The Quiet Side of Acadia
Seawall Campground sits on the western half of Mount Desert Island inside Acadia National Park, directly across the road from the Seawall natural rock formation on Route 102A. If Blackwoods is Acadia’s main stage, Seawall is the side room where people who actually want to sleep end up. The campground has around 202 sites spread across five loops, with thick spruce forest buffering the sites from each other and from the road.
The “quiet side” reputation is earned. Southwest Harbor and Tremont see a fraction of the traffic that Bar Harbor does. You will still see other campers, but you will not be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic trying to get back to your tent after a day of hiking. The tradeoff is a longer drive to the east-side attractions like Sand Beach and the Beehive, but you gain immediate access to some of Acadia’s best lesser-known trails and one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England.
Seawall does not have showers. The nearest pay showers are in Southwest Harbor, about a 5-minute drive. Expect to pay around $3 for a hot shower. Plan accordingly, especially on multi-night stays.
Campground Layout and Best Sites
Seawall is divided into five loops: A, B, C, D, and G (group). Together they offer a mix of drive-up and walk-in sites, with no hookups at any of them. RVs and trailers are welcome on certain loops but run entirely on generators and the dump station.
A Loop is the smallest and quietest of the drive-up loops. Sites are well-spaced with good tree cover. If you want a standard drive-up site with some privacy, this is your best bet.
B Loop is similar to A but slightly larger. The outer sites on B loop back up against dense forest and get less foot traffic. Both A and B fill with a mix of tents and smaller RVs.
C Loop is the RV-heavy loop. Sites are paired, meaning your neighbor’s picnic table might be closer than you would like. If you are tent camping, avoid C loop unless nothing else is available. The site pads are designed for larger rigs, and the atmosphere is more parking lot than forest.
D Loop is the standout. All 99 sites on D loop are walk-in tent-only. You park in a central lot and carry your gear to your site, which means the loop is quieter, more private, and feels more like actual camping. The walk ranges from 50 feet to a few hundred yards depending on your site. The extra effort keeps away the casual campers and the generator crowd.
G Loop has group camping sites that accommodate 15-20 people each.
D loop sites along the outer edge are the most private in the entire campground. The walk-in requirement filters out most of the noise. For drive-up sites, aim for the outer ring of A or B loop. Avoid paired sites on C loop if you value personal space.
Reservations and Logistics
Seawall reservations are handled through recreation.gov. About 90% of sites are released six months in advance, on the first of each month at 10 AM Eastern. The remaining 10% are released on a rolling 14-day window, which gives you a shot at a last-minute trip if you check daily.
Rates run $22 to $30 per night depending on site type. Walk-in tent sites on D loop are on the lower end. Drive-up sites with more room cost a bit more. There are no hookups at any site, so the pricing reflects location and size rather than amenities.
Check-in is at 2 PM, check-out at noon. There is no camp store at Seawall. Southwest Harbor is a 5-minute drive and has a grocery store, gas station, and several restaurants. Stock up before you settle in.
July and August weekends on D loop book within minutes of opening. If you want a walk-in tent site for a summer weekend, set an alarm for 9:55 AM Eastern on the first of the month, six months before your trip. Have your dates and payment info ready.
Seawall vs Blackwoods
These are Acadia’s two main drive-in campgrounds on Mount Desert Island. Choosing between them depends on what kind of trip you want.
| Feature | Seawall | Blackwoods |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sites | ~202 | 241 |
| Walk-In Tent Sites | 99 (D Loop) | None |
| Site Types | Tent + RV (no hookups) | Tent + RV (no hookups) |
| Showers On-Site | No | No |
| Season | Mid-May to mid-October | Year-round |
| Crowd Level | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | Quiet camping, west-side exploring | East-side trails, quick Bar Harbor access |
| Distance to Bar Harbor | 25 min drive | 10 min drive |
| Distance to Bass Harbor Light | 5 min drive | 25 min drive |
| Island Explorer Shuttle | Yes, stops at campground | Yes, stops at campground |
Seawall wins on peace and quiet. Blackwoods wins on proximity to the popular east-side trails. If you are the kind of camper who wants to sit by the fire without hearing generators and car doors, Seawall is your campground. If you want to roll out of your tent and be at a trailhead in five minutes, Blackwoods has the edge.
