Acadia National Park Camping
Why choose Acadia National Park Camping?
Acadia National Park camping is the perfect way to slow down and really experience Maine’s coast up close. Instead of rushing from one viewpoint to the next, camping lets you wake up inside the park, surrounded by ocean breezes, pine forests, and star-filled skies. It’s a chance to swap hotel walls for tent flaps, trade busy streets for crackling campfires, and experience the rhythms of nature from sunrise to sunset.
Whether you prefer the convenience of drive-in camping, the quiet of a more secluded site, or the adventure of packing into a remote location, camping in Acadia brings you closer to the landscapes that make this place so memorable. Nights are peaceful, mornings come alive with birdsong, and every day begins with trails, coastline, and scenic drives right at your doorstep.
• 4 official NPS campgrounds: Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, Duck Harbor
• Reservations required May–October (book on Recreation.gov)
• Tent camping, RV camping, and primitive hike-in options available
• Best camping in Acadia for first-timers: Blackwoods
• Quieter options: Seawall & Schoodic Woods
• Remote adventure: Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut
• Pets allowed (leash required)
• Campground amenities vary: fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms (no official cabins)
Types of Camping in Acadia
Acadia National Park camping offers a wide mix of experiences that let you feel part of the park rather than just a visitor passing through. Tent campers can set up beneath tall spruce and fir trees at Blackwoods, enjoy the ocean breezes and crashing surf at Seawall, or embrace the rustic quiet of Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut. Each setting captures a different piece of Acadia’s charm, whether it’s the forested stillness, the salt air rolling in from the coast, or the sense of being far away from the everyday world
For those with larger setups, RV camping is available at both Blackwoods and Schoodic Woods, with Schoodic offering modern hookups and a more peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds of Mount Desert Island. Adventurers seeking something wilder can venture to Duck Harbor, where five primitive hike-in sites are accessible only by ferry. With no facilities beyond the natural setting, these campsites strip camping back to its essence — quiet nights under the stars, the sound of waves against the rocks, and mornings that begin with nothing but the scent of pine and the rhythm of the ocean.
Official Acadia National Park Camping Campgrounds
Camping inside Acadia’s official campgrounds gives visitors the rare chance to stay at the very heart of the park while enjoying the reassurance of National Park Service facilities. Each campground carries its own personality — from forested sites close to popular hiking trails, to peaceful corners by the ocean, to remote island hideaways that feel worlds apart. By choosing an official campground, you’re not only gaining easy access to Acadia’s highlights but also securing a safe, well-maintained base that keeps you close to the landscapes you came to see.
Whether you’re arriving with just a tent, pulling up in a campervan, or setting out with a full-sized RV, these campgrounds offer the best mix of convenience, character, and connection to nature. Nights here stretch out beneath dark skies, mornings begin with the scent of pine or sea spray, and days unfold with trails, scenic drives, and coastline waiting right at your doorstep. For anyone looking to experience Acadia beyond daylight hours, camping inside the park is the most immersive way to do it.
Quick Intro
Camping in Acadia’s official campgrounds keeps you at the heart of the park with safe, well-maintained facilities. Each site offers its own atmosphere — from forested trails to oceanfront views and even remote island hideaways. Whether in a tent, campervan, or RV, it’s the most immersive way to experience the park beyond daylight hours.
Blackwoods Campground Acadia
Blackwoods Campground Acadia is the busiest and most popular campground in Acadia, making it the top choice for first-time visitors. Just minutes from downtown Bar Harbor, it offers the perfect balance of convenience and natural setting. The sites are tucked beneath tall spruce and fir trees, creating a classic Maine woods atmosphere, while still placing you close to the park’s biggest highlights like Cadillac Mountain and Sand Beach.
Facilities are basic but reliable: each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, and restrooms are available, though showers are not. What Blackwoods lacks in amenities, it makes up for in location. Staying here means you can rise early for a sunrise hike, return easily after a day of exploring, or hop into Bar Harbor for dinner. For campers who want to be at the center of the action, Blackwoods is the ideal basecamp.
Seawall Campground
On the quieter southwest side of Mount Desert Island, Seawall Campground Acadia National Park provides a very different experience from the busier campgrounds near Bar Harbor. With around 200 campsites tucked into a coastal forest, it combines the sound of ocean breezes with the shelter of spruce and fir trees. At low tide, tidepools appear just a short walk from camp, offering kids and adults alike the chance to explore crabs, starfish, and other marine life.
