Where to stay near Acadia National Park
Table Of Contents
Ever thought of visiting Acadia National Park? There are multiple accommodation options to choose from. That is from high-end hotels to low-budget vacation rentals. For an adventurous stay, you may go for campgrounds; for better accessibility, you may go for hotels and motels.
Acadia National Park Acadia National Park is on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Woodland, rocky beaches, and granite peaks mark it. Among the wildlife are moose, bears, whales, and seabirds. The bayside town of Bar Harbor has restaurants and shops.
Lodging, camping, hiking, biking, birdwatching, swimming, kayaking, boating, stargazing, and exploring history and culture are some activities at Acadia National Park. Choose the right accommodation near the park for comfort, luxury, experience, and accessibility. This article will take you through some lodging options for comparison.
Types of Accommodation Near Acadia National Park
Hotels and Motels
Bluebird motel has prices ranging from 108 to 130 depending on the services provided. There is free parking, pet-friendly, great rooms for food for restful sleep, and free cancellation on Booking.com. They have better prices than the nearby places and are open year-round. Acadia Hotel is one of the best hotels downtown. Prices range from 160 to 181.
Acadia Hotel ranges from 113 to 134. It is 1 mile from Acadia National Park and 7 miles from Mount Desert Island. The check-in time is 15:00, and check-out time: is 10:00. The rooms have a hot tub, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking.
Pros of staying at hotels and motels
- Comfortable
- Security
- Entertainment
- Convenient
- Better accessibility
Cons
- Lack of cultural experience
- Not affordable
Vacation Rentals
There are quiet and affordable lodgings near Acadia National Park. Drive up to Cadillac Mountain, have tea, and explore the villages on and around Mount Desert Island. The homes are larger and pet-friendly. Crabtree Neck Cottages are tucked under trees.
A private woods trail behind the cottage property and within easy walking distance of the shore. It is halfway between Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park at Schoodic Point. It is an excellent area for hiking, biking, kayaking, and berry picking, and free wifi available. The cost ranges from 60 to 179.
Hodgkins Haven, Oceanfront Cottage is next to Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge. That is an hour from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island. Grocery shopping is available in either Milbridge 10 minutes away, or Ellsworth, about a half hour away. There are many fun antique stores, local eateries, little museums, and other downeast Maine attractions nearby in the small Maine villages up and down the coast (G.co). Pay 375 for a night or 1200 for Saturday and Sunday.
Pros of staying at vacation rentals
- Save money
- More space
- Kitchen facilities
- Unacknowledged once
- Home-based
Cons
- Not for everyone
- Staff hardly onsite
Campgrounds
Blackwoods campground in Acadia National Park offers tent and RV sites, toilets, water & fire rings. It is ideal for kids and has better accessibility, picnic tables wheelchair-accessible car park, and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. The campground includes hiking and pets are allowed. Blackwood is five miles south of Bar Harbor off Route. It is open all year round. Blackwoods has 306 campsites, including sites for RVs. The cost is 30 per site, per night. There are no showers at Blackwoods.
Seawall Campground
It is on western, Mount Desert Island, Seawall Campground is about 4 miles south of Southwest Harbor. There are roughly 200 wooded campsites, and a beautiful oceanside picnic area is a short walk from the campground. Each comes with a picnic table and campfire ring. Bathrooms with flush toilets are nearby but no showers at Seawall. It cost 22 per night for walk-in tent sites, and 30 per night for drive-up tent, camper, and motorhome sites.
Duck Harbor Campground
It is on Isle au Haut, a rugged island 16 miles southwest of Mount Desert Island. Duck Harbor Campground is Acadia’s most remote campground. The campground’s five primitive sites offer peace, quiet and natural beauty. Camping is limited to one stay per year, for a maximum of three nights, and party size is limited to six persons per site. Set up tents within the shelter. Each campsite also includes a fire ring, a picnic table, and a storage locker for food and toiletries.
Pros of staying at campgrounds
- Luxury camping experience
- Safe
- Dynamic
- Adventurous
- Beautiful views
Cons
- Not affordable
- Bugs
Best Places to Stay Near Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is not an affordable place to stay next to Acadia. It is busy and densely populated by tourists, and restaurants are always full. If you prefer to be away from the crowds, consider Bar Harbor. It is great for hiking. Anchorage Motel is one of the cheapest hotels in Bar Harbor with availability throughout the year. It is for those who want a prime Bar Harbor location at a low cost.
Main Street Motel is a rated low-budget hotel in Bar Harbor. It is south on the main street within easy walking distance of the restaurants. It is a better option but might be a little more expensive. Acadia Hotel Downtown is opposite Village Green and within walking distance of everything in Bar Harbor. Get a room at an affordable rate.
Top-rated hotels and vacation rentals in Bar Harbor
Southwest Harbor
Southwest Harbor is the best place to stay near Acadia National Park if you’re looking for something between Bar Harbor and the tranquillity of Northeast Harbor. The famous lighthouse is just an 8 minute drive to the south. Head north to Echo Lake Beach or park at Acadia Mountain Trailhead within 5 minutes.
Drydock Inn and Cafe is one of its well-rated lodging and a popular restaurant. Harbor View Motel + Cottages is another option in Southwest Harbor. Views over the harbour and a few minutes walk into town. The Claremont Hotel is a luxury, elegant waterfront hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and dining. That is the best place to stay in Southwest Harbor if you can stretch the budget.
Top-rated hotels and vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor
- The Claremont Hotel
- Seaside Cottages
- Salt Cottages
- Seawall Motel and TideWatch Suites
Northeast Harbor
Northeast Harbor is a residential area on the east side of Somes Sound near the bottom of Mt Desert Island. This small community is home to Inns and places to eat. It is close to some of the best hikes in Acadia National Park, access to mountain peaks, and the park’s loop road, it doesn’t get much better than Northeast Harbor.
Stay here if you want to avoid the crowds on an evening after spending a day surrounded by thousands of tourists. Kimball Terrace Inn is a popular place to stay in Northeast Harbor with good ratings. Outdoor pool and gardens for relaxing after a long day in the park. Harbourside Inn is a highly-rated historic lodging near Acadia National Park. A much quieter place to stay a few minutes walk from the center of Northeast Harbor
Top-rated hotels and vacation rentals in Northeast Harbor
- The Claremont Hotel
- Seaside Cottages
- The Inn on Mount Desert
- Salt Cottages
Other towns and villages near Acadia National Park
You can also stay in Trenton, Winter Harbor, Ellsworth, or Bangor. Trenton is a small town in mainland Maine before the bridge to Mount Desert Island. Look for places to stay near Acadia if Bar Harbor is too full or not affordable. The tiny Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport is also here. Inns, cottages, bakeries, and cafes, around the coves near Winter Harbor, Treton.
Bangor is the third-largest city in the state, a gateway to the remote reaches of northern Maine (Maine-demographics.com). In Bangor you can stay at Acadia National Park Campgrounds. The best campgrounds in Acadia National Park include options managed by the national park service and locations outside park boundaries. The campgrounds in the national park are affordable but more basic, while RV camping resorts and Acadia camping cabins are nearby on Mount Desert Island.
Tips for Choosing the Right Accommodation Near Acadia National Park
Location
Since your hotel’s location connects with the various activities in the park, it is one of the factors for choosing a hotel. The Hotel is the reference point for every traveler since this is where each day begins and ends.
Your accommodation affects your daily trips. It has to be near or within the city where the tourist spots and attractions are. That way, visit more places of interest and let you maximize your time. If you need to relax and de-stress, you might want to consider accommodations that are a little more remote or located away from the city. When choosing a location, consider proximity, price, and amenities.
Amenities
Look into what facilities and amenities are offered in the hotel, before you book, depending on your needs and the purpose of your travel. These are the things you need during your stay. Choose the accommodation that offers free breakfast to save on travel expenses.
Look for pet-friendly accommodation if you have one. Some things that matter to you may be bed size, swimming pool, the maximum number of room occupancy, water heater, air conditioning, free WIFI, and toiletries, among many others.
Budget
Your budget has a huge impact on your travel expenses. Cut your trip expenses by choosing the right accommodation that fits your needs at the cost that your travel budget can afford. Prices vary depending on the hotel’s location, amenities, and facilities offered. Filter the choices by the price range. This will help you find the best hotel that will fit your specific budget.
Availability
Book in advance, especially during peak season
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Acadia National Park?
The best time to visit Acadia National Park is September through early October after the summer crowds have left but before the temperatures fall. Crowds are light during this time, and you still have a bit of summer.
How far in advance should I book my accommodation near Acadia National Park?
You can book your accommodation two months in advance.
Is it possible to camp inside Acadia National Park?
Yes, but campsite reservations are made in advance on the park’s campground pages or at Recreation.gov.
Can I bring my pet to Acadia National Park?
Yes, you can bring a pet to Acadia National Park but with certain restrictions.
What are the most popular attractions in Acadia National Park?
Bass Harbor Head Light Station, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.
Is it safe to hike in Acadia National Park?
Yes, it is safe to hike in Acadia National Park but you should take the necessary precautions.
How many days do I need to explore Acadia National Park?
Spend two to three days in Acadia National Park.
Are there any restaurants near Acadia National Park?
Yes, there are multiple restaurants near Acadia National Park. These include Copita, The Nor’Easter Pound & Market, Havana, McKay’s Public House, and Reading Room Restaurant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, weigh your accommodation options before you pick one. Hotels and motels have different price ranges that suit your budget. Vacation rentals are quiet and affordable lodgings near Acadia National Park. For a more cultural experience, stay in close towns like Trenton, Winter Harbor, Ellsworth, or Bangor. Find the perfect accommodation near Acadia National Park within your budget and with better accessibility.