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54 campgrounds and RV Parks near Southwest Harbor, ME. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
54 campgrounds
5050 campsites
11 RVs available for delivery
From $22/night
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Best campgrounds near Southwest Harbor, ME
Smuggler's Den Campground
Southwest Harbor, ME (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(106 sites)
+8
Quietside Campground and Cabins
Maine (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
+5
Seawall Campground - Acadia National Park
Southwest Harbor, ME (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(214 sites)
Bass Harbor Campground
Maine (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(117 sites)
+8
Somes Sound View Campground
Maine (4 miles away)
(20 sites)
Acadia National Park
Maine (5 miles away)
Wildwood Stables
Maine (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(9 sites)
Mt Desert Campground
Maine (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(161 sites)
+5
Blackwoods Campground - Acadia National Park
Maine (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(306 sites)
Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort
Bar Harbor, ME (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(235 sites)
+8
Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday
Bar Harbor, ME (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(200 sites)
+9
Bar Harbor Campground
Bar Harbor, ME (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(308 sites)
+8
Most common amenities
Grills Tables Dump station Pet friendly Internet Toilets Showers Firewood Laundry Playground
Campgrounds near Southwest Harbor, Maine
Southwest Harbor sits on the western side of Mount Desert Island, the section of Acadia National Park locals call the quiet side. It is a working harbor town, less crowded than Bar Harbor, and puts RV travelers within a few minutes of Echo Lake, Bass Harbor Head Light, and the trailheads for Beech Mountain and Wonderland.
The closest options run from full-service private parks to a national-park campground with no hookups. Smuggler's Den Campground and Quietside Campground and Cabins are set in the woods just north and west of the village, while Somes Sound View Campground overlooks the fjord to the northeast. Seawall Campground, part of Acadia National Park, sits about four miles south on Route 102A, and Bass Harbor Campground is further down the peninsula near the lighthouse.
Most visitors base themselves here to reach the full park on the free Island Explorer shuttle, which stops at several campgrounds during summer and reduces driving on narrow park roads.
Things to do near Southwest Harbor
Acadia's quiet-side trails are the main draw. Wonderland and Ship Harbor are short, mostly level walks to the shoreline that work well for kids. Beech Mountain and Acadia Mountain give bigger views without the crowds of Cadillac. Echo Lake has a lifeguarded freshwater beach and is a short drive from Smuggler's Den Campground and Quietside Campground and Cabins.
Bass Harbor Head Light is a short drive south and best photographed near sunset. Boat tours, sea kayaking, and lobster-boat rides leave from Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor. The carriage roads on the eastern side of the island, closed to cars, are open to cyclists and reachable by shuttle.
In town, the Wendell Gilley Museum, harbor-front seafood shacks, and the Charlotte Rhoades Park butterfly garden fill an easy afternoon.
Camping spots and RV parks near Southwest Harbor, ME
When to visit Southwest Harbor
- spring
March - May
48° / 36°F 100 mmCool and foggy; most campgrounds open mid-May
- summer
June - August
72° / 55°F 85 mmPeak season; sites fill months in advance
- fall
September - November
57° / 43°F 125 mmFoliage in early October; October is the wettest month
- winter
December - February
32° / 21°F 115 mmSnow and freezing nights; park campgrounds closed
The camping season on Mount Desert Island is short. Most private parks around Southwest Harbor open in mid-May and close by mid-October, and Seawall Campground in Acadia National Park runs on a similar window, typically late May through mid-October. Winter camping is not available at the park campgrounds, and most private parks are shut.
July and August are peak. Sites fill months in advance, day temperatures sit in the low twenties Celsius, and the Island Explorer shuttle runs its full schedule. Late June and early September are the sweet spot for RV travelers: warm days, cooler nights, easier reservations, and lighter traffic on Route 102 and the Park Loop Road.
Late September and early October bring foliage and cool nights that can drop near freezing. Fog is common through spring and early summer along the coast, and October is the wettest month, so pack for damp shoulder-season weather even when the forecast looks clear.
How to book a campsite near Southwest Harbor
Seawall Campground is reservation-only through Recreation.gov. Ninety percent of sites are released six months ahead on the first of each month at 10 a.m. EST, and the remaining ten percent are released fourteen days ahead of arrival on a rolling basis, including same-day inventory when available. RV length is capped at 35 feet, and there are no hookups.
Private parks book directly through their own websites. Smuggler's Den Campground, Quietside Campground and Cabins, Bass Harbor Campground, and Somes Sound View Campground all take direct bookings for the summer season, with deposits and holiday-weekend minimums common.
For July and August, reserve as early as the booking window opens. For shoulder-season trips, two to four weeks out is usually enough.
What to expect on the ground
Roads on the quiet side are narrow, tree-lined, and winding. Larger Class A and fifth-wheel rigs should confirm site length before booking, particularly at Seawall, where the National Park Service limits RVs to 35 feet and generators are only allowed from 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
Hookups vary. Seawall has none, but a dump station and potable water are on site. Private parks in the area typically offer full-hookup sites, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. Cell service is spotty in parts of the park; download maps before leaving town.
Bring layers, rain gear, and bug spray in early summer. Black flies and mosquitoes are worst in June. Store food securely: raccoons are the main issue, not bears. An America the Beautiful or Acadia park pass is required in addition to the campsite fee.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Southwest Harbor, ME
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Southwest Harbor, ME?
RV rental in Southwest Harbor is more affordable than most travelers expect when you book through RVezy. Travel trailers typically run $90 to $175 per night, while Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $325 per night during summer peak. You save the most by booking outside the July and August Acadia rush, since shoulder season pricing in late May, June, and September often drops 20 to 30 percent. Pro tip: filter for travel trailers to find the cheap RV rental Southwest Harbor option, since hosts in nearby Ellsworth and Trenton often deliver to your campground for a flat fee, saving you fuel and stress.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Southwest%20Harbor%2C%20MaineDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Maine?
Good news: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Maine, including everything on RVezy from compact campervans up to 35-foot Class C motorhomes. Maine does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for personal-use recreational vehicles. Approved renters on RVezy are generally 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your ID directly through the platform during booking. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home-country license. Most first-time renters in Southwest Harbor are surprised how quickly they go from booking to behind the wheel.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection or coverage is included with my RV rental?
Every RVezy booking in Southwest Harbor comes with a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you are covered from the moment you drive off. The protection plan helps shield you from most damages to the RV during your trip, and you choose your coverage level during checkout. That means you decide how much peace of mind you want, whether you are heading down Route 102 to Seawall Campground or taking the long way around the Park Loop Road. With Acadia's narrow coastal roads, that built-in safety net lets you focus on the views, not the what-ifs.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Southwest Harbor RV rental?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and there is a grace period after booking where you can cancel for a full refund. That is especially reassuring for an Acadia trip, where coastal weather and ferry schedules to places like Isle au Haut can shift plans. If a host cancels, RVezy refunds guests or provides credits, and the support team is available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: book your RV first to lock in the best rigs for summer, since Mount Desert Island inventory tightens fast once Schoodic Woods and Seawall reservation windows open.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV rental in Southwest Harbor?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental Southwest Harbor options are plentiful on RVezy. Toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when you search, and you will see motorhomes and trailers whose hosts welcome four-legged co-pilots. Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the country, with leashed pets allowed on over 100 miles of hiking trails and all 45 miles of carriage roads. Your pup can join you up Beech Mountain, along Wonderland Trail near Seawall, or down to Bass Harbor Head Light. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee or size limits, then pack a towel since the Atlantic spray off Ship Harbor Trail is irresistible.
nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/pets.htmCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Southwest Harbor?
Absolutely, RV delivery Southwest Harbor is one of the smartest ways to do Acadia, especially if you are nervous about driving Route 102 or backing into a wooded site at Seawall Campground. Many RVezy hosts will drive the RV to your campsite at Seawall, Smuggler's Den, or Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy to see hosts who offer this service and their per-mile rates. Pro tip: book your campsite first, since Seawall releases sites six months out on Recreation.gov and they fill within minutes for July weekends.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234674How far can I drive from Southwest Harbor on an RV trip?
