Schoodic Woods Campground

4.54

1.1K reviews

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Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Fall Camping#2 Camping Near Acadia National Park#2

Quick Facts

128 ft

Price

$22 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

106 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Acadia National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

128 ft

Price

$22 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

106 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Acadia National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Schoodic Woods Campground

$22.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $22 (hike-in sites) to $40 (RV Electric sites). Specific fees for group tent sites and tent-only sites range from $30–$60....

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$40.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$22.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

207-288-1300NULL

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 1.1K reviews

373 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationwell-maintainedsites

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and natural beauty. The lack of showers is the most frequently mentioned drawback."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Schoodic Woods Campground

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Driving directionsTake I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, head north on U.S. Route 1 for approximately 17.3 miles to Hwy 186. Turn right on Hwy 186 and drive 6.5 miles. Turn left at yield sign, continue .5 miles and turn right on Schoodic Loop Road. Take Schoodic Loop Road for 1.0 mile. Campground will be on your left.

Roads leading to the campground are paved, accessible year-round, with no seasonal closures mentioned.

Nearby places

Winter Harbor (1.5 miles), Bar Harbor (approximately 60-70 minutes away).

Nearby supplies

Grocery and supply stores are accessible in Winter Harbor, 1.5 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Schoodic Woods Campground

Experience Maine's ever-changing coastal climate, where spring awakens the forest with gentle warmth and fall paints the landscape in brilliant colors. Summer brings perfect days for exploration, though wise campers pack rain gear for those refreshing Atlantic showers that can appear any time of year. Winter transforms this coastal paradise into a snow-dusted wonderland, with crystalline mornings and the kind of crisp air that makes hot cocoa taste like liquid gold.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 17% in ME

Summer (open season) offers ideal days for exploration; busiest and most popular time.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in ME

Fall brings brilliant foliage and quieter conditions—highly recommended in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens May 21; late-spring warmth and awakening forest, but season start is late spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed Oct 12–May 21; winter season not offered.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 - October 12 (Peak Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins May 21 and ends October 12 annually.
Current Alerts: No specific active alerts noted.

About Schoodic Woods Campground

Escape the crowds and discover Acadia's best-kept secret at Schoodic Woods Campground, where the rugged beauty of Maine's coastline meets peaceful forest solitude. This hidden gem on the Schoodic Peninsula offers all the natural splendor of Acadia National Park without the bustling crowds of Mount Desert Island. Your adventure begins with advance planning—secure your spot through Recreation.gov to guarantee your place in this tranquil wilderness retreat.

Schoodic Woods Campground offers a variety of camping options suitable for different preferences, from tent camping to RV sites.

Historical SignificanceYour basecamp sits in the shadow of scientific discovery, just moments from the iconic Schoodic Point and the prestigious Schoodic Institute. This isn't just a place to pitch your tent—it's where cutting-edge research meets timeless natural beauty, where educational programs unlock the mysteries of Maine's coastal ecosystems, and where every sunrise has inspired generations of scientists, artists, and adventurers.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Maine's ever-changing coastal climate, where spring awakens the forest with gentle warmth and fall paints the landscape in brilliant colors. Summer brings perfect days for exploration, though wise campers pack rain gear for those refreshing Atlantic showers that can appear any time of year. Winter transforms this coastal paradise into a snow-dusted wonderland, with crystalline mornings and the kind of crisp air that makes hot cocoa taste like liquid gold.

ElevationNestled at sea level where the forest meets the shore, Schoodic Woods offers the rare luxury of coastal camping without the climb. This wooded sanctuary sits perfectly positioned between towering pines and the rhythmic pulse of the Atlantic, creating an intimate connection with both land and sea.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to the whisper of wind through towering pines and the distant call of seabirds in this enchanting forest hideaway. Just a short walk separates you from the dramatic Atlantic coastline, where granite cliffs meet crashing waves in an endless dance. The campground itself is embraced by a mixed forest canopy that filters sunlight into magical patterns, while moss-covered stones and fern-lined paths create a fairytale setting for your outdoor adventures.

