where to stay in acadia national park
Where to Stay in Acadia National Park: A Practical Guide for Every Traveler
Acadia National Park, perched on Maine’s rugged coast, offers an unrivaled mix of granite cliffs, wild ocean, and lush forests. For many visitors, the real challenge isn’t discovering the park’s breathtaking drives and hikes—it’s deciding where to sleep while you’re there. Whether you’re a backpacker, a family on a summer getaway, or a couples’ retreat, Acadia has options that suit every budget and travel style. Below we’ve mapped out the most popular and practical places to stay, how to book them, and what to expect during your visit.
1. The Core of Acadia: Campgrounds
Getting up close and personal to Acadia’s wilderness is easiest from a park campground. Acadia manages five campgrounds that are spread across the park’s main island and the Schoodic Peninsula.
| Campground | Location | Sites | Close to → |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackwoods | Near Bar Harbor | 278 (mostly first‑come, first–served) | Park’s center, Jordan Pond |
| Seawall | Across the peninsula | 103 (all need reservations) | Sconset, Ocean Drive |
| Schoodic | Harpswell side | 148 (primarily reservations) | Schoodic Peninsula |
| Sutton | Inside the park | 38 (all reserved) | Harrington Pond |
| Jones Beach | Children’s park | 35 (reserved) | East Saddleback |
1.1 Blackwoods – The “Default” Choice
Blackwoods is by far the most visited campground: 1,000‑plus spots and a long list of amenities. The sites are well‑dappled, offer short walks to Harrington Pond, and are a short drive to Bar Harbor. About 60% of the sites reserve themselves, and the rest operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis—you can drop in 7 p.m. but you’ll need to arrive before that for a good chance of snagging a spot.
Pros
- Central location (short drive to the Park Loop Road)
- 4‑season campfires, laundry, and full electricity
- Hooks for tent or RV; dog‑friendly
Cons
- Crowded, especially in July & August
- Sites can fill up before December 1 st / October 1 st (attracting first‑season & winter campers)
1.2 Seawall – Ocean Drive’s All‑Inclusive Experience
Seawall is oceanfront, and that shows in the price. All 103 sites must be pre‑booked (the park’s reservation site, Recreation.gov, handles it). Its zip‑code, 04601, flowers with art galleries and ocean springs upon arrival. The inside of the tent or RV feels part of the great outdoors, with a peek at the Atlantic hump.
Pros
- Long wooden boardwalk & kitchen complex
- No lines: everything is pre‑allocated
- Great for water‑and‑camp followers (kayaks, paddleboards)
Cons
- Hosts a bigger price tag ($75–$100/night vs. $55–$75 in Blackwoods)
- Not the most secluded spot if you’re after total silence
1.3 Schoodic – The Quiet Peninsula
Schoodic is a 30‑minute drive from the main park loop, and its 148 sites celebrate peninsular serenity. Unlike Blackwoods, it offers both first‑come, first‑served and reservation‑only camps. The arrangement makes it a fantastic value for budget travelers who wish to stay within the park without the overhead of Bar Harbor.
Pros
- Far less crowded
- Scenic alternative drives
- Ideal for photographers & stargazers
Cons
- The park’s nearest food service is a 15‑minute drive to Sconset
- Road is a bit winding, so a comfortable car is advisable
1.4 Sutton & Jones Beach – The Family & Nature-Focused Options
Sutton is experiential: 38 blanket sites, reserved only, close to Harrington Pond, surrendered to nature. Jones Beach is a child‑friendly, 35‑site playground designed for families: groups, kids, and even more animals share the campground under a strict principle.
