Blogs in this category relate to our travel and adventures as a family of five.
That encompasses our school bus conversion (“skoolie”) tour and travel in Europe. We started traveling in our skoolie, lovingly called the HildeBus, in May 2021 from Tampa, Florida. After 6 months on the road, we unexpectedly stopped full-time travel in October 2021 due to Eric’s surfing accident though we plan to continue travel recreationally soon.
During those 6 months of RVing in the United States, we drove from Florida roughly hugging the eastern coast. We traveled across 13 states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.
We discovered a love for slower pace (staying a few days to weeks in one location) and exploration, rather than long days of driving. We also grew closer as a family since we spent 100% of our days and nights together.
We knew we craved something different than what the traditional American dream had to offer, and we found it.
I am sharing my top tips for dressing adults and children properly in Swedish winter, including the favorite products we wear daily. Our family of five relocated from tropical Florida in the southern United States to Northern Sweden several years ago, and we were not prepared for everything we had to learn about dressing for Swedish winter. The advice I share with you now is stuff that I wish I had known when we first moved here.
We wear winter clothing in our region of Sweden (center south, close to Stockholm) from November to April where temperatures regularly dip to -25 Celsius for several weeks! Further north, closer to the Arctic Circle, colder temperatures can reach around -45 Celsius!
At the bottom of this post, I share our favorite winter clothes, insulated boots, and necessary accessories to help you survive the frigid winter temperatures. For tips on beating the winter blues in Sweden, read this blog.
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Ski trip 2024Ski trip 2024
Build Clothing Layers to Stay Warm
The number one most important thing when dressing for Swedish winter is building layers of clothing on your body. Typically, this consists of four to five layers to protect yourself as outlined below. The goal with layering is two-fold:
to insulate yourself against the extreme cold temperatures, and
to keep yourself dry from the elements.
If water (think: melted snow) penetrates to your base layers, you risk hypothermia, frost bite, or worse.
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How to Build Clothing Layers for Proper Body Insulation
Start putting on base layers, preferably a wool or wool blend product, for both your top and bottom. Wool is a natural breathable product that is also water-resistant and sweat-wicking, keeping your body dry.
The next layer will be your normal clothes, like jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, and thick wool socks.
Building on that layer, should be a sweater with a high neck.
Finally, you will put on your outerwear which protects you from the elements like snow or rain. the jacket should be lined on the interior and have a watertight exterior, ideally with some wind blocking element like a hood with a fur Edge. You can also add looser-fitting waterproof and insulated pants that go over your normal pants. Of additional importance is a scarf or buff to protect your neck, an insulated hat that covers your ears and forehead, and insulated gloves. Depending on your level of activity outside (like wintersports), you may want to consider wearing a second buff or ski mask to cover your nose and mouth.
Your boots should be insulated and waterproof. As it is common to come across slippery ice in these conditions, we recommend adding slip-on ice spikes to your shoes as you go outside or buying shoes with these incorporated into the soles [Ingrid’s winter boot recommendation].
Bring a spare layer in case of accidents. Our rule of thumb is to add an extra layer, like extra gloves or hates. If you are too warm, then remove one. It’s a lot nicer than being truly uncomfortable as your body temperature plummets.
Wear reflectors and a small battery-operated light to increase visibility in the dark (the sun rises after 9a and sets before 2p at the highest points of winter!). Fortunately, reflective strips or fabric are typically incorporated into children’s clothing at the factory; however, adult clothing may not have this feature. You can pick up both of these items at nearly every store in the winter season.
Adjust Clothing and Footwear for Colder Temperatures
Walking to the store at -10 celsius is a totally different activity then walking or ice skating on a frozen lake at -20 celsius. The wind and sun can be especially strong on a landscape of ice, and your footwear may not be rated for standing on solid ice for long periods of time. From personal experience, I realized quickly that I needed additional protection from the cold when walking on our frozen lake in Västerås.
Below is a list of the insulatedboots with temperature ratings to help you plan your outdoor winter adventures.
FAQ about Dressing for Swedish Winter
What kind of warm clothes should you use in Swedish winter?
You’ll need to wear several layers of warm clothing during Swedish winter. First, wear wool or wool-blend base layers on your top and bottom and thick socks followed by a long-sleeved shirt and pants. Next, you’ll add a thick sweater with a high neck and accessories like a scarf or buff, hat, and gloves. Your outer layers should include a waterproof jacket and waterproof snowpants followed by low-temperature rated winter boots. If you’re not used to the cold, you may want to bring an extra pair of mittens to go over your gloves and extra pair of socks, in case you need more insulation around your toes.
