Camp at Blackwoods Campground in Bar Harbor

Blackwoods Campground is one of two campgrounds located within Acadia National Park. Since the park does not permit backcountry camping, options to stay outdoors in the actual park are limited to this campground and the Seawall Campground further south on Mt. Desert Island. There are places to camp outside of the park, but Blackwoods is the best for easy access to all of the major points in Acadia, especially since the park's bus route drops off and picks up at the campground. The nightly rate for tent and RV sites is $30.

Blackwoods fills up months in advance during the summer, so it's best to reserve a site in advance here. The campground itself is a good distance off Route 3, making it feel more secluded than any other option in the area. The sites are spaced out well, and each includes a fire ring and picnic table. There are toilets and shower facilities dispersed throughout the campground, and the front office sells fire wood and some other basic camping supplies.

From Blackwoods, Sieur de Monts is just a short, 10 minute drive north by car or the free Acadia shuttle bus. From here, you can begin several different hikes, including the Cadillac Mountain hike (there's even a longer trail from the campground itself to the summit). The park loop road runs along the edge of the campground, where you can stop at famous spots like Sand Beach, Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole. Access to Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake is also easy by the Park Loop Road or Route 3, which the campground is located on.

Blackwoods Campground is in Maine, which means even in the warmest summer months, cold weather is possible. Most nights are cool (lower 50's to 60's F), but it can get into the 40's pretty often. Bring plenty of layers and be prepared for fluctuating temperatures. Since Acadia is home to Cadillac Mountain (the first place to see sunrise on the east coast of the U.S.) a sunrise trip to the summit of Cadillac is necessary. Up there, it is commonly in the 40's at night/during the early morning, so be sure to have layers for that as well.

In Bar Harbor's downtown area (less than 15 minutes north on Route 3) you can find stores for supplies, as well as coffee shops and some great restaurants (personal recommendation).