Acadia National Park: Hours, Fees, Cadillac Mountain Reservations,

Q: What passes do I need to enter Acadia?

A 7-day entrance pass is $35 per vehicle; online digital passes are available; other passes include America the Beautiful $80/year and Acadia Annual $70/year; youth under 15 are free.

Q: Where can I camp inside the park?

Designated campgrounds include Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor (Isle au Haut); backcountry camping requires a permit and is not allowed in unapproved areas.

Q: Is Island Explorer the best way to get around?

Yes. The fare-free Island Explorer operates late May–mid-October and helps avoid parking congestion along Park Loop Road and popular trailheads.

Q: Are pets allowed in Acadia?

Pets are allowed on most carriage roads and trails with a 6-foot leash, but not in certain beaches, public buildings, or on steep trails; never leave pets unattended.

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Overview

About This Park

Park is open year-round with winter closures on Park Loop and Cadillac Summit Road. The main rule is to secure a valid entrance pass online and follow leash, food storage, and camping regulations; Cadillac Summit Road reservations are required in late spring to early fall for peak times.

Why Visit

Acadia sits on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s coast. Granite shorelines meet forested uplands and glacial outcrops, creating a mosaic of coastal, woodland, and mountain habitats. The park spans broad shorelines, inland carriage roads, and rugged summits, so planning is essential: Cadillac Summit Road is open to motor vehicles only with a reservation from mid-May through mid-October, daily from sunrise to sunset. Reservations are purchased online through Recreation.gov; 30% of slots are released 90 days in advance and the remaining 70% are released two days before the date at 10:00 a.m. ET. The reservation is per vehicle, not per person, and does not guarantee a parking space. Park management aims to protect natural resources while maintaining access and guiding visitors toward low-impact use, underpinned by long-term scientific study and climate resilience across this dynamic coastal ecosystem.

Highlights

Top Things to Do

Cadillac Mountain sunrise; Ocean Path from Sand Beach to Otter Cliff; Jordan Pond and the Jordan Pond House; Bike the Carriage Roads; Bass Harbor Head Light overlook

Family Friendly

Junior Ranger activities available during peak season; check schedules at Hulls Cove or Sieur de Monts

Accessibility

Key facilities include Hulls Cove Visitor Center (Bar Harbor), Sieur de Monts Nature Center, Rockefeller Welcome Center, and Park Headquarters (Winter Visitor Center). Hulls Cove and Rockefeller centers have accessible restrooms and paved or level paths in parts of the campus; Sieur de Monts offers a paved route and accessible facilities. Trails range from smooth, boardwalked segments to rugged, unpaved routes; availability of accessible options depends on the chosen route. Check current trail notes and park maps for specifics.

Photography Tips

Position for Cadilllac Mountain sunrise and dramatic coastlines; avoid blocking traffic on Park Loop viewpoints

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) bring lighter crowds and milder conditions for hiking and exploring. July typically marks the peak in visitation, while September often delivers cooler weather and fewer visitors.

Nearby Services

Bar Harbor provides gas, medical, and dining options; limited services within the Park boundaries

Tips & Advice

Buy passes online
Reserve Cadillac Summit Road if planning sunrise/peak visits
Shuttle is highly recommended
Do not feed wildlife
Bring layers and waterproof gear

Park Strategy

The 3-Day Plan

Day 1: Drive Park Loop West to East with Cadillac Mountain; Day 2: Jordan Pond and carriage roads; Day 3: Schoodic Peninsula and Bass Harbor headlight

Traffic Beater

Cadillac Summit Road requires reservations May–Oct for sunrise/peak times; Park Loop is best accessed early; Sand Beach lot fills by 9 AM, plan shuttle or earlier arrival

Where to Sleep

WEST SIDE: Bar Harbor area offers more dining and services; EAST SIDE: Schoodic Peninsula provides windier, quieter experiences; plan two stays if possible

The Timing

July is peak mosquitoes and wildflowers; September is crowd-free but cooler; June may have winter road closures limiting full-road access

Details

When to Visit

Peak Season

July

Shoulder Season

May and September

Winter

Park Loop Road closed Dec 1–Apr 14; Cadillac Summit Road generally closed Dec 1–Apr 14; unpaved roads closed mid-November through mid-May

Road Openings

Cadillac Summit Road open late May through mid-October for reservations; Park Loop Road typically reopens in spring after closures; unpaved roads reopen as weather permits

Getting There & Around

Nearest Airports

Bar Harbor, ME (BHB) and Bangor, ME (BGR) are common access points; additional options include Portland (PWM) and other regional airfields

Driving Distances

From Bangor to Bar Harbor roughly 1.5–2 hours by car; from Portland area about 3.5–4 hours; distances vary based on route and seasonal road Status

Park Entrances

Primary gate at Route 3 (Bar Harbor side); Cadillac Summit Road entry; Schoodic Peninsula entry on Route 186

Shuttle Services

Island Explorer is the recommended transport to avoid parking congestion; network covers key park areas and trails

Reservations Required

Vehicle reservations required for Cadillac Summit Road from late May through mid-October for sunrise/peak times; all other entries are by permit/fee purchase as applicable

Parking

Parking limited and fills early; Sand Beach lot routinely full by 9:00 AM; plan for shuttle or backup options

