There are many ways to enjoy Acadia National Park and where you stay can have a major impact on your trip. If you travel with pups, you know finding accommodations can be challenging at times. Never fear, here to the rescue is the complete guide to camping at Acadia with dogs.
Fortunately, Acadia has many options: with or without the pups there are some great Airbnbs! Or if you are traveling without pups you can stay in one of the adorable BNB’s in downtown Bar Harbor, glamp at several locations or good
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2021 Information:
- After complete campground closures in 2020 – campgrounds will reopen for the 2021 season!
- During the 2021 season, all campsites MUST be reserved in advance on recreation.gov within a
60 day rolling window - All group sites remain closed for the 2021 season
- There will be both tent and RV sites available at each campground
- To stream line your visit it’s a great idea to download both the National Park Service App (available for both Android and Apple) and the Recreation.gov Mobile App (available for both Android and Apple)
- With the Recreation.gov
App you will also have access to the Cadillac Mountain Vehicle Reservation even with no cell phone reception
Tips For Booking:
- Not all campsites will be available during the 2021 season.
- Be careful not to try to book dates ahead of the
60 day - Reservations are open for Blackwoods Campground – opening May 7
- Online reservations are also open for Seawall Campground – opening May 26
- Reservations are open for Schoodic Woods as well – opening May 26
Cadillac Mountain Reservation System
In case you missed it last season – There is now a Cadillac Mountain Reservation System in place at Acadia. This initiative is in place to limit the number of vehicles that can travel to the Cadillac Mountain summit at one time. Here’s what you need to know:
- This starts April 1 at 10 am (ET)
- You can make your reservations through Recreation.gov
- Reservations need to be made May 26 – Oct 19
- This is in addition to an entrance pass is required for all locations in Acadia National Park
- Print, download, or screenshot your confirmation code to display since connectivity can be spotty approaching the check station
- There is an entry time window for each vehicle reservation – two hours for sunrise and 30 minutes for daytime
- There is no limit on the length of time visitors may remain parked in the reservation area
- 30% of available vehicle reservations are released 90 days ahead of each calendar date on a rolling basis
- 70% are released at 10 am ET two days ahead of each date to allow visitors a bit more trip spontaneity
Find out more here.
Know Before You Go: Acadia National Park Edition
- From May through October, all visitors are required to have a park entrance pass. All vehicles must display a park entrance pass clearly visible through the windshield. Online sales are available anytime at Recreation.gov
- Private vehicles are $30 for a
7 day pass - Motorcycles – $25
- Per Person – $15 (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian)
- Acadia Annual Pass – $55
- American The Beautiful Pass – $80 (purchase here)
- Private vehicles are $30 for a
- Visitors are required to wear face masks in federal buildings including visitor centers, historic structures, and museums. When outdoors, face masks are required on NPS-managed lands when physical distance cannot be maintained.
- Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders will have reduced access to Eagle Lake Carriage Road this summer during a project to rehabilitate the carriage road while preserving its historic character.
- The Island Explorer Bus is expected to resume scheduling this summer but it will run on a more limited schedule.
- No camping, campfires, or overnight parking are permitted outside of designated campgrounds.
Just Imagine Camping At Acadia
Imagine yourself waking up in a pine forest with that woodsy aroma and the birds chirping (squirrels too). Enjoying a cup of coffee by your campfire. Yes, camping here can be a magical experience at the right time of year, and it will definitely enhance your trip to MDI (Mount Desert Island).
Or imagine coming back to your campsite after a long day of hiking and making s’mores in front of a campfire, s’mores addict here. And falling asleep under a million stars. Magic, right?
All three front country campgrounds are dog friendly. These include Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods. There is also “backcountry” camping at Duck Harbor campground, but it is not pet friendly because it is located on Isle au Haut and is inaccessible to vehicles.
If Duck Harbor sounds right up your alley there are 5 primitive sites available from May 15 – October 13 (in normal years). These are only available by advanced reservations and camping is permitted in designated sites only.
Camping At Acadi a: The Ultimate Guide to Camping With Dogs
Blackwoods Campground
Location:
- By far the most centrally located campground in Acadia National Park, Blackwoods is only 5 miles (15 mins) south of Bar Harbor on Route 3. It’s honestly the most ideal base for all of your Acadia adventures.
Services:
- Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, and all sites have potable water and restrooms.
- And there are also dump stations located onsite.
- Dogs are welcome, but must remain leashed, and cannot enter buildings. Service dogs are an exception. But there is also a limit of 4 dogs per campsite.
