Blackwoods Campground

Acadia’s Flagship Campground

Blackwoods Campground sits on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island inside Acadia National Park, about a mile from Otter Cliff and five minutes by car from Sand Beach. The campground has 281 sites spread through dense spruce and birch forest. It is open May through October, with full services running during that season.

The sites are a mix of tent-only and tent/RV spots. There are no hookups. RVs rely on generators (quiet hours enforced) and the dump station. That lack of hookups is part of what keeps the campground from feeling like a parking lot. The forest between sites is thick enough that you will hear your neighbors but rarely see them.

Best Sites by Loop

The campground is divided into loops A through D. Each one has a different feel, and picking the right site makes a real difference.

A Loop is closest to the amphitheater and restrooms. Good for families with young kids who need the bathroom at 2 AM. Sites A1-A10 are popular but tighter together. A15-A20 have more spacing.

B Loop has a mix of tent and RV sites. The inner sites are closer together. B22-B30 on the outer edge have better tree cover and more room.

C Loop is mid-range for both distance and privacy. C5-C12 are decent tent sites with solid shade.

D Loop is the farthest from main facilities and the quietest. If you want to actually sleep past 6 AM on a weekend, this is where to be.

One thing to know: sites on the eastern edge of A and B loops are closest to Park Loop Road. You will hear traffic, especially in the morning when cars start heading to the trailheads. If road noise bothers you, aim for the western side of any loop or stick with D loop.

Reservations and Logistics

Blackwoods fills fast. Reservations open six months in advance on recreation.gov. Peak-season weekends, especially July 4th and Labor Day, can book within hours of opening. Set a reminder and have your dates picked before the window opens.

From May through October, the rate is $30 per night per site. November through March, it drops to $15 per night, but the water systems are shut down and you only get vault toilets. Winter camping here is quiet and cold. Bring your own water and a sleeping bag rated well below freezing.

Check-in is at 2 PM, check-out at noon. There is no camp store at Blackwoods, so stock up before you arrive. Bar Harbor is about 10 minutes north with multiple grocery stores and gear shops.

If you miss the initial reservation window, check recreation.gov regularly. Cancellations happen, especially in the two weeks before a reservation date. Weekday openings are more common than weekends.

Blackwoods vs Seawall: Which Campground?

Acadia has two main drive-in campgrounds on Mount Desert Island. Here is how they compare.

Blackwoods is the better base if you want quick access to the park’s most popular east-side trails like Beehive and Precipice. Seawall works if you prefer a slightly less crowded campground and do not mind driving a bit farther to the popular spots.

Showers and Facilities

Blackwoods has flush toilets and running water at the restroom buildings from May through October. There are no showers at the campground.

Your closest shower options:

• Bar Harbor has several public shower spots, including at the athletic club and some hotels that sell shower access
• Seawall Campground area on the west side of the island
• Village Green area in Bar Harbor sometimes has seasonal facilities

Most campers go two or three days without a shower and jump in the ocean at Sand Beach to rinse off. The water is cold (50-60F even in August) but it gets the job done.

Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and level tent pad. The ground is packed earth and pine needles. Most sites drain well after rain, though a few lower spots in B loop can get muddy after heavy storms.

What to Do From Blackwoods

The location is the main reason people pick Blackwoods over Seawall. You are within biking distance of some of the best spots in Acadia.

Otter Cliff, one of the top rock-climbing spots on the East Coast, is less than a mile away. The Ocean Path, a 4.4-mile coastal trail from Sand Beach to Otter Point, is accessible from near the campground and is worth walking at least once.

For hiking, the trailheads for Beehive, the Bowl, Gorham Mountain, and Cadillac South Ridge are all within a few minutes’ drive. Cadillac Mountain sunrise is about 15 minutes by car.

The campground amphitheater hosts ranger programs most summer evenings, covering topics from tidal pools to night sky viewing. Free and worth going to, especially with kids.

Rainy days: Head into Bar Harbor for restaurants, the Abbe Museum, or the Criterion Theatre. The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company runs trips rain or shine. The park’s carriage roads are also good for walking in light rain since the tree canopy keeps you mostly dry.

Bugs by Month

The bug situation changes through the season:

• May and early June: Blackflies are active, especially on still, humid days. A head net helps.
• Late June through July: Mosquitoes peak. DEET or picaridin works. Dawn and dusk are worst.
• August: Bugs taper off significantly. Still bring repellent but it is much more bearable.
• September and October: Minimal bugs. This is the most comfortable time to camp.

Check out our bug and tick protection guide for specific product recommendations.

When to Go

September is the sweet spot. The summer crowds thin out, the weather is still warm enough for comfortable camping, and the foliage starts turning by late month. Weekday arrivals in September are the easiest reservations to get all season.

Camping Packing List

For a full gear breakdown, see our best camping gear for Maine guide.

FAQ