Whether you are in the area to partake of Bar Harbor’s amenities or to enjoy the natural wonders of Acadia National Park, there are plenty of lodging options—many of which can be expensive, especially in the summer.
A great way to work some cost savings into your vacation budget is to consider camping—and before you dismiss the idea out of hand, consider that many campgrounds these days typically have a variety of different accommodations.
If you’re not overly enthusiastic about the idea of tenting, there are plenty of spots that offer cabins, glamping, and other rental option, each with varying levels of comforts and amenities; distances from the center of Bar Harbor—which is also the “gateway to Acadia National Park,” are noted in each listing.
Map of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park Campgrounds
Here is a map of our top picks for Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park campgrounds.
Bar Harbor Campground
If you’re looking for proximity to both Acadia and Bar Harbor, this campground is the closest option.
Although, be warned—the Bar Harbor Campground does not take reservations or credit cards, so you’ll need cash (there is an ATM on site), and backup lodging options.
The sweeping ocean views, huge heated pool, and free local shuttle service make up for any stress those two caveats may cause, though.
All the roads are paved, there are several bathroom/shower facilities, and there are a variety of site hookup options (electric/water/sewer) on offer.
Location: 409 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (11 minutes)
Website: Bar Harbor Campground
Mt. Desert Campground
Located on Mount Desert Island, the Mt. Desert Campground has been in business since 1958.
Featuring wooded and open sites for tents, campers, and RVs (20’ limit), all with fire pits and picnic tables, this peaceful campground also has deep water moorings in Soames Sound, as well as a launching ramp.
And if you don’t have a boat, you can opt to rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP from the camp store, which also offers supplies, snacks, and coffee.
There are sites with water and electric hookups available, but no sewer hookups or dump site; note that pets are only allowed in the off-season.
Location: 516 Sound Dr, Mt Desert, ME 04660 (14 minutes)
Website: Mt. Desert Campground
Blackwoods Campground
This pet-friendly campground is within Acadia National Park, on the east side of Mt. Desert Island.
There are very few amenities here, and there are far more tent sites (221) than there are for RVs (60).
Be aware that, while there are toilets, running water, and dump stations available, there is no electricity and no shower facilities.
All sites have fire rings and picnic tables, are shaded, and are within a 10-minute walk to the water.
Location: 155 Blackwoods Drive, Otter Creek, ME 04660 (14 minutes)
Website: Blackwoods Campground
Woods of Eden Glampground
Situated on nearly 25 forested acres and less than a half mile to the ocean, your senses will be filled with the sights, smells, and sounds of the forest and sea at Woods of Eden.
Enjoy the comforts of home (running water, electricity, comfortable beds/bedding, toiletries) while surrounded by nature; the six glamping tents here are just far enough from each other to feel intimate, but close enough for communal gatherings if desired.
With features like full bathrooms, eat-in kitchens, dining areas, porches, and various sleeping accommodations, there’s an option for everyone (except for your fur babies; no pets allowed).
Location: 12 Seabury Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (13 minutes)
Website: Woods of Eden Glampground
Hadley’s Point Campground
Just over a half-mile from Hadley Point Beach, this family-friendly campground has a variety of accommodations, depending on your desired level of comfort.
There are basic tent sites for those looking for a true camping experience, and varying levels of hookups for those with campers and RVs (water/electricity, and water/electricity/sewer).
There are also 14 cabins available, all pet-friendly except one, and all with heat/AC, full bathrooms, and 6’x16’ porches.
Hadley’s Point Campground also features a camp store, a heated pool, a playground, and fee-based showers, laundry, and propane.
Location: 33 Hadley Point Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (14 minutes)
Website: Hadley’s Point Campground
Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort
Part of the Encore RV Resort collection, the pet-friendly Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort welcomes all campers—and tenters, and RVers.
And true to its name, there are certainly plenty of resort-style amenities to be found here: A swimming pool, a lounge, a game room, a playground, a general store, a basketball court, volleyball, and much more await guests—many of which return year after year.
There are family events like ice cream socials and magic shows, and there is also an arcade and store.
Location: 1219 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (16 minutes)
Website: Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort
Narrows Too Camping Resort
This RV resort overlooks the Eastern Bay and Mount Desert Narrows, which guarantees beautiful breezes and views, especially for waterfront sites.
Another of the Encore properties, Narrows Too offers shady or sun-soaked, level sites for RVs and campers—and there are also several different types of cabins available to rent.
This pet-friendly campground features a pool, a dog park, a general store, and ongoing events and entertainment for the whole family.
Location: 1150 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME 04605 (20 minutes)
Website: Narrows Too Camping Resort
Soames Sound View Campground
This unique spot is located on the site of a former granite quarry; the quarry itself has filled with rainwater over time and now provides a freshwater spot for swimming and paddle boating.
But if that sort of water feature is too tame for you, there’s always the Atlantic Ocean.
Featuring direct frontage on Soames Sound, there are many different types of sites available at this campground—open, shaded, terraced, quarry-front, ocean-view…so many options, so little time.
Most have electrical hookups, and every site offers a spigot, a picnic table, and a fire pit. There is a heated pool, and friendly pets are welcome.
Location: 5 Spinnaker Way, Mt Desert, ME 04660 (20 minutes)
Website: Soames Sound View Campground
Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA Holiday
If enjoying a hot, gooey s’more while watching the sunset over the Mount Desert Narrows from your camp chair is your idea of a little slice of heaven on earth, then the Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA is your cup of tea. The only campground situated on the western side of Mt. Desert Island, this spot is ideal for enjoying not only breathtaking sunsets but also all of the splendor of Acadia National Park and the amenities of downtown Bar Harbor.
Choose from RV or tent sites—or if you prefer, one of the Standard or Deluxe Cabins, for less work and more comfort.
Amenities include a snack bar, a dog park, bike rentals, tour shuttles, a playground, ocean access, and more…and when you stay at a KOA, rest assured you’ll enjoy clean facilities, friendly service, and reliable quality.
Location: 136 County Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (18 minutes)
Website: Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA Holiday
Smuggler’s Den Campground
Prefer hiking to shopping? Even if you enjoy both, Smuggler’s Den has you covered.
You’ll be within walking distance to trailheads and Echo Beach in Acadia National Park—but just a short drive to all of the boutiques, restaurants, and galleries of Bar Harbor.
Pet-friendly Smuggler’s Den welcomes RVs, tents, and campers—and also has cabins on offer; other lodging rental options are coming soon, as well.
You and your family will enjoy the large heated pool and kiddie splash pool, and there is also a playground.
Location: 20 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 (20 minutes)
Website: Smuggler’s Den Campground
If any of the above spots just don’t tickle your fancy, or if you don’t mind driving a bit further for an affordable camping experience, perhaps check out one of the following establishments:
Timberland Acres RV Park (26 minutes), Seawall Campground (29 minutes), Quietside Campground & Cabins (30 minutes), Bass Harbor Campground (30 minutes), or Under Canvas Acadia (37 minutes).
Leave A Comment