Any true national park enthusiast knows that backcountry camping is the way to go when it comes to totally immersing yourself in the great outdoors. While many national parks offer backcountry camping, including Grand Canyon, Zion, and Shenandoah, there is no actual backcountry camping at Acadia National Park; it’s not allowed.

No backcountry camping at Acadia National Park?

Just because there is no backcountry camping allowed inside the park boundaries doesn’t mean that you can’t camp inside the park. Acadia National Park offers four different organized camping areas within its borders, Seawall Campground and Blackwoods Campground on Mount Desert Island (the main part of the park), Duck Harbor Campground on Isle Au Haut, and Schoodic Woods Campground on the Schoodic Peninsula. The only trick with camping at one of these campgrounds is that you MUST BOOK EARLY. These campgrounds book up months in advance and are nearly impossible to get a reservation for last minute.

You Can Still Go Backcountry Camping NEAR Acadia National Park

For those solo, couples, adventure families, and groups that want to sleep under the stars, amongst the trees, and wake up to the sounds of nature, there’s a campground for you. Acadia East Campground, located less than 10 minutes from Acadia National Park’s Schoodic District, and 35 minutes from Acadia’s Mount Desert Island, offers unspoiled, self-serve, book online, tent camping without the noise, hustle and bustle of traditional campgrounds.

That’s right, no pools or arcades, no electricity or roads. We put a premium on the outdoors and protecting that experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

What we do have:

• Gravel Parking Area (with motion lighting, 24-hour video security, assigned campsite parking, and a comprehensive information center)
• Main Trail (with access to all campsites from 50 feet to 300 feet from parking area)
• Restroom (Water-free vaulted privy w/ motion lighting, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer)
• Large Private Campsites (with picnic table, fire ring, and 5 gallon filled water bucket for campfire dousing – not for drinking)
• Peace, Quiet, and Freedom
• Dog-Friendly Accommodations

What we do not offer:

• Drinking Water on site
• Regular On-Site Staffing – Our part-time staff monitors and maintains the campground via video surveillance and site visits
• Firewood – You may bring your own or gather fallen branches around your site

Things To Do While Backcountry Camping at Acadia National Park

The greater Downeast Acadia Region of coastal Maine is loaded with outdoor adventures in every direction; and Acadia East Campground puts you right in the middle of it all. We are constantly building out our YouTube page with things to do in the Schoodic Acadia region, but for a more comprehensive look, be sure to check out the Guide to Acadia National Park by James Kaiser.

Book your Backcountry Camping near Acadia National Park today at https://acadiaeastcampground.com/