RV Road Trip To Acadia National Park from Portland Maine | Best Stops Along the Way and More

Are you planning an RV road trip from Portland to Acadia National Park in 2024?

Welcome to our complete guide to navigating this remarkable journey! This 3-hour drive can be as short, or as long as you make it, depending on which incredible destinations you choose to visit along the way! Join us as we explore Maine’s diverse landscapes, charming towns, and natural wonders located along this scenic route!

Planning Your Journey

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Selecting a vehicle that suits your needs is crucial for comfort and convenience. Consider the size, amenities, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability. An RV is best suited for road trips, as it allows you to get the experience of being on the road but with the added benefits of having a home-on-wheels with you. 

A well-equipped RV with ample space, a reliable engine, and essential facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and comfortable sleeping areas enhances the travel experience.

Some options for the best RVs for road trips include:

Class A Motorhomes: The Luxurious Choice

Class A motorhomes are the epitome of road trip luxury, offering spacious interiors and top-notch amenities. These large RVs are perfect for families or groups that prioritize comfort and have a bit more budget. With features like full kitchens, bathrooms, and comfortable sleeping quarters, a Class A motorhome is like a home on wheels, ideal for the long journey to Yellowstone and back.

Class B Campervans: Compact and Versatile

Class B camper vans are an excellent choice for those who prefer a more nimble and fuel-efficient option. These smaller vehicles are easier to navigate through winding mountain roads. They can access more remote camping spots that larger RVs can’t. While they offer limited space compared to Class A motorhomes, they are well-designed with essential features for a comfortable journey, making them ideal for couples or solo travelers.

Class C Motorhomes: The Middle Ground

Class C motorhomes strike a balance between Class A’s spaciousness and Class B’s maneuverability. They provide ample living space, including separate areas for sleeping, dining, and relaxation, without being too cumbersome to drive. This makes them a great option for families or groups looking for a comfortable trip with more flexibility in where they can travel.

Travel Trailers: Versatile and Detachable

Travel trailers offer the flexibility of detaching your living quarters from your vehicle, allowing you to set up camp and use the towing vehicle for local exploration. They come in various sizes, from compact models perfect for couples to larger options suitable for families. Travel trailers require a capable towing vehicle, so ensure your truck or SUV has the necessary power and towing capacity.

Fifth Wheel Trailers: Spacious and Stable

Fifth-wheel trailers provide extensive living space and are known for their stability on the road, thanks to the gooseneck connector. They often feature luxury amenities similar to Class A motorhomes, including full-sized kitchens and multiple sleeping areas. A fifth wheel is ideal for those who want the comfort of a large RV with the option to detach and explore their surroundings in the towing vehicle.

Find the perfect RV for your Portland to Acadia road trip near you.

Route Planning

The journey from Portland to Acadia National Park covers a distance of approximately 156 to 179 miles and will take you around 3 hours without stops. Your driving time will vary depending on your chosen route, and which stops you choose to make.

While Acadia National Park is unquestionably beautiful, the best memories are made throughout your journey and stops made along the way. We have broken down the most popular and practical route from Portland to Acadia, where unforgettable adventures await.   

Portland to Freeport

• Start in Portland: Start your journey in Portland and head out on the I-295 N towards Freeport.
• Stop in Freeport: In about 45 Minutes, you’ll reach Freeport. Home of the flagship L.L. Bean Store, this is a great spot to do some shopping and sample unique local cuisine.

Freeport to Wiscasset

• Take the US-1 North: From Freeport, take the US-1 North towards Wiscasset.
• Stop in Wiscasset: In about 50 Minutes you’ll reach Wiscasset, often referred to as the “Prettiest Little Village in Maine”. Grab a bite at Red Eats seafood shack and take a leisurely stroll around the historic village.

Wiscasset to Rockland

• Take the US-1 North: From Wiscasset, take the US-1 North towards Rockland.
• Rockland: Around 45-50 minutes from Wiscasset, make a stop in Rockport. Stretch your legs and take a stroll along the breakwater rock jetty, spanning almost a mile long. Don’t forget to explore the Breakwater Lighthouse, or stick around to watch the mesmerizing sunset. 

Rockland to Camden

• Continue on the US-1 South: After exploring the breakwater in Rockland, take the US-1 South towards Camden. 
• Camden: Trade your RV legs for sea legs and enjoy sailing, fishing, and kayaking in this seaside gem. Just a 15-20 minute drive from Rockland, Camden is a must-stop destination. Visit unique shops, sample local dining options, and explore the picturesque harbor. 

Camden to Belfast

• Back on the US-1 North: From Camden, take the US-1 North towards Belfast.
• Belfast: In around 30 minutes, make a stop in Belfast. Grab a bite at Young’s Lobster Pound and indulge in fresh local seafood, accompanied by remarkable views of Penobscot Bay.

Belfast to Acadia

• Acadia National Park: Continue on the US-1 North towards the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the best point of entry into Acadia National Park. This final leg will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on stops. 

Key Points on the Route

• This journey takes you through quaint towns, vibrant waterfronts, and picturesque coastal scenery, offering a wide range of culinary experiences, historical sites, and shopping opportunities.
• The length of your road trip will depend on which locations you decide to spot at. Make sure to select your preferred stops based on interests and seasonal conditions to get the most out of each destination.
• If you do choose to visit all of the above, consider splitting up your stops between your outward journey, and return trip. Ensure you allot enough time to enjoy each destination without feeling rushed. 

Preparing for the Road

Vehicle Readiness

Ensure your RV is in top condition with a thorough check-up focusing on engine performance, tire integrity, brake function, and fluid levels. Regular maintenance and addressing mechanical issues beforehand prevent roadside troubles and ensure a safer trip.

Packing Essentials

Packing wisely is vital for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here are some packing tips and tricks for your RV road trip from Portland to Acadia:

• Pack for Varied Weather: While Maine is beautiful in the summertime, coastal weather can be extremely unpredictable. No matter when you visit, remember to pack layers, warm clothing options, a hat, and rain gear.
• Space-Saving Essentials: Utilize space-saving items like collapsible kitchenware, vacuum-sealed bags for clothes, and multi-functional furniture.
• Food and Cooking Supplies: Plan your meals and pack accordingly. Bring non-perishable food items and stock up on fresh produce when possible. Don’t forget cooking utensils, portable grills, or camp stoves.
• Emergency Kit and Tools: These include essential repair tools, extra batteries, flashlights, and emergency road assistance tools. Always carry a first-aid kit, and consider packing a tick-removal kit, just in case. Ensure your RV has a spare tire and the necessary equipment to change it.
• Outdoor Essentials: Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, bug repellent, and sunglasses. Also consider bringing along an ointment for any pesky mosquito bites.
• Entertainment and Leisure Items: Bring books, games, fishing gear, hiking equipment, or bikes to enjoy the diverse landscapes and activities along the way.
• Navigation Aids: Carry updated maps, a GPS device, and guidebooks for national parks and campgrounds. Mobile apps can also help you find RV-friendly routes and amenities.
• Essential Documents: Carry all necessary documents, including driver’s license, RV insurance, vehicle registration, and reservation confirmations.
• Water and Fuel: Have a sufficient water supply and monitor your fuel levels, knowing that gas stations may be sparse in remote areas.
• Respect Wildlife and Nature: Maine is home to the largest black bear population in the eastern United States. Pack binoculars for wildlife viewing and ensure you have bear-proof containers for food storage. 
• Stay Connected: Consider a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or ensure your phone plan covers the areas you will be traveling through, especially in remote locations where signals can be weak.

