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Smuggler's Den Campground
Overview
Smuggler's Den Campground has been a family-owned destination for over 50 years, offering a quintessential Maine woods experience on Mount Desert Island. This park provides a peaceful alternative to the busier sections of the island while maintaining easy access to the wonders of the region. Whether you are arriving with a big-rig RV or looking for a primitive tent site, the campground balances modern convenience with the natural beauty of the surrounding forest.
Location & Surroundings
Situated on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island in Southwest Harbor, the park is bordered by the lush greenery of Acadia National Park. Guests can enjoy direct access to extensive hiking trails leading into the park's western mountains. The location is ideal for those who want to experience the rugged Maine coast without the intense crowds often found in Bar Harbor, providing a serene backdrop of towering pines and fresh Atlantic air.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is well-equipped for modern travelers, offering several essential services and recreation options:
- Heated swimming pools and a large playground for family fun.
- Spacious sites with full hookups and 30/50 amp electrical service.
- Modern bathhouses, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked camp store.
One of the most valued perks is the on-site stop for the Island Explorer, a free shuttle service that connects guests to various points across Mount Desert Island without the need to drive.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts are just minutes away from Echo Lake Beach, a popular spot for freshwater swimming and kayaking. The iconic Bass Harbor Head Light Station is a short drive south, offering one of the most photographed views in Maine. Visitors can explore the charming shops and galleries of Southwest Harbor or take a short trek to the summit of Beech Mountain for panoramic ocean views. The park's proximity to Western Mountain trails makes it a hiker's paradise.
Who This Park Is Best For
Smuggler's Den is an excellent choice for active families and nature lovers who prefer a quieter, more authentic Maine experience. Its spacious sites and quiet hours make it perfect for those seeking relaxation after a day of exploration. Because it accommodates large motorhomes and provides a pet-friendly environment, it is a top pick for long-term travelers looking for a comfortable home base while exploring the depths of Acadia National Park.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Born To Be Retired
This campground is very pretty with lots of trees and the campsites aren’t too close together which is very nice. They were very easy to book with and responded quickly when we needed them. There are a ton of activities for groups and families (pool, volleyball, basketball, corn hole, playground and lots of open play space). There were no issues with the hookups. The check in office has a very sparse store but you could get a few essentials if needed. My issue was with the laundry room and bathrooms. We had to use their showers. I would give that bathroom a 2 and we’ve stayed in campgrounds all over so I have a good comparison. There is no heating or AC. It’s cold here so you freeze in there. The shower heads spray literally in every direction and the showers are super tiny. There are only hooks so there is no place to set your things in the bathroom. If you take them into your shower stall they will get wet due to the shower heads sprays above the curtain. If you actually need to use an electrical outlet, there are only two right by the toilets. In the morning, you don’t want to be right by the toilets. Trust me! My husband said the men’s bathroom is a mess as well. Doors don’t shut or lock. Same issues with the showers . The laundry room is a mess. There are three washers but I’m not sure they get cleaned. Two of the four dryers don’t work. There is no place to sit inside. There are two chairs outside the laundry room but that doesn’t help if the weather isn’t good. You need quarters. You can get them from the office when they are open . It’s $2.50 for the washer and $0.50 for 30 minutes of drying. If you don’t need the bathroom or laundry room , it’s perfect here
Tammy Leeman
Smuggler’s Den is one of the nicest campgrounds we have ever stayed in. The sites are spacious and each one has a fire ring and picnic table. The sites are level and the one we had was concrete. Lots of shade, very pet-friendly, and so many amenities! The new bathhouse is luxurious! There are cabins, park model rvs, and apartments to rent. The campground is located close to all the sites in Southwest Harbor and is a short drive from Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor, but off the main road so traffic noise is not an issue. Lots of hiking trails and the staff is wonderful. I can’t say enough about how friendly and helpful everyone there is. Highly recommend and will definitely stay here again if we’re in the area.
Peggy Huff Johnson
Smuggler's Den Campground is synonymous with the description of the campground and is indeed a hidden gem. We spent 5 glorious days there and it was magnificent to say the least in September 2025. The staff were so accommodating and attentive to our needs. Kim and Cheryl were the best. Reign and Troy, the owners were so caring, compassionate and considerate to our needs. We made our reservations after hours and they created a site for us which in our opinion is the best site. It is secluded, quaint, quiet and encapsulated between beautiful trees, deer can be seen appearing often piercing thru the wooded area. Site number 16 will be our choice when we visit our favorite city in Maine, which is Bar Harbor. We will make sure our reservations are made around the availability of site number 16. The campsite has beautiful apple trees aligned throughout the trails, games for adults, children's playground, and a beautiful swimming pool. Also, a newly built shower house that's spa-like and soothing. Even if you have your own accommodations, we utilized this beautiful shower. It is located in a tranquil setting where apple trees are nestled among the trees that are beautifully pruned. As we were walking throughout the campground, we were choosing which tree we wanted for Christmas, that's how beautiful, clean and manicured this campground is maintained. Smuggler's Den is our favorite campground that we have ever seen and that's quite a lot because we have visited many campgrounds. The service alone with the attentiveness from the owners and staff have propelled Smuggler's Den to our number one camping destination.
Ondrej Fridrich
Amazing campground - one of the best we’ve ever been. Nice spots for tents, large grass field for games, kids playground, heated pool and great new updated showers and restrooms. Once the refurbish also the other shower house, it would be awesome. We spent 3 beautiful nights and enjoyed the campground a lot.
tony aubin
This was a great campground! We had a cement pad site, full hookups. It was quiet and very clean. The only objection I have is the constant shuttle bus coming into the campground, at least 10x’s/ day. If you’re in one of the site ms close to the entrance you’ll experience this. Why can’t it stop at the top of the entrance and drop off and pickup there? Everything else was great!! We will definitely be back!!
