Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday

- 136 County Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

For Mainers dreaming of a quintessential coastal escape that combines the rugged beauty of Acadia National Park with the comfort of a full-service resort, the Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday presents a compelling destination. Located directly on the shores of Mount Desert Island (MDI), this campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent—it’s a comprehensive basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of the region.

As a designated KOA Holiday, it is known for providing a wealth of amenities and recreational activities, catering especially to families and groups. Its prime location on the Western Bay gives guests direct access to the ocean shoreline, offering stunning sunset views, tide pool exploration, and easy launching for kayaks and paddleboards. The resort provides a diverse array of lodging, from traditional tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and fully-equipped Deluxe Cabins, ensuring options for almost every style of Maine traveler.

While the resort environment can be energetic and busy during peak season, which sometimes leads to higher density and occasional issues with site availability or customer service—as noted by some travelers—its exceptional proximity to the island's main attractions remains its greatest asset. It is an ideal spot for those who value convenience, ocean access, and a wide selection of on-site features to complement their Acadia experience.

The Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday is situated at a strategic point on Mount Desert Island, making it highly accessible for both local and visiting explorers.

The official address is 136 County Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA. Crucially, the campground is located almost immediately after crossing the causeway onto MDI, providing quicker access compared to campgrounds deeper into the island’s interior. It boasts 3,500 feet of its own waterfront on the Western Bay, ensuring that the beautiful Maine coast is just steps away for many guests.

Accessibility to the main attractions is simplified by a key feature: the free Island Explorer bus service stops directly at the campground’s entrance. This free, convenient shuttle connects the resort to downtown Bar Harbor, the ferry terminal, and all the major points of interest within Acadia National Park, including the Park Loop Road, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. For Mainers looking to avoid the intense summer parking crush and traffic on MDI, the shuttle access from the KOA is an invaluable tool for stress-free exploration. Additionally, the location is minutes away from local amenities like a gas station and take-out dining options.

As a full-service KOA Holiday resort, the Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA provides a comprehensive list of services and amenities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience.

• Diverse Accommodations: RV Sites are available, including Pull-Thru and Back-In options with 50/30/20-amp electric, water, and full sewer hookups on select sites. Rustic Camping Cabins, full-service Deluxe Cabins with kitchens and bathrooms, and unique accommodations like Airstream rentals are also offered.
• Tent Camping: Dedicated Tent Sites are available, including premium ocean-view spots, all of which are equipped with water and electric hookups.
• Essential Facilities: Multiple clean bathhouses with hot showers and a coin-operated laundry room are on the property.
• Dining and Supplies: The campground features an on-site dining option, the Lobster Trap Cafe, which is noted for serving fresh lobster and other meals. A well-stocked camp store provides basic groceries, supplies, propane, and firewood.
• Daily Services: The KOA offers daily garbage pick-up and a ‘honey wagon’ mobile sewer service for a fee for sites that do not have sewer hookups.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi access is available for guests, though performance may vary depending on campground density.
• Pet Amenities: The resort is generally pet-friendly and includes a dedicated KampK9® dog park where pets can exercise.

The array of recreational features at this KOA Holiday makes it a highly appealing choice for families seeking an interactive camping vacation.

• Oceanfront Access and Views: The campground boasts 3,500 feet of Atlantic shoreline, offering public access points, scenic seated viewing areas for sunsets over the Western Bay, and easy launch points for kayaks and paddleboards. Low tide also exposes tide pools perfect for exploring.
• Family Fun and Recreation: On-site activities include a large playground, a Jump Pad, a Gaga Ball area, basketball, ping pong, horseshoes, and corn hole. A popular highlight is the KOA Express Fun Train for children.
• The Lobster Trap Cafe: The convenience of having an on-site eatery serving fresh Maine lobster and other options means guests can enjoy authentic coastal cuisine without leaving the property.
• Organized Activities: The resort typically organizes various events, such as s'mores nights, crafts, and themed weekends, especially during the busy season, promoting a strong sense of community and family fun.
• Island Explorer Shuttle Stop: The stop for the free, dog-friendly shuttle is arguably the best convenience feature, allowing direct, car-free travel to Acadia National Park trailheads and Bar Harbor's downtown area.
• Premium Lodging Options: The availability of Deluxe Cabins with full kitchens and bathrooms offers a comfortable, home-away-from-home option for families who prefer not to tent or RV, all while remaining in the park environment.

Address: 136 County Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA

Phone: (207) 288-3520

Mobile Phone: +1 207-288-3520

For residents of Maine, a trip to Acadia National Park is a time to reconnect with the state’s unmatched coastal and mountain scenery. The Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday offers a compelling package for this experience by blending world-class location with extensive amenities.

This resort is perfectly suitable for Maine families and RV owners who appreciate the reliability and structure of a major camping brand, alongside unparalleled access to MDI’s treasures. The location on the Western Bay is not just scenic, providing beautiful sunsets and the unique opportunity to explore tide pools right at your campsite, but it is also exceptionally practical. The presence of the Island Explorer shuttle stop is a game-changer for locals familiar with the traffic congestion in Bar Harbor and Acadia. It eliminates the hassle of searching for parking and allows for maximum enjoyment of the park.

While the resort environment is active, and some reviewers have noted challenges with service and site leveling, the trade-off is the sheer volume of amenities—the Lobster Cafe, the playground, the organized activities—that keep a multi-generational family fully engaged. For a Mainer seeking a convenient, amenity-rich, and ocean-accessible base for their Acadia adventure, the Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday remains one of the top choices on Mount Desert Island.

Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday

136 County Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA