Mt Desert Narrows Campground

- 1219 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

For Maine residents planning a classic summer or fall trip to Mount Desert Island (MDI) and Acadia National Park, finding the right basecamp is key to a successful experience. Mt Desert Narrows Campground, located directly on the coast near Bar Harbor, is a large, amenity-rich destination designed to serve as a convenient gateway to the region’s best attractions.

This camping resort is strategically situated to offer panoramic views of the water, specifically the Mt. Desert Narrows and Frenchman's Bay. It caters to a wide variety of campers, from those in large RVs seeking full hookups to tenters looking for an elevated experience. While it is a sizable operation, what often stands out to Maine visitors is the sheer convenience it offers. Being only a short drive from the park entrance and downtown Bar Harbor—plus having the invaluable Island Explorer shuttle stop right on the property—means less time spent in traffic and more time enjoying the mountains and the sea.

As an established resort-style campground, Mt Desert Narrows provides many features that enhance a family or group vacation, including a heated pool, organized activities, and essential amenities like laundry and clean bathhouses. While the environment may be bustling and lively, especially during the height of the summer season, its exceptional location often makes it one of the most practical and popular choices for local explorers.

Mt Desert Narrows Campground’s location is its most compelling feature for locals planning an Acadia adventure.

The campground is found at 1219 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA. This places it directly on the main highway leading into the busiest section of MDI, yet just outside the immediate congestion of downtown Bar Harbor. It is situated just a few miles from the primary entrance to Acadia National Park.

Its accessibility is further amplified by the presence of a crucial amenity for any Acadia visitor: the free Island Explorer bus system stops regularly at the campground. This service provides seamless transportation to all the major Acadia National Park attractions—Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Sand Beach—as well as the shops and restaurants of downtown Bar Harbor. Utilizing the shuttle allows guests to entirely bypass the notorious traffic and parking difficulties that plague the park and town, making a vacation significantly smoother.

Furthermore, the campground is set right along the coast, offering stunning views of the Mount Desert Narrows and the changing tides of Frenchman's Bay. This coastal positioning allows guests to enjoy the picturesque Maine shoreline right from their campsite, providing a beautiful backdrop to their stay.

Mt Desert Narrows Campground operates as a full-service resort, offering a broad range of amenities to ensure a convenient and comfortable stay for its guests.

• Variety of Accommodations: The resort offers traditional tent sites (some elevated with platforms and water/electric hookups), numerous RV sites (back-in and pull-through), and vacation cottage rentals for those seeking a less rustic experience.
• Full Utility Hookups: A majority of the RV sites are equipped with 30- and 50-amp electric, water, and cable hookups. Full sewer hookups are available on some sites, though the premium waterfront sites typically do not include sewer connections.
• Mobile Sewer Service: For non-sewer sites, a ‘honey wagon’ mobile sewer pump-out service is available, usually for a fee, to maintain convenience throughout longer stays.
• Bathhouse and Laundry Facilities: Clean and well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities are available. A clean, convenient laundromat is also on-site for guest use.
• On-Site Island Explorer Stop: The campground hosts a regular stop for the free Island Explorer shuttle, the indispensable service for navigating Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor without a car.
• Propane and Ice: Essential camping supplies like propane refills and bags of ice are available for purchase on the property.
• Wi-Fi Access: Basic Wi-Fi access is available as a complimentary service or via paid hotspots/tiers (often handled by a third-party vendor like Tengo Internet).

The resort-style features and location make Mt Desert Narrows a compelling choice for a family-focused Acadia vacation.

• Heated Swimming Pool: A seasonal, heated outdoor swimming pool is available, providing a great option for relaxation after a day of hiking, though guests should note it may have shorter operating hours than other facilities.
• Waterfront Views: Select sites offer spectacular views overlooking the Mt. Desert Narrows and Frenchman's Bay, providing beautiful scenery for morning coffee and evening sunsets.
• Family Recreation Amenities: The resort features a massive playground, a video arcade or game room, basketball, and volleyball courts, ensuring plenty of on-site entertainment for children and families.
• Organized Activities: The campground schedules weekly entertainment and activities, such as hayrides and ice cream socials, especially during the peak summer season, making it a highly engaging environment for children.
• Gateway to Acadia: Its extremely close proximity to the park and the direct shuttle service access are unparalleled features, making it arguably the most convenient location for car-free exploration of the MDI side of Acadia.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground generally welcomes pets, allowing Mainers to bring their entire family, including their dogs (non-vicious breeds).

Address: 1219 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA

Phone: (207) 288-8106

Mobile Phone: +1 207-288-8106

For Mainers, a trip to Acadia National Park is a beloved tradition, but dealing with the high season crowds and parking can be challenging. Mt Desert Narrows Campground offers a practical solution by providing one of the most accessible and feature-rich camping experiences in the area.

This location is perfectly suited for local families and seasoned RV travelers who prioritize convenience and on-site amenities. The key draw for a Mainer is the direct access to the Island Explorer shuttle. Instead of battling for a rare parking spot at the Bubble Rock trailhead or in downtown Bar Harbor, you can leave your vehicle securely at your site and ride the free bus to all points of interest. This ease of movement transforms a potentially stressful holiday into a smooth, relaxed adventure.

While the resort can be lively—particularly in sections hosting seasonal campers and families—the abundance of activities like the playground, pool, and organized events means your children will be thoroughly entertained. Furthermore, the beautiful, albeit tide-dependent, waterfront views are a reminder that you are truly in coastal Maine. Despite the occasional maintenance observation noted by customers, the overall sentiment is that the friendly staff and unbeatably convenient location solidify Mt Desert Narrows as one of the most functional and enjoyable bases for exploring the crown jewel of the Maine Coast.

Mt Desert Narrows Campground

1219 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA