Bar Harbor Campground

I believe all the CGs on Mt Desert and the close surrounding area are on the Trolley Route. We can do day trips in our compact rig so don't use them, but our friends who use them rave about them. BTW, the Trolleys run on propane so are quiet with little pollution. They are sponsored by LL Bean - one more reason to patronize that great Maine institution!

Thanks everyone for the replies. It sounds like we should be ok with Bar Harbor CG, especially since we are flexible. I really like the idea of being right on the shuttle route, particularly since we _can_ take the dog on the shuttle. It would be nice to time it after Labor Day but the DH wants to be home for the major portion of hurricane season (go figure)! I also try to avoid camping on major holidays.

May I suggest a back up plan of Bass Harbor Campground? We stayed there with friends in 2011 and the campground is a bit rustic, but has full hookups and great camp owners. Its walking distance to a lighthouse and many trails. We had a great time and spent alot of time in the local area and in Bar Harbor.
We are going again next year and have found the end of August to beginning of Sept is a great time to go...end of season, things are cheaper...even lobster...and after Labor Day it is so quiet!
I know you will enjoy your trip whenever you go...have a piece of blueberry pie for me!

We've been twice and no problems getting a site either time. I would recommend that you plan to arrive mid to late morning when people are leaving, this is the best time to get a spot.

To each their own. to travel without reservations during peak travel times, well you get what you get, if you can get it at all. I always make destination reservations and further pick my site. I stayed at KOA Oceanside for a week in July 2 years ago and yes it was full. Our waterfront site was wonderful almost like having the place to ourselves. Bar Harbor gets beyond packed and traveling into town once with the car after sight seeing was the only time I did that. The free bus shuttle Island Explorer was the way to go. On the way into the Island on the right side just before you cross the bridge is Trents Lobster Pound. We each had a 2.5 lb lobster steamed in sea water.Amazing! We also used our bikes in Acadia and biked upt to Jordan for lunch. Beautiful country side. Happy Trails.

The only warning I can say is don't go to Bar Harbor Campground on a long weekend like Memorial day or Labor Day.
We've been to that campground year after year without any problem, but Labor Day weekend 2012, we arrived very early on Saturday morning and the campground was full.

Dre

I have had good luck at Bar Harbor CG - no reservations - I think we arrived late morning on a Sunday. Once you select your site, it's yours - we extended a few days, no problem. As the previous poster mentioned - cash or check only - they do have pay for 6, 7th free. I had friends that couldn't find a site there, they went to Narrows Too and were happy with that cg. Both those cg's are on the free shuttle bus route.

Since Bar Harbor CG doesn't accept reservations, it's understandable original poster may wonder about getting in. The good news is that no one else can reserve ahead, either.

We were there last August and had no problem getting in, saw some empty sites.
I'd say go for it. Just check in by noon and maybe avoid Friday or Saturday arrival.

I liked the place and would definitely stay there again. Price is great. Bring cash or checkbook. No CC.

Acadia in summer is a favorite destinations. We stayed 2 week last summer and the campground was always full (KOA Oceanside) and it seem the same for most of the neighboring campgrounds. So reservations may be necessary. We booked Libby's in York Harbor, Maine back in February and were on a waiting list for this summer.