Seawall is especially popular with families and travelers looking for a slower pace and fewer crowds. The atmosphere is relaxed, making evenings around the fire ring feel peaceful and unhurried. Its location also makes it easy to explore some of Acadia’s quieter treasures — Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and the Wonderland Trail are only minutes away. For campers who want ocean air, easy day hikes, and a more tranquil base, Seawall delivers one of the park’s most authentic coastal camping experiences.
Schoodic Woods Campground
Schoodic Woods Campground Acadia National Park is the park’s newest campground, built in 2015, and it feels noticeably more modern than the other camping areas in Acadia. Located on the scenic Schoodic Peninsula — the only part of the park on the mainland — it offers just under 100 sites designed with both tent campers and RV travelers in mind. Here you’ll find paved driveways, electric hookups, tent pads, and clean restrooms, all surrounded by a quiet coastal forest.
Smaller than the busy campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Woods is known for its peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. The location is a big part of its appeal: from your site, you have easy access to the Schoodic Loop Road, dramatic viewpoints like Raven’s Nest Overlook, and trails leading up to Schoodic Head. The nights here are darker, the air quieter, and the sense of solitude stronger — making it an excellent choice for campers who want modern comfort paired with the rugged beauty of Acadia’s most tranquil coastline.
Duck Harbor Campground (Isle au Haut)
For those seeking Acadia’s most remote camping experience, Duck Harbor Campground Isle au Haut is as rugged as it gets. Situated on Isle au Haut, an island portion of the park accessible only by ferry from Stonington, this small campground offers just five primitive hike-in sites. Each site is tucked into the forest near the rocky coastline, with picnic tables and pit toilets as the only facilities. There are no showers, no hookups, and no conveniences — everything you need must be packed in, and all waste packed out.
What Duck Harbor lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in solitude and raw natural beauty. Days here are filled with quiet hikes on the island’s trails, ocean views uninterrupted by crowds, and nights under some of the darkest skies in the park. This is not camping for everyone — but for backpackers, seasoned campers, and adventurers who crave peace, simplicity, and immersion in Acadia’s wildest side, Duck Harbor delivers a truly unforgettable experience.
No matter which campground you choose, Acadia National Park camping offers a way to stay closer to the park’s landscapes and rhythms than any hotel ever could. From the busy convenience of Blackwoods, to the coastal calm of Seawall, the modern quiet of Schoodic Woods, and the rugged solitude of Duck Harbor, each option delivers its own unique experience. Whether you want access to the park’s most famous attractions or the peace of a remote island, camping here lets you wake up to Acadia right outside your tent flap.
Camping Tips
- Reserve early — sites at Blackwoods and Seawall often book out months in advance.
- There are no showers at Acadia campgrounds, but local facilities in Bar Harbor and near Seawall can be used for a small fee.
- Duck Harbor is ferry-access only — plan to pack in all food and supplies.
- Even in summer, nights can be chilly — bring extra layers and warm sleeping gear.
Acadia Camping Reservations
Securing a campsite in Acadia is all about planning ahead. Acadia camping reservations are required for all four official campgrounds — Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor — during the main season (late spring through fall). Sites can be booked online through Recreation.gov, where inventory typically opens up 60 days in advance. In peak summer, particularly July and August, the most desirable dates often disappear within hours, so setting a reminder to book the moment sites are released is the best way to avoid disappointment.
If your travel dates are flexible, shoulder-season camping in May, September, or October is a smart option. These months usually have greater availability, fewer crowds, and cooler weather that makes hiking and exploring more enjoyable. Families often find September especially rewarding, with warm ocean breezes lingering but without the peak-summer congestion.
Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut has its own process, using a lottery system due to the extremely limited five primitive sites. Winning a spot here requires foresight and patience, but the payoff is one of the most remote and exclusive camping experiences in the National Park system.
Tip: Always double-check your dates before booking. Reservation changes and cancellations can incur fees, and last-minute openings tend to go quickly. For full details on how to secure your site, see our guide to Acadia National Park Camping Reservations.
Facilities & Amenities
Amenities in Acadia National Park campgrounds vary depending on which location you choose, and it’s worth knowing what to expect before you arrive. Blackwoods and Seawall both provide the basics — restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings — but neither has showers on-site. Campers often use nearby pay-per-use showers in Bar Harbor or near the Seawall area to freshen up.
