Budget Camping in Acadia

[MKCP5]

So we are going to go camping at Acadia Natl Park, Who has been there? Is one of the campsites better than the other? Seawall or blackwoods? Anything special we should do there or not miss? Thanks a bunch!

 

[3boymthr]

We stayed in a hotel so I can't help you with the camping. It's been a few years (7); my youngest was still an infant and middle one was a toddler so I didn't do any hiking but DH and oldest DS hiked up the mountain and had a good time. I have to say one of our favorite activities was taking the horse drawn wagon ride (can't remember if they called it a hay ride or wagon ride or what). We also liked thunder hole.

Not sure where you're from but there are some great places to get lobster in the area.

Bar Harbor was a fun place to go and do a little strolling and souvenir shopping. Lots of T-shirt shops, but I also got a great little painting from a little gallery there.

 

[mistysue]

I also stayed at a hotel... Are you going with kids?
We just went as a couple (it was our honeymoon) but one of our favorite things was the free bus system. I know that sounds stupid, but it's like it's own little tour system. Make sure your camp grounds are on the bus route.

If you are looking for touristy things to do- I recommend Lulu's lobster boat ride (aprox$35) because they do a good job. Look into going at low tide because you will see more. If you look them up online, you can book in advance and they are very friendly.

We also really enjoyed a sunset kayak tour from Aquaterra... enough we went out a few times while we were there even though we are NOT at all athletic.

Strange as it is, our favorite clam chowder in town was from the little fast food style stand advertising ice cream on the right side of the exterior of the aquaterra building.
The thirsty whale also had a grilled cheese sandwich and cup of chowder combo that we went back for three times.

I do not recommend the whale tours. We tried to overhear people as they were leaving tourist events to see what they were saying and ususally the whale tour people were complaining that they were cold, wet and bored for most of the trip.

 

[PSU]

We love Acadia - been there many times (my brother teaches music in a town not far from there) Make sure you get a week pass to the national park...great hiking..too many to do - alll fitness levels ...very dog freindly if you have one...For good eats at a reasonable price stay out of Bar Harbor...good but up$$$ due to tourists. Try Sothwest Harbor ect,,,Ellsworth, Bucksport, and east... any lobster pound will have the same stuff.....also go a bit "downeast" - real maine....try anything there... unlike southern maine...this is real life meaning the shops exist for more than tourists....if you see a sign for homemade pies and its a house .....do it ...you won't be disappointed

 

[georgina]

We're camping at Hadley's point because I like my water and electricity, but I did ask about Acadia recently on the community board, and here are the replies : http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2236815&highlight=acadia