RV Rental Bar Harbor, ME

Popular RV Rentals Near Bar Harbor, Maine, for Any Budget

Seize a fantastic deal on an RV and discover Bar Harbor, Maine and the surrounding area. Many people prefer a travel trailer beginning at $55 per night, but the fifth wheel is also popular, starting at only $79 per night. If you want a drivable unit, a Class A motorhome starts at $159 per night, a Class B for $135, or a Class C for $150 per night.

RVshare’s Top Vacation Destinations Near Bar Harbor, Maine, No Matter the Duration

A 625-mile road trip from Bangor to Alexandria Bay is a beautiful drive. On the way, you may want to stop at Victoria Mansion, Howe Caverns, and the Adirondack Mountains. Once reaching Alexandria Bay, you could spend several days exploring the city's attractions, including Boldt Castle and Yacht House, Thousand Islands, Heart Island, Thousand Islands Bridge, Grass Point State Park, and Cornwall Brothers Store Museum.

With a short 122-mile trip, you can be in Augusta, Maine. This majestic area is home to the national historic landmark, Fort Western. This fort was once a British colonial outpost. Today, it is the oldest wooden fort in the United States. While in the city, you will also want to experience the Maine State Museum, Viles Arboretum, Capitol Park, and the Children's Discovery Museum.

Portland, Maine is located 175 miles southwest of Bar Harbor. Portland is considered the area's economic, tourism, and growth center. While in this fantastic city, you might want to explore Allagash Brewery, Old Port, Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Museum, Casco Bay, and Commercial Street. Portland is also famous for restaurants serving delicious lobster meals, so you may want to plan an overnight to try out a few.

Explore Bar Harbor, Maine, in an RVshare RV Rental

When Samuel de Champlain ran aground in 1604, he saw bare and rocky summits, so he named the island "Mount Desert Island." This island, later renamed Bar Harbor, became a summer vacation spot for wealthy people trying to escape city life. 

Painters like Thomas Cole and William Hart popularized Mount Desert Island in the 1850s. Wealthy individuals, intrigued by these artists' depictions of Acadia Mountain and surrounding seascapes, flocked to the area. The influx of visitors caused a sharp increase in the demand for lodging. Entrepreneurs saw an opportunity and started constructing grand hotels catering to wealthy patrons. Seventeen hotels were built in Bar Harbor by 1880.

Some wealthy individuals decided to build their own elaborate summer accommodations, and the trend caught on. Soon, mansion cottages covered the island. Unfortunately, in 1947, a fire spread across Mount Desert Island, burning down many of the new structures. By this time, the opulent lifestyle associated with summer vacations on the island had fallen out of fashion, so the grand hotels and extensive cottages were never rebuilt. 

Today, Bar Harbor has a population of just over 2,200. However, the area still offers many wonderful experiences. These experiences include excellent food from Paddy's Irish Pub and Restaurant, Geddy's, and Side Street Café. You will probably also enjoy Mount Desert Island Shore Path, Ocean Trail, Village Green, and Criterion Theater.

Discover Nearby Towns and Cities

Ellsworth, Maine – This town is full of history. Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary is in the middle of downtown. You should also check out the Telephone Museum, Downeast Scenic Railroad, and Woodlawn Museum.

• 10+ Restaurants

• 5+ Gas Stations

• 3 Campgrounds

• 2 Nearby State Parks

• 2 Nearby RV Parks

• 2 Dump Stations within 20 miles

Somesville, Maine – This village is at the heart of Mount Desert Island. From this area, you can access beautiful hiking trails on both sides of the island. You will want to discover Somesville Historical Museum and Gardens while visiting.

• 5+ Restaurants

• 2 Gas Stations

• 2 Campgrounds

• 2 Nearby State Parks

• 2 Nearby RV Parks

• 2 Dump Stations within 20 miles

Bangor, Maine – At one time, this city was the lumber capital of the world. Today, you can visit famous author Stephen King's house, Cole Land Transportation Museum, the Paul Bunyan Statue, and Mount Hope Garden Cemetery.

• 25+ Restaurants

• 15+ Gas Stations

• 4+ Campgrounds

• 3 Nearby State Parks

• 3 Nearby RV Parks

Best National Parks Near Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park. This park is called the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast and is one of the top 10 most visited national parks. You can hike, bike, bird, swim, stargaze, and boat. You can also learn the history of this area by exploring historic buildings, lighthouses, bridges, and memorial paths.