For young children, we recommend that they wear a one-piece insulated snowsuit rather than a jacket with snow pants. In our experience, it made getting dressed and undressed go significantly faster.
Where do you buy winter clothes in Sweden?
Our favorite stores to shop for winter clothes are Stadium and for winter boots are Scorett. Both of these stores have locations all over Sweden, and offer limited repair services if parts of the purchase are damaged like a zipper going off track or a small tear in a snow suit. Scorett works with brands like Canada Snow and Polar, both of which offer cold temperature ratings on their boots (to as low as -40 celsius).
Conclusion to Dressing for Swedish Winter
I hope my tips for dressing adults and children properly in Swedish winter was helpful. Like I said, learning to dress properly in the northern climate took some learning and adjusting, but it’s totally doable. Certainly, it makes experiencing the beautiful season a lovely time.
If you like this Swedish content, then check out these related blogs:
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. Thank you, if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
I’m sharing my 7 tips to beat the winter blues in Sweden as an non-native resident, and hope they help you during your time here. If you know me, you know how much I love living in Sweden. I love the quality of life, the nature, and the four seasons, especially winter.
As beautiful as winter in Sweden is, it also comes with a lot of darkness and it can be restrictive because of the extreme cold temperature (-20C and below!) and ice conditions. As someone who grew up in the “sunshine state” of Florida, living in such an opposite environment for three months of the year takes physical, mental, and emotional adjustments.
I’m not a doctor so this isn’t medical advice. I am someone who moved here as an adult from a tropical climate and it’s honestly taken my body and mind time to adjust to the seasonality of this beautiful country. I know that I’m not alone in this after discussing it with friends who also relocated here from warmer climates.
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7 Tips to Beat the Winter Blues in Sweden
1. Start a hobby or learn something new.
You’ll likely experience more quiet time over the dark winter months simply because it’s a slower time of the year (outside of the Christmas events!). Rather than sitting inside with just your thoughts, pick up a hobby. I will list below the ones that I’ve personally tried when trying to beat the winter blues!
Fermenting ginger beer or kombucha
Making a sourdough starter
Take up baking (croissant, cookies, macarons, etc)
Start a blog
Learn to knit
Edit videos
Take drawing and Swedish language classes
2. Have fika weekly with friends, in-person or virtually.
Fika in Sweden is a daily ritual where you take a coffee break and have a sweet treat. It’s a great way to take a break and interact with friends and co-workers, and very much appreciated by all.
3. Experience winter sports like downhill skiing and ice skating on a rink or a frozen lake.
In our town, once the ice is at least 10 cm thick, they take a ATV with a snow plow to clear a 5-kilometer loop on the lake. It’s such a cool experience to see your town from a new perspective. We like to pull our youngest along on a sled or even use the stroller. There are also really affordable places to ski near most cities in the middle half and north of the country, if you’re interested in learning.
Ski trip 2024Ski trip 2024
4. Go outside at least once a day.
Going outside is important to help your body adjust to the cold and also capture a bit of the sunshine before the sun sets.
5. Take extra vitamins like B12 och iron.
I had a blood test done during my first winter in Sweden because I was constantly exhausted, and I had never felt so drained of energy previously living in the tropics. I was a tired mom that was low on iron, though surprisingly B12 levels were fine. Now that I focus more on these metrics, I find I have more energy.
In chatting with other friends that moved to Sweden from tropical and sunny climates, they say they’ve experienced the same thing. Below are the actual vitamins and supplements I take, and I feel like they’ve made a positive impact on my life during this time of the year.
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6. Make your house cozy with extra lighting.
In our area, we have about 3 hours of daylight on a good day at the peak of winter. Installing extra lighting gives you that additional glow that mimics the sunlight. We installed undercabinet lighting and motion-operated lights in our closets to brighten the darkest places inside.
7. Give yourself time to adjust.
Last but not least, give yourself time to adjust. Our first winter here, I naively thought that life would continue as normal. In hindsight, I felt very isolated in the remote village we lived in. Despite doing all the tips I mentioned above, I still felt sad and alone. Now, two years later, my body has learned a bit more of what to expect and I’ve settled into a healthier routine that seems to help me best during this season.
