With pink granite peaks situated right on the edge of an oceanic abyss, dotted with wild blueberries from July to September, and the option to see the whole scene from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage, it’s no surprise that so many people have Acadia National Park on their must-visit list. That’s basically a description of heaven.
But it’s also no surprise that such an enchanting landscape draws a lot of visitors each year—upwards of four million, to be exact. Acadia is also pretty far off the beaten path for anyone who doesn’t already call the northeastern United States home, tucked as it is along the northernmost third of the coast of Maine. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the five best Acadia National Park alternatives: destination dupes from Michigan to Washington (and, yes, few in Maine and New Hampshire) for those eager to enjoy a similar landscape without so much schlepping or crowds—or simply for those who are such big fans of the national park, they’re hoping to find other similar locales! Without further ado, here are five alternative destinations to Acadia National Park that will leave smiles on the faces of your whole family.
1. Crowd-Free Alternative: Isle Royale National Park, MI
Love the feel of Acadia National Park, but hoping to have the beauty mostly to yourself? Nestled close to the Canadian border in the northernmost reaches of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park has a very similar kind of rugged, coastal scenery—and it’s also one of the least-visited reserves in the U.S. national park system.
Part of the reason it’s less crowded is because it does take a concerted effort to get there: Isle Royale is only accessible by ferry or seaplane, and only people make the trek. (In other words, your vehicle has to remain on the mainland in Michigan or Minnesota.) While just arriving in such an untouched wilderness is already a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the island park is also home to one of the longest-running predator-prey research efforts, which observes the interactions between the local moose and wolves that call the island home. Be sure to plan your trip for late spring or summer, as the park is completely closed to visitors between November 1 and April 15 each year. The best two spots to camp out are either Grand Portage, Minnesota or Copper Harbor, Michigan, both of which have some incredible local RV parks to check out.
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
- Offers rugged coastal scenery, dense forests, and diverse wildlife like Acadia.
- One of the least-visited national parks, providing a remote and peaceful experience.
- Excellent opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and spotting moose and wolves.
Selection Methodology:
- Acadia attracts over 4 million visitors annually, leading to congestion on popular trails.
- Isle Royale offers similar natural beauty with far fewer visitors, ensuring solitude and a true wilderness experience.
2. Budget-Friendly Alternative: Baxter State Park, ME
Looking to keep it local to Maine, but hoping for prices slightly less exorbitant than those in Acadia National Park and its neighboring gateway town, Bar Harbor? Baxter State Park offers an inland alternative complete with Mount Katahdin, which is both Maine’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The state park is located immediately alongside Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, a nearly 88-thousand-acre wilderness striped with hiking trails fit for adventurers of all interest and ability levels. Come fall, it’s also one of the best places in the entire country for leaf-peeping.
Furthermore, since it’s a state park rather than a national park, you can enjoy all the rugged beauty this landscape has to offer for far lower prices. (In fact, it counts among the best budget-friendly trips for any traveler, let alone those looking for worthy Acadia National Park destination dupes.) Private vehicle entry to Acadia National Park is $35, whereas a summer entrance fee at Baxter is just $20. There are also plenty of affordable camping options to choose from, both inside the state park and out.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Home to Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak, with stunning summit views.
- Offers a rugged New England wilderness experience at a fraction of the cost.
- Cheaper entrance fees, camping options, and lodging compared to Acadia.
Methodology:
- Analyzed visitor feedback about the low cost of staying and exploring.
- Acadia’s lodging costs often exceed $200 per night, while Baxter provides affordable camping and cabin rentals.
- Both locations feature dramatic landscapes, mountain hikes, and abundant wildlife.
3. Pet-Friendly Alternative: White Mountain National Forest, NH
Let’s be real: If you have pets, you probably want to travel with them. In fact, bringing the fur kids along is one major reason many people get into RVing in the first place.
But the national parks tend to be a little stricter when it comes to fuzzy family members, and Acadia is no exception. There are quite a few trails in the park where pets are prohibited, and they’re also disallowed from swimming in park lakes or accompanying their two-legged friends on ranger-led activities.
