Camping in Acadia National Park

If you are in search of an ideal family vacation spot, Acadia National Park is definitely worth considering.

This little gem of a park is located on the rugged east coast of Maine. The 47,000 acres that comprise it are diverse, ranging from rocky-topped mountain domes, to thick pine forests, to ocean shoreline, to creeks, lakes, and ponds. Acadia is mostly contained on Mt. Desert Island, but it does extend to the nearby Schoodic Peninsula and even Isle au Haut out in Frenchman's Bay. The park is bounded by such quaint harbor villages as Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor.

More than 2 million people visit Acadia each year. Why? Maybe because it's located on Mount Desert Island, one of the most beautiful places in America. In fact, Mount Desert Island was voted one of the "Top 5 Islands in Continental U.S. and Canada" in 2006 by Travel and Leisure, as well as voted one of the "Top 10 North American Islands" by Conde' Nast Traveler magazine in November 2006. You'll find most people visit during July, August, and September. Pick a different month for your vacation and the park may almost be deserted. At any rate, even during the busy months, it is easy to get away from the crowds if you try.

Campgrounds in Acadia National Park

There are two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island: Blackwoods Campground and Seawall Campground. Both sites are wooded and within a 10-minute walk of the ocean. The majority of sites are for tents, however, some of the sites accommodate pop-ups, vehicle campers, and RVs up to 35 feet (10.7 m). A maximum of one vehicle and six people is allowed at each site.

Blackwoods Campground

Located on Route 3, five miles south of Bar Harbor. Blackwoods campground requires reservations, and is open all year, although during off-season months of December 1 to March 31, a limited number of campsites are available for primitive camping only. 33 Fees: $20 per site in-season (May 1 to October 31); $10 per site shoulder-season (April and November)

Camping is free during the off-season, although campers are required to hike in from the campground entrance on Route 3.

Amenities:

• 306 sites
• no hook-ups or utilities
• restrooms with running water
• showers available

Call 877-444-6777 for reservations

Seawall Campground

Located on Route 102A, four miles south of Southwest Harbor, Seawall Campground was chosen as one of Maine's "Most Beautiful Campgrounds" by Frommer's. Reservations not accepted; first-come, first-served. Seawall Campground is open from late May through September 30.

Fee: $14 for walk-in tent sites; $20 for drive-up tent, camper, and motorhome sites.

Amenities:

• 214 sites
• No hook-ups or utilities
• showers available

Bar Harbor Campgrounds

Mt. Desert Narrows

Park your RV or pitch your tent next to the water and enjoy a panoramic ocean view at Mt. Desert Narrows campground. Chosen as one of the "Most Beautiful Campgrounds" in Maine by Frommer's. Pull-through sites to accommodate large RVs.

Fees: Rates include 2 adults and 2 children under $18.

Fees range from a basic RV site which includes water & 30 amp electric hookup for $33 per day in off-season and $43 per day in peak-season to Narrows Best Oceanfront site which includes water & electric for $45 per day in off-season to $80 per day in peak-season.

Tenting fees begin at $27 per day for a basic site in off-season ($30 for in-season), to an oceanfront tenting site beginning at $40 per day for off-season and $60 per day for peak-season.

Peak-season begins on June 15 and goes to Labor Day. The campsite is open from May 15 to October 8 (2007).

Amenities:

• Water, sewer, 30-50 amp electric, and cable TV hook-ups
• Wi-fi internet access
• Laundromat
• Full-service store stocked with gifts, groceries, propane, wood, ice, and RV & tent supplies
• Picnic tables and fire rings
• Heated bathhouses
• Dumping station
• Heated swimming pool
• Playground with basketball and volleyball courts
• Canoe and kayak rentals
• Free movie nights
• Blueberry pancake breakfasts
• Live entertainment
• Free hayrides
• Island Explorer shuttle

Call 866-917-4300 for more information.

You might also want to check out Patten Pond, a 740-acre lake with tent and RV sites, owned by Bar Harbor Camping Resorts, the same people who own Mt. Desert Narrows. Patten Pond is approximately 17 miles from Acadia National Park, (18 miles from Mt. Desert Narrows). The fees are comparable to Mt. Desert Narrows, as are the amenities. Call 866-917-4300 for more information.

Why choose the Acadia National Park area for camping?

1. History: It is America's first national park east of the Mississippi. That means it is rich in history and heritage. Take time to learn about the history in one of the visitor centers with your children. They have books, movies, and displays. Or, rent the audiotape auto tour... it provides a wonderful introduction to the park.

2. Hiking: There are hiking trails to meet every level of outdoor enthusiast. Acadia National Park contains more than 120 miles of historic hiking trails, many of which were established in the late 1800s and early 1900s. If you are looking for thrills and chills, try the Precipice, West Face Cadillac/Jordan Cliffs, or Beehive Trails, which come complete with iron rungs, ladders, and sheer drop offs.

If you want to experience varied terrain, including rolling creek side walking, tramping on boardwalks through marshland, and exploring tidal pools at the ocean's edge, then you and your family might enjoy the Jordan Creek Trail. Is a leisurely stroll more your style? Then, take advantage of the nicely-groomed carriage roads that you'll find in every corner of the park or even the mostly flat Jordan Pond Trail.

3. Water Sports: Rent a canoe on Long Pond on the western side of the island. Or join a sea kayaking group in Frenchman's Bay out of Bar Harbor. Or just play in the crystal clear waters of one of the many ponds or creeks. You can even spend a day at the beach...Sand Beach. The waters are always cold, but the kids will love it.

4. Rock Climbing: A couple of outfits in town will fit you with the right gear and then take you out to Otter Cliffs (on the ocean) or Bubble Rock and teach you rock climbing skills and techniques. Great fun!

5. Local culture: If you happen to need a break from the great outdoors, head into Bar Harbor. You'll find lots of funky little shops, some great restaurants, and even a movie theater or two. If you're there for the 4th of July, take part in the annual pancake breakfast, town parade, lobster bake, and fantastic fireworks. They come highly recommended.

Synonyms:  Motorhome, recreation vehicle, caravan, camper and RV are used synonymously.

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