to stay a few feet from the ocean, this is the Acadia National Park camping experience for you.
The campground is still close to nearby amenities, if desired, located just 4 miles from Southwest Harbor. As with most campgrounds in Acadia, cell reception is spotty or non-existent and no WiFi is available.
While the campsites are wooded, they are all a short walk to the coastline. The Seawall Picnic Area is also nearby and provides amazing access to the coast while enjoying a meal.
Cost: $22 for walk-in sites, $30 for drive-in sites, $60 for group sites
Amenities: Dump station, fire rings, grills, picnic tables, flush toilets
Reservations Required?: Yes; there is currently no first-come, first-served camping in Acadia National Park.
RVs?: Yes, maximum of 20 feet
Season: End of May to mid-October
Sites: 43 tent sites, 59 RV sites
Camping Near Acadia National Park
If campgrounds in Acadia are full, there are plenty of options in the communities nearby. Many of them offer additional amenities, such as WiFi, if that’s something you’re interested in. Here’s a list of some of the best campgrounds near Acadia National Park:
- Mount Desert Campground
- Oceanside KOA
- Hadley’s Point
- Echo Lake View
- Somes Sound View
- Quietside Campground
- Forest Ridge Campground
- Acadia East Campground
What to Pack for Camping in Acadia National Park
The following list of items should be included in your pack.
- Detailed topographic maps and a good overview map
- Compass
- First Aid Kit
- High-calorie food
- Shelter
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Appropriate footwear
- Wool or synthetic clothing to layer (dry clothes to sleep in)
- Rain jacket and pants
- Lightweight camp shoes
- Water container and water filter
- Campstove and fuel
- Emergency signaling device
Acadia National Park Phone Case
Acadia National Park Map
Fodor’s Guide to the 63 National Parks
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Map of National Parks T-Shirt
Acadia National Park Sticker
Acadia National Park Pin
Acadia National Park Patch
63 National Parks Water Bottle
Acadia National Park Hiking Medalion
Acadia National Park Pennant
Acadia National Park Pin
Acadia National Park Candle
Acadia National Park Sweatshirt
Acadia National Park Mug
Acadia National Park Tote Bag
Acadia National Park Ornament
Acadia National Park Sweatshirt
Acadia National Park Hand-drawn Map
Acadia National Park Seascape Artwork
Acadia National Park Sweatshirt
Acadia National Park Poster
Acadia National Park T-Shirt
Hiking Acadia Guidebook
Acadia Ornament
Acadia National Park Sticker
Acadia National Park Candle
Acadia Scrapbooking Kit
Acadia National Park Cross Stitch Kit
Pin the Parks Expert’s Acadia National Park Camping Guide
