Acadia National Park is dog friendly! In fact, it’s one of the most dog friendly national parks in the United States. Here are our recommendations for where to eat, sleep and play when visiting Acadia National Park with your dog.
Know Before You Go
Park Hours: Acadia is open 24/7 year-round, though a number of roads and most facilities close during the winter months
Fees: Park entrance pass is required for all but five designated days a year. Cost is $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per bicyclist/hiker/pedestrian. Cadillac Summit Road to the top of Cadillac Mountain also requires a reservation and $6.00 fee for timed entry.
Pet Rules: Pets are allowed on more than 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of carriage roads within the park, as long as they are on a leash no longer than six feet. Check here for a list of trails and places where pets are not allowed within Acadia.
Become a Bark Ranger: Stop by a campground ranger station, the Sieur Monts Nature Center, or the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to learn about and complete the Bark Ranger Program with your dog. Your dog can leave with a Bark Ranger collar tag (for purchase).
Where To Eat And Drink
Acadia has so many beautiful views, we always recommend packing a picnic! But if you feel like hitting the town, there are a number of restaurants with dog friendly outdoor seating where you can eat with your dog.
Paddy’s at the West Street Hotel
Irish-American cuisine and waterfront dining. Dogs are allowed on their outdoor patio.
Cafe This Way
Eclectic casual dining spot offering breakfast foods and drinks as well as beer, wine and cocktails. Dogs are allowed on their outdoor patio.
Bar Harbor Lobster Company
Down-to-earth venue offering seafood dishes and cocktails. Dogs are allowed at the picnic tables on the large outdoor terrace.
Jordan Pond House
Full-service restaurant within Acadia overlooking the Jordan Pond and the Bubble Mountains. Dogs are allowed on the lawn and large outdoor seating area.
Project Social
Cute spot offering small plates, crepes, wine and cocktails. Dogs can join you in the garden area and covered porch.
Bar Harbor Beerworks
Local brewery offering pub fare, seafood, and a full bar. Dogs are allowed on their outdoor patio.
Where to Play
Little Long Pond Off-Leash Area
Dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated area on Peabody Drive at Bracy Cove. But note, dogs must be under voice control because the area is surrounded by trees but is NOT fenced in.
Hit the Trails
While some trails are off-limits to pets, there are still more than 100 miles of beautiful hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads within Acadia for you to hike with your dog. Just make sure to keep your dog on leash at all times.
Walk the Shore Path in Bar Harbor
Leashed dogs are allowed on the paved trail. An easy walk starting downtown, you’ll be treated to views of the Porcupine Islands, Balance Rock, Egg Rock Light and Schoodic Peninsula.
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a quiet lunch or dinner with your dog after a day of hiking. The Pretty Marsh Picnic Area provides a secluded, picturesque spot with shaded water views.
Where To Stay
Dog Friendly Campgrounds Within Acadia National Park
Open late May through early October. The below campgrounds within Acadia are all pet friendly, but dogs must be leashed or caged at all times and cannot be left unattended. All campgrounds are advanced reservation only and can be booked up to two months in advance.
Blackwoods Campground
Location: East side of Mount Desert Island, about 5 miles south of Bar Harbor on Route 3.
Fees: $30 per tent/camper/motor home. $60 for group tent sites. Reserve online at www.recreation.gov.
The Basics: All sites are wooded and within 10 minute walk to the ocean. Picnic tables and fire rings at every site. Flush toilets, running water and dump station provided.
Seawall Campground
Location: West side of Mount Desert Island, approximately 18 miles from Bar Harbor and about 4 miles south of Southwest Harbor on Route 102A.
Fees: $22 for walk-in tent site. $30 for drive-up tent, camper and motor home sites. $60 for group tent sites. Reserve online at www.recreation.gov.
The Basics: All sites are short walking distance to the coastline. Picnic tables and fire rings at every site. Flush toilets, running water and dump station provided.
Schoodic Woods Campground
Location: Three miles southeast of Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula. 60 minutes from Bar Harbor.
Fees: $22 for walk-in tent site. $30 for drive-up tent/small RV. $36 for RV with electric only sites. $40 for RV with electric with water sites. $60 for group tent sites. Discounts available for Senior and Access pass holders. Reserve online at www.recreation.gov.
The Basics: Picnic tables and fire rings at every site. Flush toilets, running water and dump station provided.
Dog Friendly Hotels Near Acadia National Park
The Bayview Hotel
Overview: Luxury hotel on the shoreline where every room has an ocean view and accompanying deck or balcony. Easy walk or free downtown shuttle into downtown Bar Harbor. Complimentary breakfast served daily.
Location: Bar Harbor, two miles from the entrance from Acadia.
Pet Policy: Up to two dogs under 40lbs each allowed per room for an additional $50 per night. Pets can’t be left unattended in the room. Pet friendly rooms are uncarpeted and have easy access to the lawn without going through the hotel. Dog beds, bowls and treats provided.
Balance Rock Inn
Overview: Shingle-style mansion full of history that offers a luxury oceanfront stay. Dine at the award-winning AAA Four Diamond restaurant or catch live music and sweeping ocean views at the Piano Lounge.
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine. Less than two miles from the entrance of Acadia.
Pet Policy: $50 fee per pet per night. There is a limited number of pet friendly rooms so it is recommended to book by calling.
Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor
Overview: Seasonal resort overlooking Frenchman’s Bay with a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. Two restaurants and a tiki bar onsite. Free shuttle for the one mile ride downtown.
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine. Less than three miles from the entrance of Acadia.
Pet Policy: Pets less than 30lbs allowed for an extra $75 per night. All rooms are pet friendly.
Acadia Sunrise Motel
Overview: Heated outdoor pool, laundry, fire pit, patio and playground on-site.
Location: Trenton, Maine. Less than 5 minutes from Acadia and Bar Harbor.
Pet Policy: $25 per dog per night in designated pet friendly rooms (call to book). $50 fee if the motel is not informed of pets. Dogs must be crated and office informed if left in the room alone. $150 fee for unauthorized pets or if dogs are left uncrated.
Comfort Inn Ellsworth
Overview: Quiet and clean hotel near grocery stores and restaurants. Free breakfast and wifi included.
Location: Ellsworth, Maine. 25 minutes from Acadia and 30 minutes from Bar Harbor.
Pet Policy: Up to two dogs allowed per room for an extra $25 per room per night. King rooms are not pet friendly.
Ramada By Wyndham Ellsworth
Overview: Quiet, recently renovated hotel close to the L.L. Bean outlet and two airports. Gym and indoor pool on-site, with free breakfast and wifi included.
Location: Ellsworth, Maine. Less than 30 minutes from Acadia and Bar Harbor.
Pet Policy: Up to two dogs allowed in designated pet friendly rooms. $30 per pet/night for the first pet and $10 per pet/night for the second. Small grassy relief area provided and dogs cannot be left unattended in rooms.
Colonial Inn Ellsworth
Overview: Perks include on-site dining, fitness center, free wifi and indoor pool. The hotel is one mile from the Ellsworth town center.
Location: Ellsworth Maine. Less than 30 minutes from Acadia and Bar Harbor.
Pet Policy: Up to two dogs allowed per room for a fee of $25 per pet per day. Pet friendly rooms depend on availability so we suggest calling the hotel directly to book.