Conclusion to Beat the Winter Blues
I truly hope these tips help you beat the winter blues. As I write this post, we’re in early March, the snow has just melted, the sun is shining, the birds have returned, and temperatures are above freezing during the day. I feel my energy returning, like the energy to write a blog, and relish in the coming warmer months.
If you like this blog, you may also like these posts:
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. Thank you, if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
Daydreaming of Magical Cottages in Bar Harbor, Maine
When I think of magical cottages in Bar Harbor, Maine, I think of being snuggled in to a small home, nestled in a deep green forest or tucked into a charming coastal village on a somewhat secluded island in the far Northeast of the United States. Outside of my window, I’ll have vast views of the ocean and rocky hills. The nearby buildings (if any) will house lobster traps and have colorful buoys hanging on them. The paint will be aged from salt spray and wind from the ocean. It comes then as no surprise that there must be magical cottages in Bar Harbor, Maine, and that’s what I’m here to write about!
My list of magical cottages in Bar Harbor, Maine will include smaller, secluded cottages and bed-and-breakfasts that just give an essence of something special, whether that comes from the interior furnishings, the home’s architecture, its surrounding area, being pet-friendly or family-friendly, or some combination therein. Also, the homes will be located within a 10-minute drive of Bar Harbor city limits. You won’t find any mega mansions, campgrounds, or RV parks in this list. [scroll to the list]
Thelma’s Garden CottageMildred’s Cottage in Otter CreekMaine Cottage on Frenchman’s BayCompass Harbor House Beach
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Personal Experience Visiting Bar Harbor
My family and I visited Bar Harbor, Maine on Mount Desert Island in September 2021. We traveled up the east coast of the United States in our self-converted skoolie RV over 6 months. Maine was the furthest state we visited and it captured our hearts, specifically the towns of Bar Harbor and Bath/Georgetown. We spent a week recharging our batteries and exploring Mount Desert Island. Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever traveled to Bar Harbor and where you stayed.
Discover These Magical Cottages in Bar Harbor, Maine
Check out my lovingly curated selection of cozy cottages within a 10-minute drive of Bar Harbor. The list has been categorized based on location, seclusion, and family- and pet-friendliness.
Have you Found Your Magical Cottage in Bar Harbor, Maine?
If you have, leave a comment on where you’re going to stay and why. There is such an unexplainable charm to Bar Harbor, and these cottages are the icing on the proverbial cake.
If you are traveling to Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor soon, then I recommend reading these other blogs dedicated to this community:
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. Thank you, if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
You’ve landed at the right blog, if you’re looking for 7+ surprising day trips from Bar Harbor! My family of five visited in 2021 in our skoolie RV and spent a week exploring Bar Harbor, Maine and the other nooks and crannies of Mount Desert Island.
By the end of reading this blog, you should come away with a few ideas on how to plan your own visit. It can definitely be overwhelming to plan a trip to a place you’ve never visited, which is why I’m here to give my tips and recommendations.
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Editor’s Picks for Best Day Trips from Bar Harbor
If you don’t want to read the entire blog, then I’ll share my top picks quickly. I love a good day with good food, which is why guided tours with picnics are my top picks. If you love the land, then a tour of Acadia National Park will win your heart. If you are craving a sailing experience, then a 2-hour sailing charter around the island can’t be beat!
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About Bar Harbor
Located just off the coast of Maine, Bar Harbor is this quintessential New England fishing village on Mount Desert Island. It has exploded in popularity because of its striking landscape, sea ports, celebrity summer destination, and location to Acadia National Park.
In fact, Acadia National Park boasts about receiving over 4 million visitors annually, which means it’s about the same for Bar Harbor.
Free Shuttle Service with the Island Explorer
One of the best things about Mount Desert Island is the free shuttle called the Island Explorer, available to visitors from May through October. This was an initiative by the local council to cut down on vehicle traffic around the island, and it’s been a huge success. The shuttles run frequently and even pop off the island to Trenton and the local Bar Harbor Airport. Remember to tip your driver.
Acadia National Park is the “crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast” according to the National Parks, and it’s rightly named so in my opinion. You can’t come to Bar Harbor without a visit to Acadia National Park and this tour really packs in a full day of guided travel, including pick up and drop off in Bar Harbor…. And it includes a lobster roll.
Yes, you’ll also visit some of the best viewpoints like Sieur de Monts Spring, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff, but it’s a lobster roll that wins me over every time.
If you want an affordable alternative to the more expensive tour with guide and transport, then this audio tour along Acadia National Park’s ocean trails is a great option.
