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United States historic place

Blackwoods Campground (Acadia)

Acadia's classic drive-in camp under spruce — 300+ sites at Cadillac Mountain's base.

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Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Blackwoods Campground (Acadia), Worldwide. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Region
Maine, USA
Country
Worldwide
Biome
Coastal spruce forest (0–200 m)
Best season
May – October
Difficulty
moderate
Known for
  • Backpacking
  • Hiking
  • Mountaineering
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Beachcombing
  • Wildlife Viewing

Key takeaways

  • Biome: Coastal spruce forest (0–200 m)
  • Best season: May – October
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Top activity: backpacking
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Photos of Blackwoods Campground (Acadia)

Blackwoods Campground is located on the east side of Mount Desert Island, off Maine State Route 3 in Acadia National Park. Construction on the site was begun by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) i
Photo: Wikipedia contributors · See Wikimedia Commons

Topic summary

Acadia's classic drive-in camp under spruce — 300+ sites at Cadillac Mountain's base.

Key takeaways

  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Best season: May – October

Intended uses

backpacking

Climate suitability

Coastal spruce forest (0–200 m)

Region
Worldwide
Biome
Coastal spruce forest (0–200 m)
Difficulty
moderate

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backpacking

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Blackwoods Campground (Acadia) trip tools

How to get there

Blackwoods Campground is off Maine State Route 3 on the east side of Mount Desert Island, within Acadia National Park. Confirm final arrival directions with the campground’s managing agency.

  • Maine State Route 3

    The road off which Blackwoods Campground is located on eastern Mount Desert Island.

  • Blackwoods Campground

    The camping destination within Acadia National Park, with individual and group campsites and a layout that includes Loop A and Loop B. Confirm the assigned camping area and arrival instructions before traveling.

Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.

Popular pursuits at Blackwoods Campground (Acadia)

  • Backpacking

    Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.

  • Hiking

    Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.

  • Mountaineering

    Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.

  • Sea Kayaking

    Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.

  • Beachcombing

    Tide-line walking between camps.

  • Wildlife Viewing

    Best light, best season, and where animals move.

Animals around Blackwoods Campground (Acadia)

Browse all wildlife guides →

Maps, GPS & compass for this trip

Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.

Fishing at Blackwoods Campground (Acadia)

Planning to fish Blackwoods Campground (Acadia), Maine? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Maine are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.

Do I need a fishing license at Blackwoods Campground (Acadia)?

  • A Maine fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
  • Read the current Maine fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
  • Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.

Hunting near Blackwoods Campground (Acadia)

Thinking about hunting Blackwoods Campground (Acadia), Maine? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Maine are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.

Is hunting allowed at Blackwoods Campground (Acadia)?

  • Confirm the land around Blackwoods Campground (Acadia) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.

What do I need to hunt in Maine?

  • A Maine hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
  • Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
  • Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.

A campground base on eastern Mount Desert Island

Blackwoods Campground sits on the east side of Mount Desert Island, off Maine State Route 3 within Acadia National Park. That location is the starting point for planning an arrival: identify Blackwoods itself rather than treating the national park as a single destination. The campground contains 306 individual campsites as well as several group campsites, making it a substantial camping area rather than a small, isolated site. Its layout includes Loop A and Loop B, with a historic core dating to Civilian Conservation Corps construction. For trip planning, distinguish the campground’s location and camping facilities from any separate outdoor itinerary. An overnight stay here provides a place to camp in Acadia; trail connections, cycling routes, and excursion distances need separate confirmation before building a day around them.

Limited amenities shape the packing list

Blackwoods offers potable water and restrooms, but it does not have showers or electrical hookups. Those distinctions matter more to practical preparation than the campground’s size. Pack a camping setup that functions without a campsite power connection, and make a charging plan for essential electronics. Bring containers for collecting and carrying drinking water rather than assuming water will be available directly at an individual site. Keep washing arrangements separate from expectations of a campground shower facility. The presence of individual and group campsites also makes it important to confirm which type suits the party before finalizing plans. Check current arrangements with the campground’s managing agency, including booking requirements and the facilities available for the intended stay. Do not mistake a large campground for a full-service accommodation.

A layout shaped by the Civilian Conservation Corps

Blackwoods has a construction history that remains relevant to understanding its layout. The Civilian Conservation Corps began work on the campground in 1935. Its core and Loop A belong to that CCC-built portion, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Completion of Loop B brought the campground to roughly its present appearance around 1961, with modest alterations since. These are distinct stages in the development of the same campground, not separate destinations. For visitors interested in park history, the useful distinction is between the earlier core and Loop A and the later Loop B. Treat that history as context for the camping area rather than as evidence of a marked interpretive walk or a designated sightseeing route.

Route options

  • Maine State Route 3 approach

    Use the campground’s stated location off Maine State Route 3 to orient the arrival. Confirm the final turn and campground directions before departure.

  • Loop A

    A named campground loop within the CCC-built portion of Blackwoods. Use it as a campground orientation point, not as a designated hiking or cycling itinerary.

  • Loop B

    The later campground loop, completed around 1961. Its name identifies part of the camping layout rather than an established recreational route.

Sample itineraries

  • Blackwoods Campground Overnight · 2 days

    Arrive off Maine State Route 3 on the east side of Mount Desert Island. Set up a self-sufficient camp, locate potable water and restrooms, and leave time to explore the campground. Pack for an overnight without showers or electrical hookups.

  • Campground History Visit · 1 day

    Make the campground's historic layout the focus of a short visit, subject to current access rules. Its core and Loop A reflect Civilian Conservation Corps construction begun in 1935; completion of Loop B around 1961 brought it close to its present appearance. Respect occupied campsites.

Seasonal conditions

Spring

Before a spring visit

Confirm campground access and available services before departing. Check the forecast and bring layers and rain protection; the limited amenities do not include electrical hookups for heating or drying equipment.

Summer

Before a summer visit

Check daytime and overnight forecasts rather than assuming warm sleeping conditions. Bring refillable water containers for the campground's potable water and plan personal washing needs around the absence of showers.

Fall

Before a fall visit

Confirm current access and water availability. Choose sleeping insulation for the forecast overnight low, and bring lighting and independent power rather than relying on electrical hookups.

Winter

Before a winter visit

Do not assume camping or listed services are available. Confirm current arrangements with the managing agency and assess the forecast against your shelter, insulation, and experience before planning an overnight.

Permits, fees & closures

Confirm current camping requirements and booking arrangements with the Acadia National Park managing agency.

Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.

Hazards & regulations

  • Weather exposure: bring shelter and sleeping insulation suited to the forecast rather than depending on campground amenities for protection.
  • Power dependence: electrical hookups are not provided. Plan independent power for essential devices.
  • Water planning: potable water is listed among the amenities, but confirm current availability before relying on it as your only supply.

What to pack for Blackwoods Campground (Acadia)

Shelter and clothing
  • Weather-appropriate tent and rain protection
  • Sleeping bag and insulated sleeping pad
  • Layers suited to the overnight forecast
Water and hygiene
  • Refillable water containers
  • Personal washing supplies for a stay without showers
  • Toiletries and a small towel
Lighting and essentials
  • Headlamp and spare batteries
  • Independent power for essential devices
  • First-aid kit

Build this list in the gear builder →

Blackwoods Campground (Acadia) FAQ

Where is Blackwoods Campground?
It is on the east side of Mount Desert Island, off Maine State Route 3, within Acadia National Park in Maine.
What amenities are available?
The campground has limited amenities, including potable water and restrooms. It does not have showers or electrical hookups. Confirm current service availability before traveling.
How large is the campground?
Blackwoods has 306 individual campsites and several group campsites.
What is historically significant about Blackwoods?
The Civilian Conservation Corps began construction in 1935. The CCC-built portion, including the core and Loop A, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
What should be checked before planning a stay?
Confirm camping requirements, booking arrangements, access, and current services with the managing agency. Plan for limited amenities, especially the absence of showers and electrical hookups.