In 1604, Samuel de Champlain got stranded on an island. While there, he spotted barren and stony summits, prompting him to call it "Mount Desert Island." Later on, this island, which was renamed Bar Harbor, quickly gained popularity as a summer retreat for the well-to-do. Mount Desert Island was made famous in the 1850s by painters like Thomas Cole and William Hart. Soon, wealthy people began visiting the region after seeing the paintings of these painters depicting Acadia Mountain and the surrounding seascapes. The demand for hotels rose dramatically as a result of the swarms of tourists. Businesspeople saw a lucrative niche market and began developing luxurious hotels for the rich. By 1880, Bar Harbor had 17 hotels. Some affluent people started constructing their own luxurious vacation homes, and soon everyone was doing it. As time went on, the island became filled with manor cottages. Sadly, a devastating fire swept over Mount Desert Island in 1947, destroying many of the island's brand-new homes. The extravagant summer vacations formerly associated with the island had gone out of favor by this time, so the magnificent hotels and huge villas were never restored. These days, there are little more than 2,000 people living in Bar Harbor. Nonetheless, there are still many exciting things to do in the region. The cuisine of Paddy's Irish Pub and Restaurant, Geddy's, and Side Street Café is particularly noteworthy. Other attractions on Mount Desert Island that you'll certainly like include the Shore Path, Ocean Trail, Village Green, and Criterion Theater.
The 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest is located in western Maine and eastern New Hampshire. Enjoy the scenic mountains, dense woods, lakes, rivers, and a plethora of native flora and fauna. The forest is also a great place to go fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. Its many hiking routes vary in difficulty, but despite the course you choose, you'll encounter stunning views of the park. When you visit the forest in your motorhome, you can set camp at any of its 23 campsites. Campers may also want to consider staying at one of the nearby parks outside the forest that offer modern amenities since the ones within the forest are rather primitive.
Bay Harbor Arts Festival – Live entertainment, food vendors, and children’s games are just some of the things you should expect in this upcoming July event.
Bar Harbor Music Festival – Classical music fans are in for a treat each summer with a full slate of performances from solo recitals to chamber music to new composers and more. Save the date this upcoming June for a chance to enjoy great music.
Acadia's Oktoberfest – Make your way to Archie's Lobster, where you get to sample 50 different kinds of Maine beer. This upcoming event will take place in October.
All Roads Music Festival – Every year in May, more than 150 musicians gather to bring to life a spectacular festival complete with indie rock, folk, pop, bluegrass, and indie folk acts. This upcoming festival also features curated showcases, discussion panels, and the annual Maine Songwriter's Circle.
From Ben Harbor, reaching Acadia National Park in your Bar Harbor, Maine RV rental will only take three minutes. This park is among the top 10 most visited in the country and is often referred to as the "Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast.” There are lakes, seaside coastlines, woodlands, and mountains, seven of which are above 1,000 feet, making up the gorgeous landscape. Having this much landscape opens up endless exploration opportunities and outdoor activities, including boat riding, stargazing, swimming, horse riding, bike riding, and more.
Lamoine State Park, located on Frenchman’s Bay, is a beautiful oceanfront park. It’s a peaceful alternative to the more crowded ones in the area where you can go sea kayaking, camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hunting, or animal watching. If you’re done exploring the park, attractions such as a national park and several lighthouses are within a short commute of the park. Ellsworth, in Downeast Maine, is also close by and is considered the region's cultural epicenter. The view from the peak of Mount Battie in Maine's Camden Hills State Park is among the park's most popular attractions. Visit this vantage point to take in the sights of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and the nearby islands that have inspired numerous poets and artists. It's also a great place to go hiking or camping any time of the year. Other activities you can engage in at the park include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. Cobscook Bay State Park is an 888-acre park featuring beautiful sandy beaches, beachfront woodlands, and remarkable tidal changes in the eastern section of Maine, where the Gulf of Maine tides flow in and out. Many people choose Cobscook Bay State Park for their Bar Harbor, ME RV rental when camping with their families because of the outdoor activities available. During your visit, you can go swimming, birdwatching, camping, canoeing, sea kayaking, or hiking.
The Obama Administration established Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in 2016. It is 87,563 acres of secluded wilderness in rural Maine that is perfect for stargazing and exploring in search of local species. Some wildlife you can see in the area are moose, bears, and deer, so be sure to carry your binoculars. Anglers may cast their lines into any of the rivers and streams, and sightseers can enjoy several waterfalls. Paddlers will love the white-water rapids, and swimmers and fishermen will appreciate the calmer water around the monument. Cape Cod National Seashore, on the easternmost part of Massachusetts, is 40 miles of untamed, windswept beauty. The natural beauty of Cape Cod and the historic attractions scattered throughout make it a unique tourist destination. Take it easy on the beach, learn about European and Native American history, or go on an adventure on land or water. You can travel almost anywhere and still find restaurants, stores, and cultural attractions. Additionally, hiking trails like the Pamet Area Trails and Pilgrim Spring Trail will take you through fascinating historical sites as well as provide you with stunning ocean views. Located in Salem, Massachusetts, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site documents 600 years of maritime history along the New England coast. It was the first national historic site in the United States, giving visitors a glimpse into colonial and post-Revolutionary times within the Massachusetts Bay area. During your tour of the place, ensure you see The Friendship, a replica of the ship that operated between 1796 and 1797 and that transported commodities to New England. You can also experience dramatic recreations of the Salem trials or see a psychic and learn your fate. You may also take a walking tour of Salem's most infamous murders to learn about the city's darker side.
If you're looking for a fun way to spend your day at Bar Harbor, you can do so at any of the city's nearby RV parks. Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park is a popular destination due to its many outdoor recreation opportunities, including boat trips, bike tours, kayak tours, and hikes along the coast and in the foothills. Another great RV park inside the same Acadia National Park on the Schoodic Peninsula is the Schoodic Woods Campground. The park is in a peaceful area and is home to several educational and scientific events hosted by the adjacent Schoodic Institute's Education and Research Center. The third pick is Mount Desert Campground, situated on Mount Desert Island and a 12-minute drive from Bar Harbor. The park offers forest and waterfront camping options, as well as activities like saltwater fishing, boating, and swimming.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Bar Harbor, ME, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Bar Harbor?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Bar Harbor from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Bar Harbor?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
