Duck Harbor Campground

The campground is the hardest to book in Acadia National park, only 5 tent sites. The location is what makes it worthwhile. I went on a hike today and saw nature at its best and worst. The trails here are brutal. You need to be in good shape to even handle the easy trails. That is the one pictured. People were passing me by like I was standing. I do recomend a hiking stick I don't know how many it save me from slipping and falling. Loved the hike though.

I am fortunate to live close enough to Isle au Haut that I can be a "day-tripper". However, I try to get out camping there once a year. I like to describe it as "backpacking light" as if you plan it right you only have a short walk from the boat landing to the campsites.||Visiting Isle au Haut does require advance planning. There is only one regular boat line that goes out to the island. The boat leaves from Stonington, Maine which is not really near anything else. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October; however, the boat only stops at the campground (Duck Harbor) between mid-June and mid-September. Other times you need to walk the 4-5 miles on either the road (such as it is) or a pleasant but somewhat rugged hiking trail from the town landing to the campground. The town has a

I recently spend one night camping on this island and would recommend it to anyone! ||||Getting there - Be prepared to take an hour ferry to get to Isle Au Haut and note that the ferry is out of Stonington ME is not close to the main part of Acadia. Stonington is about 1.5 hours from Acadia. The ferry ride is enjoyable and scenic. ||||Reservations - In 2017, the reservations are by lottery only so we were lucky to be picked. I hear in 2018 reservations will go online. The limitation of reservations is what makes the experience so nice.||||Accommodations - Lean in shelter, picnic table and fire pit at 5 campsite. Two composting toilets. One toilet is closer to the campsites than the other. Water pump about .25 miles from camp. The ranger said the water can taste like iron but it's fine to

Camping at Duck Harbor was one of the quietest, most peaceful experiences I have ever had. There are only 5 campsites, all with covered, wooden platforms to sleep on. In early October, right before the end of the season, none of the other four sites were occupied. There is a fresh water pump a short hike away and the hiking trails around the southern half of the island are wonderful. I could not recommend it more highly for anyone who enjoys camping off the beaten path and wants to avoid the crowds of the Mount Desert Island part of the park.

This small part of Acadia has to be one of the best National Parks in the lower 48 states. There are only five campsites on the island. You can hike rugged coastal trails all day and not see anyone. Come prepared or you will be disappointed. Some trails have thick vegetation while others are very rocky. The campsites are close to the dock so don't be afraid to bring camp chairs, wine, etc.