We parked our RV at Timberland RV Park, 14 miles from the entrance to Acadia National Park. This RV park was ok, though, like most RV parks this summer near touristy areas, it was very crowded.
We had no problem fitting our small RV and jeep into a campsite that was clearly designed for a much bigger rig.
As I mentioned, we were only a short drive to the entrance of Acadia National Park. Acadia was our 200th National Park site (there are currently 423 in the National Park System). “Acadia consistently ranks among the most visited parks in the United States. During peak season, typically May through October, it can be a challenge to experience some of the park’s more popular attractions without it feeling a bit crowded. Always visit Acadia with a back-up plan. If a parking lot or area is full when you arrive, pick a new destination and protect the park by not adding to congestion.” – National Park Service (NPS)
Here are a few other tips from the National Park Service to make your visit to Acadia better:
- Avoid long lines lines by buying your entrance pass online and printing a copy prior to your arrival. (Note: an additional pass is needed if you plan to drive up Cadillac Mountain)
- Avoid Cadillac Mountain crowds at sunrise and sunset by picking a new place or way to experience these magical moments. Watch a sunrise along Ocean Drive or take a sunset boat ride.
- Visit Acadia early morning or late afternoon to find less-crowded experiences.
- Visit in winter, spring, or late fall to experience Acadia at its most peaceful.
“Many conservation-minded citizens, among them George B. Dorr (the “Father of Acadia National Park”), worked to establish this first national park east of the Mississippi River and the only one in the Northeastern United States. Acadia was initially designated Sieur de Monts National Monument by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, then renamed and redesignated Lafayette National Park in 1919. The park was renamed Acadia National Park in 1929.” – Wikipedia
“The park preserves about half of Mount Desert Island, part of the Isle au Haut, the tip of the Schoodic Peninsula, and portions of 16 smaller outlying islands.”- Wikipedia
“…the landscape rises abruptly from sea level to 1,530 feet with eight mountains above 1,000 feet.” – NPS
“The park contains the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast of the United States (Cadillac Mountain), exposed granite domes, glacial erratics, U-shaped valleys, and cobble beaches. Its mountains, lakes, streams, wetlands, forests, meadows, and coastlines contribute to a diversity of plants and animals. Weaved into this landscape is a historic carriage road system financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. In total, it encompasses 49,075 acres (76.7 sq mi; 198.6 km2) as of 2017.” – Wikipedia
Be aware that there are two low bridges on this scenic road, so know the height of your rig if you plan to drive in an RV.
Acadia National Park is located just south of Bar Harbor. This was a very walkable town with so many restaurants, bars and shops. We decided to stop at the Bar Harbor Cheesecake Company for some wine and small bites after driving the scenic loop. We were told they have 2 locations, one here and the other in Saint Augustine, FL. They had some great wines and a delicious charcuterie board.
This place has a small outdoor patio and the strangest hours we’ve ever seen.
One of the owners also talked us in to trying their lobster cheesecake. She told us it was savory, not sweet. Sounded weird to us, but since we were in Maine we decided to try all things lobster. Oh yeah! So glad we did. We only have a little bit left in the picture below because we were so busy enjoying it we forgot to take a “before” picture for the blog. Trust me, if you go there you should try it.
I have to confess that before coming here we thought Bar Harbor was named after the harbor in town. In fact, there is no harbor. Originally known as the Town of Eden, “on March 3, 1918, Eden was renamed Bar Harbor, after the sand and gravel bar, visible at low tide, which leads across to Bar Island and forms the rear of the harbor.” – Wikipedia
We were lucky enough to be in town during low tide so we could see and walk on the sand bar.
Right along the shore there are huge older homes. And the street is jam packed with tourists parking in front of these homes. All the homes we walked by had fences and/or signs indicating the driveways were private. So, basically, in a nice way they were all saying “no parking!”.
I recently read that by 1880 Bar Harbor was a place for the rich and famous to be. “Tourists were arriving by train and ferry to the Gilded Age resort that would rival Newport, Rhode Island. The rich and famous tried to outdo each other with entertaining and estates…” – Wikipedia
We spent our last night in Maine at a wonderful Harvest Host spot, Boothbay Craft Brewery. Boothbay is a cute town about 100 miles south of Bar Harbor. This brewery has a great outdoor setting, a small campground for RVs, and they bring in food trucks or vendors on the weekends. On the night we were there we had a great vendor with fresh oysters, along with great music. It was the perfect ending to our time in Maine.
We loved the southern coast of Maine. There is so much to see and do up here that I think we’ll be back.
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