Blackwoods Campground: 281 Sites, May 2

Wooden bathhouse at Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park, with brown siding and forest backdrop.

Blackwoods Campground runs along Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, Otter Creek, Maine. It accommodates 308 sites: 277 for tents or RVs, 31 walk-in tent sites, and two group sites. There are no electrical or water hookups at individual sites; potable water spigots are located throughout the campground. Generators may run from 6 AM to 8 PM. Showers are not available on-site; the nearest facilities are Seawall Campground about 30 minutes away or in the town of Bar Harbor. A dump station is...

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 90% of campsites are released six months in advance on the first of each month at 10 am EST. The remaining 10% are released 14 days ahead of arrival.
Reservation Tips: Book six months out via Recreation.gov (first of month at 10am); expect fierce competition during peak season; have alternative dates ready
Season Dates: May 2 through October 20, 2025 (last reservation October 19)

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 90% of campsites are released six months in advance on the first of each month at 10 am EST. The remaining 10% are released 14 days ahead of arrival.
Reservation Tips: Book six months out via Recreation.gov (first of month at 10am); expect fierce competition during peak season; have alternative dates ready
Season Dates: May 2 through October 20, 2025 (last reservation October 19)
Fills Up Speed: Books quickly; high demand during peak season (90% released six months out)
Per Night Cost: $30/night for standard tent/RV sites; $60/night for group tent sites
Extra Vehicle Fees: One vehicle per campsite; overflow parking along Hwy 3 for additional vehicles
Day Use Fees: Acadia entrance pass required: $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, $20 per pedestrian/cyclist
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful pass does not discount camping; Acadia NP annual pass $70

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 281 sites (221 tent-only, 60 RV sites, 4 group sites)
Site Types: Tent-only, RV, group sites
Site Type Breakdown: 221 tent-only, 60 RV sites, 4 group sites
RV Max Length: 35 feet
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: Up to 15 people per group site
Hookups: No electric or water hookups at any site
Site Features: Fire ring with grate, picnic tables, ADA-accessible RV sites, potable water spigots at bathrooms, bear-proof dumpsters, on-site dump station, paved campground roads
Ground Type: Gravel
Site Privacy: Wooded but closely spaced; privacy limited

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets with lights
Showers Available: No on-site showers; fee-based showers in Otter Creek ~0.5 miles away
Potable Water: Potable spigots available at bathrooms
Dump Station: On-site dump station
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters; garbage to be placed in containers or vehicles
Camp Store: Otter Creek Market ~0.6 miles away for ice and supplies
Firewood Availability: Gathering firewood prohibited; firewood can be purchased locally; do not bring wood from more than 50 miles away
Cell Service: Limited and not reliable; AT&T has 2-3 bars in some areas
Nearby Facilities: Otter Creek Market (0.6 miles) for ice and supplies; Bar Harbor nearby; Acadia Entrance Station 15–20 min away

Access

Road Type: Paved roads within campground
Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained
Vehicle Restrictions: Trailers allowed up to 35 ft; Park Loop Road height restrictions
Clearance Needed: Sedan-friendly inside campground; Park Loop Road has low bridges
Gate Hours: Front gates closed in off-season
Distance From Entrance: 5 miles south of Bar Harbor; 15–20 minutes to Acadia NP Entrance Station
Nearest Gas Services: Otter Creek Market ~0.6 miles away
Elevation: Elevation data for Blackwoods Campground isn’t published; the site sits in coastal Acadia National Park near Otter Creek, with low-lying terrain typical of the shoreline area.
Accessibility: 3 ADA-accessible RV sites; some paths paved; interior road access is good
ADA Accessible Sites: Three ADA-accessible RV sites

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Food must be stored in hard-sided containers or vehicles when not in use
Fire Restrictions: Fires allowed in rings; gathering firewood prohibited
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leashed (≤6 ft) and cannot be left unattended; limit of 4 dogs per campsite
Generator Hours: A-Loop: 8:00–10:00 am and 4:00–7:00 pm; B-Loop: generators not allowed
Quiet Hours: 10:00 pm–6:00 am
Max Stay Limit: 14 nights combined between Memorial Day Weekend and Columbus Day; 30 nights per calendar year
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking, interpretive programs (walks, talks, hikes), ranger station
Trailheads Nearby: Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trailhead accessible from campground
Wildlife Viewing: Bear country; stay alert and store food properly
Stargazing Quality: Limited by tree cover
Shade Coverage: Wooded shade
Scenic Views: Ocean within a short walk; forested views
Noise Level: Can be noisy due to families; sound travels between sites
Best Time To Visit: Late spring through early fall; peak in July–August; weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds
Vibe Check: Functional basecamp in proximity to Bar Harbor; forested sites with mixed privacy; not a wilderness retreat—expect campground energy and family activity
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a central Acadia base with a strict 35-ft RV length limit and no hookups; bear safety is manageable; ❌ SKIP IF: You require on-site showers or full hookups and absolute privacy
Tips Advice: Reserve six months out on the 1st at 10am;
Showers are not on-site—plan Otter Creek 0.5 miles away;
Bear safety: use hard-sided containers;
Water is available at bathroom spigots;
Keep noise down during 10pm–6am

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park, Maine
Family Friendly Notes: Flush toilets nearby, quiet hours observed; no on-site showers; bear rules in effect; kids will be around other campers—plan for crowds
Nearby Attractions: Bar Harbor ~5 miles away; Cadillac Mountain nearby; Otter Creek Market 0.6 miles
Terrain Type: Wooded with gravel ground; many sites fairly level
Temperature Ranges: Seasonal variation is pronounced: summer daytime highs commonly reach the 70s–80s °F with cooler nights; spring and fall span roughly the 40s–60s °F; winter camping is not offered at Blackwoods.
Snow Season: Not applicable (season runs May–Oct)
Monsoon Season: Not applicable; Acadia experiences a humid continental climate with no defined monsoon season.
Wind Exposure: Forested with some wind protection from trees
Bug Season: Mosquito season in warmer months; bring repellent
Setup Strategy: Big rigs up to 35 ft can reach several RV sites; internal roads are paved, but Park Loop Road has height limits and some tight turns. Plan to back-in at more sites and use the A-Loop for generators if needed. Arrive early; space fills fast in peak season.
Bath Laundry Recon: No on-site showers; Otter Creek showers about 0.5 miles away (fee-based)
Review Summary: Review buzz centers on convenient location for exploring Acadia and Cadillac Mountain, with many sites close together yet bordered by trees for some privacy. Expect campground buzz and family activity; water and shower options require a short walk. Privacy isn’t perfect, but walkable access to Bar Harbor and park trails is a strong trait.