What to Do From Seawall
The campground’s location on the quiet side puts you within minutes of some of Acadia’s best under-the-radar spots.
Seawall itself is directly across Route 102A from the campground. This natural rock formation is a long cobblestone beach built by storm waves. Walk it at low tide when the rocks are exposed and the tidal pools come alive with sea stars, crabs, and anemones.
Wonderland Trail starts from a parking area less than a mile from the campground. This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail is flat and easy, winding through forest before opening onto a rocky shoreline. Excellent for kids and for anyone who wants coastal scenery without a strenuous hike.
Ship Harbor Trail is another short, easy loop just down the road. About 1.3 miles through forest and along the shore. The interpretive signs explain the geology and ecology if you are into that.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a 5-minute drive south. This is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. Go at sunset for the classic shot. Arrive early in summer because the parking lot is tiny and fills fast.
Echo Lake Beach is about 15 minutes north on Route 102. This freshwater beach is warmer than the ocean and a good swimming spot on hot days. Lifeguards on duty in summer.
The free Island Explorer shuttle stops right at Seawall Campground. Use it to get to trailheads, Southwest Harbor, and even across the island without dealing with parking. Route 7 connects Seawall to Southwest Harbor and the rest of the western side.
Tidal Pools and Shoreline Exploring
Low tide is when the quiet side really shines. The rocky shoreline near Seawall and Wonderland exposes pools filled with sea urchins, periwinkles, hermit crabs, and barnacles. Bring water shoes and a field guide.
Check the tide chart before heading out. You want to arrive about an hour before low tide and explore as the water recedes. The pools closest to the waterline have the most interesting life but are also the slipperiest.
Time your visit to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse for about 30 minutes before sunset. Walk down the stone steps to the rocky shore below the lighthouse for the classic angle. In July and August, the sun sets almost directly behind the lighthouse from the lower viewpoint.
Food and Supplies
Southwest Harbor is your supply hub. It is a working fishing village with enough shops and restaurants to keep you fed without driving to the Bar Harbor circus.
Beal’s Lobster Pier is the move. It sits on a working dock in Southwest Harbor and serves lobster rolls, steamers, and whole lobsters at picnic tables overlooking the harbor. Prices are better than Bar Harbor because you are buying from the source.
Sawyer’s Market in Southwest Harbor has groceries, beer, and deli sandwiches. Not huge, but enough for campground cooking. For a full grocery run, the Shop ‘n Save in Bar Harbor or Hannaford in Ellsworth has everything.
Quietside Cafe does solid breakfasts if you want a morning off from camp cooking.
For firewood, do not bring it from out of state. Buy locally at stores along Route 102. Expect to pay $7-9 per bundle.
Dogs at Seawall
Dogs are allowed at Seawall on a leash no longer than 6 feet. You can have up to 4 dogs per site. They must be attended at all times and are not allowed to bark excessively (rangers will ask you to leave if your dog is disturbing other campers).
Dogs are welcome on most Acadia trails except ladder trails like Precipice and Beehive. The carriage roads are excellent for dog walks. Wonderland and Ship Harbor trails near the campground are both dog-friendly.
Clean up after your dog. Pack out waste. This is not negotiable.
When to Go
Spring
Campground opens mid-May. Cold nights, blackflies, fewer crowds. Some facilities may not be fully operational opening week.
Summer
Full services, shuttle running, all trails open. D loop books fast. Bring bug spray through July.
Fall
September is the sweet spot. Fewer bugs, thinner crowds, warm days, cool nights. Foliage peaks mid-October.
