Frenchman Bay Camping Near Acadia
Hadley Point Campground occupies a pleasant stretch of land along a quiet cove on Frenchman Bay, on the northern side of Mount Desert Island in Bar Harbor. With approximately 180 sites, full RV hookups, a swimming pool, and a location just 10 minutes from the Hulls Cove entrance to Acadia National Park, it serves as a well-equipped base camp for families and RV travelers exploring the Acadia region.
The campground sits on Route 3 before you reach the busier stretch of Bar Harbor, which means you avoid some of the traffic congestion that plagues the island in summer. The Frenchman Bay shoreline along this part of the island is gentler than the dramatic cliffs on the park side, with tidal mudflats and a rocky shore that attract shorebirds and provide views across the bay to the Schoodic Peninsula.
Hadley Point is one of the larger private campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, and its size means it can accommodate everything from small tents to large Class A motorhomes. The tradeoff for that capacity is a busier atmosphere than the smaller campgrounds, but the facilities are solid and the location is hard to beat for Acadia access.
The Campground
The 180 sites include full-hookup RV sites with 30 and 50-amp electric, water, and sewer, as well as tent sites in wooded areas and a few premium sites closer to the water. The campground layout spans several loops, with the outer loops closest to Frenchman Bay and the inner loops set back in mixed forest.
Facilities are comprehensive for a private campground. Hot showers and flush toilets in well-maintained bathhouses. A heated swimming pool for when the ocean is too cold. A camp store with firewood, ice, snacks, and basic supplies. A laundry room and WiFi throughout the campground. A playground keeps younger children occupied.
The Frenchman Bay shoreline along the campground provides access to tidal flats at low tide. This is not a swimming beach, but it is excellent for exploring tidal pools, watching shorebirds, and launching kayaks. The views across the bay to Cadillac Mountain and the peaks of Acadia add a scenic dimension to even the most routine campground morning.
Book a site in the outer loop closest to the bay. These sites catch the salt breeze, which helps with summer bugs, and offer views across Frenchman Bay. Some sites have direct access to the rocky shore. They fill first, so book early for summer weekends.
Things to Do
Acadia National Park is ten minutes away and offers more than enough to fill a week of camping. The Park Loop Road is the essential scenic drive, passing Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, and Jordan Pond. Cadillac Mountain’s summit road provides the highest-elevation views on the Atlantic coast. Over 150 miles of hiking trails range from easy lakeside paths to challenging summit scrambles.
The carriage roads in Acadia are ideal for biking. These 45 miles of crushed-stone roads wind through the park’s interior, crossing stone bridges and skirting ponds. Rent bikes in Bar Harbor and spend a half day or full day exploring.
Bar Harbor is a 10-minute drive and has everything from lobster pounds to fine dining, whale watching tours to sea kayaking outfitters. The Village Green serves as a hub for the Island Explorer bus system, which provides free seasonal shuttle service to trailheads and attractions throughout Mount Desert Island.
From the campground, you can launch a kayak directly into Frenchman Bay. The bay is sheltered from open ocean swells, making it suitable for intermediate paddlers. Paddle south along the shoreline toward Bar Island, which is connected to Bar Harbor by a gravel bar that emerges at low tide.
The tidal range in Frenchman Bay is significant, often exceeding 10 feet. The mudflats exposed at low tide can be extensive and slippery. If you are exploring the shore or launching a kayak, check the tide schedule. Getting stranded on the mud at low tide is uncomfortable. The tidal bar to Bar Island floods at high tide, trapping anyone who has not timed the crossing correctly.
When to Go
Spring
Opens mid-May. Cool weather, some Acadia facilities still closed, but fewer crowds and lower rates.
Summer
All Acadia facilities open, warmest weather, whale watching season. July and August are peak and most crowded.
Fall
Foliage peaks early to mid-October. Crowds drop after Labor Day. Clear weather and excellent hiking conditions.
Winter
Campground closes mid-October.
Getting There
From Portland, take I-95 north to Bangor, then Route 1A south to Ellsworth, and Route 3 east onto Mount Desert Island. Hadley Point Campground is on Route 3 on the right side before you reach downtown Bar Harbor. The drive is about three hours.
From Bangor, take Route 1A south to Ellsworth and Route 3 east. The drive is about 50 minutes. The campground is well-signed on Route 3.
Walk across the Bar Island bar at low tide. From Bar Harbor’s town pier, a gravel bar emerges when the tide drops, connecting the mainland to Bar Island. You can walk across and hike a short trail to the top of the island for views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. Check the tide chart and give yourself at least two hours before the tide starts rising to get back. People do get stranded.
Camping Packing List
- Tent with rain fly (or RV/camper)
- Sleeping bag rated to 40F (ocean nights are cool)
- Camp stove and cookware
- Hiking boots for Acadia trails
- Rain jacket and layers
- Swimsuit for the pool (ocean swimming is cold)
- National Park pass for Acadia
- Binoculars for whale and bird watching
- Bike or rent one for the carriage roads
- Tide chart for shore exploring
FAQ
How far is Hadley Point from Acadia National Park?
About 10 minutes by car to the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and park entrance. Most trailheads are 15-25 minutes away.
Can I swim at the campground?
The campground has a heated swimming pool. The Frenchman Bay shoreline is rocky and tidal, not suitable for traditional beach swimming.
Are big RVs welcome?
Yes. Hadley Point has full-hookup sites that accommodate large Class A motorhomes. Pull-through sites are available.
Is there an Island Explorer bus stop nearby?
Check the current Island Explorer route map. Stops near the campground may be available during the season, or you can drive to Bar Harbor Village Green to catch buses to Acadia.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at the campground. Dogs are allowed on most Acadia trails except certain restricted areas like the ladder trails.
