Blackwoods Campground

Overview

Blackwoods is Acadia’s classic in-park campground: a big, wooded spread just off the Park Loop Road with the ocean a short walk away and Bar Harbor about 6 miles up the road. It’s popular for good reason—location, location, location—so expect it to book out in peak seasons.

Why stay here

You can step right from your site onto trails (including access to Cadillac Mountain’s south ridge) or catch the park’s shuttle bus at the campground to reach major sights without wrestling for parking. The setting is pure Maine woods—quiet, shaded, and a quick stroll to the rocky shoreline.

Campsites & facilities

There are 306 sites for tents and non-electric RVs, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Comfort stations have flush toilets and potable water, and there’s an RV dump station. There are no hookups and no showers on-site; fee showers are available about half a mile away in Otter Creek. Don’t count on a camp store—many campers grab ice and firewood nearby. Cell service ranges from fair to poor. An amphitheater hosts occasional ranger programs.

Parking is tightly managed: one vehicle per site, with overflow signed in A-Loop, and every vehicle needs to display a park pass.

Access to trails, coast, and town

From camp you can walk to the rugged Atlantic coast and jump on marquee routes along the Park Loop Road. The shuttle stops at the campground, making it easy to roam the park or zip into Bar Harbor without moving your rig.

Wildlife

Expect deer and songbirds in and around camp; foxes, squirrels, porcupines, owls, and seabirds frequent the surrounding woods and coastline. Black bears are seen elsewhere in the park but are less common near Blackwoods. Store food properly.

A bit of history

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps starting in 1935 and expanded through 1961, Blackwoods is listed on the National Register of Historic Places—one more layer to its old-school national park vibe.

Reservations and demand

Reservations are required and the campground is often fully booked in summer and during fall foliage. Most sites release six months ahead, with a small batch opening 14 days prior. Walk-ups are rare in high season.

Best time to visit

If your dates are summer or peak foliage, book the moment reservations open. Fog, rain, and cool nights are common, so bring layers and rain gear. Mosquitoes can be lively in summer—arrive prepared.