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bob_b1's avatar
bob_b1
Explorer
Jul 04, 2014

Bar Harbor Campground

What a nice campground. It is closest to Bar Harbor. The free bus into town stops right here. It is the last stop before heading to town and the first stop when coming back (very convenient). The sites are nice and the staff is nicer. A lot of natural views. The mountain top ocean view from the pool is outstanding.

They don't take reservations and they only take cash, but it isn't a problem. I showed up on July 4th weekend and got a 50-amp full hook up pull-through site. They have an ATM if you need to get cash. You can just wander around and park in your favorite spot before you pay. If you should want to stay longer, you can keep your spot for as long as you want. They have a lot of wooded sites and it has a back access to a few of the restaurants if you don't want to cook.

A full-hookup (water/sewer/50-amp/no cable) with free WiFi and 3 adults/1 minor cost $45/night after fees and taxes. If you pay for 6 nights, the 7th night is free. 9 nights cost me exactly $360. Not bad for Bar Harbor Maine.

This is my fourth trip to Bar Harbor and I wish that I found this place sooner.
  • Kentucky_Joe's avatar
    Kentucky_Joe
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2014
    We loved it there. They have lots of sites. Some worry about not being able to get in. I think July is pretty busy. If you couldn't get in, there are plenty of other choices near by.
  • Shot-N-Az's avatar
    Shot-N-Az
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2014
    bob_b wrote:
    Shot-N-Az wrote:
    Thanks for the review. I'm curious how a CG so ideally situated can have spots available on a high demand weekend on first come, first serve basis? It's defying my logic. Any ideas?


    Well first of all, it is packed. I got one of the last few sites. I showed up at 11:30 am. You can check in as early as 8:00 am (I've never seen other campgrounds do that). It really is a roll of the dice. Some people like the surety and comfort that a reservation provides, so their are plenty of other places for them. I felt like gambling, but felt that the risk was low.


    Thanks for taking the time to reply. I suppose one could also have reservations at another CG as a backup, or stay there until a spot opened at Bar Harbor. There are CGs near me in a national forest that are predominantly first-come, first-serve, but I have always felt more secure having a reservation.
  • bob_b1's avatar
    bob_b1
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2014
    Shot-N-Az wrote:
    Thanks for the review. I'm curious how a CG so ideally situated can have spots available on a high demand weekend on first come, first serve basis? It's defying my logic. Any ideas?


    Well first of all, it is packed. I got one of the last few sites. I showed up at 11:30 am. You can check in as early as 8:00 am (I've never seen other campgrounds do that). It really is a roll of the dice. Some people like the surety and comfort that a reservation provides, so their are plenty of other places for them. I felt like gambling, but felt that the risk was low.
  • Shot-N-Az's avatar
    Shot-N-Az
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2014
    Thanks for the review. I'm curious how a CG so ideally situated can have spots available on a high demand weekend on first come, first serve basis? It's defying my logic. Any ideas?
  • Gene_Ginny's avatar
    Gene_Ginny
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2014
    bob_b wrote:
    ... and they only take cash, ....
    They also take checks. We have been going there for a few years and will be back this year.
  • Tripalot's avatar
    Tripalot
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2014
    X 3 - we went to the July 4th parade in town - what a fun thing to do.
    That was about 5 years ago. We had no problems getting a campsite - but we made sure we arrived by 10 a.m.
    We enjoyed using the shuttle bus and like said, the c.g. is the last stop before town so it doesn't take long to get there. You can also take your bikes on the shuttle and ride the many miles of trails around the N.P.
  • NCWriter's avatar
    NCWriter
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2014
    Agree, we stayed there during a busy time in 2012 and had no problem getting a site. Great value for Bar Harbor and we will definitely choose it again.

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