Pros
- Family‑conducive atmosphere
- Low‑price campsites ($35–$45/night)
- Great for hiking families
Cons
- Lower living standards (few developed amenities)
- Not ideal for pets
2. Hotels & Motels in Bar Harbor & Southwest Harbor
Many visitors truly want that hotel-quality experience near Acadia’s main attractions. Bar Harbor, the biggest town next to the park, offers numerous upscale lodgings—most of which open up in July and close in early October.
| Hotel | Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| The Bar Harbor Inn | $190–$250 per night | 1‑st‑class rooms, ocean view, free shuttle |
| Atlantic Hotel, Autograph Collection | $210–$300 | Classic New England hospitality |
| Harlow’s on the Harbor | $140–$210 | Family‑friendly, sees Park Loop |
| Simeon Anderson Inn | $160–$200 | “Boutique” cells, great cafe |
| Roberts Island Lodge | $150–$220 | Rustic, cozy |
| Acadia Bay Lodge | $200–$280 | Ocean view, dog‑friendly |
| Town House Inn | $120–$190 | Economy rooms, central |
| Inn at Gray’s Warbler | $150–$240 | Ambient setting |
2.1 Stay in Bar Harbor – The Hook for City & Scenic
Bar Harbor sits on the park’s northern edge; the town’s streets hum with cafés, shops, and a boarding house‑style feel. The lodgings are perennially busy because they bring two worlds together: city charm plus proximity to hiking, biking, and the park’s visitor center.
Top Picks
- The Bar Harbor Inn – The classic example of new‑to‑old—mid‑size, well‑furnished, and, perhaps most encouraging, the park’s official “Shuttle Service” that runs many stops.
- Harlow’s on the Harbor – A family‑oriented, budget‑simplify‑able alternative that hosts kids the correct size for 5‑year-olds.
- Atlantic Hotel – An Airbnb‑style boutique where amenities include rooftop yoga and sunset drinks.
Best For
- Everyone who wants a daily "Reversion," comfortable front‑door scenic shots, or runs across small rides the day‑after.
- Travelers who want a single spot to keep their gear centralized.
2.2 Southwest Harbor – The Romantic Get‑away
Southwest Harbor, a 15‑minute drive from Bar Harbor, is more subdued. A pulse of fishing and an arts community gives this place a quiet vibe. The park’s inner hotels show their charm when the waves break, offering lakefront views of the harbor.
Top Picks
- Saguero Inn – Rustic lodge, known for their breakfast menu.
- The Lakeside – Provides views into the harbor’s set of pots.
Best For
- Couples, artists, or people who want an over‑rated but fast-done escape from the persistent crowds.
3. Vacation Rentals, Inns & Bungalows
Acadia’s world of privately owned properties is one of the biggest draws for families, large groups, or folks who want to experiment with a “home” feel.
| Rental Type | Example Property | Price Range | Family‑Friendly | Dog‑Friendly | Retirement Spots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | A 5‑bedroom cottage in Bar Harbor | $350–$450/night | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Vacation Rental | Harborview Cottage, Sullivan | $270–$330/night | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Inn | The Soule Inn, Westport | $180–$225/night | ✖️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Bungalow | “Seaside Bungalow, Mayfield” | $130–$165/night | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔️ |
3.1 Why Choose a Rental?
- Space & Privacy – Especially useful for families with kids who need a kitchen or storage for the boat.
- Local Authenticity – Renting from a resident can provide local tips (which lobster spot is best, where to get the freshest scallops).
- Dog‑Friendly – Many vacation rentals allow pets, while most hotels restrict them.
3.2 Top Picks Across Acadia
| Town | Property | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Harbor | “Harbor Vista Loft” | Ocean floor view, in‑house spa |
| Southwest Harbor | “Siltwood Cottage” | Large attic, wood stoves |
| Schoodic | “Schodic Island Shanty” | Near the BREEZEs (Bluff Road) |
| Bar Harbor | “Harbor House by Wakefield” | Boat pontoon, wireless and gas |
4. Hotel‑style LODGING WITHin the Park: Acadia Lodge & The Village
There are only two “official” park-run lodges inside Acadia, a rare find for travelers who want to stay inside, and not just visit.
4.1 Acadia Lodge – A Blackwoods‑Based 3‑Star Experience
Situated between Blackwoods and Acadia National Park’s main entrance, Acadia Lodge provides a full‑service boutique lodging that covers 124 rooms. The hotel offers a unique "cabin‑shack" design with interior touches of found wood, stone, and a fantastic porch for sunrise observation.
Room Options
- Standard – $200–$225/night, bids some standard amenities.
- Suite – $250–$280/night, indoor fireplace, a balcony with a scenic view of Harrington Pond.
Why You’ll Love It
- Central to the park’s vital attractions.
- The shuttle service runs the nearby park loop at 15‑minute intervals.
