Schoodic Woods Campground
A serene campground on Acadia's quiet side, offering spacious sites, dark skies for stargazing, and direct access to nature trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Schoodic Woods Campground
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene campground on Acadia's quiet side, offering spacious sites, dark skies for stargazing, and direct access to nature trails.
"This was probably our favorite campground. It was quiet, clean, and private."
🎯 Book Far in Advance!
Reservations are essential and fill up fast. Be online at 10 AM Eastern when they open!
✨ Embrace the Dark Skies
The campground is perfect for stargazing with minimal light pollution. Bring binoculars!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Schoodic Point
Schoodic Peninsula
Dramatic granite cliffs meet the Atlantic, offering breathtaking ocean views and sunset spectacles. Seals are often spotted here!
Schoodic Woods Campground
Schoodic Peninsula
A peaceful campground with spacious, private sites perfect for stargazing and immersing in nature.
Winter Harbor
Schoodic Peninsula
Charming coastal village with great restaurants, a grocery store, and a ferry to Bar Harbor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quiet Side of Acadia
Getting Around the Peninsula
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Far in Advance!
Reservations are essential and fill up fast. Be online at 10 AM Eastern when they open!
✨ Embrace the Dark Skies
The campground is perfect for stargazing with minimal light pollution. Bring binoculars!
🚴♀️ Bike the Loop Road
The 6-mile one-way loop to Schoodic Point is scenic and great for biking. Watch for gravel!
🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails
Dogs are welcome, but keep an eye out for wildlife like porcupines.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Far in Advance!
Reservations are essential and fill up fast. Be online at 10 AM Eastern when they open!
✨ Embrace the Dark Skies
The campground is perfect for stargazing with minimal light pollution. Bring binoculars!
🚴♀️ Bike the Loop Road
The 6-mile one-way loop to Schoodic Point is scenic and great for biking. Watch for gravel!
🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails
Dogs are welcome, but keep an eye out for wildlife like porcupines.
💧 No Full Hookups
Sites have electric and water, but no sewer. A dump station is available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Schoodic Woods Campground is highly praised for its peaceful atmosphere, spacious and private campsites, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities and the ability to access numerous hiking trails directly from the campground. While some note the lack of showers and the competitive booking process, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting it as a gem within Acadia National Park.
"One of the nicest Federal campgrounds we have stayed at so far. The campsites have a good amount of space between them and overall it was quiet at night. The bathrooms were cleaned daily even during the shutdown. The sites are open to the sky with almost no branches overhead. It's a nice spot for star gazing. We were here in October and we started to hear the fishing boats leaving the harbor around 5am. We enjoyed using the free shuttle to explore the hiking trails on the peninsula. The bike trails were challenging with loose pea stone gravel but scenic and fun."
j Staff
"This campground is perfect for a number of reasons. It’s so quiet here. I loved being able to take trails straight out from the campground and hike the beautiful peninsula. Winter Harbor is a quick bike ride or bus ride away. Has great restaurants and somewhere to buy groceries. The landscape is incredible. You can see all wildlife ( if you have dogs watch out for porcupines) Go to blueberry hill and take the flat trail to find plenty of blueberries. You can take a ferry over to Bar Harbor. It’s a gem!"
Marcelle Alvernaz
"This is a sensational representation of the “quiet” life of downeast Maine. The sites are very roomy and private. At night it is very quiet and very dark. Millions of stars to gaze at in quiet solitude. The area AND the campground is very family and dog friendly. Many MANY trails to hike, carriage roads to hike or bike, and gorgeous scenic drives. If you need a playground on site…then you should look elsewhere…but if your kids love the outdoors and using their imagination…then these spacious private sites fit the bill. We stay several times a year and still love it. No full hookups, but they have a clean dump station."
Tom Farley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Schoodic Woods Campground is located on the Schoodic Peninsula, about an hour's drive from Bar Harbor. You can drive your own vehicle or take a ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor, then use the park shuttle or bike to the campground.
Yes, Acadia National Park offers a free shuttle service that operates on the Schoodic Peninsula, connecting the campground to trailheads and Winter Harbor.
Many visitors enjoy biking the scenic loop road to Schoodic Point. Hiking trails are also abundant directly from the campground.
Yes, you can drive to Schoodic Point. The one-way loop road offers stunning views and access to various viewpoints along the way.
The campground is well-signed within Acadia National Park on the Schoodic Peninsula. GPS coordinates are recommended for precise navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid Acadia National Park entrance pass is required for all visitors, including campers. Passes can be purchased online or at park entrance stations.
