Acadia National Park, located on the rugged coast of Maine, is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers. Spanning over 49,000 acres, it features dramatic landscapes including granite peaks, dense forests, pristine lakes, and a stunning shoreline dotted with historic lighthouses. As one of the most visited national parks in the United States, drawing millions of visitors annually, planning your stay is crucial to maximizing your experience. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of camping under the stars or the comfort of a cozy inn, knowing where to stay in Acadia National Park can make or break your trip. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a variety of accommodation options, from in-park campgrounds to charming nearby towns, helping you find the perfect base for exploring this Downeast Maine gem.
With its mix of accessibility and wilderness, Acadia offers something for every traveler. Mount Desert Island, home to the park’s main section, is where most visitors focus their time, thanks to iconic spots like Cadillac Mountain—the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise—and the scenic Park Loop Road. But with limited lodging directly inside the park, many opt for nearby communities like Bar Harbor or Southwest Harbor. Factors such as budget, group size, and desired level of seclusion will influence your choice. Let’s dive into the details to help you decide where to stay in Acadia National Park.
Camping Options Inside Acadia National Park
For those who want an immersive outdoor experience, camping is one of the best ways to connect with Acadia’s natural beauty. The park itself offers several campgrounds, primarily on Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula. These sites are seasonal, typically open from late May to mid-October, and reservations are essential, especially during peak summer months. All campgrounds prohibit backcountry camping, and there are no hookups for RVs, keeping the focus on a rustic vibe. Expect amenities like flush toilets, cold running water, picnic tables, and fire rings, but no electricity or hot showers on-site (though pay showers are available nearby).
Blackwoods Campground
Blackwoods Campground is arguably the most popular camping spot in Acadia, located on the east side of Mount Desert Island, just 5 miles south of Bar Harbor along Route 3. This makes it an ideal base for exploring top attractions like Jordan Pond, the Beehive Trail, and Sand Beach. With over 300 sites accommodating tents and RVs up to 35 feet, it’s well-suited for families and groups. The campground is wooded, providing shade and privacy, and a short 10-minute walk leads to the ocean for stunning coastal views.
Pros of staying here include its central location, which minimizes driving time to key park features, and access to the free Island Explorer shuttle bus, reducing the need for personal vehicles in crowded areas. Amenities include dump stations, and ranger-led programs like campfire talks add educational value. However, cons include high demand—reservations open six months in advance via recreation.gov and fill up quickly—and potential noise from nearby roads. Tips: Book early, bring bug spray for blackflies in spring, and pack layers for cool evenings. Rates start around $30 per night. If you’re a first-timer wondering where to stay in Acadia National Park for convenience, Blackwoods tops the list.
Seawall Campground
On the quieter “west side” of Mount Desert Island, Seawall Campground offers a more serene alternative, about 4 miles south of Southwest Harbor. It features around 200 sites for tents and RVs, with similar amenities to Blackwoods: flush toilets, cold water, and proximity to the ocean. This spot is perfect for those interested in exploring lesser-visited areas like the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse or the Wonderland Trail, which winds through tide pools and rocky shores.
The pros here are the peaceful atmosphere—far fewer crowds than Blackwoods—and easy access to the park’s quieter trails and beaches. It’s also pet-friendly, with leashed dogs allowed. Drawbacks include a longer drive (about 20-30 minutes) to popular east-side attractions like Cadillac Mountain, and limited cell service for those needing connectivity. Reservations are also handled through recreation.gov, with sites available up to six months ahead; 90% open early, while 10% are held for last-minute bookings. Pro tip: Visit during shoulder seasons (May or October) for fewer people and vibrant foliage. At around $30 per night, it’s budget-friendly for nature enthusiasts deciding where to stay in Acadia National Park.
Schoodic Woods Campground
Located on the mainland’s Schoodic Peninsula, about an hour’s drive from Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Woods provides a remote camping experience with 94 sites, including some pull-throughs for RVs. Opened in 2015, it’s one of the newer additions, offering modern touches like accessible sites and a ranger station. The peninsula boasts dramatic ocean views, biking paths, and hiking trails with fewer visitors than the main island.
Advantages include the uncrowded setting—ideal for stargazing or birdwatching—and free shuttle service within the peninsula. Amenities mirror other park campgrounds, with added bonuses like nearby hot showers. Cons: The distance from Mount Desert Island’s highlights means it’s not suitable as a sole base for a full park exploration; plan it as a side trip. Reservations are required, and rates are similar to other sites. If solitude is your priority when pondering where to stay in Acadia National Park, Schoodic Woods delivers.
Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut
For the ultimate off-the-grid adventure, Duck Harbor on remote Isle au Haut features five primitive lean-to shelters. Accessible only by ferry from Stonington (a 1.5-hour drive from Bar Harbor plus a 45-minute boat ride), this site is for experienced campers. Amenities are basic: composting toilets, a hand-pump for water, and no fires allowed. The island, half of which is parkland, offers rugged hiking and a small fishing village.
Pros: Unparalleled seclusion and pristine scenery, with trails leading to cliffs and coves. It’s a unique slice of Acadia few experience. Cons: Limited spots (reservations via recreation.gov, lottery system for peak season), challenging access, and no modern conveniences—pack everything in and out. Stays are limited to three nights. This isn’t for everyone, but if you’re seeking where to stay in Acadia National Park for a back-to-basics retreat, it’s unmatched.
Hotels and Inns Near Acadia National Park
If camping isn’t your style, the surrounding towns offer a range of hotels, inns, and B&Bs. Bar Harbor, the gateway to the park, has the most options, blending luxury with budget-friendly stays. These accommodations provide comforts like Wi-Fi, breakfast, and proximity to dining and shops, making them ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Luxury Hotels in Bar Harbor
For a pampered stay, consider the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa, a waterfront property with ocean views, an on-site spa, pool, and dining. Rated 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, it’s perfect for couples, offering balconies and seasonal activities like s’mores nights. Pros: Stunning location on the Shore Path, free parking, and pet-friendly rooms. Cons: Higher prices, especially in summer (expect $400+ per night). Another splurge is the Bayview Hotel, with 5/5 ratings, oceanfront rooms, and complimentary breakfast—ideal for where to stay in Acadia National Park with elegance.
Mid-Range and Budget Options in Bar Harbor
Mid-range picks include the Inn on Mount Desert (5/5 rating), a short walk from downtown with included breakfast and private terraces. It’s quieter yet convenient, around $200-300/night. For budget travelers, the Bar Harbor Villager Motel (4.5/5) offers clean rooms, a pool, and free breakfast in the town center—great value at under $200. Pros: Walkability to shops and eateries. Cons: Can feel crowded in peak season. Vintage motels and chains like Holiday Inn provide reliable alternatives.
Accommodations in Southwest Harbor and Other Quiet Towns
Southwest Harbor offers a calmer vibe, with options like The Claremont (4/5 rating), a waterfront inn with a pool, spa, and on-site dining featuring local brews. Pros: Romantic setting, fewer crowds; cons: 20-minute drive to main attractions. Mid-range spots like Harbour Cottage Inn (5/5) include breakfast and cozy rooms. For budget, Harbor View Motel & Cottages (4/5) has waterfront views and kitchens.
Northeast Harbor and Bass Harbor focus on B&Bs and rentals, with quaint inns like Asticou Inn offering historic charm. These areas are residential, ideal for peace but with limited dining.
Vacation Rentals and Cottages
For groups or longer stays, vacation rentals via VRBO are popular on Mount Desert Island. Options like waterfront homes in Southwest Harbor (sleeping 7, with docks and views) provide privacy and kitchens. Pros: Home-like feel, cost-effective for families; cons: Minimum stays in summer. Cottages in Trenton, like Isleview Motel & Cottages, offer grills and pet-friendly units near the park entrance.
Staying in Nearby Towns: Trenton and Beyond
Trenton, just before the bridge to Mount Desert Island, is budget-friendly with motels like Isleview (4/5 rating) on the shuttle route. Pros: Affordable (under $150/night), close enough (30 minutes to attractions); cons: Less walkable. Winter Harbor near Schoodic is for laid-back stays, while Isle au Haut suits adventurers.
Tips for Booking and Seasonal Considerations
Book 6-12 months ahead for summer; consider fall for foliage and fewer crowds, but pack for variable weather. Use the Island Explorer bus to avoid parking hassles. Budget: Camping $30/night, hotels $150-500+. Prioritize location based on your itinerary—Bar Harbor for action, west side for quiet.
Conclusion
Choosing where to stay in Acadia National Park depends on your adventure style—rustic camping at Blackwoods or luxurious inns in Bar Harbor. With options abound, from serene Southwest Harbor to budget Trenton, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind amid Maine’s coastal wonders. Plan ahead, embrace the outdoors, and create unforgettable memories in this iconic park.