Acadia’s Flagship Campground
Blackwoods Campground is the most popular camping spot in Acadia National Park, and it has earned that status. Tucked into a dense spruce and birch forest on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, just a short walk from Otter Cliff and a five-minute drive from Sand Beach, Blackwoods puts you in the heart of the park without sacrificing the feeling of sleeping in the woods.
The campground has 241 sites spread across several loops, with a mix of tent-only and tent/RV sites. There are no hookups, so RVers rely on generators (with quiet hours enforced) and the campground’s dump station. The lack of hookups keeps things quieter than many national park campgrounds, and the dense forest between sites provides solid privacy. You will hear your neighbors, but you probably will not see them.
Choosing a Site
Not all sites at Blackwoods are created equal, and a little research before you book pays off. The campground is divided into loops labeled A through D, with each loop having its own character.
The A loop is closest to the amphitheater and restrooms, making it convenient for families with kids. The D loop is farthest from the main facilities and tends to be quieter. Sites on the outer edges of each loop generally have more tree cover and feel more private than those on the interior.
Sites range from small tent pads suitable for one or two tents to larger pull-through spots that accommodate RVs up to about 35 feet. Every site has a picnic table, fire ring, and a level tent pad. The ground is a mix of pine needles and packed earth, and most sites drain well even after rain.
If you have flexibility in your dates, aim for a weekday arrival in September. The campground is less full, the weather is often perfect for hiking, and the foliage adds color to the already beautiful forest setting.
Reservations and Logistics
Blackwoods fills up fast. Reservations open six months in advance through recreation.gov, and peak-season weekends (especially July 4th and Labor Day) can book within hours. If your dates are firm, set a reminder and be ready to book the moment the reservation window opens.
From May through October, the nightly rate is $30 per site. From November through March, the campground remains open at a reduced rate of $15 per night, but water systems are shut down and restroom access is limited to vault toilets. Winter camping here is quiet and beautiful, but you need to be self-sufficient with water and prepared for cold temperatures.
Check-in is at 2 PM and check-out is at noon. The campground has no camp store, so stock up on food, ice, and firewood before arriving. Bar Harbor is about 10 minutes north and has multiple grocery stores and outfitters. Firewood must be purchased locally or certified heat-treated to prevent the spread of invasive insects. Do not bring firewood from home.
What to Do From Blackwoods
The campground’s location is its greatest asset. You are within walking or biking distance of some of Acadia’s best features. The Otter Cliff area, one of the premier rock-climbing spots on the East Coast, is less than a mile away. Sand Beach is a short drive or bike ride via the Park Loop Road. The Ocean Path, a spectacular 4.4-mile coastal trail, runs between Sand Beach and Otter Point and is accessible from near the campground.
For hikers, the trailheads for the Beehive, the Bowl, Gorham Mountain, and Cadillac South Ridge are all within a few minutes’ drive. The Island Explorer shuttle stops at the campground, so you can reach trailheads, Bar Harbor, and other destinations without moving your car.
The campground amphitheater hosts ranger-led programs most evenings during the summer season, covering topics from tidal pool ecology to the night sky. These programs are free and worth attending, especially with kids.
Camp Life and Atmosphere
Blackwoods has the feel of a well-run woodland campground. The sites are not luxurious, but they are well-maintained. The restrooms have flush toilets and running water (in season) but no showers. The nearest showers are at the park’s Seawall area or in Bar Harbor. This is not glamping, and that is the point.
The forest is primarily spruce and birch, with a thick understory that blocks most sightlines between sites. Mornings are often foggy, with mist hanging in the trees as the sun comes up over the ocean just beyond the campground. The sound of waves crashing on Otter Cliff carries into the campground on quiet nights.
Wildlife visits are common. Red squirrels are everywhere, and deer occasionally wander through the loops. Keep all food stored properly, either in your vehicle or a hard-sided cooler when not in use. Ravens and jays are persistent and clever, and they will find any food left out.
Tips for a Great Stay
Book early. This cannot be overstated. If you miss the reservation window for summer dates, check recreation.gov regularly for cancellations, which do pop up, especially in the weeks leading up to a reservation.
Bring layers. Even in August, Acadia evenings can drop into the 50s, and the ocean fog adds a damp chill that sneaks through lighter gear. A good sleeping bag rated to at least 40 degrees will keep you comfortable through the shoulder seasons.
The Island Explorer shuttle system is free and runs frequently in summer. Use it. Parking at popular trailheads fills by 8 or 9 AM on summer mornings, and the shuttle eliminates that stress entirely. The campground stop connects you to the entire park.
Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 6 AM, and they are enforced. Blackwoods attracts a mix of families, couples, and solo travelers who are here for the park, not for a party. Respect that, and you will have an outstanding experience.