Simply download the app and broadcast the history through your car’s bluetooth speakers or your ear buds. In addition to the audio, you’ll get a 15-page travel guide and tour map to help you on your way to destinations like Monument Cove and the tide pools.
A pro tip is to download all of the audio over WiFi, so you don’t need to use data while on the tour.
If you know you’re going to be walking around Bar Harbor and exploring the food scene, why don’t you do it with a local who knows all the best joints, like a good downtown bar, and will give a local history tour along the way?
In this 3-hour guided tour, you’ll sample your way around local hot spots and even end at an ice cream parlor. Honestly, I’m already drooling.
Why not get off Mount Desert Island and onto the water with a sailing charter. Explore the ocean outside of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and the Schoodic Peninsula for a few hours with a licensed captain and crew.
You can expect to see plenty of sealife like dolphins, seals, and falcons, and a picnic on-board is included in the price. The sunset tour offers live music as well, which could make for a romantic evening.
One of my favorite ways to remember a vacation is through the photos; however, as a mom, I often find many of my kids but few of dad and (especially) mom.
Scheduling a professional photoshoot in Bar Harbor is a way to immortalize a wonderful trip against a striking landscape and fishing village.
Traveling around Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park by bicycle is a popular pastime. This e-bike tour combines the best of both worlds with local guide and a lower intensity workout.
The support of the bike’s power makes this activity more manageable for those that may not have the highest fitness ability, but want to explore Mount Desert Island faster than on foot.
Yes, Bar Harbor, Maine is worth visiting. It absolutely is better than the hype, based on personal experience. I visited with my family and we spent 3 days exploring Bar Harbor.
The downtown area was walkable, even for young kids, and there were plenty of things to explore and places to eat. You’ve got to try the popovers with blueberry jam and maple butter when you visit!
How many days do you need in Bar Harbor?
From personal experience, I think two days in Bar Harbor is all you need to explore the small fishing village. The downtown area isn’t very large, making it a great walking destination. I recommend exploring the town in two parts: on day one, visit the wharf where the cruise ships come in and the shops on that end. The next day, explore the rest of downtown.
After you’ve explored Bar Harbor, make sure to hop on the free Island Explorer shuttle to visit Acadia National Park.
What is the best month to visit Bar Harbor?
The topic of the best month to visit Bar Harbor is highly debated by locals and tourists alike. In my humble opinion, the best month to visit is in the fall (aka. Autumn for the British English readers). The temperatures cool off. The blueberry season winds down. You really get a sense that winter is coming and Mount Desert Island is going into hibernation mode, but not before the forests come alive with vivid color everywhere you look: red, yellow, brown! As someone who visited from Tampa, Florida, fall is the most beautiful season to visit Bar Harbor, Maine.
I would venture to say the next best season is spring, when the opposite happens. Trees and shrubs awaken with little buds then leaves and flowers. Birds begin chirping more and the increase in daylight hours is noticeable.
Let me know which season is your favorite when visiting Bar Harbor.
Is Bar Harbor a walkable town?
The town of Bar Harbor is made up of several blocks of old buildings centered on a lovely port where the ships come in to dock. When I visited with my husband and three young children, we were easily able to spend several afternoons exploring the downtown area on foot. There are a number of lovely cafes and restaurants, gift shops with local, handmade items, art galleries, and kitzchy antique stores.
Between the waterfront and the city is a nice park with fountain and public restrooms, which gives young visitors plenty of space to run wild.
Is Bar Harbor, Maine expensive?
Mount Desert Island is a popular island to visit in Maine by tourists and celebrities alike, reportedly bringing in over 4 million visitors each year to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.
As often comes with high demand, there are high housing and accommodation costs in Bar Harbor.
Restaurant prices are slightly higher than one would expect on the mainland, but our family personally didn’t find grocery shopping to be exorbitant.
Gift shop prices felt about the same as we would expect in other parts of Maine.
What’s the weather like in Bar Harbor?
Bar Harbor, Maine, USA is located on the northern coast, quite close to the Canadian border. As such, you will experience four seasons: spring, summer, fall (or autumn), and winter. Though the proximity of Bar Harbor to the water moderates the climate, the temperatures vary a lot from season to season.
Spring temperatures (March to May) range between -4 to 19 Fahrenheit.
Summer temperatures (June to August) range between 11 to 27 Fahrenheit.
Fall or autumn temperatures (September to November) range between 0 to 20 Fahrenheit.