Winter
Seawall closes mid-October. For winter camping in Acadia, Blackwoods is your only option.
September is the best month at Seawall. The summer crowds evaporate after Labor Day, the bugs are nearly gone, and the temperatures are perfect for sleeping. Daytime highs in the mid-60s, overnight lows in the 40s. The foliage starts turning by late September and peaks in the first two weeks of October. If Seawall is still open when the leaves hit peak color, you are in for one of the best camping experiences in New England.
June and July are prime blackfly and mosquito months. Bring DEET or picaridin-based repellent, and consider a head net for evening campfire time. By mid-August the bugs drop off significantly. September campers barely need repellent at all.
Camping Packing List
Seawall Packing List
- Tent with rain fly (weather changes fast on the coast)
- Sleeping bag (40F rated for summer, 20F for late September)
- Sleeping pad
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Camp stove and fuel (no store at campground)
- Cooler with ice
- Water shoes for tidal pool exploring
- Bug spray (DEET or picaridin, essential June-July)
- Rain jacket and layers
- Cash for firewood ($7-9/bundle)
- Wagon or cart for D loop walk-in sites
- Binoculars for birdwatching
For a full gear breakdown, see our best camping gear for Maine guide.
Getting There
Seawall Campground is on Route 102A on the western side of Mount Desert Island, about 3.5 hours from Portland and 75 minutes from Bangor. From Bangor, take Route 1A east to Ellsworth, then Route 3 east onto Mount Desert Island. At the first traffic light on MDI, bear right onto Route 102. Stay on Route 102 for about 11.5 miles, passing through Somesville and the town of Southwest Harbor. Leaving Southwest Harbor, keep right on Route 102 through Bass Harbor, then keep left onto Route 102A. The campground entrance is on the left about 2.4 miles down 102A.
From Portland, the drive is roughly 3.5 hours via I-95 north to Augusta, then Route 3 east through Belfast, Ellsworth, and onto the island.
The campground is open mid-May through mid-October. Reservations go through recreation.gov, with 90% of sites released six months ahead on the 1st of each month at 10 AM Eastern. The remaining 10% open on a rolling 14-day window. D Loop walk-in sites sell out within minutes for summer weekends. Cell service at the campground is spotty. Southwest Harbor, 5 minutes away, has a grocery store, gas, and pay showers (Seawall itself has no showers). The free Island Explorer shuttle stops at the campground from late June through Columbus Day.
FAQ
Are there showers at Seawall Campground?
No. Seawall has flush toilets and running water at restroom buildings but no showers. Pay showers are available in Southwest Harbor, about a 5-minute drive, for around $3.
What is the difference between walk-in and drive-up sites?
Walk-in sites on D loop require you to park in a central lot and carry your gear to the site. The walk ranges from 50 feet to a few hundred yards. Drive-up sites on A, B, and C loops let you park right next to your tent or RV. Walk-in sites are quieter and more private.
How do I get a reservation at Seawall?
Book through recreation.gov. 90% of sites are released six months ahead on the 1st of each month at 10 AM Eastern. The remaining 10% open on a rolling 14-day window. Summer weekends on D loop book within minutes, so be ready when the window opens.
Is the Island Explorer shuttle free?
Yes. The Island Explorer shuttle is completely free and stops at Seawall Campground. It runs from late June through Columbus Day and connects to trailheads, Southwest Harbor, Bar Harbor, and other points around the island.
Can I bring my dog to Seawall?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet, with a maximum of 4 dogs per site. They must be attended at all times. Dogs are welcome on most Acadia trails except ladder trails like Precipice and Beehive.
Is Seawall less crowded than Blackwoods?
Yes. Seawall is on the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island and generally sees fewer campers, especially on D loop. The walk-in requirement for D loop filters out casual visitors. Bar Harbor's traffic and crowds are 25 minutes away instead of 10.
