Your Acadia Base Camp in Bar Harbor
Oceanwood Campground fills a practical niche in the Bar Harbor camping scene: a private campground close to town with enough amenities to be comfortable, without the size and noise of the big RV resorts. With approximately 60 sites on a wooded property near downtown Bar Harbor, it puts you minutes from both Acadia National Park and the restaurants, shops, and harbor of one of Maine’s most popular tourist towns.
The campground sits on the quieter side of Bar Harbor, away from the busiest commercial stretches but within easy driving distance of everything. Some sites on the property catch views of Frenchman Bay through the trees, a nice bonus when you are sitting around the fire after a day of hiking Acadia’s trails.
For campers who want the flexibility of a private campground, with electric hookups, hot showers, and WiFi, while staying within striking distance of Acadia, Oceanwood is a solid choice. It is smaller and more personal than the mega-campgrounds that line Route 3, and that scale keeps the atmosphere more relaxed.
The Campground
Oceanwood has approximately 60 sites in a mix of tent sites, sites with water and electric hookups for RVs, and a few premium sites with partial ocean views. The campground is set in a wooded area with mature trees providing shade and privacy between sites. The terrain is gently rolling, typical of the Mount Desert Island landscape.
Facilities include bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets, a small camp store with firewood, ice, and essentials, a laundry room, and WiFi access. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. The campground is well-maintained and the owners keep the property clean and orderly.
The size is a feature, not a limitation. With 60 sites compared to the 200-plus at some nearby campgrounds, Oceanwood feels less like a parking lot and more like a campground. You can hear the breeze in the trees rather than your neighbor’s generator.
Use Oceanwood as a base and take advantage of the free Island Explorer bus system. The seasonal shuttle buses connect Bar Harbor with Acadia’s major trailheads, the village, and other parts of Mount Desert Island. Park your car at the campground and ride the bus to avoid the notorious parking problems at Acadia’s popular spots.
Things to Do
Acadia National Park is the main attraction, and from Oceanwood you can reach any trailhead in the park within 15-20 minutes by car. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails, from easy shoreline strolls to strenuous summit scrambles. Cadillac Mountain (1,530 feet) is the highest point on the Atlantic coast north of Rio de Janeiro. The Precipice Trail is one of the most famous iron-rung climbing trails in the East. Jordan Pond House serves popovers on the lawn with mountain views.
The carriage roads, a network of 45 miles of broken-stone roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., are perfect for biking. Rent a bike in Bar Harbor and spend a day exploring the roads through forests, past lakes, and over arched stone bridges.
Bar Harbor itself offers whale watching tours, lobster boat excursions, sea kayaking guided trips, and harbor cruises. The town has an excellent restaurant scene, from lobster shacks to fine dining. The Abbe Museum covers the history and culture of the Wabanaki people.
Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff along the Park Loop Road are must-see stops. Arrive early (before 9 AM) or late (after 4 PM) to avoid the worst traffic on the loop road during peak season.
Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are extremely crowded from late June through mid-October, with peak crush in July and August. Parking at popular trailheads fills by 7 AM. The Park Loop Road backs up. Restaurant waits can be long. Plan your day early, use the Island Explorer buses, and consider hiking lesser-known trails for a quieter experience.
When to Go
Spring
Campground opens late May. Some Acadia facilities still closed. Cool weather, fewer crowds, and wildflowers on the trails.
Summer
All park facilities open. Warmest weather, longest days, whale watching season. Also the most crowded.
Fall
Peak foliage in early to mid-October. Crowds thin after Labor Day. Clear skies and cool hiking weather.
Winter
Campground closes mid-October. Bar Harbor is very quiet in winter with many businesses closed.
Getting There
From Portland, take I-95 north to Bangor, then Route 1A south to Ellsworth, and Route 3 east to Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor. The drive is about three hours. From Bangor, take Route 1A to Ellsworth and Route 3 to Bar Harbor, about 50 minutes.
Oceanwood Campground is located on the outskirts of Bar Harbor. Follow Route 3 into town and look for campground signs directing you to the property.
Get up for the Cadillac Mountain sunrise, but skip the summit crowds. Instead, drive partway up and pull off at the South Ridge trailhead. Hike 15 minutes to an open ledge with the same eastern view and a fraction of the people. The sunrise over Frenchman Bay from any high point on MDI is unforgettable.
Camping Packing List
- Tent with rain fly (fog and drizzle are common on MDI)
- Sleeping bag rated to 40F
- Camp stove and cookware
- Hiking boots for Acadia trails
- Rain jacket and layers (ocean weather changes fast)
- Binoculars for whale watching and bird watching
- Bike lock if you rent bikes for the carriage roads
- National Park pass (required for Acadia entry)
- Reusable water bottles
- Camera for the extraordinary scenery
FAQ
How far is Oceanwood from Acadia National Park?
The park entrance is about 5-10 minutes by car from the campground. Most trailheads are within 15-20 minutes.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, especially for July, August, and early October foliage season. Weekends book up well in advance.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at the campground. Dogs are also allowed on most Acadia trails except the ladder trails (Precipice, Beehive, Jordan Cliffs) and certain sensitive areas.
Can I walk to downtown Bar Harbor?
It depends on your comfort with walking along roads. The campground is close to town but may not have a sidewalk the whole way. Many guests drive or use the Island Explorer bus.
Do I need a park reservation for Acadia?
Yes. Acadia requires a timed entry reservation for vehicles entering the Park Loop Road and Cadillac Mountain during peak season. Reserve in advance at Recreation.gov.