Schoodic Woods Campground offers the most modern facilities in Acadia. With electric hookups for RVs, paved driveways, and clean, well-maintained restrooms, it’s a favorite for those who want convenience without sacrificing the quiet, natural setting of the Schoodic Peninsula.
At the other extreme is Duck Harbor Campground Isle au Haut, where camping is intentionally primitive. There’s no running water, no electricity, and no extra services — just pit toilets, picnic tables, and a rugged, pack-in/pack-out ethic. Campers here must bring all their own supplies, including water, food, and trash bags, making it the most self-reliant camping experience in the park.
Across all four campgrounds, pets are welcome, but they must remain on a leash at all times to protect wildlife, other campers, and the fragile ecosystems that make Acadia so special.
Facilities & Amenities
- Blackwoods & Seawall: Restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings — no showers on-site.
- Schoodic Woods: Modern setup with electric hookups for RVs, paved drives, and clean facilities.
- Duck Harbor: Primitive camping only — pit toilets, picnic tables, no running water or services.
- Pets: Allowed at all four campgrounds but must remain leashed at all times.
Plan ahead — facilities differ at each campground, and knowing what’s available helps you pack smarter for your stay.
Best Time for Camping in Acadia
The best time for Acadia National Park camping depends on the kind of trip you want to have. Each season brings its own atmosphere, weather, and challenges, so planning ahead is key.
- Summer (June–August) is the most popular season, with long days, warm temperatures, and the full calendar of ranger programs and activities. Families love this time of year for swimming at Sand Beach, kayaking on the lakes, and evening campfires. The tradeoff is that it’s also when Acadia is at its busiest — campgrounds fill quickly, trails are crowded, and parking can be difficult. If you’re visiting in summer, reservations are essential, and booking right when sites open is the best strategy.
- Fall (September–October) is often considered the sweet spot for camping. The days are crisp and comfortable for hiking, and the fall foliage is spectacular, transforming the park into a canvas of red, orange, and gold. Campgrounds are less crowded than in midsummer, and the atmosphere is calmer. The main thing to prepare for is the temperature drop — nights can be cold, so bring extra layers, a warmer sleeping bag, and gear to handle frosty mornings.
- Spring (April–May) brings fewer visitors and quieter trails, which many campers appreciate. The park is coming back to life with budding leaves, nesting birds, and wildflowers, but it can also be wet and muddy. Snowmelt often lingers into May, making some trails slippery. Spring camping in Acadia works best if you’re prepared for variable weather and rustic conditions — rain gear and waterproof boots are essential.
- Winter camping is not offered at Acadia’s official National Park campgrounds. The facilities close at the end of the season, and snow blankets the park from December through March. However, nearby towns provide winter accommodations like lodges, inns, and cabins, so you can still enjoy Acadia’s snow-covered landscapes by day while sleeping somewhere warm at night.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm, long days, full programs — very busy. Reserve early.
- Fall (Sep–Oct): Peak foliage, crisp hiking weather, fewer crowds — cold nights.
- Spring (Apr–May): Quiet trails and wildlife activity — expect rain/mud and variable temps.
- Winter: No official camping; nearby lodges/cabins open for snowy day trips.
Tip: Shoulder months (May, Sept, Oct) balance availability with great weather and lighter crowds.
Camping Tips for Acadia National Park
Camping in Acadia is memorable, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Pack for unpredictable weather — Maine’s coast is famous for quick changes. Even in midsummer, fog can roll in suddenly and evenings can be chilly. Bring a rain jacket, extra layers, and a warm sleeping bag.
- Bring insect protection — June is black fly season, and mosquitoes are common throughout summer. Good bug spray, head nets, or lightweight long sleeves will keep you comfortable at your campsite.
- Keep food secure — Foxes, raccoons, and deer are frequent campground visitors. Use sealed containers or your vehicle to store food and never leave anything out overnight.
- Buy firewood locally — This prevents transporting invasive insects into Acadia. Bundles are sold near campgrounds for a few dollars.
- Carry a map or download offline maps — Cell service is spotty in Acadia, especially on Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. A paper map from the visitor center is a reliable backup.
- Arrive early on busy weekends — Campsites officially open at 12 p.m., but lines can form. Arriving ahead of check-in helps secure a smoother setup.
