Bar Harbor, Maine, is on Mount Desert Island on the coast of Maine. Just a few hours drive from Boston, Bar Harbor is adjacent to Acadia National Park--home of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard----and features a vibrant downtown with shops and restaurants. Visitors to Bar Harbor enjoy hiking, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and camping in Acadia and the surrounding areas.
Acadia National Park Camping
There are two campgrounds within Acadia National Park: Blackwoods Campground and Seawall Campground. Both are within a 10-minute walk to the ocean. Back country camping is not allowed in Acadia. Camping in Acadia is primarily for tent campers, although some sites can accommodate a pop-up camper or an RV. Camping in the park allows easy access to the hiking trails, carriage roads, and ponds for fishing and boating.
Other Campgrounds
There are a number of other campgrounds near Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Each has its own distinct flavor and focus. For example, Hadley's Point Campground is focused on family-friendly activities. The Bar Harbor Campground is close to town and offers views of Frenchman's Bay. The Bar Harbor KOA is part of the KOA chain, and offers both waterfront and wooded campsites, as well as cabins, lodges, and Air Stream trailers. The KOA offers the most "creature comforts" of any campground in the area, including wireless internet and televisions in the lodges.
Land Sports Near Bar Harbor
Acadia National Park offers more than 125 miles of hiking trails at varying levels of difficulty. There are also 45 miles of relatively flat, wide carriage roads ideal for leisurely walks or bicycling. The carriage roads are also open for horse back riding.
For the more adventurous, there are opportunities for climbing on the cliffs of Acadia, including sea cliff climbing at Otter Head and Great Head.
In the winter months, the carriage roads are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Some areas are also available to snowmobiles.
Watersports near Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is ideally located for water sports. There are two beach areas with lifeguards; Sand Beach, where the water generally does not get warmer than 55 degrees, and Echo Lake Beach, where the water is slightly warmer. Most of the lakes and ponds within the park are part of the public water supply, and swimming is prohibited. Kayaking, canoeing, and motor boating are allowed in some ponds outside of the park, and in the waters of Frenchman's Bay. There is a public launching area near the pier in Bar Harbor.
Considerations
Maine weather can be unpredictable, and you should pack for varying weather conditions, even in the summer. Bring a warm jacket and rain gear and dress in layers.
Bring plenty of bug repellent. During the months of May and June, biting black flies are abundant.
Stay on marked trails when hiking and biking.
According to the National Park Service, visitors are prohibited from bringing in firewood, as wood can carry non-native insects or other invasive species. You can purchase firewood from the camping supply store in the park.
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