Winter temperatures (December to February) range between -11 to 2 Fahrenheit.
Are there a lot of bugs in Bar Harbor?
In the warmer months, you’re going to run into your fair share of mosquitos, especially if it’s been a rainy season. Within the city, you’re not likely to come into contact with ticks; however, dress properly and use a chemical-free bug repellant spray if you’re planning on hiking around Mt Desert Island during your visit to Bar Harbor.
No – Bar Harbor, Maine is located on the northeast portion of Mount Desert Island, an island located in the Atlantic Ocean off the mainland. Acadia National Park is located further south on the island, and is not located in Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor Travel Guide
Can you drink the water in Bar Harbor, Maine campgrounds?
No — You’ll want to buy a filtered water bottle, which cleans your drinking water before ingestion so you don’t get an upset belly from the water in Bar Harbor, Maine. Many of these campgrounds get their drinking water supply from well water, and every RV campground varies on how often their well is treated for bacteria and parasites. I personally use this Brita Insulated Metal Bottle with Straw and Filter.
YES — Travel insurance takes stress of your shoulders before and during trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. You’re covered with short-term health insurance in event an emergency happens.
A basic travel insurance policy with Travel Insurance Master costs between $5-10 USD per day.
Do you need a car in Bar Harbor, Maine?
You’ll need a car to get to Mount Desert Island, but once on the island you can use the free shuttle called the Island Explorer to get around.
If you’ve booked a stay in the heart of Bar Harbor, and don’t plan on leaving the village, then you won’t need a car since everything else is reachable by foot.
Do Uber or Taxi services run in Bar Harbor, ME?
Yes – Car share services like Uber and Lyft are available in Bar Harbor, Maine. You’ll just need to download the respective apps to see who is available to pick you up.
There are a few taxi services available like Bar Harbor Coastal Cab & Tours and Y&P Taxi Services.
What’s the best way to book my Bar Harbor, Maine accommodations?
To book a hotel in Bar Harbor, Maine, visit a booking website to get the best rates and real time visibility of what rooms are available. Honestly, it’s a lot more efficient then price shopping multiple hotels by calling them individually.
It comes as no surprise that there are so many fun day trips from Bar Harbor, Maine. This town is definitely worth the hype and so are the tours from it. These trips range in price (economical to high), physical ability, and guided versus self-guided.
If you love being in nature and experiencing unique places like whale-watching, hiking to Cadillac Mountain and Jordan’s Pond, and chowing down on lobster roll while visiting a museum, then you’ll love a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine.
Have you visited Bar Harbor before and taken any tours during your vacation? Leave a comment with your favorite place. I would love to feature it in this blog.
If you liked this blog, then check out these others:
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. Thank you, if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
Interested in RV campgrounds near Bar Harbor, Maine?
You’ve cruised to the right site because my family had the pleasure of camping outside of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, in our Skoolie RV back in fall 2021. It was an unforgettable week filled with breathtaking natural beauty, delicious seafood, and cherished moments. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or planning your very first adventure, Bar Harbor has something special to offer everyone.
Planning a trip to Bar Harbor can prove tricky if it’s your first time, which is why I’m here to help you out. After reading this blog, you’ll know everything about the Best RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Introduction to Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, Maine is a small town located on Mount Desert Island, a stunning island just off the mainland and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Mount Desert Island is also home to Acadia National Park, one of the most instagrammable national parks in the fall due to it’s colorful foliage and hiking destinations like along Jordan’s Pond or to the Harbor Head Lighthouse.
Free Shuttle Service on Mount Desert Island
One of my favorite things about RV camping in Bar Harbor is the free shuttle service called the Island Explorer that makes a big loop around Mount Desert Island, going from the northern campgrounds to Bar Harbor in the east, and then south to several stopping points like more RV campgrounds and Acadia National Park. Mount Desert Island is also a short drive away from the mainland and other beautiful parks like Lamoine State Park. All the Bar Harbor RV campsites are on the free shuttle route. If using the shuttle, tip the driver as a best practice.
Within this post, I’ll go into detail about the Best RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine. It’s worth noting that there are two types of RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine: privately-owned and park-owned, and that the majority of the camping resorts offer full hookup sites, tent sites, showers, bath houses, great views, and easy access to Acadia National Park.
If you just want to skip ahead to my personal favorite RV Campground in Bar Harbor, that would be Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort in Bar Harbor. This family- and pet-friendly RV resort stole our hearts.
