Welcome to Acadia Base Camp on Main Streetâyour comfortable, walkable home base in the heart of Southwest Harbor, one of Mount Desert Islandâs most authentic coastal towns. This RV rental sleeps up to 6 guests comfortably and includes one bathroom, making it a simple, easy place to land after a big day outside.
Location is everything here. You can walk to the harbor, cafés, shops, sandwich spots, restaurants, and everyday essentials like grocery, gas, and quick grab-and-go meals. The Island Explorer bus route is accessible right at the end of the driveway, so you can explore the island without stressing about parking.
Southwest Harbor is a working waterfront town with deep rootsâboatbuilders, fishermen, and families whoâve lived by the tides for generations. Itâs also uniquely connected to Acadia: nearly half of the townâs land area is within Acadia National Park, which is part of why this place feels so wild and scenic even though youâre right in town. Youâre less than 1.5 miles from the closest Acadia trailhead, making sunrise hikes and quick trail days genuinely easy.
From this base camp, the highlights are close:
*we are located across the street from Charlottes Rhode Park Butterfly Gardens and less than a half mile from Golf of Maine Miniature Golf in 1 direction and Downtown Southwest Harbor is just a half mile in the other direction.
* Walk the Seawall for ocean views and salt air
* Take a short drive to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (a must at golden hour)
* Swim at Echo Lakeâs sand beach on warm days
* Book harborside boat tours and explore the coast from the water
* Play Golf of Maine Miniature Golf in Southwest Harborâpart mini golf, part marine education, and a fun way to learn about local fishing legacy
* Tee it up at the Causeway Club golf course nearby
Whether youâre here for Acadia adventures, harbor days, or an easy weekend reset, Southwest Harbor is the perfect âin the middle of everythingâ townâclose to the park, close to the water, and calmer than the busiest parts of the island. Come stay, park your car, and enjoy the best of Mount Desert Island from a true local base camp.