Tucked away in the upper reaches of the East Coast, Acadia National Park rises out of the Atlantic Ocean with sheer sea cliffs, dense forests, and ancient glacier-carved mountains. Acadia is one of the country’s most beloved national parks and the perfect destination for a campervan road trip. With over 40,000 acres of recreation area, Acadia is an ideal destination for hikers, climbers, and ocean lovers alike. Located next to Bar Harbor, a haven for North East cuisine and culture, a visit to Acadia offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. 

Acadia National Park 

Visitors flock to Acadia National Park each summer for the stunning coastal views, the proximity to Bar Harbour, and for some of the best hiking on the East Coast. 

Distance and Estimated Travel Time to Acadia from Escape Camper Vans

To travel to Acadia National Park, pick up your Escape campervan in New York City and set off on the road trip of a lifetime. 

The trip from New York City to Acadia National Park covers approximately 480 miles and takes roughly 7 hours and 30 minutes to complete. 

Why Rent a Campervan for a Trip to Acadia National Park?

A campervan gives you unrivaled mobility and comfort. While an RV may have a similar level of comfort, you’re limited on where to park. A camper van offers the best of both worlds– comfortable and easy.

An Escape Campervan rental includes many of the same amenities as an RV but in a cooler, more agile package. Like an RV, a campervan offers a working kitchen, a table and seating, and a queen-size bed. However, it’s all more compact, so it’s easier to drive, and the bed and kitchen only unfold when needed. 

When you get a camper van rental, your adventure isn’t confined to the main roads or those crowded RV campsites. Camper vans can easily use more secluded tent sites. And camper vans don’t require the electric or sewer hookups like an RV does. Also, camper vans are a great option for dispersed camping!

Preparing for a Trip to Acadia National Park 

Gear

 Rain gear: While Maine sees its share of warm sunny days during the summer, the weather can change quickly, and a sunny day can quickly turn rainy and cold. Bring rain gear for your trip.  

Sun Protection: Maine may be in the northern reaches of the country, but during the summer, the sun is powerful. Bring sunscreen and a hat for the long summer days.

Layers: Maine’s warm, sunny weather can turn cold quickly, even in the summer. Bring plenty of layers, even if you’re traveling in the summer. If you’re traveling in the winter, bring proper winter clothes and expect extreme winter weather. 

Water & Food: A Campervan allows you to take everything you need on the road. Add a kitchen kit to your campervan to plan your meals during your journey. 

Campsites

­­Dispersed camping vs. campsites: A van makes dispersed camping easy. You can disperse camp for free on federal and BLM land. There are plenty of apps to help you find a dispersed camping site on your route. 

Dispersed camping is not allowed in Acadia National Park but is available on nearby federal land. Check out nearby dispersed campsites here. 

If you’re considering booking a campsite in a national/state park or a private campsite, make sure you book at least two months before your trip. 

 Navigation

 Phones & Chargers: Navigation is integral to your trip’s success. Make sure you bring a smartphone or GPS device and a charger.

Printed Maps: You never know when you’re going to lose service in a national park. Take a printed road map of the park in case you lose service.

Which Camper Van is Best for Traveling in Maine

 Escape Camper Vans’ New York City location offers a variety of van models to suit your travel needs, group size, and desired destination. These vans are equipped with all the bells and whistles to provide the ultimate mix of comfort and ease of travel. With a built-in kitchenette, solar panels, and a comfortable queen bed, there’s no better way to hit the road. From our NYC pickup location, you can choose between the spacious Big Sur, Del Mar, and Mavericks model. Each van sleeps up to 5 people (with a rooftop sleeper). Browse our selection of vans to find the perfect model for your Maine road trip, and make sure it’s stocked with everything you need for an epic adventure.

Must-See Sights, Events, and Places in Acadia National Park 

Drive Cadillac Mountain

Acadia Park’s defining attraction is Cadillac Mountain, which rises to 1530 feet and offers 360-degree views of the park and the enchanting coastline. 

To drive Cadillac Mountain, you’ll need an advanced vehicle reservation. Make your reservation in advance at recreation.gov.

Climb the Precipice Loop for Clifftop Views 

Precipice Loop is a challenging 2.1-mile loop trail that ascends a vertical cliff with the help of iron rungs. 

While this Acadia day hike is only 2.1 miles, it climbs 1,059 feet and involves vertical climbing but rewards hikers with Dramatic views of Frenchman Bay and Porcupine Islands from the top of Champlain Mountain.

