Smuggler's Den Campground

- 20 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

Introduction / Overview

For Mainers looking to explore the natural splendor of Mount Desert Island (MDI) without the intense crowds of Bar Harbor, Smuggler's Den Campground in Southwest Harbor offers the ideal sanctuary. Known affectionately as the "Quiet Side" of MDI, this family-owned and operated gem, established in 1969, provides a relaxed, meticulously maintained environment bordering the serene beauty of Acadia National Park. The name itself, "Smuggler's Den," hints at the secluded and peaceful atmosphere that loyal visitors have come to love.

Smuggler's Den is far more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a full-service vacation destination designed to make your stay both comfortable and memorable. Visitors frequently praise the extraordinary attention to detail, from the beautifully manicured grounds, featuring quaint apple trees, to the spacious, level sites that ensure a hassle-free setup. The dedication of the owners and staff to providing caring, compassionate, and highly attentive service—often cited by customers—propels this campground to the top of many local favorites lists. With a fantastic array of amenities, including recently added luxurious bathhouses, Smuggler’s Den ensures a high-quality, nature-rich experience for all ages.

Location and Accessibility

Smuggler's Den Campground is perfectly positioned at 20 Main St (Route 102) in Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA. This location on the southern, less-traveled side of Mount Desert Island—the “Quiet Side”—is a tremendous asset for Mainers seeking a peaceful retreat while retaining convenient access to all MDI attractions. It successfully balances quiet solitude with excellent connectivity.

The campground's greatest local accessibility feature is its direct proximity to Acadia National Park. Campers can access over 25 miles of Acadia’s hiking trails and fire roads right from the campground property, allowing for walks to stunning natural spots like Echo Lake Sand Beach (about a 20-minute walk). Southwest Harbor’s quaint, working harbor is only 1.5 miles away, offering dining and local services.

For those wishing to visit the more active areas, the famous Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is just a 10-minute drive, and Bar Harbor and the Acadia National Park Visitor Center are about a 20-mile scenic drive. Critically, Smuggler's Den is a designated stop for the free Island Explorer Shuttle bus, which runs from late June through early October, allowing guests to visit various points across MDI without the stress of parking, which is a significant advantage for locals familiar with the island's summer traffic.

Services Offered

Smuggler's Den Campground offers a comprehensive suite of high-quality services and diverse accommodations, ensuring every type of camper finds comfort and convenience.

• Diverse Accommodations: The park features over 100 sites, including Wooded and Premium Tent Sites (some with 30/20 amp electric and water hookups), Pop-Up Sites, and spacious RV Sites (full hookups with 50/30/20 amp, water, and sewer). Many RV sites are level with gravel or concrete pads, accommodating rigs up to 45 feet.
• Rental Options: For non-campers or those seeking extra luxury, the campground offers various rentals, including Rustic and Deluxe Camp Cabins (sleeping up to five, with the Deluxe options adding a full kitchen, bathroom, and screened porch), RV Rentals, and off-site Vacation Rentals (CedarShore and SugarMaple).
• Luxury and Cleanliness: Campers rave about the clean, spa-like bathhouses. The newly built facilities are described as luxurious and soothing, featuring free hot showers, a significant plus on MDI. Coin-operated laundry facilities are also available on-site.
• Recreational Facilities: Guests enjoy a large, heated swimming pool with a slide and a shallow kiddie pool, a large children's playground, and a four-acre recreational field for games and sports like basketball and horseshoe toss.
• Camp Store and Local Goods: The on-site campground store is stocked with essentials, including snacks, coffee, ice, and campfire wood. Uniquely, the store sells fresh, live lobsters and even offers lobster pots and crackers to borrow, allowing campers to enjoy a quintessential Maine lobster bake right at their site.
• Connectivity and Utilities: Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the campground, a feature appreciated by guests, along with a dump station for RVs.
• Site Amenities: Every campsite, regardless of type, is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, encouraging outdoor dining and campfire enjoyment.

Features / Highlights

Smuggler's Den Campground's key highlights focus on its proximity to nature, family amenities, and exceptional customer experience.

• Direct Access to Acadia: The most valuable feature for outdoor enthusiasts is the ability to walk directly into Acadia National Park's hiking trail network from the campground, including easy access to Western and Beech Mountains. This eliminates the need to drive and find parking at congested trailheads.
• Exceptional Hospitality: The ownership and staff, highlighted by customers like Kim, Cheryl, Reign, and Troy, are frequently praised for being wonderfully friendly, attentive, and accommodating, often going above and beyond to ensure guests have a 'magnificent' stay.
• Tranquil, Manicured Setting: The grounds are exceptionally well-maintained, described as beautifully clean and manicured, with apple trees and natural tree lines providing seclusion and shade. The aesthetic beauty enhances the tranquil setting, making it a peaceful refuge.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With a large, heated pool and slide, a separate kiddie pool, a spacious playground, and a large recreational field, the campground is an outstanding choice for families, offering extensive activities right on the property.
• Convenient Transportation: The free Island Explorer Shuttle bus stops directly at the campground, offering stress-free access to all major points of interest across Mount Desert Island, including Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor, a major benefit for both local and out-of-state visitors.

Contact Information

To learn more or reserve your spot on the peaceful side of MDI, please use the following contact details:

Address: 20 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA

Phone: (877) 244-9033

Mobile Phone: +1 877-244-9033

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Smuggler's Den Campground is perfectly suitable for Mainers because it offers an upgraded, yet authentic, Maine experience in one of the state's most coveted regions: Mount Desert Island. For local residents, the campground solves the perennial problem of summer crowding on MDI. By providing a comfortable, full-amenity base on the "Quiet Side" of Southwest Harbor, locals can enjoy the hiking, scenery, and coastal charm of Acadia National Park while retiring each night to a peaceful, spacious, and family-oriented setting that is safely off the main tourist artery.

The combination of high-end features like the new, clean bathhouses and the simple, yet essential, joys of Maine camping—like buying fresh lobster at the camp store and walking to a lakeside beach—makes this a truly exceptional regional resource. It’s a place where Mainers can relax knowing they are receiving top-tier hospitality from a long-standing, dedicated family operation, making it the number one camping destination for those who appreciate comfort, convenience, and genuine local care.

Smuggler's Den Campground

20 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA