Acadia gets very crowded, but is something you cannot miss.  Camden hills and the town of Camden you can do in a day so if I were you I'd spend more time in Acadia and hit up Camden as a day trip. 

I'm not sure about camping, but I would also try and get out to Vinelhaven and Isleboro two beautiful islands with great roads to bike and explore. You can catch the ferry from Camden or Rockland.

You also may want to explore the following areas:

Pemaquid Point and Round Pond (don't miss the Penny Candy store, called Granite Hall Store)

Damriscotta (just for a couple hours, it's a small town!)

Oh and if you're driving up Route 1 North, make sure you hit up Moody's Diner :)

Posted Jun 08, 2011

My favorite hideaway campground is in Jonesport (Sawyer cove) - not on many maps but it might be in the Gazeteer. Sweet on-the-water spots, only about 10 sites. Just follow the signs to Campground Road.  It's maybe an hour or two north of Acadia, but well worth it. You can continue on to Great Wass Island from there and do nature walks without seeing a single soul - beautiful and remote. A true downeast experience.

Posted Jun 14, 2011

What is your idea of camping?  The state park at Camden Hills is just north of the center of Camden.  It is basic but the hikes are lovely and as a state park the rates are low.  Easy day tripping from there along the coast.  In Acadia I believe there is camping but I don't know what it is like.   I prefer the Southwest Harbor side of Acadia.  Smugglers Den is away from the crowds of Bar Harbor and the park buses stop there.  They have a basic pool, sites in the woods and grass.  If you want to be on the North side, Hadley's Point is an option.  It is close to the main entrance of the park.  I strongly suggest you make reservations, regulars have reserved already.  Are you driving from Chicago?

Posted Jun 03, 2011