Drive Park Loop Road 

Park Loop Road is a 27-mile-long scene journey through Mount Desert Island. 

On this scenic drive, you’ll connect Cadillac Mountian, Jordan Pond, the carriage roads, Thunder Hole, and more. 

Beginning in Bar Harbor, Park Loop Road winds clockwise. As you head down the coast, you’ll pass the Precipice Trail and the Beehive Trail before reaching  Sand Beach, Ocean Path, and Thunder Hole.

Hike Beehive Trail

Beehive Trail is a moderately difficult 1.5-mile loop that climbs for 508 feet and offers breathtaking views of Sands Beach from the peak. 

Beehive is an iconic trail and one of the most popular hikes in Acadia. The climb involves granite steps and iron rungs, so lace up and tread carefully. 

Hike Ocean Path Trail 

Ocean Path Trail is an easy 4.5-mile out-and-back hike that offers non-stop ocean views as it meanders along the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island. 

This classic hike begins at the far end of the upper parking lot for Sands Beach and takes hikers to  Otter Cliff and Otter Point. 

Visit Thunder Hole 

Thunder Hole is one of Acadia’s main attractions. Visit the sea-cliff-clad inlet to watch waves detonate against the rocks and rise the cliff faces. 

Visit Bar Harbour

Bar Harbor is one of New England’s most cherished towns. With legendary restaurants, historic hotels, and a quaint coastal community. 

Camping at Acadia National Park

Camping in Acadia National Park is not like camping out west. There is no dispersed camping, and reservable sites fill up quickly. So, plan ahead! The park can be accessed near the intersection of Schooner Head Road and Park Loop Road. 

Wildlife Awareness

Acadia National Park is home to abundant wildlife, including 338 species of birds like bald eagles, ospreys, and more. 

Acadia is also home to foxes, deer, beavers, seals, and the occasional black bear. 

Where to Camp in Acadia National Park in a Campervan

The park has several camping options, including two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, one campground on the Schoodic Peninsula, and five lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut. Reserve your Acadia National Park campsites here. If you’re looking for more options, check out private campgrounds near the park here. 

Blackwoods Campground: Located on the east side of Mount Desert Island along Route 3, Blackwoods Campground offers reservable tent and RV sites with flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, fire rings, and more. Open May 5 through October 16. 

Seawall Campground: Seawall Campground is situated on the west side of Mount Desert Island approximately 4 miles south of Southwest Harbor. All sites at Seawall are within a short walking distance to the coastline, with many accessible by boat. Seawall Campground offers a mix of reservable tent and RV sites with potable water access, flush toilets, and a seasonal amphitheater. Seawall Campground is open from May 24 to October 9. 

Schoodic Woods Campground: Schoodic Woods Campground is Acadia’s newest campground and is located on the Schoodic Peninsula. This Acadia campground offers tent and RV sites and flush toilets. Schoodic Woods Campground is open from May 24 to October 9.

Duck Harbor Campground: This Acaida National Park campground is the most remote and rugged in the park. Located on Isle au Haut, an island off the coast of Stonington, Maine, this campground is inaccessible to automobiles and can be visited by ferry. The island campground has five lean-to shelters for campers. Duck Harbor Campground is open from May 15  to October 9. 

Leave No Trace Principles

Whenever traveling in a national park or out in nature, follow the Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out everything you packed in, including food waste, trash, camping gear, and anything else you may have brought.  

When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park shines brightest in the summer when the days are long and sunny, the weather is warm, and the park yearns to be explored. 

Best Time to Camp in Acadia National Park

Summer: Summer in Acadia offers warm sunny days, but temperatures can drop quickly to as low as 45 degrees. Expect highs reaching the 90s, and prepare for sun and rain. 

Spring: During the spring, temperatures range from 30 to 70 degrees, and many spring days are dominated by fog.

Fall: During the fall, visitors can expect variable weather as temperatures drop. Campsites withing the park begin to close in mid-October. 

Winter: Winter weather in Acadia ranges from 14 to 30 degrees. The winter is famous for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.  Campsites within the park close by mid-October. 

Reserve with Escape Camper Vans for Your Trip to Acadia National Park

A campervan is the ultimate adventure vehicle for a trip to Acadia National Park. An Escape Campervan makes camping comfortable while allowing travelers to easily explore the far reaches of the park. 

Pick your campervan up at Escape Campervan in NYC for your Acadia National Park Adventure. Now that you’re armed with everything you need to know to have the ultimate adventure in Maine’s Acadia National Park, book your campervan to start your journey.