About Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park
Perched on Mount Desert Island off the Maine coast, Blackwoods is the only campground inside Acadia's central
portion. Surrounded by the park's iconic carriage roads, granite summits, and rocky coastline, it's the ideal
base for exploring New England's only national park.
Highlights
- Short drive to Cadillac Mountain for sunrise
- Access to 45 miles of historic carriage roads
- Jordan Pond House nearby for popovers
- Rocky coast and tide pools at Sand Beach
- Thunder Hole — a must-see coastal feature
Directions & How to Get There
From Bangor, ME: Take I-395 E to US-1A to ME-3 S, approximately 1.5 hours. From Portland, ME: Take I-95 N to
US-1 N to ME-3, approximately 2.5 hours. Blackwoods is on ME-3, 5 miles south of Bar Harbor.
Nearby Attractions
- Cadillac Mountain Summit (5 mi)
- Jordan Pond (3 mi)
- Thunder Hole (2 mi)
- Sand Beach (2 mi)
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (12 mi)
Insider Tips
- Cadillac Mountain requires timed entry reservations sunrise–11am
- Bar Harbor town is charming and walkable — 5 miles from camp
- Lobster is a must — find a local shack, not a tourist trap
- Fall foliage in late September and October is extraordinary
Best Time to Visit
Best months: June–August, September for foliage
Season: May–November
Access difficulty: Easy access
What to Pack for Maine Camping
- Navigation: downloaded offline maps, compass, and GPS device
- Water: at least 3 liters per person per day (more in desert parks)
- Food: bear canister or use provided bear boxes where required
- Shelter: 3-season tent, rain fly, and ground tarp
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- First aid kit: including blister treatment, pain reliever, and any personal medications
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Lighting: headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp
- Safety: whistle, emergency bivy, and knowledge of your emergency exit route