The Best Time for an RV Road Trip from Portland to Acadia

The most popular time to visit Acadia National Park is during July and August. However, this is peak season, so prepare for crowds and ensure excursions, park passes and vehicle registrations are purchased far in advance. The ideal time to visit Acadia and avoid the crowds is mid-September through mid-October. Fall offers the benefits of fewer crowds, tranquility, and stunning autumn colors. 

Top Stops on Your Portland to Acadia RV Road Trip

While each destination mentioned above is a practical stop located along the direct route, there are a wide variety of exciting, must-visit destinations located just off the beaten path. We have broken down our favorite must-visit spots, on and off the main route, each offering its own unique allure.

Freeport

Begin your adventure with a stop in Freeport, a quiet little shopping town with a variety of small locally owned businesses and restaurants. Visit the flagship L.L. Bean store, stroll down Main Street, or grab a refreshing drink at a local brewery. Explore Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, or shop until you drop at Freeport Village Station. 

For a more unique experience, visit the weird and wonderful Desert of Maine. Offering more than 20 acres of rolling sand dunes, this historical phenomenon is a great place for families and adults looking for a blend of history and nature. 

Giant Stairs on Bailey Island

Just under an hour’s drive from Portland, visit Bailey Island – accessible by bridge. Guests can visit local gift shops and farmers markets, or embark on aquatic adventures with fishing tours, kayaking, and paddle board rentals. Don’t forget to hike the mesmerizing Giant Stairs Trail – a short 0.7-mile trail situated along the rocky coastline. Boasting gorgeous views of Casco Bay, this easy hike is a great spot to unwind and stretch your legs for the road ahead. 

Boothbay Harbor

Next, take to the sea and enjoy sailing, fishing, and kayaking in Boothbay Harbor. This seaside gem is a great spot to embark on a lobster haul, wildlife tour, or sample fresh seafood at a local clambake. When out on the water, don’t forget to keep an eye out for puffins nesting on nearby islands! 

Prefer land activities? No problem. Explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, go shopping downtown, or take a stroll along the pedestrian footbridge. Visit the Maine State Aquarium, tour the local lighthouse, or simply grab some ice cream and explore the town on foot. 

Friendship

Continue to the charming town of Friendship, a cute little fishing town known for its lobstering traditions, maritime history, and warm hospitality. In Friendship, visitors are always greeted with a smile. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of coastal life, where you’ll find local artisans showcasing their work, incredible seafood dining, and adorable bed and breakfasts. Explore local shops for unique finds, experience adventures out on the water, or simply unwind and reconnect with nature along its historic waterfront. 

Camden

As you move north, make a stop in Camden, a must-visit destination along your journey from Portland to Acadia. The self-described jewel of the Maine coast, Camden is a charming harborside town, and the filming location for the nostalgic children’s movie “Casper”. Explore Camden’s historic downtown, eat some fresh seafood, visit a local lighthouse, or take a stroll through the park. 

Camden, rich in history, also features stunning architecture, a lively shopping district, and an idyllic harbor overlooking Penobscot Bay. Home to an array of luxury historic estates repurposed into charming bed and breakfasts, Camden is also a lovely place to stay overnight. Before you depart, visit Camden Hills State Park, and hike to Mt. Battie for an incredible view over Camden Harbor. 

Deer Isle

Before reaching Acadia, don’t miss out on Deer Isle. Accessible by the Penobscot Narrows Bridge (the tallest observatory bridge in the world), Deer Isle is another great stop located off the beaten path. Deer Isle is a small lobster community known for its incredible art galleries, nature reserves, and artisan goods. Explore the wharf, catch a show at the opera house, or rent a canoe and paddle around the bay. Don’t forget to sample some Maine blueberries and lobster, or pick up some incredible jams and jellies from Nervous Nelly’s. 

How Much Time Should I Spend in Acadia?

You will need around 3-4 days in Acadia to thoroughly immerse yourself in its natural beauty and rugged coastline. This duration will allow you time to take part in activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking, without feeling rushed. Leave yourself some extra time to thoroughly explore Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor, and lesser-known areas like Isle Au Haut and the Schoodic Peninsula – at a relaxed pace. 

