Camping Options in Acadia



There are several very nice private campgrounds on the island. My favorite state campground in Acadia is Lamoine State Park. ( tel. 207-667-4778 ) It has some great ocean front sites; with a fantastic view of Mount Desert Island. It is on the main land; well worth the very short drive from Acadia National Park. It has nice hot showers and the staff is wonderfull.

After spending many years paddling the back country of Maine I would like to share some of my "secret spots" with those of you seeking the ultimate outdooor experience. These places are for the most part " primitive camping ". Please take care of these special places.

• Western Bay Maine, Public Reserve Land.- " The Hub" A small island off the north tip of Bartletts Island. This is a "postage stamp" sized island. NO MORE THAN 2 PEOPLE can camp on this island at any one time. Try to avoid this gem till the seals are done pupping and the shorebirds are done nesting. Stay on the trail and do not walk on the Juniper and other low bushes; there are nesting birds in them. This is the only Island in this bay that has public camping. Watch the winds and the tides in this region.
  This is part of Blue Hill Bay a piece of water that deserves great respect. This is big country and for the most part you are on your own. Cell phones do NOT work well in this area. NO fires permitted on this island at all.Topo map of The Hub
  
  DO NOT PADDLE BETWEEN GREEN AND MOUNT DESERT ISLAND EVER !
  
  This area is closed and you could be in violation of the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act ( there are dozens of seal pups between these islands)
  
  
  
• Eastern Jericho Bay, Public Reserve Land.- " Hen Island" A small island off the west shore of Swans Island. This is a tiny island. It has a nice camping area in the center of the island with great cover from the wind. The best place to put in is from Bass Harbor, this 5 mile paddle and is best done in the early morning before the winds start.
  This is a piece of water that deserves great respect. This is big country and for the most part you are on your own.Fire permits required.Topo map of Hen Island Region.
  
  
  
  Long Island, Private Property. - A massive island located between the west shore of Bartlets Island and the beautiful town of Blue Hill; in Blue Hill Bay. It has a nice camping area on the south shore of the island with a great view looking south to Swans Island and Ship's and Barges Ledge. The best place to put in is from Seal Cove, this 5 mile paddle is best done in the early morning before the winds start. This Island is managed by Acadia National Park. Currently permits are not required to camp on this island but to be sure; contact the Park Service; camping policy's change frequently. Fire permits are required no matter where you are camping in the state of Maine.
  1. Although Acadia National Park holds interest in over 95% of the island, there are private parcels on the island that must be respected.
  2. Legislation prohibits the park from permitting commercially-guided groups from camping on the island.
  3. Although campfires are permitted anywhere on the public land on the island with a burn permit from the town of Blue Hill, Acadia National Park strongly encourages maintaining fires only within the intertidal zone to reduce the hazard of a fire escaping and causing damage to private homes on the island and to reduce the eyesores created from unsightly fire rings.
  This is a piece of water that deserves great respect.Cell phones do NOT work well in this area. Make sure you have your hand held V.H.F. Topo map of Long Island Region.
  
  
  
  Donnell Pond Maine, Public Reserve Land. - One of the most beautiful " ponds" in Maine. The boat launch is in the Town of Franklin on the Donnell Pond Road, just off the Black Woods Rd. At the put in you will see a couple dozen camps. As soon as you paddle a mile or so there will be no more camps. Keep your eyes peeled for several sandy beaches. ( rare in Maine ) most of these camping spots come with a fire pit, picnic table and your own private beach.
  This is Maine public reserve land, first come first serve. There are several great hiking trails around Donnell Pond connecting these "micro beaches" to one another as well as several trails that will take you to the top of each mountian top. Donnell Pond is in a " bowl " Between the peaks of 4 mountian tops. Its waters are over 150 feet deep with incredible visilibility 60 to 80 feet. Great salmon and bass fishing. Topo map Donnell Pond Region.
  
  
  
  Tunk Lake Maine, Public Reserve Land. - The boat launch is just off the Black Woods Rd 10 miles north of Donnell Pond.You will paddle past a couple sandy beaches on your way to the 3 Maine Public Reserve camp sites. These camping spots come with a fire pit, picnic table and one heak of a view . This is Maine public reserve land, first come first serve. There are several great hiking trails around Tunk connecting it to the Donnell Pond region; its waters are over 150 feet deep with incredible visilibility; 80 feet plus. Great Touge, salmon and bass fishing. There is a head stone with a hole drilled through it in a few feet of water; it has an anchor connected to it ?. Topo map Tunk Lake
  
  
  
  Machias River Campground, Paper Company Land - Take Rt 9 out of Bangor heading towards Calais. As soon as you cross the Machias river take the first dirt road on the right ! Drive 100 Yards you will find a beautifull log cabanna on the shore of the Machias river. This is a great place to set up base camp, with dozens of lakes and streams just a short drive to fish or paddle. Put in on the stud mill road 10 miles west of here and paddle back to camp. Lots of moose, deer, bear, otters, eagles, ect...
  Topo map Machias River
  
  
  Pokemoonshine and Crawford Lake, Public Reserve Land. - Driving northeast on Rt 9 From Bangor to Calais you will see a small sign on your left side. The put in is at the end of this dirt road. The best place to camp is in the narrows between these two massive lakes in a place known as " mud pond". Great bass and white pearch fishing.If coming from Bangor you will pass the rangers station in Dubious , if you plan on having a fire in the back country stop and see the rangers; ask if they are handing out fire permits....Topo map Pokemoonshine.
  
  
  
  Big Lake and Grand Lake Stream, Paper Company Road.- Take Rt 1 from Calais and through Princeton. Take a left on the Grand Lake Stream Road. Look on the right for a unmarked road ( Called the AMAZON ROAD ).This is a road recomended for a 4 wheel drive. Keep your eye peeled for a little road on your left that will bring you to Whitney Cove ( unmarked ).This is not an easy road to find but well worth the effort. Great Lake Trout and Land lock Salmon fishing. ....Downeast Lakes Land Trust