Where to Stay

In-Park Lodging

In-park camping available at designated sites: Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor (Isle au Haut); reservations required via Recreation.gov

Campgrounds

Blackwoods Campground, Seawall Campground, Schoodic Woods Campground, Duck Harbor (Isle au Haut)

Gateway Towns

Bar Harbor (gateway town with services, lodging, and access to Hulls Cove arrivals)

Safety Information

Bear Country

Wildlife presence includes porcupines and ticks; keep a safe distance from all wildlife; carry appropriate repellents and check regulations; food storage in locked containers

Weather Safety

Fog common along the coastline; rapid weather shifts possible, especially at Cadillac Mountain; plan for cooler conditions at elevation

Altitude

Cadillac Mountain rises to 1,530 feet (466 m)

Leave No Trace

Pack out trash; stay on trails; minimize impact on fragile ecosystems; observe Leave No Trace principles

Permits Needed

Backcountry camping or overnight stays require backcountry permits; camping is limited to designated campgrounds; dispersed or winter camping not allowed

Wildlife

Wildlife Overview

Diverse coastal and forest fauna; porcupines and ticks present; bears less common than in western parks

Where to See Wildlife

Coastal edge zones, forested ridges, and lake regions; be mindful near water and trailheads

Wildlife Safety

Maintain distance; do not feed wildlife; carry bear spray only if local regulations require or recommend; follow posted guidelines

Bear Spray Rentals

Not available

Weather & What to Bring

Weather Averages

Coastal Maine climate; summers mild and pleasant; frequent sea fog and wind; elevation adds temperature variability

Precipitation

Moderate precipitation; frequent mist and light rain; heavier rain possible in shoulder seasons

Essential Gear

Water, base layers and insulating layers, rain shell, sturdy footwear, map or GPS, flashlight

Clothing

No cotton; wool or synthetic layers; waterproof outerwear; gloves and hat for cooler conditions

Park Regions

Cadillac Mountain & Park Loop

Cadillac Summit Road (seasonal), Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Park Loop vistas

Jordan Pond & The Bubbles

Jordan Pond, Bubble Rock Trail, The Bubbles rock formations, kettle ponds

Carriage Roads & Lakes

Carriage Roads network for cycling and walking; Eagle Lake; scenic bridges

Schoodic Peninsula

Schoodic Head, Schoodic Loop, quieter shoreline experiences

FAQs

Do I need a reservation for Cadillac Summit Road?

Yes. Vehicle reservations are required from late May through mid-October for sunrise or peak times via Recreation.gov. Outside that window, general access follows standard park entry rules.

What passes do I need to enter Acadia?

Where can I camp inside the park?

Is Island Explorer the best way to get around?

Are pets allowed in Acadia?

Lodging building with flower boxes along a porch in Acadia National Park.

Highbrook Motel

Vintage 1950s motel near Acadia. Quiet, spotless, breakfast delivered to your door.

Acadia National Park

Overview

About This Park

Why Visit

Highlights

Best Time to Visit

Nearby Services

Tips & Advice

Park Strategy

Lodging at Acadia National Park (53)

Highbrook Motel

Primrose Inn

The Pathmaker Hotel

Ivy Manor Inn – Village Center

Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B

The Elmhurst Inn

Hanscom’s Motel and Cottages

Emery’s Cottages On the Shore

Edgewater Motel & Cottages

Open Hearth Inn

Seawall Motel and TideWatch Suites

The Bayview Hotel

The Inn on Mount Desert

Cromwell Harbor Motel

Bar Harbor Villager Motel

Bar Harbor Manor

Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

Alamoosook Lakeside Inn

Mira Monte Inn

Main Street Motel

Little Fig Hotel

Moseley Cottage Inn and Town Motel

The Moorings Inn

Harbor Ridge

Bluff House Inn & Cabins

Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center

Queen Anne’s Revenge

The Claremont Hotel

Terramor Outdoor Resort

Under Canvas Acadia

Harbor View Motel & Cottages

Hampton Inn Ellsworth/Bar Harbor

Hampton Inn Bar Harbor

Edenbrook Motel

Black Friar Inn & Pub

Best Western Acadia Park Inn

Balance Rock Inn

Atlantic Eyrie Lodge

Acadia Inn

Eden Village Motel & Cottages

Cafe Drydock & Inn

Bluenose Inn – Bar Harbor Collection

Belle Isle Motel

The Asticou Hotel

The Lucerne Inn

Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Ellsworth / Bar Harbor

Anchorage Motel

Kimball Terrace Inn

Acadia Village Resort

Seasider Motel

Wonder View Inn – Bar Harbor Collection

Atlantic Coast Inn (Formerly Primavera Inn)

Acadia Gateway Motel

Camping at Acadia National Park (21)

Blackwoods Campground

Timberland Acres RV Park

Seawall Campground

Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday

Hadley’s Point Campground

Patten Pond Campground

Bass Harbor Campground

Smuggler’s Den Campground

Schoodic Woods Campground

Wild Acadia Camping Resort

Acadia Seashore Camping & Cabins

Oceanfront Camping at Reach Knolls

Quietside Campground & Cabins

Evergreen Yurts

Quarry Ledge Campground

Narrows Too Campground