Scenic Routes in Acadia National Park

There are a few different routes to take throughout the park. While each route offers scenic landscapes and breathtaking views, your chosen route should be selected based on how much time you have, and which destinations you are looking to visit. If you have the time, we recommend visiting both.

The park is split between the east side (located closer to Bar Harbor) and the quieter west side.  

Exploring Acadia National Park

Must-Visit Attractions in Acadia

Park Loop Road is the main scenic route throughout the park covering 27 miles, and providing access to several main attractions like Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, and Jordan Pond. As some parts of the road are one-way traffic only, we suggest visiting these spots in the following order: 

• Bar Harbor: Begin your journey in Bar Harbor, the most common access point to the Park Loop Road. Here, stroll through tiny shops, eat at local restaurants, or take a boat tour with sailing, fishing, and whale-watching options. 
• Wild Gardens of Acadia: Head Northeast on Park Loop Road towards the Wild Gardens of Acadia and Sieur de Monts Nature Center. The garden is open year-round and is home to over 400 species of native plants, broken down into thirteen sections representing the different plant communities found within the park. The Wild Gardens are free to enter with your park entrance pass. 
• Sand Beach: Spend some time relaxing on Sand Beach, the only sandy beach located inside the park. In the summer, it’s the perfect spot for a swim or an adventurous hike around the Great Head trail. If you decide to park at Sand Beach, you can walk the easy 2.2-mile “Ocean Path” to explore Thunder Hole, Monument Cover, and Otter Cliff on foot. 
• Thunder Hole: On a stormy day, experience the extreme power of the ocean at Thunder Hole – a small inlet located along Mount Desert’s rocky shoreline. At high tide, watch as the powerful waves funnel into the narrow channel creating a forceful and thunderous crash along the shore. The ocean spray can reach over 40 feet in height and often results in a deafening boom as water escapes from the narrow passage. 

• Monument Cove: The next stop along the Ocean Path is Monument Cove, named after a vertical granite sea stack isolated from the cliff due to centuries of storm waves and coastal erosion. Famous for its dramatic viewpoint overlooking the ocean, you can also see our next stop “Otter Cliff” looming in the background. 
• Otter Cliff: Labeled one of the most spectacular sites along the North Atlantic Seaboard, Otter Cliff is another must-see location in Acadia National Park. Perfect for photography enthusiasts, this rugged, spruce lined cliff sits at over 110 feet high and offers mesmerizing seaside views, along with dramatic golden sunsets. 

• Jordan Pond: Jordan Pond is a small glacier-formed lake, surrounded by the towering granite mountains referred to as the North and South Bubble. While swimming is not permitted here, you can rent a kayak or canoe and explore its crisp waters via non-motor boats. If you’re hungry, stop in at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant for a delightful meal overlooking the Pond.
• Cadillac Mountain: Cadillac Mountain can be visited at the beginning, or end of the Park Loop Road. We recommend visiting early in the morning, as the 1,530-foot peak is known for its incredible sunrise views. Take a scenic drive up the 3-mile Cadillac Summit Road, but beware, in order to combat severe overcrowding, you must purchase a vehicle registration online and in advance at Recreation.gov to access the road.

Discover Lesser-Known Gems in Acadia

• Echo Lake: Situated on the edge of Mount Desert Island, Echo Lake Park is a great place for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, enjoy a picnic along the store, or take a scenic hike around the lake. 
• Beech Cliff Trail: Ideal for adventure enthusiasts, the Beech Cliff Trail is a challenging 1.8-mile loop with a 480-ft elevation gain. This thrilling trail takes hikers up a series of iron-rung ladders, scaling rugged vertical cliff formations. This strenuous hike is not ideal for children or those afraid of heights. Return via the Canada Cliffs Trail for a gradual descent with stunning views. 

