Bar Harbor Campground: A Scenic Camping Experience Just Minutes from Acadia National Park
Name: Bar Harbor Campground
Location: 409 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Accommodations: Full hookup RV sites, water/electric RV sites, tent sites,
Dog-friendly: Yes
Season: May-October
Planning a trip to Acadia? Bar Harbor Campground is just a short drive from downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Breathtaking ocean views and family-friendly amenities like a heated pool and a large playground make this the perfect spot for a coastal getaway. Campers can also take advantage of stress-free transportation to nearby Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park via the island explorer shuttle.
In this blog post, I share everything you need to know about camping at Bar Harbor Campground—campsite options, reservation information, how to access the campground, what to bring, the best time of year to visit, campground amenities, nearby activities, restaurants, and more!
About Bar Harbor Campground
Bar Harbor Campground is a large campground—it has hundreds of campsites spread across 100 acres of land. The campground is strategically laid out, with campsites grouped by type and bathhouses and dumpsters conveniently located throughout the campground. The roads are wide and paved—perfect for biking and walking. During my stay, I found the campground to be very clean and well-maintained.
How to Make a Camping Reservation at Bar Harbor Campground
Making a reservation at Bar Harbor Campground is quick and easy. They have an interactive system that allows you to view campsite availability for your camping dates. You will get a variety of results depending on availability and filters such as price, site type, and amenities. Dog-friendly options will have a little paw print next to them. Each campsite listing contains photos, site details, amenities, and where the site is located on the campground map.
Accessing Bar Harbor Campground
Bar Harbor Campground is located off Route 3 (Bar Harbor Road) in Bar Harbor. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.
Accommodations
Click here to view the campground map.
Full hookup RV sites
Choose from a pull-through or back-in site with either 50 or 30-amp service. A select few of these sites also offer stunning oceanfront views.
Water + electric RV sites
These gravel-based sites can be used for campers or multiple tents and come with a fire pit and picnic table. Some offer views of the ocean.
Tent sites
These back-in sites can accommodate one or more tents and include a concrete slab fire pit and picnic table. A select few of these sites feature ocean views.
Campground Activities
Swimming
Relax in the heated pool and take in the ocean views of Frenchman Bay. The swimming area has lounge chairs and picnic tables to keep the whole family comfortable throughout the day.
Family Activities
Keep the kids (and kids at heart) busy all day at the large playground, arcade, basketball court, and shuffleboard court.
Nearby Activities
Acadia National Park is a dream destination for any outdoor adventurer—full of hiking and biking trails, scenic ocean views, beaches, lakes, ponds, and stunning sunrises and sunsets. Click here to read our Acadia National Park travel guide, which is full of travel tips, lodging recommendations, restaurant suggestions, transportation information, our favorite scenic hikes, must-do activities, insider tips and more!
Best Nearby Restaurants
Breakfast
Clark Point Cafe (Southwest Harbor)
Cafe This Way (Bar Harbor)
The Salt Market (NorthEast Harbor)
Lunch
Sunrise Cafe (Bar Harbor)
DownEast Deli and Boxed Lunch Co (Bar Harbor)
The Bucking Lobster (NorthEast Harbor)
Dinner
Harbor Table (Southwest Harbor)
Beal’s Lobster Pier (Southwest Harbor)
The Traveling Lobster (Bar Harbor)
Insider Tips for Visiting Bar Harbor Campground
Consider a mid-week getaway
Swap your weekend stay for a Sunday-Tuesday or Tuesday-Thursday stay. Restaurants, hiking trails, and downtown Bar Harbor will be less busy.
What to pack to explore Acadia National Park
Swimming stuff—beach chairs, swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, etc.
Comfortable shoes—for walking, biking, hiking, etc.
A rain and/or wind jacket—in case of afternoon thunderstorms!
If you will be tent camping and do not camp frequently, be sure to check out my camping checklist to make packing stress-free!
Bug spray—if you’re not used to pesky mosquitoes and black flies!
Best time to visit
Coastal Maine is the most enjoyable during the Summer (June-September) months when temperatures are welcoming to activities such as hiking, swimming, going to the beach, kayaking, etc.
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. Think of it like being a good guest—keep things clean, respect the wildlife, take only memories and leave behind only footprints. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of places in Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more insider Maine camping tips and recommendations? You can find them all here.
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With Love,
MyMaine
