With its expansive coastline, famed mountainous landscape, and plenty of ways to explore or relax, your trip to Acadia National Park is one you won’t forget. Set out on a mountaintop hike, scenic drive, or shoreline stroll. Unwind on the shores of Echo Lake or Sand Beach, or eat your way around this seafood lover’s paradise on the coast of New England. From morning to night, you will find ways to make lasting memories and connect with nature during your stay at Under Canvas Acadia.
Take in the star-studded night sky from the comfort of bed in your Stargazer tent at Under Canvas Acadia. Our first waterfront location, Under Canvas Acadia is located just 20 miles from Acadia National Park—the only national park on the Eastern Seaboard. Your upscale, outdoor accommodations are set in an idyllic landscape just steps from the beach so you can easily enjoy the area’s best coastal experiences. Under Canvas Acadia is open from May until October. Acadia National Park weather can vary, so knowing what to pack for Maine during each season will help you prepare for an unforgettable visit.
What to Pack for Spring in Acadia National Park
After the snow melts and the temperatures climb, late-spring is the most popular time to visit Acadia National Park. Packing layered clothing is recommended no matter what time of year you plan your getaway.
Long Sleeve T-Shirts / Flannel Shirt
Long sleeve t-shirts or flannels are essential for chillier days and perfect for early morning hiking or huddling around the campfire in the evening.
Sweatpants or Warm Athletic Pants
Bring long pants like sweats, leggings, or comfortable jeans to wear while you hit the trails or explore our 100-acre, waterfront campground. This will keep you warm and serve as protection from bugs.
Puffer Jacket / Lightweight Coat / Rain Jacket
At night, the temperature typically sinks to 40ºF so you’ll be glad you packed a warm outer layer. Your jacket might double as protection against scattered rain showers.
Beanie / Ear Muffs
While you’ll keep warm around the campfire and in your tent, a beanie, ear muffs, or winter hat is useful for stargazing and sipping on your morning latte.
Gloves
Similarly, you might want gloves to keep your hands toasty while you roast marshmallows or take part in complimentary camp activities.
What to Pack for Summer in Acadia National Park
Summer is a perfect time to visit the New England coast to take advantage of the natural jewels this location has to offer. It’s important to note that the daytime temperatures can range from 45 to 90ºF so you’ll want to be armed with warm layers, in addition to lighter clothing. If you’re interested in stargazing, summer is a great time of year to visit. The Milky Way is most visible during July and August when it rises early in the evening and stays visible through most of the night.
Swimsuit / Water Shoes
With miles of coastline access, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take a dip or partake in watersports. The water temperature rarely exceeds 55ºF but on a hot summer day, this is a welcome refreshment. You might enjoy exploring the rocky coast in search of tidal pools where you’ll find sea urchins, sea stars, and anemones where water shoes might protect your feet.
Yoga Leggings or Shorts
Start your day with waterfront yoga, one of our complimentary camp activities. No need to bring your mat, we have lululemon mats and blocks for you to use during programming or at leisure during your stay. Looking for new yoga pants and clothing? Check out our gift shop where we sell lululemon pants, and Parks Project gear to wear during your stay and at home.
T-shirts
Moisture-wicking t-shirts are a staple for outdoor adventures especially when there is potential to jump in the water. Cotton t-shirts are good for lounging around the campsite but they don’t dry as fast, so we suggest bringing both.
Lightweight / Zip-off Hiking Pants
With varying temperatures, lightweight or zip-off pants are perfect for hiking Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views of Frenchman Bay, going for a bike ride, or grabbing a bite to eat during the early morning or evening.
Comfortable Hiking Shoes & Socks
With more than 150 miles of trails, you will have much to explore. If you’re planning to go on hikes in Acadia National Park, it is essential to pack moisture-wicking socks and sturdy hiking boots or sandals with a strong grip since the ground tends to be damp year-round.
Lightweight Fleece / Rain Jacket or Rain Poncho
Layering is important when visiting Acadia National Park any time of year. A lightweight fleece will come in handy for morning adventures or late-night talks around the campfire. Summer days can be drizzly or fog-filled so you might want to bring a rain jacket or rain poncho.
Sun Hat / Baseball Cap
Acadia National Park sees plenty of sunshine during the summer months. It is a good idea to pack a sun hat or baseball cap to protect your face while you hike or laze on the shoreline.
Comfortable Shoes / Slippers
You will want to get cozy during your upscale glamping experience. We encourage you to pack warm socks, slippers, or sandals for kicking back and walking around your tent deck.
What to Pack for Fall in Acadia National Park
The New England coast and Acadia National Park are famous for stunning fall foliage. Leaf peeping season in Maine typically starts in late-September, providing a month or more of glorious gold, burnt orange, and red fall colors. You might also find fewer crowds compared to the summertime. You’ll stay nice and warm at night in your safari-style tents with wood-burning stoves and plush bedding, but we recommend packing extra layers for warmth during your fall getaway.
Long Sleeve T-Shirts / Flannel Shirt / Vest
With warm temperatures on a downturn, you’ll want to pack a few long sleeve t-shirts or flannel shirts and a vest to go over them for an added layer of warmth.
Sweatpants or Warm Athletic Pants
Warm sweatpants or comfortable jeans will be key for most outdoor fall activities.
Puffer Jacket / Lightweight Coat / Rain Jacket
You’ll want a warm outer layer during your visit so that you can fully enjoy all that Acadia has to offer. If the temperature rises, you can tie your jacket around your waist or stuff it in your backpack for when you need it.
Beanie / Ear Muffs
An important accessory for keeping warm but also for taking the perfect fall photos.
Gloves
Make sure that you have a pair of gloves handy for nighttime activities and libations near the campfire.
What to Pack for Acadia National Park (Non-Clothing)
Daypack / Small Backpack
No matter what time of year you visit, you will want to have layers of clothing to choose from. Having a place to keep an extra shirt or jacket will be useful when you’re out exploring. It’s also a great place to store your healthy, camp-prepared lunch, snacks, bug spray, and water.
Reusable Water Bottle
At Under Canvas, we help protect the environment and minimize our impact on the great outdoors by avoiding single-use plastics. We have filling stations available for you to fill a reusable water bottle to fuel your adventures.
Sun Protection
Especially if you plan to enjoy water activities, make sure to bring sunscreen, long layers, a hat, and sunglasses to avoid sunburn. If you forget your lotion at home, you can purchase SunBum products from our store tent.
Bug Repellent
When you’re immersed in nature, it’s good to be prepared for insects that call the great outdoors their home. Bug repellent is an important item to pack especially being when you will be near water sources. We recommend avoiding the use of perfumes or scented sprays so you don’t attract mosquitos.
Camera
You will be immersed in natural beauty surrounded by Maine’s unspoiled coastline during your stay near Acadia National Park. Capture moments with your phone or camera so you can cherish them for years to come. Tag @UnderCanvasOfficial on Instagram so we can see your photos and for a chance to be featured!
Under Canvas Acadia allows you to explore the beauty of Maine by day and the comforts of home by night. Located in Surry, Maine, it’s the ideal basecamp for visiting Acadia National Park and makes for a perfect weekend getaway from several east coast cities including Boston, Portland, Maine, New York, and more. If you’re looking to stay for two or more nights, you can experience the “best of” adventures in and around Acadia National Park with an Adventure Package from a curated list of local experiences. Our Adventure Concierge takes the hassle out of planning so you can get the most out of your glamping vacation.