RV Check-in and Check-out Times
RV check-in times are at 1pm. RV check-out times vary between 11p and 12p, so verify at your chosen campground.
Seasonal Park Closures
All can be booked online or by calling the office. Furthermore, because of the winter season, most of these parks are not open year round. Instead, they close around late October and reopen in the spring.
Free Wifi
All of the RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor offer free wifi in the common areas, and most sites have wifi; however, some of the more rural sites may have limited wifi connectivity.
Number of Sites: 258 (a mix of mostly RV sites, tent and camping)
Site Types: Full service RV, RV (water, electric), Tent (water, electric), Primitive camping, Cabins
Pet-friendly, kid-friendly
Skoolie-friendly
Free WiFi
On the Route for the Free Island Explorer Shuttle
We stayed 9 nights at the Mount Desert Narrows campground, located on a northern cove on the Atlantic Ocean. It came recommended to us by friends in Georgetown, Maine and for good reason. It’s a short drive from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, and on the free shuttle route for easy exploring around Mount Desert Island. We quickly realized that this campground is great for kids, families and is pet-friendly.
My favorite experience at here was when a local drove in selling Maine wild blueberries pies from the back of his van. And no, I didn’t share much of that pie with my family – it was so good! My kids loved playing on the outdoor playground and the in-doors arcade.
This campground is part of the Thousand Trails network, though you don’t need a membership to book your stay. In the warmer months, you’ll get pool access, though the cooler months have the best leaf colors, in my opinion.
They offer RV sites of various sizes. We initially booked a Premium site at the front of the park and after a few days upgraded to a larger site closer to the waterfront. Both were beautiful spaces, though the seclusion on the upgraded site was nicer with little kids running around.
Amenities offered at Mount Desert Narrows campground in Bar Harbor, Maine
Site Types: Full service RV, RV (water, electric), Tent (water, electric)
Pet-friendly, kid-friendly
Heated pool
Free WiFi
Cash only
No advance bookings
On the Route for the Free Island Explorer Shuttle
The Bar Harbor Campground is the closest RV park to the city of Bar Harbor and is a family-owned business. This RV Resort offers full service RV sites in an ocean-front, forested setting. Two unique features about this resort is that you cannot book ahead and it is cash only. Meaning, you’ve just got to roll up, choose your camp site, and pay at the front office.
I attempted to reach out to see if they were skoolie-friendly, but they didn’t respond to the question.
Based on the nearly 5 star public Google reviews from 630+ past guests, the staff are friendly, campgrounds are clean, and the location is quiet yet close to everything on Mount Desert Island. For those that are mobility-impaired, there are sidewalks throughout the campground, which is a unique feature.
Number of Sites: 867 RV camp sites, 10 tiny home cabins
Site Types: Full service RV, Cabins
Pet-friendly, kid-friendly
Free WiFi
On the Route for the Free Island Explorer Shuttle
Skoolie-friendly
Though not technically located on Mount Desert Island, the Mt Desert Narrows Too is located just on the mainland in Trenton. This campground is part of the Thousand Trails network, though you don’t need a membership to book your stay. In the warmer months, you’ll get pool access, though the cooler months have the best leaf colors, in my opinion. If you want to explore more parks on the mainland, Narrows Too is in close proximity to Lamoine State Park and Schoodic Woods campground and park.
They offer RV sites of various sizes. We initially booked a Premium site at the front of the park and after a few days upgraded to a larger site closer to the waterfront. Both were beautiful spaces, though the seclusion on the upgraded site was nicer with little kids running around.
This is the only RV campground that is a owned and operated by the Acadia National Park service. The beauty of this park is that if you are truly here to visit the park, then you literally wake up every day in it with immediate proximity to top activities like Cadallac Mountain, Bass Harbor Head Light Station, . The park is also ocean-front, offering a floating dock that you can swim out too in the warmer months.
It’s worth noting that there is no septic dumping available on site (water and electric are available), and RVs are limited to 20 ft in length, which is a common standard for national parks.
Number of Sites: 426+ camp sites (¾ of them designated to RVs)
Site Types: RV, tents, cabins
Pet-friendly, kid-friendly
Free WiFi
On the Route for the Free Island Explorer Shuttle
The Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA is the only RV campground located on the westside of the island, which puts it in close proximity to the Bass Harbor Marsh, the largest living salt marsh on Mount Desert Island.
The Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA is also the largest RV resort in Bar Harbor, so it’s going to come with some crowds during the busy season. A perk to its large size though is that it is able to maintain plenty of activities, especially for children and families, meaning you don’t need to leave the park to have fun.
Hadley’s Point Campground is a family-owned, small campground. You can tell from their website and public reviews that they value providing a great experience for guests, like including a list of seasonal activities in Bar Harbor and a Honey Wagon portable dumping station that they will bring to your campsite (for a surcharge), if your site doesn’t offer full hookups.
Timberland Acres RV Park in Trenton is a family-owned, small campground. They value longer term or extended stays over high turnover that you may otherwise get on Mount Desert Island during the busy season. They offer a relaxed atmosphere and are one of the more budget-friendly options, which is nice for an older audience, though families are welcome.
Though not directly on the free Island Explore shuttle route, you can access the shuttle if you park at the Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton.
Bonus: Private stay with Harvest Hosts or Boondockers Welcome
Though there are currently no Bar Harbor, Maine stays listed on Harvest Hosts or Boondockers Welcome (under the same ownership), these platforms are an affordable way to travel in your RV or camper around the country. In fact, we booked multiple stays with both booking platforms during our 6 month journey along the eastern coast of the USA. Harvest Hosts, which allows for a free overnight stay from its hosts who own or manage farms, wineries, breweries, etc. Boondockers Welcome connects non-business hosts to guests through their platform.
Read more about the Harvest Hosts platform in this blog.
Visiting Bar Harbor, Maine is such a treat and has to be in the top 5 of places we traveled to on our easy coast Skoolie trip.
If you’re curious about what we did on our trip to Bar Harbor, then check out our Bar Harbor, Maine Travel Itinery here.
FAQ to the Best RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine
How many Bar Harbor, Maine RV Campground sites are there?
In my research, I have located seven RV campgrounds and camp resorts resulting in about 1,300 RV campground sites within a 30-minute radius of the city of Bar Harbor, Maine. Nearly all of the RV resorts and campgrounds are kid-friendly and all are pet-friendly (depending on the time of year). There are other RV campgrounds available further out, but I think a 30-minute drive is reasonable to get from your RV campground to Bar Harbor, Maine.
What’s the best RV campground in Bar Harbor, Maine?
In my opinion, the best Bar Harbor, Maine RV Campground is the Mount Desert Narrows Campground. Our family camped there for nine days, and we found the campground to be affordable, peaceful, and in close proximity to Bar Harbor, Maine. My second choice would be the Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA because of all the family-friendly activities available on site. When traveling with young children, we find that the all-inclusive resorts tend to make our lives a little bit easier after long days of travel.
Is there WiFi at RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine?
Yes, all RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine offer Wi-Fi internet. Speeds may vary though depending on the campsite, so call ahead to find out if you’ll be getting high-speed internet during your stay.
How much do RV Campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine cost?
On the low end, you’ll find RV campgrounds at $40 per night. On the high end, you’ll find RV sites at $80 per night or more. The RV campgrounds may offer fewer or more amenities for that price. A number of these campgrounds offer weekly and monthly discounts for extended stays.
Can you pay for Bar Harbor RV Campgrounds with a credit card?
In most cases, you can pay for RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine with a credit card. This is the preferred and only payment option, especially if you are booking online. The Bar Harbor Campground is the only RV park in the list above that is cash only.
Is there a skoolie-friendly RV campground in Bar Harbor, Maine?
Yes! Our family personally stayed at the Mount Desert Narrows Campground. Our family camped there for nine days in our skoolie, and we found the campground to be affordable, peaceful, and in close proximity to Bar Harbor, Maine. Additionally, this campground was accepting large rigs – our school bus RV is over 30 feet long.
It’s worth noting that there may be more skoolie-friendly campgrounds available on Bar Harbor, especially with the smaller, family-owned locations.
The state and national parks tend to be skoolie-friendly as well; however, the national parks may have length limitations.
Are there pet-friendly RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine?
Yes! All of the RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine are pet-friendly year-round. The exception being Mount Desert Campground in Acadia National Park is not pet-friendly during the busy season. Pets are required to be vaccinated and walking on a short leash within the campground. Some danger breeds may also have restrictions, so call ahead before you book a site.
Where is Bar Harbor, Maine?
Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island, an island off the coast of Maine. It’s located about 20 miles south of Ellsworth, the closest major city, and 1.5 hours away from Bangor, where the closest internation airport is.
What’s the best way to get from the mainland to Bar Harbor, Maine?
One way to travel to Bar Harbor, Maine from the mainland by car is take the bridge from Trenton on the mainland onto Mount Desert Island. Once on the island, you’ll drive 12 miles on ME-3 to Bar Harbor.
Is it safe to drive to Bar Harbor?
Yes, Bar Harbor, Maine is a safe place to drive. The town is small, so you will often be on a two-lane road with limited amount of traffic. Be wary of pedestrians crossing the street, since the town is walkable.
Is there parking in Bar Harbor, Maine?
Yes, there is parking for RVs and smaller vehicles on the outskirts of the city. It’s worth mentioning that you may be able to take the free, seasonal shuttle called the the Island Explorer that runs around Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park directly from your RV campground.
Is there a Bar Harbor, Maine Airport?
There is a also small airport called Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) on Mount Desert Island, and that is the closest airport to Acadia National Park. The free Island Explorer shuttle has a direct route to the local Bar Harbor Airport.
What airport do you fly into to visit Bar Harbor?
If planning to fly to the area when visiting Bar Harbor, the closest major airport called Bangor International Airport (BGR) is located 50 miles away in Bangor. There is a also small airport called Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) on Mount Desert Island, and that is the closest airport to Acadia National Park. The free Island Explorer shuttle has a direct route to the local Bar Harbor Airport.
Do you need a raincoat in Bar Harbor?
It depends on the weather conditions and if you’re doing any boating activities. If you plan on participating in water activities like whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean, then purchasing a rain slicker is recommended. Here are the rain coats that I recommend.
I also recommend that you purchase a waterproof phone holder and key float. one of the fastest ways to ruin your vacation is by getting locked out of your vehicle or hotel, and having no way to communicate that because he lost your phone as well! as a mom, I prefer something that allows me to carry everything in one place while also being waterproof. that’s why I recommend one of these fanny packs or bum bags.
Remember to check out my travel itinerary to Bar Harbor, Maine, for tips on what to do when you’re in the area.
Is Bar Harbor, Maine in Acadia National Park?
No – The town of Bar Harbor, Maine is located on the northeast portion of Mount Desert Island, an island located in the Atlantic Ocean off the mainland. Acadia National Park is located further south on the island, and is not located in Bar Harbor.
What is the best month to visit Bar Harbor, Maine?
I believe the best time to visit Bar Harbor, Maine is in the fall season. That’s when the town’s tree foliage comes alive with festive colors. You’ll also experience cooler temperatures while avoiding the summer crowds.
Do I need a travel insurance to travel to Maine?
YES — Travel insurance takes stress of your shoulders before and during trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. You’re covered with short-term health insurance in event an emergency happens. A basic travel insurance policy with Travel Insurance Master costs between $5-10 USD per day.
Can you drink the water in Bar Harbor, Maine campgrounds?
No — You’ll want to buy a filtered water bottle, which cleans your drinking water before ingestion so you don’t get an upset belly from the water in Bar Harbor, Maine. Many of these campgrounds get their drinking water supply from well water, and every RV campground varies on how often their well is treated for bacteria and parasites. I personally use this metal Brita Insulated Water Bottle with Straw and Filter.
You’ll need a car to get to Mount Desert Island, but once on the island you can use the free shuttle called the Island Explorer to get around. If you’ve booked a stay in the heart of Bar Harbor, and don’t plan on leaving the village, then you won’t need a car since everything else is reachable by foot.
Do Uber or Taxi services run in Bar Harbor, ME?
Yes – Car share services like Uber and Lyft are available in Bar Harbor, Maine. You’ll just need to download the respective apps to see who is available to pick you up. There are a few taxi services available like Bar Harbor Coastal Cab & Tours and Y&P Taxi Services.
What’s the best way to book my Bar Harbor, Maine accommodations?
To book the recommendations that I’ve provided when visiting Bar Harbor, Maine, either visit the RV Campground website or call the RV Resort directly.
Final Thoughts: Best RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine
As you can see, there are quite a few RV campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine and quite a few more available on Mount Desert Island as well as off the island. These sites range in price (economical to high), location, and amenities (resort-style to simple).
If you love being in nature and experiencing unique places like whale-watching, hiking to Cadillac Mountain and Jordan’s Pond, and chowing down on lobster with popovers, then you’ll love a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine.
I hope this guide to the Best RV Campgrounds in Bar Harbor, Maine thoroughly answered your questions. Leave a comment below with your thoughts and points of view.
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