Mount Desert Campground

- 516 Sound Dr, Mt Desert, ME 04660

Are you a Mainer looking for the ultimate coastal camping experience that truly captures the spirit of Down East Maine? Look no further than Mount Desert Campground, a long-established, family-focused destination nestled on the beautiful shores of Somes Sound. Located in the heart of world-famous Mount Desert Island (MDI), this campground offers a unique blend of rustic, traditional Maine camping with the modern conveniences needed for a relaxing getaway. It provides a peaceful, private, and exceptionally scenic base camp for exploring Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and the many charming coastal towns MDI has to offer.

The campground was originally conceived and created in 1958 with the goal of maintaining a quiet, clean tenting experience where families could relax, enjoy the natural beauty, and make lasting memories. Now, decades later and run by the Craighead family, who were long-time campers themselves, that tradition continues. They strive to provide a quintessential Maine outdoor experience with meticulously maintained grounds and facilities. For local residents, this spot represents a true slice of Maine paradise—less commercial than some larger parks, and more focused on the quiet enjoyment of nature.

The setting directly on Somes Sound—the only natural fjord on the East Coast of the United States—is a defining feature. It offers campers an unparalleled opportunity for saltwater activities right from their site. Whether you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful family vacation, Mount Desert Campground provides the backdrop for an unforgettable escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural grandeur of the Maine coastline.

The management takes pride in creating a quiet and respectful atmosphere, strictly enforcing quiet hours from 10:00 pm until 7:00 am, ensuring everyone gets a peaceful night's sleep under the Maine stars. This focus on tranquility is something local users consistently appreciate, providing a true break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Mount Desert Campground is ideally situated at 516 Sound Dr in Mount Desert, Maine, placing it at the geographical and recreational heart of Mount Desert Island. This location offers exceptional accessibility to the area’s key attractions, being just minutes away from the main sections of Acadia National Park, including the popular hiking trails and the 50+ miles of historic carriage roads.

The immediate proximity to Somes Sound means many sites boast either waterfront or waterview perspectives, making it easy to launch a kayak or canoe directly into the saltwater. This accessibility to the water is a significant draw, allowing campers to explore the dramatic coastline and rocky shores by boat without having to travel. Furthermore, the campground is a short drive from the lively town of Bar Harbor, known for its shopping, dining, and sightseeing tours, as well as the quieter, picturesque towns of Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor.

Its central location on MDI makes it an optimal spot for day trips into any part of the National Park or the surrounding villages. For locals from other parts of Maine, driving to the campground is straightforward via major routes leading onto Mount Desert Island, making the journey part of the adventure as the scenery becomes increasingly rugged and beautiful.

Mount Desert Campground provides a range of essential and desirable services designed to enhance the traditional camping experience while maintaining a rustic atmosphere.

• Camp sites for both Tenting and smaller Trailers & RVs (20 ft maximum). The 20-foot maximum for vehicles helps maintain a quieter, more tent-centric environment.
• Facilities with metered hot showers, requiring payment (typically $1 in quarters for a five-minute shower) to ensure hot water availability for all campers.
• The Gathering Place, a central camp store offering amenities such as fresh ground local coffee, local bakery goodies (like bear claws), ice cream (Gifford’s), and other provisions.
• Water and Electric Hookups are available at many sites, particularly for smaller RVs and trailers, offering convenience without losing the outdoor feel.
• Kayak, Canoe, and Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Rentals are offered right at the campground, providing immediate access to Somes Sound for water exploration.
• Deepwater Moorings are available for boat owners wishing to keep their vessels nearby during their stay.
• Conveniently available Ice and Firewood for sale at the office/store.
• Free Wi-Fi access is available at The Gathering Place, providing a spot for connectivity while keeping the individual campsites focused on unplugging.
• Good Cellular Service is available across the campground, a modern necessity that many visitors appreciate.

The distinct features of Mount Desert Campground are what truly set it apart, making it one of the most scenic and sought-after camping destinations in Maine.

• Waterfront and Waterview Sites: Offering breathtaking views of Somes Sound, giving campers the opportunity to wake up to the sight and sound of the saltwater. These sites are extremely popular and often book up quickly.
• Dedicated Tent Platforms: Many sites, especially those on uneven or sloped ground, feature sturdy, level wooden tent platforms (some sites are 12’ x 16’ or larger). This is a major highlight, as it ensures tents stay level, dry, and clean, significantly improving the comfort of tent camping.
• Water Access & Launching Ramp: Direct, easy access to Somes Sound, including a launching ramp and floating docks for saltwater swimming, fishing, or launching rented or personal watercraft.
• Private, Wooded Sites: The campground is designed with a great deal of natural spacing, utilizing the trees and terrain to provide a sense of privacy and seclusion between neighboring sites, contributing to the quiet ambiance.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a designated firepit/fire ring, perfect for traditional camp cooking and evening marshmallow roasting.
• Proximity to Acadia: Being on Mount Desert Island and moments from the National Park entrance means easy access to world-class hiking, biking, and sightseeing.
• Seasonal Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome during the quieter months of May, June, September, and October, allowing local pet owners to enjoy a vacation with their furry friends during the shoulder seasons. Note that there is a strict 'no dogs' policy during peak season (typically late June through Labor Day).

Address: 516 Sound Dr, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA

Phone: (207) 244-3710

Mobile Phone: +1 207-244-3710

Office Hours: Typically 8 am - 6 pm Daily (9 am - 4 pm for phone calls, check website for seasonal changes)

For residents of Maine, Mount Desert Campground offers an accessible and authentic coastal getaway without the need to travel far out of state. It embodies the classic Maine camping experience—quiet, rustic, and surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty—but with the clean, well-maintained facilities and convenient location that make for a stress-free vacation. The availability of water-based activities directly on Somes Sound, from fishing to kayaking, aligns perfectly with the outdoor, sea-focused culture that defines the Pine Tree State. The emphasis on a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere, along with the protective tent platforms, demonstrates a commitment to quality camping that locals can truly appreciate. By choosing Mount Desert Campground, Mainers are supporting a local, family-run business while gaining exclusive access to one of the most beautiful and well-loved camping spots on the entire Mount Desert Island, making it an ideal choice for a cherished annual tradition or a spontaneous weekend escape.

The ability to drive a short distance and feel completely immersed in the nature of Acadia National Park while having a secure, comfortable, and scenic place to rest is an undeniable benefit. Book your spot early, especially if seeking a waterfront site, to secure your chance to experience the magic of camping on Somes Sound.

Mount Desert Campground

516 Sound Dr, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA