Blackwoods Campground

- .313301 -.214022, 44 CT-68, Mt Desert, ME 04660

Introduction / Overview

Blackwoods Campground stands as the premier, and often most sought-after, camping destination within the heart of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Managed by the National Park Service, it provides a classic, wooded camping experience that is strategically located for maximum access to the park’s most iconic attractions. The campground is a perfect blend of convenience and immersion in nature, with all sites being wooded and within a short, ten-minute walk of the rugged Atlantic ocean coastline.

Open year-round, with primitive, walk-in camping available during the quiet winter months, Blackwoods primarily operates as a reservation-only facility during the peak season (typically May through October). It caters to both tent campers and RVs (up to 35 feet in length), offering a large number of individual campsites and several group sites. It is important to note that this is a truly rustic National Park experience, meaning there are no utility hookups—you won't find electricity or running water at the individual sites. This lack of utilities is embraced by many Mainers who prefer the less-commercialized feel of a national park setting, focusing instead on hiking, stargazing, and enjoying the park’s natural splendor. Its clean facilities and immediate proximity to the park's trail system and the town of Bar Harbor make it the ultimate base camp for any Acadia adventure.

Location and Accessibility

The campground’s address, 44 CT-68, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA, places it approximately six miles south of the vibrant village of Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, directly off Route 3. This location is arguably the best on the island for a central camping spot.

Blackwoods’ accessibility is a key factor in its popularity. It is directly connected to Acadia’s main trail system; in fact, the South Ridge Trail up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, starts right from the campground. Furthermore, a short trail near the campsites leads directly down to the water, offering excellent views, particularly the famous sunrise over Otter Point. The campground is a designated stop on the free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus route (available late June to mid-October), which connects campers to the Park Loop Road, Jordan Pond, Bar Harbor, and other major trailheads, allowing you to leave your vehicle parked for the duration of your stay. This convenience is crucial for navigating the park's busy roads and the often-crowded parking lots in the summer season.

Services Offered

As a National Park Service campground, Blackwoods provides essential, well-maintained services designed for convenience without commercial extras.

• Campsite Structure: Over 280 sites are available for tents and RVs (up to 35 feet), each featuring a picnic table and a fire ring/grill. Group campsites are also available.
• Utilities: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at any individual site. Campers must be prepared for off-grid living, or use battery/generator power (generators allowed in Loop A only during designated hours).
• Sanitation: Modern comfort stations provide clean, reliable flush toilets and potable (running) water spigots throughout the campground. Water faucets are strictly for drawing water, not for washing dishes or vehicles.
• Waste Management: A dump station is provided for RV waste disposal. Trash is handled via a central dumpster system.
• Essentials: Firewood (must be purchased locally to prevent invasive species transfer) and ice are typically available for purchase near the ranger station/camp store area.
• Showers: There are no showers within the campground itself. Fee-based shower facilities are conveniently located at a commercial store in Otter Creek, approximately a half-mile away.
• Parking: One vehicle is permitted per site, with additional overflow parking available near the amphitheater or along Route 3.

Features / Highlights

The defining features of Blackwoods are centered on its extraordinary natural setting and the unparalleled access it grants to Acadia's highlights.

• Direct Ocean Access: A quick, ten-minute walk from any site brings you to the rugged Maine coast, providing spectacular views of the Atlantic and a unique perspective on the sunrise.
• Premier Trailhead Location: The campground is the starting point for the South Ridge Trail, one of the main routes up Cadillac Mountain, and provides easy access to the numerous trails in the southern section of the Park Loop Road.
• Island Explorer Shuttle Stop: The convenience of a dedicated shuttle stop allows campers to effortlessly reach Bar Harbor, Jordan Pond, and virtually all major park attractions without the hassle of driving and finding parking.
• Ranger Programs: An on-site amphitheater hosts evening campfire programs and talks, providing educational and entertaining opportunities led by park rangers.
• Wooded Sites: All sites are set within the cool, wooded forest, offering shade and a thin buffer of trees between sites, maintaining a pleasant, natural atmosphere.
• Year-Round Availability: Blackwoods is one of the few places in the park to offer year-round camping, accommodating hardy Mainers who prefer the quiet, solitary experience of a winter camp.

Contact Information

Blackwoods Campground is operated by the National Park Service, and all reservations must be made via the federal online system.

Address: .313301 -.214022, 44 CT-68, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA (Note: Use the street address for GPS, coordinates are for exact location)

Phone: (207) 288-3274 (Acadia National Park General Information)

Mobile Phone: +1 207-288-3274

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Maine residents, Blackwoods Campground is not just a place to stay—it is an immersion into the state’s most celebrated natural treasure, Acadia National Park. Its suitability for locals lies in its focus on the essential camping experience, free from the heavy commercialization found at some private campgrounds. It’s the closest and most convenient campground for those who want to maximize their time hiking, biking the carriage roads, or exploring the town of Bar Harbor.

The biggest draw for Mainers is the phenomenal access: walking straight from your tent to the South Ridge Trail up Cadillac, strolling to the ocean for sunrise, and leaving your vehicle parked while using the free Island Explorer Shuttle. While it requires self-sufficiency due to the lack of site hookups and on-site showers, this perfectly aligns with the resourceful spirit of a true Maine outdoor enthusiast. Blackwoods offers an unmatched, authentic Acadia experience that serves as the perfect, no-frills, central hub for exploring the best of Mount Desert Island.

Blackwoods Campground

.313301 -.214022, 44 CT-68, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA