Blackwoods Campground

Bar Harbor • Mount Desert Island, Maine — In‑Park Camping (Acadia National Park)

Overview

Set in dense spruce‑fir forest just five miles south of Bar Harbor, Blackwoods offers 306 shaded sites, walk‑to ocean panoramas, and direct trail access to Cadillac Mountain. It’s the classic “sleep‑inside‑the‑park” basecamp for Acadia’s east side.

Location & Directions

GPS: 44.3125 N, ‑68.2078 W (campground entrance)
Off ME‑3; follow signs 5 mi south of Bar Harbor.
Island Explorer Route 10 stops at the gate late June – mid October.

Nearest essentials: Otter Creek Market (1.3 mi) for showers, laundry, groceries • Gas in Bar Harbor (6 mi)

Campsites & Fees – Reservations required

Amenities

• Flush‑toilet restrooms (cold water)
• Potable water spigots & dish‑wash sinks in each loop
• Picnic table & fire ring at every site
• Amphitheater ranger programs (summer)
• Pets welcome on 6‑ft leash
• Showers & coin‑laundry ½ mi north (private facility)

Trails & Nearby Highlights

• Cadillac South Ridge Trail — 6.9 mi RT, 1 450 ft gain, trailhead opposite Loop B gate
• Ocean Path via Fabbri Picnic Area (1 mi walk)
• Within 15 min drive: Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, Gorham Mountain

Wildlife

Expect red squirrels, snowshoe hares, white‑tailed deer, and pileated woodpeckers. Black bear sightings are rare but possible.

Practical Info

• Season: May 2 – Oct 20 (2025)
• Elevation: 140 ft (43 m)
• Quiet hours: 10 pm – 6 am • Generator hours 8 am – 8 pm (Loop C)
• Firewood: Buy local (no out‑of‑state wood)
• Accessibility: Select ADA sites; comfort stations wheelchair‑friendly

Review Snapshot

Recreation.gov average rating 4.6 / 5 (1 400 + reviews). Visitors praise wooded privacy & trail access; common wish: on‑site showers.

Nearby MaineSociety Attractions

• Cadillac South Ridge Trail
• Otter Cliffs climbing area
• Bar Harbor village (dining & whale‑watching)

Official Resources

NPS page: https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/blackwoods-campground.htm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcadiaNPS