THE EARNEST TRAVELER
Two things anchor a low-cost Acadia trip: the $35 seven-day vehicle pass and the fare-free Island Explorer shuttle, which cuts your in-park driving and parking to almost nothing.
Blackwoods Campground
About 5 miles south of Bar Harbor on Route 3. The 2026 season runs approximately May 1–October 19. Listed rates are $30 per night for tent and RV sites, and $60 for group sites.
Seawall Campground
On the quieter west side near Southwest Harbor. The 2026 season is approximately May 20–October 12. Walk-in tent sites are $22, drive-up sites $30, and group sites $60. There are no showers on-site.
Schoodic Woods Campground
On the mainland Schoodic Peninsula — the only Acadia campground with hookups. Approximately May 20–October 12. Rates run $22 hike-in, $30 drive-up, $36 RV electric, $40 electric-and-water, and $60 group.
How Reservations Work
All campgrounds reserve through Recreation.gov only. The standard release puts 90% of sites online six months ahead on the first of the month at 10 a.m. EST, with the remaining 10% released 14 days before arrival. Popular dates go fast.
Other Options
Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut has five primitive lean-to sites, no potable water, and an approximate mid-June–October 5 season; the whole season releases April 1 at 10 a.m. ET, one reservation per person per year, three-night maximum. Check the current nightly fee when reservations open. There are no hotels or lodges inside the park; budget options in Bar Harbor include Edenbrook Motel, The Bar Harbor Motel, and Acadia Inn (rates vary seasonally).
The basics for a comfortable budget trip.