Reservations are made through Recreation.gov and are highly competitive. Be prepared to book exactly when reservations open, as sites fill up within minutes.
Standard check-in is typically after 1 PM, and check-out is by 11 AM. Always confirm current times on Recreation.gov when booking.
It is extremely rare to find walk-up campsites due to high demand. It's strongly advised to secure a reservation in advance.
Cancellation policies vary by reservation platform (usually Recreation.gov). Check the specific terms when you book, as fees may apply.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The campground offers electric and water hookups at most sites, a modern and clean bathhouse (no showers), a dump station, and potable water.
No, there are no showers available at Schoodic Woods Campground. Visitors typically use campground showers in other parts of Acadia or facilities in nearby towns.
Absolutely! It's renowned for its dark skies and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails that start directly from the campground, allowing for easy access to the peninsula's natural beauty.
Yes, it's very family-friendly, especially for children who love the outdoors and imaginative play. There isn't a playground, but the spacious sites and natural surroundings are a hit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the charming village of Winter Harbor is a short bike or shuttle ride away and offers several great restaurants and a grocery store.
Winter Harbor has a grocery store, making it convenient to stock up on supplies for your camping trip.
Campfires are generally permitted, but always check current fire restrictions with park rangers upon arrival. S'mores are a popular campground activity!
Bunker's Seafood and Spirits and Musquito Brewing are popular spots mentioned by visitors.
No, there are no food services directly within Schoodic Woods Campground. You'll need to bring your own food or visit nearby Winter Harbor.
📸 📸 Photography
Schoodic Point is a prime location for dramatic coastal photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. The fog can also create magical scenes.
Landscape photography, especially coastal scenes, wildlife, and astrophotography due to the dark skies, are very popular.
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for dramatic landscapes at Schoodic Point. Evenings are perfect for capturing the stars.
Keep an eye out for seals near Schoodic Point and the vibrant colors of the granite cliffs at sunset.
A wide-angle lens for landscapes, a telephoto lens for wildlife, and a sturdy tripod for low-light and astrophotography are recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to explore the trails, look for wildlife, and enjoy the simple pleasures of camping, like campfires and s'mores.
The nearby town of Winter Harbor offers a change of pace with its shops and restaurants, and the ferry to Bar Harbor provides a fun day trip option. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and be mindful of the gravel on some bike paths. 🐶 Pet-Friendly Travelers
It's important to keep your pets leashed at all times and be aware of potential wildlife, such as porcupines, which can be a hazard.
🌌 Stargazers and Nature Lovers
The campground's design, with spacious and private sites, enhances the feeling of immersion in nature. You can step right out of your tent or RV onto trails that lead through forests and along the coast. The quiet atmosphere, punctuated only by natural sounds, makes it perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Schoodic Peninsula
The peninsula boasts a network of trails that are easily accessible from the campground, allowing for spontaneous hikes through diverse landscapes. The famous Schoodic Loop Road is a must-do, offering stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against granite cliffs. This one-way road is perfect for a leisurely drive or a bike ride, with numerous pull-offs to admire the scenery.
Unlike the main part of Acadia, the Schoodic Peninsula sees significantly fewer visitors, making it an ideal destination for those who prefer to avoid crowds. This tranquility allows for a more immersive experience, whether you're exploring the coastline, enjoying a picnic, or simply relaxing at your campsite under a canopy of stars.
Camping at Schoodic Woods: A Peaceful Retreat
The campground provides essential amenities, including electric and water hookups at many sites, though sewer hookups are not available. A modern, clean bathhouse is on-site, but visitors should note that there are no showers. A dump station is conveniently located for RV users. The lack of showers contributes to the more rustic, natural feel of the campground.
One of the standout features of camping here is the incredible stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the night sky comes alive with millions of stars, creating a breathtaking celestial display. Many campers find this to be a highlight of their stay, offering a serene end to days spent exploring the peninsula.
Exploring the Schoodic Peninsula: Hikes, Bikes, and Views
The Schoodic Point Trail is a must-do, leading to the dramatic coastline where you can witness the powerful waves of the Atlantic. The Schoodic Loop Road is a 6-mile, one-way scenic drive that is also popular with cyclists. While the road itself is paved, some of the connecting bike trails can be challenging due to loose gravel.
Beyond the immediate campground area, the nearby town of Winter Harbor provides a charming base with restaurants and a grocery store. For those looking to venture further, a ferry service connects Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor, offering a convenient way to experience the more developed side of Acadia National Park without the long drive.
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