Campground

Mount Desert Campground

CampgroundCLOSED TEMPORARILY★ 4.7
Mount Desert Campground at Acadia National Park features a small beige building, pink flowering bed, and a white flag near greenery.

Alright, Mount Desert Campground sits on Somes Sound with direct water access and shaded sites. Waterfront, waterview, Premium Waterfront, Premium Platform, Premium Ground, and wooded sites plus tent platforms give you diverse options. Book early—months ahead—especially for waterfront spots during peak summer.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Private
Reservation Window
Booking usually months in advance; waterfront spots often require about 6 months lead time.
Reservation Tips
Book well in advance; use private booking form or call; waterfront spots require extra planning during peak months.
Season Dates
Mid-May through mid-October (Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, weather permitting).

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Private
Reservation Window
Booking usually months in advance; waterfront spots often require about 6 months lead time.
Reservation Tips
Book well in advance; use private booking form or call; waterfront spots require extra planning during peak months.
Season Dates
Mid-May through mid-October (Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, weather permitting).
Fills Up Speed
High demand; bookings fill quickly, especially July–August.
Per Night Cost
Off-Season (May 21 - June 26 & Sept 8 - Oct 13): $69-$87; Peak Season (June 27 - Sept 7): $81-$107 for Waterview/Waterfront/Premium Waterfront sites.
Extra Vehicle Fees
$15 per night; additional vehicle may be parked at the office lot.
Day Use Fees
Day-use pricing is not published in official materials.
Passes Accepted
No mention of America the Beautiful discounts.

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
Approximately 100-150 sites on 50 acres.
Site Types
Waterfront, Waterview, Premium Waterfront, Premium Platform, Premium Ground, wooded sites, tent platforms.
Site Type Breakdown
Not published.
RV Max Length
20 feet maximum.
Group Sites Available
0
Group Site Capacity
Group-site capacity is not documented; no official group-site details available.
Hookups
Electric (20 amp) and water hookups at select sites.
Site Features
Fire ring, picnic table, tent platforms.
Ground Type
Tent platforms common; ground surface varies.
Site Privacy
Generally good spacing with trees and brush.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets; clean and well-maintained.
Showers Available
Metered hot showers: $1 for 5 minutes.
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available.
Dump Station
No on-site dump station; nearest is a few miles away for $20.
Trash Service
Pack-it-in, pack-it-out; no on-site trash service.
Camp Store
The Gathering Place stocks coffee, pastries, ice, and basic camping supplies.
Firewood Availability
Firewood available at The Gathering Place.
Cell Service
Cell service available; WiFi at The Gathering Place; service can be intermittent at campsites.
Nearby Facilities
The Gathering Place store; Bar Harbor area for groceries.

Access

Road Type
Road type is not documented in official materials.
Road Conditions
Terrain can be difficult to navigate in places.
Vehicle Restrictions
RVs/Trailers longer than 20 feet not allowed.
Clearance Needed
Standard clearance; sedan-friendly due to 20 ft length cap.
Gate Hours
Gate hours are not published.
Distance From Entrance
Approximately 10-15 minutes driving distance to Acadia NP entrances.
Nearest Gas Services
Bar Harbor area; Northeast Harbor; Southwest Harbor within short drive.
Elevation
Elevation: not published.
Accessibility
ADA-accessible sites: not documented. Bathrooms are flush and lit; showers are metered; potable water is available at sites; there is no on-site dump station; Honey Wagon service is available for a fee, with nearby septic dump stations.
ADA Accessible Sites
ADA-accessible sites are not documented.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Food storage: bear-proof dumpsters are available on-site; keep food sealed and use bear-safe practices; pack-in/pack-out applies.
Fire Restrictions
Fire rings are provided; seasonal bans may occur.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Dogs allowed in off-season; prohibited during peak season; leash rules follow campground etiquette.
Generator Hours
No published generator hours; Mount Desert Campground's generator policy is not documented.
Quiet Hours
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Max Stay Limit
14-night combined total limit.
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, stargazing.
Trailheads Nearby
No campground-internal trailheads; serves as base for Acadia trails.
Fishing Details
Direct water access on Somes Sound; kayak and canoe rentals; fishing possible.
Wildlife Viewing
Bear activity possible; expect woodland wildlife.
Stargazing Quality
Good from waterfront sites; dark skies with clear nights.
Shade Coverage
Many sites shaded by trees.
Scenic Views
Waterfront Somes Sound views; wooded perspectives.
Noise Level
Quiet nights; highway noise not a major issue; some site-specific concerns.
Best Time To Visit
July–August brings highest demand; plan ahead; shoulder seasons May–June or Sept–Oct are quieter.
Vibe Check
This is a practical basecamp near Acadia: water views, shaded sites, and quiet nights. Expect calm, not a remote wilderness experience; privacy is decent but not exclusive.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You need a compact rig (
Tips Advice
  • Book 6+ months ahead for waterfront sites
  • Bring a headlamp for late-night trips to the bathhouse
  • Pack it in, pack it out; leave-no-trace
  • Water access is direct; watch for steep path to the dock
  • Keep quiet hours; respect neighbors

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island
Family Friendly Notes
Waterfront access and kid-friendly water activities; quiet nights; on-site store for quick needs.
Senior Access Discounts
No senior-discount information is published.
Amphitheater
Amphitheater: not listed in official materials.
Boat Launch
Floating dock access for Somes Sound; kayak and canoe rentals on site.
Nearby Attractions
Bar Harbor, Acadia park entrances within 10-15 minutes; lobster shacks nearby.
Terrain Type
Varied; some sites on terraces and rough terrain in places.
Temperature Ranges
Seasonal temps vary; nights cool.
Snow Season
Snow season: not applicable; campground operates from mid-May to Columbus Day weekend.
Monsoon Season
Monsoon season: not applicable.
Wind Exposure
Wind exposure depends on the site; higher terrace sites tend to be more exposed to coastal winds.
Bug Season
Bug season: not published.
Setup Strategy
RV sites are mainly back-in; 20 ft max; internal roads can be uneven—drive slowly and scout turns; sedan-friendly if you stay under 20 ft.
Bath Laundry Recon
Shower house exists with metered hot showers; no explicit laundries listed.
Review Summary
Rated 4.7 stars from 440 reviews. Guests praise water access, cleanliness of bath facilities, and proximity to Acadia; demand is strong, so secure a waterfront site early.

Location

Tent on a wooden platform at Mount Desert Campground in Acadia National Park, shaded by pines near the water.Tent pitched on a wooden platform in a forest campground at Acadia National Park, with a picnic area nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dump station on-site?

No on-site dump station; the nearest dump is several miles away for about $20.

What is the RV length limit?

RVs and trailers must be 20 feet or shorter.

Are pets allowed year-round?

Yes, dogs are allowed in the off-season; peak-season rules restrict pets during busy periods.

How do I book a site?

Private booking via phone or Mount Desert Campground’s website; expect long lead times for prime waterfront spots.

Are there full hookups?

Electric 20 amp and water hookups exist at select sites; sewer is not mentioned.

Evergreen Yurts

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

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.