Your range depends on the host's mileage policy, and you can find RV rental with unlimited mileage options on RVezy, perfect for a wide-ranging Southwest Harbor RV trip. Many listings include 100 to 150 free miles per day, with extra miles billed at roughly $0.30 to $0.45. From Southwest Harbor you are about 16 miles to Bar Harbor, 50 miles to Bangor, 90 miles to Camden, about 175 miles to Portland, and 110 miles to the Canadian border at Calais. Pro tip: if you are planning a longer loop through Down East Maine and back through the White Mountains, filter for unlimited-mileage listings up front to keep your fuel-and-mileage math simple.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Southwest%20Harbor%2C%20MaineWhere are the best campgrounds near Southwest Harbor for RV camping?
The best campgrounds near Southwest Harbor put you minutes from Acadia's quiet side. Seawall Campground (inside Acadia, about 4 miles south of town) has wooded sites and a dump station but no hookups, great for self-contained rigs up to about 35 feet. Smuggler's Den Campground on Route 102 offers full hookups, heated pools, and is on the free Island Explorer shuttle route. Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA in Bar Harbor has full-hookup pull-throughs with ocean views. Mount Desert Campground in Somesville is perfect for smaller rigs, right on Somes Sound. Book Seawall via Recreation.gov up to six months out for the best chance.
nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htmWhen is the best time to visit Southwest Harbor in an RV?
Late June through early October is the sweet spot for RV camping Southwest Harbor, with July and August averaging 70 to 78 degree days and cool 55 to 60 degree nights, ideal sleeping weather inside an RV. September is the local favorite: bug pressure drops, the crowds thin after Labor Day, and ocean-warm water makes Echo Lake swimmable into mid-month. Early to mid-October delivers some of New England's best fall foliage around Cadillac Mountain. Avoid mid-May through mid-June if you dislike black flies. Pro tip: Acadia's in-park campgrounds (Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods) close in mid to late October, so target September for the magic combo of warm days, color, and elbow room.
weather.gov/car/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving around Acadia?
You will be just fine, even if this is your first time renting an RV. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking through driving, leveling, water, propane, and the dump process, and you can message them anytime during your trip. Southwest Harbor's roads are friendly for new RVers: Route 102 is two-lane and paved, speeds stay moderate, and most campgrounds have generous pull-through sites. Note that Cadillac Summit Road has vehicle length restrictions, so confirm posted limits before heading up. Pro tip: pick up your RV midweek so your first drive on Route 3 is not a Saturday changeover day.
nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/driving.htmWhat happens if something breaks down during my trip?
You are covered: every RVezy rental in Southwest Harbor includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so help is one phone call away whether you are at Seawall Campground, on the Schoodic Loop, or pulled over on Route 1 near Ellsworth. Roadside support handles flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and towing. For RV-system issues like a finicky propane fridge or a balky slide-out, your host is your first call: they know their rig best and most respond quickly. Cell coverage on Mount Desert Island is solid in town but spotty inside the park, so save the RVezy support number and your host's number to your phone before you head out.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Southwest Harbor RV rental into Canada?
A cross-border RV road trip from Southwest Harbor to New Brunswick is possible, but only with the host's written approval, since insurance and platform coverage have to be confirmed first. Message the host through the listing before booking to confirm Canada travel is allowed. The drive from Southwest Harbor to the Calais/St. Stephen border crossing is about 110 miles via Route 9, putting Fundy National Park and the Bay of Fundy tides within a half-day's reach. Note: travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Pro tip: bring passports for everyone, declare any food at the border, and check current CBP and CBSA wait times before you roll up.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for around Southwest Harbor?