• Carriage Road Bridge: The Carriage Roads are a 45-mile network of scenic paths home to 17 stone-faced bridges and cedar signposts. While the roads are off-limits to motor vehicles, they are the perfect spot for a scenic walk, leisurely bike ride, or a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. In the fall, this is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the bridges surrounded by spectacular golden foliage. 
• Schoodic Peninsula Loop: The Schoodic Peninsula is the only part of the park located on the mainland. About an hour’s drive from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the 6-mile-long Schoodic Loop offers incredible views of local lighthouses, rocky shorelines, and forested islands. This less-visited gem is home to pristine shorelines lined with spruce and fir trees and is a perfect spot for biking, hiking, and bird-watching. 
• Isle Au Haut: Another hidden gem, Isle Au Haut is the perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in breathtaking and rugged terrain. This remote island offers 18 miles of trails, bird watching, and incredible stargazing with its low light pollution levels. Accessible by boat or passenger ferry, Isle Au Haut is a sight to behold with its mossy forests, swimming lakes, mesmerizing viewpoints, and gravel beaches. 

• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: One of the most photographed spots in Acadia, is the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. A 30-minute drive from Bar Harbor, this majestic cliffside lighthouse stands 56 feet above water. Built in the 1800s, this iconic lighthouse is another popular spot to enjoy both sunrise and sunset. 

Best RV Campgrounds Near Acadia National Park

Choosing the right campground or RV park in Acadia can enhance your entire experience. Options range from developed campgrounds with full amenities to more rustic, natural settings. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons! 

Campgrounds: 

• Blackwoods Campground: Blackwoods is a picturesque campground that offers toilets, running water, phone service, a sanitary dump, picnic tables, and fire rings. The roads to the campground are paved, however, there are no shower facilities in the campground. While most sites are for tents, they do offer sites that can accommodate RV’s. Pets and alcohol are both permitted on site. Blackwoods sites must be reserved far in advance. 
• Mount Desert Campground: While the Mount Desert Campground doesn’t offer a lot of frills, it is a clean and quiet campground with up-to-date facilities. The ADA-accessible campground offers RV sites, toilets, showers, electrical and water hookups, fires, and free Wi-Fi at the Gathering Place. 
• Schoodic Woods Campground: The Schoodic Woods Campground offers electrical and water hookups, a sanitary dump, WiFi, flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, and fire rings. All roads surrounding the campground are paved. There are no shower facilities on the grounds. Pets and alcohol are both permitted on site and sites must be reserved in advance. 
• Bar Harbor Campground: This quiet, family-owned campground can accommodate the smallest tent to the largest RV. They offer toilets, showers, WiFi, picnic tables, fire pits, sanitary dumps, as well as electrical, water and sewage hookups. The site is also ADA-accessible and offers drinkable water and firewood. Alcohol and Pets are both permitted on site. 
• Hadley’s Point Campground: Hadley’s Point Campground is a quiet location that offers both grassy and wooded sites. This ADA-accessible campground offers WiFi, showers, toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables, sanitary dumps, as well as electrical, water, and sewage hookups. Alcohol and pets are both permitted on site. 
• Smugglers Den: Smugglers Den is a family-owned campground, ADA-accessible campground offering over 100 sites. The campsite offers WiFi, toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, drinking water, sanitary dumps, and electrical, water, and sewage hookups. Pets and alcohol are both permitted on site. 

Returning Home

The return trip offers an opportunity to visit any incredible spots missed along the way and enjoy the beautiful coastal landscapes all over again. You may decide to opt for a different route, or simply spend this time reflecting on the wonderful memories made throughout your journey. 

Start Planning Your Portland To Acadia RV Road Trip Today

Planning, preparation, and flexibility are key to a successful RV road trip. Staying informed about road conditions, weather forecasts, and local regulations while also being open to spontaneous discoveries ensures a memorable and enjoyable journey.

Stay updated with the latest in-park road conditions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.

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