3 Days in Acadia National Park: A Vanlife-Friendly Itinerary for Fall Adventure

Acadia National Park is one of the most iconic outdoor destinations in the Northeast, and for good reason. With rugged coastline, granite peaks, and vibrant fall foliage, it offers something for every type of traveler, whether you're hiking, biking, camping, or exploring by van.

We spent three days exploring the park and surrounding areas, and this itinerary covers everything we did, from must-see landmarks to off-the-beaten-path spots. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, this guide can help you plan a flexible and rewarding trip.

Pre-Trip: Two Days Working Remotely in Bangor, Maine

Before entering the park, we based ourselves in Bangor, Maine for two days while waiting to meet up with friends. This small city turned out to be a surprisingly convenient and comfortable place to work our normal jobs prior to the trip.

Where We Stayed: We parked overnight at a Walmart lot—a common and budget-friendly option for vanlifers in transit. It was quiet, well-lit, and conveniently located near downtown Bangor.

Where We Worked: We spent each morning working from Bagel Central, a beloved local café with fast Wi-Fi, reliable coffee, and incredible bagel sandwiches. If you're a remote worker traveling through, this spot is a gem. The downtown area is walkable and has a few good options for groceries and gear if you need to restock.

Day 1: Arrival & Acadia’s Quiet Side

🏕️ Bass Harbor Campground
Located on the southwestern edge of Mount Desert Island, Bass Harbor Campground was a peaceful home base for our first night. It’s a great choice if you're looking for wooded sites, fewer crowds, and proximity to the park. The campground offers basic amenities like fire rings, restrooms, and is within short driving distance to Bass Harbor Head Light and several trails.

🦞 Dinner at Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound
We wrapped up our first day with a visit to Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound, a casual seafood spot known for generous portions and ocean views. If you’re looking to try an authentic Maine lobster roll, this is a great place to start.

Travel Tip: In high season (especially September–October), it’s best to arrive early or call ahead—restaurants near Acadia can get busy.

Day 2: Classic Acadia Adventures

🌄 Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain
One of the park’s most popular experiences, Cadillac Mountain offers the first glimpse of sunrise in the U.S. for much of the year. You’ll need a vehicle reservation if visiting during peak season, so plan ahead via the NPS website. Arrive early to secure parking and bring layers, it can get pretty windy and cold before dawn.

🛥️ Scenic Boat Cruise from Bar Harbor
Later in the morning, we booked a boat cruise departing from Bar Harbor to explore the park from the water. This tour was one of the highlights and gave us amazing views of coastal cliffs, nearby islands, lighthouses, and marine wildlife like seals and seabirds. It’s an incredibly relaxing way to take in the region’s geography and history.

🥾 Bar Island Trail
When low tide hits, a natural sandbar appears, connecting Bar Harbor to nearby Bar Island. It’s a short, family-friendly walk with lovely views of the harbor, but timing is essential—check tide charts to ensure you can return before the path disappears under water.

Day 3: Hidden Gems & Iconic Trails

🚐 Schoodic Peninsula Driving Tour
Many visitors skip the Schoodic Peninsula, a less-trafficked section of Acadia located an hour north of Mount Desert Island. I’d highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. The Schoodic Loop Road winds along rocky coastline and offers dramatic ocean views, picnic areas, and fewer crowds. We also got to take in some of the most beautiful fall colors of the trip while in this section of the park. It’s especially appealing to those looking for a quieter park experience.

🥾 Beehive Trail
Back in the main section of the park, we hiked the Beehive Trail, a short but exhilarating loop featuring steep rock scrambles, iron rungs, and sweeping views over Sand Beach. If you have a fear of heights, this one might be a bit much but it’s 100% worth the views and experience it offers.

🌊 Sand Beach Swimming
We ended our adventure with a refreshing (and somewhat frigid) swim at Sand Beach, a popular sandy coastline nestled between two granite peaks. While the water temperatures can be brisk year-round, it's a scenic spot for sunbathing or dipping your toes after a long hike.

Final Thoughts: Why Acadia Belongs on Every Adventurer’s List

Acadia National Park offers a unique mix of ocean, forest, and mountain, making it an ideal destination for anyone traveling by van, camper, or car. With both well-known attractions and hidden corners to explore, the park can accommodate everything from jam packed itineraries to slow, reflective travel.

If you're planning a fall trip, expect cooler temps, brilliant colors, and smaller crowds compared to summer. And don’t forget to pack a camera, drone, or gopro, you’ll want to remember this one.

Whether you're road-tripping through New England or looking for your next vanlife destination, Acadia delivers on every level.

Safe travels, and we’ll see you on the scenic route.
—The Scenic Detour