- Fee shower facilities and camping supply stores are located in the village of Otter Creek, 1/2 mile from the campground.
Rates & Reservations:
- Be advised that during in-season camping (in normal years May 1 – October 20) you need to make a reservation here. You can make reservations 6 months in advance.
- Campers need to check in with staff at ranger station upon arrival.
- $30.00 per regular campsite. $60.00 per group campsite. Prices are per night.
- Equally important to note is that Blackwoods is regularly full or near capacity during the high season.
- Off-season camping from October 20 – November 10 is open weather permitting for a $15 fee per night. This is by cash or checks only and it’s a limited number of campsites. And keep in mind that these sites do tend to fill up quickly so make sure to have alternative plans.
Things To Do:
- Pretty much everything! Park Loop Road, a 27-mile, historic loop road system offers outstanding views of the park’s ocean shoreline, mountain silhouettes, and coastal forests.
- Enjoy a sunrise or sunset on Cadillac Mountain or go into Bar Harbor for a bite to eat and some shopping. Blackwoods really is the ideal base camp for all of your Acadian adventures.
Personal Opinion:
I love Blackwoods Campground for its location but it is almost always booked solid and it can feel crowded. Also, my dogs love Blackwoods because there are tons of squirrels to try to run after! You can’t beat its proximity to Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain. Uniquely, during certain times of the year, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise. I’ve camped here 4 times now but I actually prefer Seawall when I’m looking for fewer crowds.
Check Out: The Best Sunrise Spots At Acadia, Is Acadia National Park Dog Friendly?, One Day At Acadia National Park With Dogs
Seawall Campground
Location:
- Located on Route 102A the “quiet side” of the island you will find Seawall Campground about 4 miles south of Southwest Harbor.
- The campground is approximately 18 miles from Bar Harbor and the park loop road. It’s definitely still doable but is farther away from most popular attractions than Blackwoods Campground.
Services:
- Each site features a picnic table and fire pit and has access to potable water and restrooms.
- There are also dump stations located onsite.
- Dogs welcome, but must be leashed at all times, cannot enter buildings. Service dogs are an exception. There is also a limit of 4 dogs per campsite.
- Fee shower facilities and camping supply stores are located 1 mile from the campground.
Rates & Reservations:
- At Seawall there are no first come, first serve campsites and sites are only available through reservations. You can make reservations here. Up to 6 months in advance.
- I’ve personally found that this campground does not fill up as quickly as Blackwoods Campground.
- The campground is open from the Wednesday before Memorial Day through October 13th. With the exception of B-Loop and D-Loop that close on October 1st.
- Campers need to check in with staff at ranger station upon arrival.
- $30.00 per regular campsite. $60.00 per group campsite. Prices are per night.
- All the sites at Seawall Campground are wooded and within a 10-minute walk to the ocean.
- The majority of this family-oriented campground’s sites are for small and large tents; some sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 ft. in length. However, maneuvering RVs in the campground can be very difficult. Seawall Campground is not designed to accommodate large RVs and trailers.
Things To Do:
- There are many beautiful and quiet hiking trails on this side of the island. Wonderland Trail, Compass Harbor, and Ship Harbor are some of my favorites. They all make fantastic (and easy) morning hikes with the pups!
- The campground has a picnic area right on the ocean. It’s a great area to just relax and take in the view.
Personal Opinion:
I am a huge fan of Seawall Campground, but be aware that the mosquitoes are crazy in June! I love this side of the island and it has some of my favorite easy
Check Out: 10 Can’t Miss Dog Friendly Hikes At Acadia, The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine
Schoodic Woods
Location:
- Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, this campground is 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Winter Harbor.
Services:
- The majority of the sites are for tents; other sites can accommodate RVs and trailers.
- All sites (except for group sites and hike-in sites) have electric, and B-Loop sites have electric and water.
- Flush toilets, potable running water, and a dump station are provided, as are picnic tables and fire rings in each site.
- All campground roads are paved.
- Shower and laundry facilities are located in nearby Winter Harbor.
- Open fires (campfires) are strictly prohibited in all hike-in sites. Fire rings do not exist at these sites.
- All campsites at Schoodic Woods are ADA Accessible except for the hike-in sites.
Rates & Reservations:
- At Schoodic Woods Campground all sites are made by reservation and there are no
first come , first serve campsites. - Reservations can be made here.