- An on‑site restaurant serving Maine classics.
4.2 The Village – Accommodation & Convenience
The Village is another responsibly built lodging solution that resides on a portion of the park’s "accommodations plan." It creates a low‑impact & higher‑space design.
- Rates: $190–$230/night.
- A full on‑site spa, a walking path around the lake, and on‑site shuttle assistance for the entire Park Loop Road.
5. Stays Outside the Park for a “Rent‑Back” Approach
For those who’d rather avoid the constant “booking avalanche” or who want less expensive rates, there’s a healthy selection of travel stops just outside Acadia’s borders. The popular towns are:
| Town | Distance from Bar Harbor | Typical Rate | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hubbardston | 10 mi | $120–$170 | Valley rental farms, fewer crowds |
| Waltham | 12 mi | $130–$200 | Atlantic coast views |
| Gouldsboro | 15 mi | $140–$210 | Pedestrian-friendly, scenic ferry spots |
Pros
- Lower occupancy cost during peak season.
- Opportunities to segment your stay: early morning drive to the park, later afternoon retreat.
Cons
- Additional parking or shuttle cost to the park.
- More limited grocery shops.
6. Booking Tips & Tricks
| Aspect | Tip |
|---|---|
| When to Book | Aim to reserve June 1–8 at the earliest—most campgrounds fill 2–3 weeks ahead. For lodging, July‑August is the “iron‑clad” period. |
| Camping Rx | If you’re a first–time or have a large group, consider all‑reservations sites – either at Seawall or Schoodic. |
| Use the Park’s “Recreation Reservation System” | It offers visibility across all campgrounds and cabins. It’s the only official site where you can cross‑check availability. |
| Travel Off‑Season | Early September/Mid-October or late June allow stable pricing and fewer crowds. |
| Shuttle Observations | The Bar Harbor – Poipu shuttle is an essential free option covering the park’s loop. |
| Dining | Reservations for the park’s "沙魚" maybe not necessary, but all high‑end hotel restaurants or local restaurants around Bar Harbor require early booking. |
| COVID‑19 & Other Health Tips | Acadia’s accommodation remains open and the park keeps wellness protocols but you might need to check special restrictions prior. |
7. Seasonal Differences: When to Stay
| Season | What to Expect | Recommended Lodging |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (June‑Aug) | Heat, high wind, out/back days almost 18 hrs long. | Allhotels, Schoodic, Blackwoods, Acadia Lodge |
| Fall (Sep‑Oct) | Crisp air, fall foliage, fewer crowds. | All hotels, Schoodic, Blackwoods, an affordable Airbnb |
| Winter (Nov‑Feb) | Snow, less park activity, quiet. | Accommodation outside the park or high‑budget hotels |
| Spring (Mar‑May) | Thaw, wildlife, early flights. | Higher class hotels or Blackwoods’s last resort deals |
The best time for an “in‑house” experience might be early September – you’ll still catch Maine Fall colors but the crowds will have thinned.
8. Conclusion: Your Ideal Stay in Acadia
Choosing where to stay in Acadia National Park is less a direct question of “best” and more of “fit.” Your travel group’s size, age, budget, needs, and “type of adventure” shape the way you’ll gamble on a room versus a tent. Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet:
| Traveler Type | Over‑Three‑weekend | Will fit into a park campground? | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | yes | yes (if you prefer simple, low‑cost camping) | Rhino, fireworks store |
| Family of 4‑5 | yes | maybe (if you drop into Sapporo’s 6‐seat car) | Stay‑over midday for jewelry |
| Couples (budget) | yes | Possibly at Schoodic or a moderate‑price Airbnb | Local scenic viewpoint cabin |
| Luxury travelers | yes | It’s not a “luxury thing,” but you can book in the high-end hotels | Acadia Lodge or an inland resort |
Ultimately, Acadia offers a library of staying options. Discover one or pair multiple accommodations: start in a campground to breathe in the misty woods, then transfer to a motel in Bar Harbor for a day of exploration, and finally cap it with a cozy cabin inside the park. The point of your trip should never be boxed by the type of bed you love—let the park’s panoramic views be your backdrop and you’ll find that the best of Acadia is always just a sunset away.