Geological RegionPerched on the magnificent Schoodic Peninsula, this campground showcases Acadia National Park's dramatic geological story. Here, ancient granite meets the relentless Atlantic, creating a landscape of pink-hued rocky shores, tide pools teeming with life, and forests that have weathered centuries of coastal storms. This is where the mountains of Maine tumble into the sea, offering campers front-row seats to one of New England's most spectacular natural theaters.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM.

Check-out

10:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay duration is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two tents per site are allowed. Additional guests must reserve separate sites.

Groups

Group sites are spacious and include access to a pavilion with lights and outlets, as noted in user reviews. They can accommodate larger parties.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground is divided into loops, including A-Loop, B-Loop, and hike-in sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made exclusively through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNone. All sites require prior reservations.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies include a $10 fee if canceled more than two days in advance of the reservation date. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's camping fee.

AccessibilityThe campground is well-laid out with paved roads offering easy navigation. Campsites are described as level and spacious, with several pull-through options that can accommodate large RVs and trailers. Accessibility for mobility-impaired visitors is addressed with well-maintained paths and restrooms.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and well-separated. Pull-through sites can accommodate large RVs, and tent sites are large with well-prepared tent pads.

PrivacySites are private and separated by trees and shrubs, offering a sense of seclusion. 'Very private and quiet,' noted multiple users.

Total Campsites106 campsites

Recommended SitesHike-in sites are best for those seeking privacy; Loop B is recommended for RVs due to its larger site sizes and electric/water hookups.

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

The Schoodic Peninsula offers a variety of recreational activities in a less congested setting compared to the main part of Acadia National Park. Activities include hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and access to scenic coastal areas. The area is famous for its six-mile loop road with stunning views.

HikingThe campground provides access to over eight miles of hiking trails on the Schoodic Peninsula, offering routes for various skill levels. Trails like the Lower Harbor Trail and Buck Cove Mountain Trail are popular for their coastal views and forest settings.

BikingBiking opportunities are abundant, with eight miles of bike paths accessible directly from the campground. The trails are well-maintained and vary in difficulty. Note that certain types of e-bikes may not be permitted, as per user reviews.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is an integral part of the experience, with seabirds and occasional sightings of raccoons and other small animals.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground features ranger-led evening programs and educational talks, which are highly praised by campers. Topics range from local wildlife to astronomy.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as birds and raccoons are common. Visitors are advised to store all food securely due to the presence of wildlife.

Active AlertsNo specific active alerts noted.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers available at hike-in sites for secure storage.

Fire PolicyNo campfires allowed at hike-in sites; stoves fueled by petroleum-based fuels are permitted. Firewood must be sourced locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Enforced after 10:00 PM nightly.

Emergency ServicesClosest medical assistance, police, and fire services are located in Winter Harbor, 1.5 miles from the campground.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are well-maintained and located conveniently throughout the campground. There are separate food scrap bins near the dishwashing stations.

Water FeaturesWithin a 15-minute walk of the ocean. Nearby attractions include Jones Pond for swimming and kayaking.

Camp HostHosts are available onsite and are generally described as helpful and informative.

Weather at Schoodic Woods Campground

Reviews

4.5

1.1K reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and natural beauty. The lack of showers is the most frequently mentioned drawback.

Review Summaries

Based on 1097 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the large, private campsites, the tranquility of the location, and the well-maintained facilities. The campground's location on the less-crowded Schoodic Peninsula is also highly...

Based on 1097 reviews

Common Concerns

The absence of shower facilities is the most common complaint, followed by issues with Wi-Fi reliability and the lack of hot water for dishwashing.

Based on 1097 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a portable shower or plan for alternatives, as there are no showers available. Pack firewood, as it is not sold on-site. Reserve campsites well in advance due to high demand. Visit the Schoodic...

Based on 1097 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer and early fall, with many campers noting that the weather is ideal during this period. Inconsistent Wi-Fi and the absence of showers are less problematic...

Based on 1097 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsites are large, secluded, and clean. The lack of showers is unfortunate but didn’t detract from the overall experience." "This is the quiet side of Acadia, and we loved it! The ranger talks...

Based on 1097 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site A37 is noted for its seclusion. B-Loop sites are praised for their pull-through options and proximity to water and electric hookups. Hike-in sites like H03 and H09 are described as private and...

Based on 1097 reviews