Campground

Bass Harbor Campground

CampgroundOPERATIONAL★ 4.3
Bass Harbor Head Light and keeper's house along the rocky coastline in Acadia National Park.

Bass Harbor Campground sits on Mount Desert Island along the Bass Harbor coast, putting you near Acadia National Park. The park hosts roughly 120 sites for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts, each with a fire ring and a picnic table. Book directly at bassharbor.com; the 2026 season runs May 8 through October 25. Rigs up to 45 feet fit on select sites, with full hookups (electric, water, sewer) and 20/30/50-amp service. Quiet hours are 10 p.m.–7 a.m.; a dump station is on site. The camp store sel...

Quick facts

Reservation System
Private (Direct booking via phone or website)
Reservation Window
2026 summer reservations begin February 1st at 10 am EST
Reservation Tips
Lock in summer sites early; reserve through private direct booking on bassharbor.com or by phone; February 1st opening for summer slots
Season Dates
Mid-May through October 31st

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Private (Direct booking via phone or website)
Reservation Window
2026 summer reservations begin February 1st at 10 am EST
Reservation Tips
Lock in summer sites early; reserve through private direct booking on bassharbor.com or by phone; February 1st opening for summer slots
Season Dates
Mid-May through October 31st
Fills Up Speed
Books up quickly for July-August; book early
Per Night Cost
Not published; 7th night free with six-night paid stay; $25 fee for one-night reservations
Extra Vehicle Fees
$5 per day for extra vehicles
Day Use Fees
$3 per person per day for pool access for non-campers
Passes Accepted
Not mentioned

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
110-120
Site Types
tent sites, RV sites, cabins, yurts
Site Type Breakdown
Tent sites: 101–145 (basic) — 45 sites; Electric & Water tent/small trailer sites: 201–219 — 19 sites; RV sites with 30-amp hookups: 305–333 — 29 sites; RV sites with 50-amp hookups: 321 and 501–508 — 9 sites. Cabins and yurts are available; price range for cabins/yurts is $90–$137 per night with minimum stays; exact counts for cabins/yurts are not published.
RV Max Length
44-45 feet
Group Sites Available
1
Group Site Capacity
Varies
Hookups
Water and electric (20A/30A/50A); some sites water/electric/sewer; RV sites may have cable TV
Site Features
Fire ring (grate) and picnic table at each site; potable water spigots; on-site dump station; camp store; dog park on-site; bear safety implied
Ground Type
Crushed rock roads; some tent pads on 12'x12' platforms
Site Privacy
Varies; some sites offer privacy with trees, others closer to neighbors

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets
Showers Available
Free hot showers in a renovated bathhouse; some reviews note privacy concerns
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available throughout
Dump Station
On-site
Trash Service
Trash disposal available; bear-proof dumpsters not explicitly confirmed; one report of overflow
Camp Store
On-site camp store offering essentials, ice, and firewood
Firewood Availability
Firewood available for purchase at campground store; gathering firewood prohibited
Cell Service
Cell service is limited in most areas; Wi‑Fi availability is inconsistent and may vary by location within the campground.
Nearby Facilities
Southwest Harbor for gas, groceries, and services; Acadia entrances nearby

Access

Road Type
Crushed rock
Road Conditions
Internal roads may be tight with low tree branches; some turns challenging for larger RVs
Vehicle Restrictions
No explicit length restrictions beyond RV max; large trailers may be hard to maneuver
Clearance Needed
Low tree branches; caution for taller vehicles
Gate Hours
Campground office open 8:00 am–6:00 pm; late arrivals can check in next morning; gate not described as locked
Distance From Entrance
Approximately 5 minutes' drive from Acadia entrance
Nearest Gas Services
Southwest Harbor is a short ride away with gas and groceries
Elevation
Varies
Accessibility
No published details on accessible sites; contact the campground for current options.
ADA Accessible Sites
ADA-accessible site details are not published here; verify current accessibility options with the campground before booking.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear safety is implied; follow Acadia guidelines for food storage
Fire Restrictions
Campfires permitted in designated fire rings
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
One pet per site; additional pets $5/day; leash up to 6 ft; must be attended and cleaned; dog park available; excessive barking may lead to removal
Generator Hours
Not stated; quiet hours 10:00 pm–7:00 am
Quiet Hours
10:00 pm–7:00 am
Max Stay Limit
No published maximum length of stay; check current booking terms when you reserve.
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Heated pool; playground; recreation room with games; dog park; access to Ship Harbor Trail and other coastal hikes.
Trailheads Nearby
Ship Harbor Trailhead and another nearby coastal nature trailhead within Acadia's southwest region.
Wildlife Viewing
Bear country; expect wildlife; store food securely
Stargazing Quality
Dark skies are achievable in this quiet coastal setting when skies are clear; visibility depends on weather conditions.
Shade Coverage
Heavy shade in many sites
Scenic Views
Coastal forest setting; some sites near coast with glimpses of water
Noise Level
Low; generally quiet away from main roads
Best Time To Visit
May–June or September–October for fewer crowds and milder bugs
Vibe Check
Functional basecamp near Acadia; practical amenities without pretending it’s deep wilderness
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a family-friendly base with water/electric/sewer options, a pool, and proximity to Acadia. ❌ SKIP IF: You’re chasing total seclusion or a deep-woods, primitive campsite
Tips Advice
  • Book early (Feb 1, 10 am)
  • Bring a long power cord for hookups
  • Store food properly in bear-country settings
  • Expect tight turns for larger RVs; plan maneuvering
  • Check gate hours and plan late arrivals accordingly

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park, Maine
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly with a pool and playground; dog park nearby; quiet hours protect family campers
Senior Access Discounts
Not mentioned
Nearby Attractions
Access points to Acadia entrances are nearby, with the towns of Southwest Harbor and Ship Harbor within reach; the coastline is readily accessible from the campground.
Terrain Type
Wooded coastal forest
Temperature Ranges
Seasonal; shoulder-season nights cool, summers warm
Snow Season
Not applicable; season runs May–Oct
Monsoon Season
Monsoon season: not applicable; Maine’s climate is temperate with Atlantic storm activity year-round.
Wind Exposure
Coastal exposure; potential wind along coast
Bug Season
Mosquito activity in summer; bring repellent
Setup Strategy
Big rigs up to 44-45 ft; crushed-rock internal roads with tight turns; back-in or pull-through options depending on site; have lines ready and use a spotter for low branches
Bath Laundry Recon
Bathhouse is the highlight with free hot showers; no explicit on-site laundry noted
Review Summary
Casual, family-friendly campground with a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and yurt sites. Clean bathhouse with hot showers; some reviews note privacy gaps and tight RV maneuvering. Popular choice on Mount Desert Island; book early for peak season.

Location

Pool at an Acadia National Park campground near Bass Harbor, with bright blue water, surrounding trees, and turquoise lounge chairs.Tent campsite at a shaded Acadia National Park campground among tall pines, with a picnic table nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears in Bass Harbor Campground?

Yes. It’s bear country; follow standard bear safety and store food properly.

Is there a pool at Bass Harbor Campground?

Yes, there is a heated pool on-site for guest use.

What RV length can Bass Harbor accommodate?

Maximum RV length is about 44–45 feet; larger rigs may face maneuvering challenges on tight turns.

Are dogs allowed at Bass Harbor?

Yes. Dogs are allowed with a 6 ft leash limit; limit of one pet per site; dog park available.

Is there on-site water or sewer hookups?

Water and electric are available; some sites include water, electric, and sewer; cable TV at RV sites.

Evergreen Yurts

Private baths in each 24’ yurt; forested base near Acadia with creekside trails.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.