An 806-mile trip takes you south to Shenandoah National Park. This magnificent park is home to waterfalls, vistas, wildflowers, and wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres to explore, this park will keep you busy. It also offers a skyline drive, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, biking, and fishing.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located 923 miles from Bar Harbor, but it is well worth the trip. This park is a refuge for plants and animals while providing a serene location for visitors. The scenic train ride takes you on a unique ride through the park. You can also experience hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, and golfing.

Popular State Parks Near Bar Harbor, Maine

Lamoine State Park is located on Frenchman’s Bay. It provides a quiet alternative to other busier state parks. You can enjoy camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hunting, sea kayaking, and viewing wildlife. This oceanside park has a picnic area, playground, and boat launch.

The beauty of Camden Hills State Park is best appreciated at the top of Mt. Battie. This panoramic view of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay has inspired many poets and artists. It offers year-round trail and camping activities. Cross-country skiing, biking, hiking, and snowshoeing are some of the park's available activities.

Many visitors use Cobscook Bay State Park as a base for family camping. The Cobscook Bay surrounds the 888-acre park on three sides. You can enjoy the beaches, bird-watching, camping, canoeing, sea kayaking, and hiking in the park. It also has a picnic area, playground, dump station, and showers for your convenience.

Must-See Monuments and Landmarks in Bar Harbor, Maine

The Duck Brook Bridge provides visitors with a breathtaking view. The path is perfect for hiking or biking. Under the bridge, you can find beautiful waterfalls.

The Jessup Memorial Library has a balcony full of reference materials. Even at 100 years old, the building is well-maintained and beautiful. With three spiral staircases, this historical library makes doing research an adventure.

The quaint Mount Desert Street Cemetery has a Civil War monument that gives you a glimpse into American history. The burial ground dates back to 1808, and you can currently find grave markers that date back to 1835.

Upcoming Events in and Near Bar Harbor, Maine

• Island Arts Association's Animal Labor Day Weekend Craft Fair – Local artisans welcome visitors to the Village Green during Labor Day weekend. You will find a showcase of handmade crafts.

• Acadia's Oktoberfest – You can sample over 50 Maine beers in one location in October. You can also enjoy local food vendors, crafters, games, and the famous Keg Toss.

• Blue Hill Fair – This country fair happens every September. The demolition derby, entertainment, food, carnival rides, attractions, and exhibits bring thousands of visitors to the area.

Popular POI Activities Near Bar Harbor, Maine

• Cadillac Mountain – This mountain is 1,530 feet and offers amazing views of Acadia National Park. On clear days, you can see Mount Katahdin.

• Bar Harbor Town Pier – Bar Harbor thrives around this pier. You can get the perfect picture, find something to eat, buy a T-shirt, or enjoy the view.

• Village Green – Considered the heart of Bar Harbor, this area is home to the town clock and a mixture of locals and visitors. During the summer, there are sometimes free concerts on the green.

RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks and Campgrounds

Bar Harbor has a wide array of RV parks and campgrounds close to Acadia National Park. One of these parks is Blackwood Campgrounds. This facility offers excellent views of Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Cadillac Mountain, and Isle au Haut.

Bar Harbor Campground gives visitors a front-row seat to a spectacular ocean view. You can swim or relax right on the beach. The free shuttle offers a ride to Acadia National Park or anywhere else in town.

On the island's west side, Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA offers fantastic sunsets over the ocean. This site also provides a free shuttle to Acadia National Park and other nearby attractions.

Best RV Dump Stations Near Bar Harbor, Maine

Brewer Car Wash and Gas Station has a dump station and is located in nearby Brewer, Maine. The dump station fee is $7, but with a fill-up, the cost is only $5. Dysart's Citgo offers the free use of their dump station with a fill-up. If you do not need gas, the usage fee is $5. Pleasant Hill RV Park and Campground is close to I-95 in nearby Hermon. They charge a fee for non-registered users, but guests can use the dump station for free.

Popular RV Storage Facilities Near Bar Harbor, Maine

One of the popular RV storage facilities near Bar Harbor is Ammo Self Storage. This facility has 24-hour access and video surveillance. ABC Storage offers 24/7 access. It also has security cameras and a well-lit area. Bomarc Self Storage has outdoor spaces that are 15 feet in length, making them perfect for smaller RVs. It also has an electric gate and fence.