- Respect quiet hours — Park campgrounds enforce quiet time, usually from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. This helps everyone enjoy the peaceful setting.
- Bring a headlamp or lantern — Many sites are heavily wooded, and nights can be very dark. A reliable light makes cooking, cleaning, and navigating at night much easier.
- Plan for limited amenities — Blackwoods and Seawall don’t have showers, Duck Harbor has only pit toilets, and Schoodic Woods has modern restrooms but no laundry. Knowing this ahead of time helps you plan.
- Check campground regulations — Each site has rules for fires, pets, and maximum group size. Pets are welcome but must stay leashed at all times.
Camping Tips
- Bring rain gear and warm layers — Maine weather can change quickly.
- Use bug spray, especially in June when black flies are common.
- Keep food sealed and secure — foxes, raccoons, and deer often wander campgrounds.
- Buy firewood locally to prevent the spread of pests.
- Carry a paper map or download offline maps — cell service is unreliable in many areas.
- Respect quiet hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) to help keep campgrounds peaceful.
- Pack a headlamp or lantern — nights are very dark in the forested sites.
Being prepared helps you enjoy Acadia’s beauty safely and comfortably — and ensures you leave the park just as wild as you found it.
FAQs About Camping in Acadia
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. Reservations are required at all official Acadia National Park campgrounds (Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor) during the open season, which runs from late spring through fall. Sites can be booked on Recreation.gov, and popular summer dates often sell out quickly.
Can I camp in an RV?
Yes. RVs are welcome at Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods. Of the three, Schoodic Woods offers the best setup for RV campers with paved driveways and electric hookups.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Pets are permitted at all four campgrounds but must remain leashed and supervised at all times.
Are there cabins in Acadia National Park?
No. The National Park Service doesn’t operate cabins, but private cabins and lodges are available nearby in Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Trenton.
Can you have campfires?
Yes. Fires are allowed in designated fire rings at Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods. Always buy firewood locally to protect the park’s forests.
Is backcountry camping allowed?
No. Outside of Duck Harbor’s primitive sites on Isle au Haut, backcountry camping is not permitted anywhere in Acadia.
Did You Know?
- Acadia is one of the few U.S. national parks with an island-only campground — Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut.
- Blackwoods Campground is so popular it often books out within hours when reservations open.
- Schoodic Woods Campground was built in 2015, making it the newest campground in the National Park system at the time.
- Seawall Campground is one of the quietest official sites, known for its tidepools and ocean breezes.
- There are no showers inside Acadia’s campgrounds — campers use nearby pay facilities in Bar Harbor or Southwest Harbor.
- Pets are welcome at all campgrounds, but leashes are required to protect wildlife and other visitors.
- The night skies over Acadia are among the darkest on the East Coast — perfect for stargazing from your campsite.
These fun facts show how unique Acadia camping really is — from modern comforts to rugged wilderness and everything in between.
Wrapping Up
Camping in Acadia National Park is one of the most rewarding ways to experience its landscapes, wildlife, and rhythms at a slower pace. Unlike a quick day trip, spending a night under the stars lets you witness Acadia in all its moods — pink sunrises from Cadillac Mountain, golden evenings by the tidepools, and skies filled with stars once the crowds head home.
Each of the four official campgrounds offers its own window into the park. Blackwoods keeps you close to Bar Harbor and Acadia’s busiest trails. Seawall provides a quieter coastal escape near tidepools, rocky shores, and lighthouses. Schoodic Woods blends modern comfort with solitude on the peaceful Schoodic Peninsula, while Duck Harbor delivers a rugged, backcountry adventure on Isle au Haut. Together, they give campers choices that suit every style — from convenient to remote, family-friendly to wild.
No matter which you choose, camping in Acadia offers more than a place to sleep. It’s the warmth of a campfire against the cool night air, the scent of spruce trees in the morning, and the rhythm of waves or wind reminding you that you’re in a truly special place. For many visitors, a night in Acadia isn’t just lodging — it becomes the heart of the trip, the part they’ll remember long after the journey ends.
Ready to keep exploring? Head back to our full Acadia National Park guide for more on trails, attractions, and trip-planning tips.
Back to Acadia National Park
National Park Service — Official Camping Information
Recreation.gov — Reserve Acadia Campsites
Bar Harbor Visitor Info — Local Planning Tips
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