Acadia National Park, located on the stunning coast of Maine, offers an unforgettable RV camping experience surrounded by breathtaking views and diverse landscapes. From towering granite peaks to serene shorelines, Acadia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and RV camping provides the perfect way to immerse yourself in its beauty. Whether you’re looking to explore scenic drives, hike through lush forests, or relax by the ocean, Acadia National Park RV Camping has something for everyone.
This RV camping guide will help you make the most of your visit by highlighting the RV campground, providing essential tips for RVers, and sharing recommendations for must-see attractions within the park. With its unique mix of mountains, coastline, and woodlands, Acadia National Park is an ideal destination for RV travelers looking to experience the great outdoors while enjoying the comfort of their home on wheels. Let’s dive into everything you need for the ultimate Acadia RV adventure!
Acadia N.P. Location
Acadia National Park is located on the picturesque coast of Maine, primarily on Mount Desert Island, but also includes parts of the Schoodic Peninsula and several smaller islands. The park is easily accessible from nearby towns like Bar Harbor, a popular visitor gateway. Acadia’s unique blend of rugged coastline, towering mountains, and lush forests make it a must-see destination for nature lovers. Acadia is one of the top East Coast must-see national parks.
To reach Acadia National Park by car, the most common route is U.S. Route 1, which runs along Maine’s coastline and connects to various access points. You can take Route 1 north to Ellsworth from the south, then follow Route 3 directly to Bar Harbor. If you’re coming from the west, you can take Interstate 95 to Bangor and then head southeast along Route 1A to Ellsworth and onto Route 3.
The nearest major airport for those traveling by air is Bangor International Airport (BGR). You can rent a car or take a shuttle to Acadia from there. Alternatively, Portland International Jetport (PWM) is about 170 miles away and offers more flight options.
Once in the area, navigating through the park using Route 3 or various local roads is easy. Knowing the park’s vehicle size restrictions and planning ahead for parking and campground reservations is essential for RV travelers. Acadia National Park is a peaceful retreat offering adventure and serenity, just waiting to be explored.
About Acadia National Park
- Size: Covers over 49,000 acres, featuring a rugged coastline, mountains, forests, and lakes.
- Established: Founded in 1916, it was the first national park east of the Mississippi River.
- Key Features:
- Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the eastern seaboard.
- Over 120 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs.
- Scenic drives include the famous Park Loop Road and the 27-mile Schoodic Scenic Byway.
- Beautiful beaches like Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach.
- Diverse wildlife, including moose, deer, seabirds, and marine life.
- Outdoor Activities: Hiking, biking, kayaking, wildlife watching, and stargazing.
- Camping: Offers multiple campgrounds, including the popular Blackwoods and Seawall campgrounds, with options for tents and RVs.
- Best Time to Visit: The park is open year-round, but the peak season for RV camping and hiking is typically from May to October.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Bar Harbor, a charming nearby town, and Bangor International Airport.
RV Camping at Blackwoods Campground
Blackwoods Campground is one of the most popular RV camping spots in Acadia National Park, offering an excellent base for exploring the park’s stunning landscapes. Located just a few miles from Bar Harbor, Blackwoods is centrally situated for easy access to the park’s attractions, including Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and many hiking trails.
- Sites: The campground offers 306 sites, with 40 for RV camping. These sites are spacious but have some size restrictions. RVs up to 35 feet in length can be accommodated at most sites.
- Facilities: The campground provides basic amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water. No electricity, water, or sewer hookups exist, so RV campers must be self-sufficient.
- Reservations: Blackwoods Campground operates on a reservation system from May through October. It’s recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons (summer and fall).
- Proximity to Trails: Being centrally located in the park, Blackwoods offers easy access to popular hikes such as the Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail and the Jordan Pond Path.
- Season: The campground is open from mid-May through October, but check for specific opening and closing dates each year.
While Blackwoods doesn’t offer full hookups, it’s a peaceful, natural setting ideal for camping close to Acadia’s incredible outdoor experiences. It’s the perfect spot for RVers who enjoy rustic camping with modern-day convenience.
Full Hook-Up RV Campgrounds
Acadia National Park offers limited full-hookup RV sites, as the park emphasizes preserving its natural beauty. However, nearby campgrounds provide full hookups for those looking for more convenience while visiting the park. One such option is Bar Harbor Campground, located just outside the park, which offers full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric connections. Another option is the Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday.
While these campgrounds aren’t within the park itself, they offer easy access to Acadia’s attractions, making them a great alternative for RVers who prefer the comfort of full hookups. For those staying at Blackwoods or other campgrounds within Acadia, water, electrical, and sewer hookups are unavailable, so it’s essential to be self-sufficient with your RV tanks.
For full-hookup RV camping, these nearby campgrounds are your best bet!
Things to Do
Acadia National Park offers a wide range of activities for outdoor lovers. Here are some top things to do:
- Hike Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views.
- Bike the Carriage Roads, a scenic network of paths.
- Kayak or paddleboard along the beautiful coastline.
- Visit Jordan Pond for a peaceful walk.
- Climb the Beehive Trail for an adventurous challenge.
- Go wildlife spotting—moose, deer, and seabirds abound.
- Swim at Sand Beach or Echo Lake.
- Explore the Park Loop Road for stunning coastal views.
- Stargaze from Cadillac Mountain—it’s one of the first places to see the sunrise.
- Take a ranger-led tour for deeper insights into the park’s history.
Acadia’s beauty and outdoor activities make it an unforgettable destination.
Our Acadia National Park Experience
Our weekend camping experience at Acadia National Park was unforgettable. We stayed at Blackwoods Campground, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature. Each day was filled with adventure—hiking up Cadillac Mountain for breathtaking views, biking the scenic carriage roads, and exploring the rocky coastline. We even kayaked on Jordan Pond, enjoying the peaceful water and stunning mountain backdrop. Evenings were spent around the campfire, stargazing and listening to the quiet. Acadia’s beauty and the tranquility of camping made for the perfect weekend getaway in nature. We can’t wait to return!
