How much does camping cost at Duck Harbor Campground?

Camping fees at Duck Harbor Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Duck Harbor Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Duck Harbor Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Duck Harbor Campground before I book?

Yes! Duck Harbor Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Duck Harbor Campground?

Duck Harbor Campground is open June 17 to October 04. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Duck Harbor Campground?

Duck Harbor Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Duck Harbor Campground?

Fire policies at Duck Harbor Campground: Firewood: Dead and downed wood may be collected near the campground. Please do not bring your own firewood to reduce the spread of non-native insects.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Duck Harbor Campground have?

Duck Harbor Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Duck Harbor Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Duck Harbor Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Duck Harbor Campground?

Duck Harbor Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Duck Harbor Campground

4.69

72 reviews

Acadia National Park, Attn: Duck Harbor Campground, PO Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA

Top 21% in MEFall

Romantic GetawayGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Acadia National Park#1

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

23 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Season opens June 19...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Acadia National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

23 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Season opens June 19...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Acadia National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Duck Harbor Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

OVERNIGHT SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

207-335-5551

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Duck Harbor Campground

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Campground Map

Acadia National Park, Attn: Duck Harbor Campground, PO Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA

Duck Harbor Campground

Acadia National Park, Attn: Duck Harbor Campground, PO Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA

Nearby places

Stonington is a nearby population center accessible before taking the mailboat to Isle au Haut.

Weather at Duck Harbor Campground

Current alerts(14)

All campsites must be reserved on this website (recreation.gov) or by calling 877-444-6777. Camping without a reservation is prohibited.
All trash must be carried out.
Arriving Late? You must arrive at your campsite before 11:00am check-out time on the day after your scheduled arrival date. If you cannot arrive by that time, you must call (207) 335-5551 or you will be marked a No Show and incur fees.
Campers are limited to one stay per calendar year.

Best Time to Camp at Duck Harbor Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, full access, and the greatest window for water-based activities — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-70s°F (around 16–23°C) and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F (7–13°C). Island trails, coastal viewpoints, fishing, swimming (brisk but refreshing), and boating are all at their peak, and the lean-tos are fully usable once the site opens in late June. Duck Harbor remains quieter than mainland Acadia campgrounds, but expect increased Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in ME

Summer is best seasonally (camp opens late June); pleasant temps though mosquitoes peak later.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 17 to October 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens June 19th and closes October 5th.

About Duck Harbor Campground

Duck Harbor Campground sits on Isle au Haut, a remote island section of Acadia National Park accessible only by mailboat from Stonington. Operated by the National Park Service, this primitive campground features a handful of lean-tos surrounded by coastal forest and rocky shoreline. Visitors hike island trails, fish from the shore, and experience true backcountry solitude with minimal amenities and a three-night maximum stay.

Duck Harbor Campground offers a rustic and remote camping experience focused on minimal facilities and immersion in natural surroundings. It is ideal for those seeking a backcountry camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, full access, and the greatest window for water-based activities — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-70s°F (around 16–23°C) and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F (7–13°C). Island trails, coastal viewpoints, fishing, swimming (brisk but refreshing), and boating are all at their peak, and the lean-tos are fully usable once the site opens in late June. Duck Harbor remains quieter than mainland Acadia campgrounds, but expect increased Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation23 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks rocky coastline where granite meets the Atlantic. Spruce and fir forests cover the island's interior, broken by scattered marshes and bogs. A mile-long freshwater lake sits inland. Tide pools appear along the rocky beaches at low tide. The geology shows volcanic origins, shaped by wind, waves, and ice over thousands of years. Views from coastal trails stretch across open water.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available at Duck Harbor Campground. Accommodations are limited to the lean-to shelters provided at the campsites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 3 nights during a visit at this campground and up to 3 nights total within each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six people are permitted per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground is remote and inaccessible by automobile. Access requires a boat ride, and the walk from the Duck Harbor Boat Landing to the campground is approximately 300 feet. Trails in the area vary in difficulty, making some areas less accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Site SizeEach lean-to shelter measures 8' tall, 8' deep, and 12.5' wide. Tents are limited to sizes that fit within these dimensions.

PrivacySite 5 is noted for being the most private, located approximately 60-70 meters from the restrooms. Other sites are closer together.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite 5 is described as the most private, with easy access to the shoreline. Campsite 4 is noted for cleanliness.

Best CampsitesSite 5 gets the most recommendations for privacy. It sits 60-70 meters from the vault toilets, farther than the other sites. Reviewers mention it has better coastal proximity and views. The other four sites cluster closer together.

Need help booking Duck Harbor Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no potable water source at Duck Harbor Campground. Plan ahead to treat the water or bring enough potable water for the duration of your stay. There are three composting toilets at the campground and a hand pump for non-potable water located 0.3 miles from campground.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Duck Harbor Campground offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to explore the rugged coastal scenery of Isle au Haut. Activities are primarily nature and trail-focused, with options for both relaxing and challenging outdoor experiences.

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Instead, composting toilets are provided and consistently praised for being clean and odor-free.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

72 reviews

Top-Rated

Duck Harbor Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Duck Harbor Campground receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.648648648648649. It is celebrated for its remote location, clean facilities, and unique natural beauty.

Review Summaries

Based on 72 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the campground’s cleanliness, the scenic hiking trails, the quiet and solitude, and the helpfulness of the rangers. The lean-tos, composting toilets, and access to firewood were also...

Based on 72 reviews

Common Concerns

Some common complaints include the abundance of mosquitoes, the lack of potable water on-site, and the challenging nature of the hiking trails for less experienced hikers.

Based on 72 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 is frequently recommended for its privacy, while site 4 is noted for its cleanliness and proximity to facilities.

Based on 72 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray, a handsaw for firewood, and ample water containers. Consider arriving prepared for rugged conditions, and book site 5 for the most privacy.

Based on 72 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campers noted fewer bugs during early summer compared to late summer and appreciated the cooler temperatures in September.

Based on 72 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Amazing quiet campground. At night you can sleep listening to the waves.' - Franco Salas - 'Bring plenty of bug spray.' - Daniel R. - 'This is the best campsite we’ve ever stayed at! Tons of space...

Based on 72 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to the remote location and rugged terrain. The lack of direct vehicle access and the need to hike to the site may challenge those with mobility issues.

Based on 72 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the campground.

Based on 72 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want backcountry island solitude and are prepared for primitive conditions, mailboat access, and limited connectivity.

Skip if

You need vehicle access, running water, cell service, or the flexibility to extend your stay beyond three nights.

Nearby Campgrounds

Seawall Campground sits on the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park, operated by the National Park Service. The very large campground offers tent, RV, primitive walk-in, and group sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and coastal access, though privacy between sites is limited and showers are not available on-site.

$22.00 - $60.00 / night

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Schoodic Woods Campground sits on the quieter Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park, near Winter Harbor. Operated by Acadia National Park, this large campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV sites with electric and water hookups, and primitive walk-in options. Visitors come for the spacious, private sites and direct access to coastal hiking and biking trails, plus the chance to explore a less-trafficked corner of the park.

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Blackwoods Campground

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Blackwoods Campground sits within Acadia National Park, offering direct access to Cadillac Mountain and the Ocean Path Trail. Operated by the National Park Service, this wooded campground provides tent, RV, and group sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Hikers appreciate the proximity to park trails and carriage roads, while fall visitors enjoy spectacular foliage and smaller crowds.

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Campgrounds

Acadia National Park

Duck Harbor Campground

About Acadia National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Duck Harbor Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.

Directions

From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth, and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take I-395 to U.S. Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island.