Fortunately, White Mountain National Forest offers plenty of the same northeastern charm, all less than two-hundred miles from Acadia—and, crucially, the pet policy is a lot more lenient. Along with allowing dogs in almost all parts of the park, White Mountain National Forest also explicitly permits dogs to be off-leash (provided they are under strict voice control) outside of developed recreational areas. In other words, Spot is going to get enough exercise to sleep really well tonight.
White Mountain National Forest is another excellent option for those on the hunt for spectacular fall foliage, but it’s equally beautiful in the spring and summer. While winters can get extremely cold here, there are still some beautiful bluebird days that make for perfect cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Plus, the landscape is surrounded by quaint small towns along the nearby Kancamagus Highway for when it’s time to retreat into civilization for a hot cuppa. Here are the best local RV campgrounds to choose from.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Allows dogs on nearly all trails, unlike Acadia’s limited pet access.
- Features scenic mountain trails, waterfalls, and autumn foliage.
- Plenty of pet-friendly lodging and campsites nearby.
Methodology:
- Acadia has restrictions on dogs in many areas, making it challenging for pet owners.
- White Mountain National Forest provides a comparable outdoor experience with more pet accessibility.
4. Family-Friendly Alternative: Cape Cod National Seashore, MA
For those travelers whose main motivation is to breathe in that sweetly salted sea air, Cape Cod National Seashore is formidable among northeast destinations in its own right—and it’s also an excellent option for those traveling with kiddos.
Although Acadia is among the best family-friendly national parks, with its multiple ranger-led programs, carriage rides, and blueberry picking, Cape Cod National Seashore expands the options of to-dos and includes plenty of fascinating fixtures for adventurers of all ages. Along with exploring the beaches and short, easy nature trails, there’s also the opportunity to see strange and exquisite creatures up close and personal in the tide pools that form during the right part of the ocean’s rhythm, not to mention Junior Ranger programs that can teach kids about dune ecology or help them get hands-on experience with conservation by cleaning up a beach.
Like any northeastern beach, the weather here can get pretty chilly in the winter, so this landscape is best visited between May and October. However, the park is open year-round for those who are adventurous enough to handle the colder weather (though ranger-led activities and some facilities may be suspended during that season). Here’s where to stay!
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Features sandy beaches, lighthouses, and family-friendly trails.
- Offers tide pools, wildlife viewing, and educational ranger programs for kids.
- Easier terrain and more accessible facilities than Acadia’s rugged coastline.
Methodology:
- Acadia’s rocky terrain and steep trails can be challenging for young children.
- Cape Cod provides a more relaxed environment with similar coastal beauty and plenty of kid-friendly activities.
5. Outdoor Adventure Alternative: North Cascades National Park, WA
If you’re ready to get seriously rugged—and if you’re an ambitious adventurer who maybe lives west of the Mississippi and doesn’t have a cross-country drive in them anytime soon—North Cascades National Park is our pick for a worthy west-coast destination dupe. It’s also, hands-down, one of the best adventure locales for campers looking for serious backcountry opportunities, from dispersed camping to rock climbing to whitewater kayaking.
Like any other national park this far north, summer is the high season—and also likely the best time to plan your visit. Depending on what you want to do, though, some trails may require permits for access, and you may need to plan several months ahead of time (and compete with plenty of other eager adventurers) to access them. North Cascades National Park is located about an hour and a half east of Bellingham, Washington, a quaint coastal college town that offers plenty of urban to-dos once you’re ready to be back in the “real” world. There are also a plethora of nearby RV camping options, ranging from luxurious full-hookup spots to rugged off-grid camping. The northwest is your oyster!
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Features dramatic mountain peaks, waterfalls, and dense forests like Acadia.
- Home to some of the world’s best river rapids, offering unique kayaking opportunities alongside mountain hiking experiences.
- Excellent opportunities for backcountry camping and adventure sports.
Methodology:
- Acadia’s iconic hiking trails and coastline make it a hotspot for adventure seekers, leading to overcrowding.
- North Cascades provides a similar adrenaline-filled experience with fewer tourists and unique geological features.
From corner to corner, our country is filled with once-in-a-lifetime destinations—many of which are excellent alternatives to Acadia National Park (or simply additional must-sees to add to your list). From the RV rental process to ensuring you have everything set to go for the best adventure possible, keep our blog in your pocket to help ensure you see it all the best way possible: By RV!
