Camping in Acadia: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Fees

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Acadia

In a nutshell: Acadia has four official NPS campgrounds. Two are on Mount Desert Island (Blackwoods and Seawall), one is on the Schoodic Peninsula (Schoodic Woods), and one is on Isle au Haut (Duck Harbor, accessible by ferry only). Reservations are required on Recreation.gov for nearly all sites. During peak season, the best spots go in just a few minutes.

Campgrounds in the park (4)

• Campground Blackwoods Campground recreation.gov · 281 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Seawall Campground recreation.gov · 202 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Schoodic Woods Campground recreation.gov · 89 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Duck Harbor Campground see NPS · 5 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can you camp inside Acadia?

Yes, and it's one of the most rewarding ways to experience the park. Wild camping outside a designated site is strictly prohibited throughout Acadia. Rangers check, and fines are issued. The rule applies to every part of the park, including Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula, and Isle au Haut. The one exception is Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut, where five backcountry shelters can be reserved. Outside these official sites, overnight camping isn't allowed.

Campgrounds in the park

Four campgrounds, four different experiences. Here's what you need to know to choose.

Blackwoods Campground

About 5 miles south of Bar Harbor on Route 3, Blackwoods is the park's main campground. It has about 280 sites for tents and RVs, with no hookups, restrooms with paid showers, and direct access to coastal trails. It's open year-round. In winter, some sites switch to first-come, first-served. From May through October, reservations are required through Recreation.gov.

Seawall Campground

On the island's quiet side, about 15 miles from Bar Harbor, Seawall has a much more peaceful atmosphere. It offers about 200 sites, many of them walk-in sites for tents only, with no vehicle access to the site. The Seawall area and the trails around Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse are right nearby. It's open from late May through late September.

Schoodic Woods Campground

On the Schoodic Peninsula, on the mainland and about an hour's drive from Bar Harbor, Schoodic Woods is the only campground in the park with electrical hookups. It has about 100 sites, modern restrooms, and bike paths accessible from the campground. It's a good option if you're traveling in a well-equipped RV or want to avoid the crowds on Mount Desert Island in midsummer. It's open from May through October.

Duck Harbor Campground

On Isle au Haut, accessible only by ferry from Stonington, Maine, Duck Harbor is the park's most remote camping option. It has five wooden lean-tos, no amenities, and a true end-of-the-world atmosphere. The very limited reservations open every April 1 for the entire season. Mark your calendar if this kind of stay appeals to you.

RV vs. tent camping: which site is right for you

For RVs, Blackwoods and Schoodic Woods are the two NPS options in the park. Blackwoods accommodates vehicles up to about 30 feet, but sites have no water or electricity. Schoodic Woods has electrical hookups and works better for larger setups. Seawall accepts a few RVs on drive-in sites, without hookups. Duck Harbor is for tents and lightweight gear only.

Keep in mind that the park requires a vehicle reservation for Park Loop Road during the busy season. Some island roads restrict large vehicles. Check the NPS website for current limitations before you leave. Our Acadia RV camping guide covers driving restrictions and service areas around the park.

Camping nearby: private campgrounds outside the park

When the NPS campgrounds are full, private campgrounds around Bar Harbor and on Mount Desert Island can fill the gap. Options include Mount Desert Campground in Southwest Harbor, Wild Acadia Camping Resort, and other properties along Route 3. These sites generally offer more services, including full hookups and Wi-Fi, at slightly higher rates. Our overview of lodging around Acadia lists every option, from campgrounds to hotels.

Backcountry camping (permit required)

Acadia has just one official backcountry camping option: Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut. A permit, with a fee paid through Recreation.gov, is required. You can't simply show up without confirmation. You'll also need to plan the ferry crossing from Stonington well in advance. If you're looking for more remote hiking experiences, our Acadia hiking guide presents the park's trails by difficulty level.

How and when to reserve a campsite in Acadia

All reservations go through Recreation.gov. The booking window opens six months in advance, on the same calendar day, for Blackwoods and Seawall. Schoodic Woods follows the same schedule. Duck Harbor works differently. Reservations open every April 1 for the entire season.

Our advice is to log in to Recreation.gov at exactly 10 a.m. Eastern Time on opening day. In July and August, the best Blackwoods sites go in less than ten minutes. If you miss the window, watch for cancellations, which become common starting in June. To choose the right time of year, see our guide to choosing the best season for Acadia, which covers campground openings, weather, and seasonal crowds.

How much does a night of camping in Acadia cost?

NPS campground sites generally cost between $22 and $35 per night, depending on the site type, such as walk-in, drive-in, or electric. Duck Harbor is less expensive for the campsite itself, but the round-trip ferry adds an extra cost to your budget. You'll also need to pay the park entrance fee, $35 per vehicle, plus Recreation.gov's nonrefundable reservation fee.

The America the Beautiful pass costs $80 per year and covers admission to all federal recreation sites. It pays for itself quickly if you visit several parks in the same year. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.

Camping safety and best practices

Acadia's main nighttime challenge isn't bears. It's raccoons. They're everywhere, they're bold, and they're very good at opening a cooler that isn't properly closed. Never leave food unattended on a trail or at camp. Store everything in your vehicle's trunk or in the food-storage lockers provided at some sites. Toothpaste, soap, and scented products follow the same rule.

Black bears live in Maine. Sightings remain rare in the park, but you still need to follow the food-storage rules. Porcupines, meanwhile, go after gear left outside, including shoes, ropes, and straps. Put everything away before bed.

In summer, thunderstorms can develop quickly along the Maine coast. Stay off summits and away from exposed areas when a storm is approaching. Cadillac Mountain's summit sometimes closes temporarily during storms. Check NPS weather alerts before every outing. Our Acadia weather guide explains the coastal Maine climate in more detail.

Which campground should you choose?

It depends on your priorities:

• Access to iconic trails and proximity to Bar Harbor: Blackwoods, without a doubt.
• Peace and an authentic atmosphere away from the crowds: Seawall, on the island's quiet side.
• RV camping with electrical hookups: Schoodic Woods, the only NPS campground with them.
• A remote, completely secluded experience: Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut, reserved starting April 1.

For a four- to seven-night stay, our recommendation for enjoying the park without rushing, combining Blackwoods and Seawall lets you experience two distinct settings. To plan your visit, our Acadia itinerary guide offers plans for one, two, or three days.

Frequently asked questions