Realistic fuel planning makes your trip stress-free. Class C motorhomes typically get 8 to 10 mpg, Class A motorhomes average 6 to 8 mpg, travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle but expect a 25 to 30 percent mpg hit, and campervans (Class B) often deliver 15 to 18 mpg. Gas prices in coastal Maine typically run a bit above the national average, so check stations in Ellsworth (the last big-box pricing before the island) and fill up there rather than in Bar Harbor or Southwest Harbor village, where pumps are pricier and tighter to maneuver. Pro tip: the Irving station on Route 3 in Trenton is an RV-friendly fill-up on your way onto Mount Desert Island.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Southwest Harbor?
Book early, the Acadia campgrounds are some of the most competitive in the National Park System. Seawall and Blackwoods release sites on a six-month rolling window on Recreation.gov, and prime summer weekends often sell out within minutes. Schoodic Woods follows the same six-month rolling window. Private parks like Smuggler's Den, Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, and Mount Desert Campground typically open reservations in winter for the upcoming summer. Pro tip: set a calendar alert for exactly six months before your trip date, create your Recreation.gov account in advance, and have your RV length and site preferences ready to enter the second the window opens.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234674What are driving conditions like around Mount Desert Island?
Driving an RV around Mount Desert Island is very manageable if you know a few local quirks. Route 102 (which runs right through Southwest Harbor) and Route 3 are paved two-lane roads with moderate grades, fine for most motorhomes or trailers. Inside the park, much of Park Loop Road is one-way, and Cadillac Summit Road has posted vehicle length restrictions, so confirm current limits before heading up. Watch for cyclists, pedestrians, and wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Coastal fog can roll in quickly in June and September. Pro tip: download offline maps before you arrive, as cell service drops fast once you leave Route 3.
nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/driving-park-loop-road.htmWhat amenities do campgrounds near Southwest Harbor offer, and where can I dump and fill water?
You have solid options for every camping style. Seawall Campground inside Acadia has flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and a dump station, but no individual hookups, so arrive with a full freshwater tank and empty waste tanks. Smuggler's Den and Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA offer 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups at most sites, plus heated pools, laundry, and Wi-Fi. The Seawall dump station is generally open to campers during operating season. Pro tip: top off your fresh water in Ellsworth before crossing onto Mount Desert Island, since potable fill stations on the quiet side are limited.
nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/seawall-campground.htmWhat should I expect inside a typical RV rental in Southwest Harbor?
You will find more comfort than you expect. A typical motorhome rental Southwest Harbor includes sleeping for 4 to 8 (queen bed, convertible dinette, bunk options), a full kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control with furnace and air conditioning, and seatbelted travel seats for everyone on board. Most listings include linens, kitchenware, and outdoor chairs, and many add a generator, TV, or Bluetooth speakers. Wi-Fi is rarely built in and cell signal is patchy inside Acadia, so plan to disconnect a little. Pro tip: filter by sleeps count and check the listing's amenity list, then message your host if you need specific gear like a kayak rack for paddling Long Pond.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Southwest%20Harbor%2C%20MaineWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about when I rent an RV in Southwest Harbor?
Hosts on RVezy offer add-ons that make your Southwest Harbor RV trip easier: bedding and towel packages, kitchen kits, generator use, bike racks, kayak racks, outdoor grills, and propane fire pits. Many hosts also offer delivery and setup to local campgrounds like Seawall, Smuggler's Den, and Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, typically priced per mile from the host's home base. Mileage allowances usually run 100 to 150 free miles per day, with unlimited options available too. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a bedding package on your first trip, you will arrive at your campsite to find the RV leveled, hooked up, beds made, and your only job is uncorking the wine.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Southwest%20Harbor%2C%20MaineHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and protected: you pay through the RVezy platform with a credit card during booking, never directly to the host, so your transaction is tracked and secured. The security deposit is separate from the booking payment and is held (not charged) on your card before pickup, then released after the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. Deposit amounts vary by rig. To avoid any deposit issues, take time-stamped photos and a short video at pickup and drop-off, follow the host's fueling and dumping instructions, and report anything unusual right away. Pro tip: keep all communication in the RVezy app so support has a full record if you ever need help.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-works