- It is open from the Wednesday before Memorial Day through October 13th
- Fee (per site, per night):
- $22 hike-in tent sites (primitive),
- $30
drive up tent/small RV (20 amp), - $36 RV with electric only sites (20/30/50 amp),
- $40 RV with electric and water (20/30/50 amp),
- $60 group tent sites
Things To Do:
- The Schoodic Peninsula offers many recreational activities without the congestion of Mount Desert Island.
- A six-mile, one-way loop road offers views of lighthouses, seabirds, and forested islands.
- Also, there are over eight miles of hiking trails on the Schoodic Peninsula and an additional eight miles of bike paths.
Personal Opinion:
I’ve never stayed at the Schoodic Woods Campground but that’s not for lack of trying. Surprisingly, this campground fills up really quickly and I’m always a little behind when planning trips to Acadia because I like to go last minute. There are never any openings at this campground for those who do spontaneous trips! I think that’s a sign that it’s probably pretty great. I’m hoping to stay here one day.
Know Before You Go: Camping At Acadia Edition
- Only two tents are allowed at each campsite. You will need to reserve another campsite if you are bringing more than two tents.
- Only one vehicle may park at each campsite. Overflow parking is available close by.
- Pack up your food in hard-sided containers or in your vehicle when not at the campsite and when going to sleep for the night. Birds, raccoons, and other animals are known to rummage through unattended food.
- No individual, in any capacity, may camp in Acadia National Park campgrounds for more than a combined total of 14 nights between the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend and Columbus Day; Camping is limited to 30 nights per calendar year.
- Do not bring firewood from more than 50 miles away. Help protect the forests from the spread of hidden, tree-killing insects by obtaining firewood from local vendors near the campground. There are so many places that sell firewood outside of the campgrounds. Stop on your way in or go back out for firewood after you set up camp
More To Know Before You Go: Camping At Acadia Edition
- Pets are permitted and must be leashed at all times. Leashes must be six feet or less in length. Pets may not be left unattended for their safety and for the safety of other visitors and wildlife.
- Have the following reservation information handy when you arrive at the campground (primary occupant, site letter & number, and check-in date). Check-in time is after 12:00 pm and checkout is 10 am. It’s also a good idea to have rabies vaccination records for pets.
- If arriving after hours your name and site number will be posted at the ranger station. You must check-in at the ranger station before 10:00 am on the day after your scheduled arrival date.
- All camping equipment must fit on the campsite pad. This is to help vegetation grow around the campsites! Do not walk or set up camping gear off of the campsite pad. You are responsible for reviewing site details and booking a site that will accommodate your equipment. Blackwoods does not allow tree tents.
- Generally, quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. Sound travels easily between campsites. Remember to speak in a low voice during your stay. Most people are camping to get away from it all, respect that!
- If camping in the summer months make sure to bring bug spray. Black flies tend to be bad at Blackwoods and mosquitos are horrible at Seawall.
Camping Gear Suggestions
Tent:
I have to admit that I haven’t had much luck with tents in the past few years. The last one I had dry rotted at the windows within one season. I have had luck with these but I do understand that some people prefer a more traditional tent.
This is also a great option if you have a truck.
Sleeping Bags/Air Mattresses:
Campfire Cooking:
Food Storage:
Other Essentials:
- Camping Chair
- Hammock
- Dog Food & Water Bowls
- Lanterns
- Lantern + Powerbank
- Headlamps
- Power Bank
- Bug Spray
- Tick Repellant
- First Aid Kit
Packing List For The Dogs
- Extra Tags (incase of loss)
- Rabies Vaccine Record – Vet/General Vaccine Record
- Leashes
- Harnesses
- Hammock Seat Cover
- Dog Seat Belts
- Crate/Kennel
- Dog Bed (I usually bring one for the car)
- Food & Water Bowls
- Care Products – I always bring Benadryl, Famotidine, Nose & Paw Ointment
- Dog First Aid Kit
- Poop Bags (and please use them) And THIS handy little thing
- Cleaning Supplies (at the very least carpet cleaner)
- Toys/Kong/Bones/Treats (Freya needs distractions on long roadtrips)
- Ball (its always a good idea to have at least a ball)
- 50 ft leashes for Airbnb yards
- Towels (esp if you have messy dogs like mine)
- A Current Photo (in case they get lost)
- Backpack
- Collapsible Water Bowl
New To Traveling With Dogs? Need A Handy Dandy Packing Checklist?
Experiencing Acadia in this way is a must-do! At least give it a try even if it’s only for a few nights it’s worth it to experience Acadia in this way. Enjoy those pine forests, sunshine, and fresh air. Oh, and don’t forget about the campfire coffee and s’mores!
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