Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park offers convenient access to several grocery stores. The closest option is Otter Creek Market, located a short distance away. For a wider selection, Bar Harbor Hannaford is about 15 minutes drive. Carroll’s IGA in Southwest Harbor and Pine Tree Market in Northeast Harbor provide additional options within 20-40 minutes drive. These stores offer various products, from basic camping supplies to fresh produce and local specialties.
What Are the Closest Grocery Stores to Blackwoods Campground?
The closest grocery stores to Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park are:
- Otter Creek Market
- Bar Harbor Hannaford
- Carroll’s IGA
- Pine Tree Market
Let’s explore each of these options in detail:
Otter Creek Market
- Location: Near Blackwoods Campground, Mount Desert
- Distance: Short drive or walk from the campground
- Operating Hours: Seasonal, typically open during tourist season
- Amenities:
- Provisions like sandwiches, ice, beer, s’mores supplies, camp wood, and lobster
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Souvenir section with made-in-Maine gifts
- Attached inn
Otter Creek Market is the most convenient option for campers at Blackwoods Campground. Its proximity and focus on camping supplies make it an excellent choice for quick resupplies.
Bar Harbor Hannaford
- Location: Bar Harbor, on Cottage Street
- Distance: About 15-minute drive from Blackwoods Campground
- Operating Hours: Typically open year-round, specific hours may vary
- Amenities:
- Full range of grocery items including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and household supplies
- Deli section and weekly specials
Bar Harbor Hannaford offers the most comprehensive grocery selection among the nearby options. It’s an ideal choice for campers looking to stock up on a wide variety of items.
Carroll’s IGA (IGA Southwest Food Mart Grocery)
- Location: Southwest Harbor
- Distance: Approximately 20-30 minute drive from Blackwoods Campground
- Operating Hours: Open year-round
- Amenities:
- Variety of products including good meat, ethnic foods, and weekly specials
- Ample parking
Carroll’s IGA is known for its good meat selection and ethnic food options. It’s a bit further from the campground but offers a different selection that might appeal to some campers.
Pine Tree Market
- Location: Northeast Harbor
- Distance: About 30-40 minute drive from Blackwoods Campground
- Operating Hours: Open year-round, with a wider selection during busier months
- Amenities:
- Homemade baked goods, coffee in the mornings
- Normal and upscale grocery store items, including takeaway options
- Good wine selection
Pine Tree Market is the furthest option but offers some unique items like homemade baked goods and a good wine selection. It’s worth the drive for campers looking for some specialty items.
What Types of Products Are Available at These Grocery Stores?
The grocery stores near Blackwoods Campground offer a wide range of products to cater to different needs:
| Store | Product Types |
|---|---|
| Otter Creek Market | Camping supplies, sandwiches, ice, beer, s’mores supplies, camp wood, lobster |
| Bar Harbor Hannaford | Fresh produce, meat, dairy, household supplies, deli items |
| Carroll’s IGA | Meat, ethnic foods, weekly specials |
| Pine Tree Market | Homemade baked goods, coffee, upscale grocery items, wine |
Each store has its unique offerings, allowing campers to choose based on their specific needs and preferences.
How Do Prices Compare Among These Grocery Stores?
Prices at grocery stores near Acadia National Park tend to be higher compared to larger towns like Ellsworth. Here’s a general comparison:
- Otter Creek Market: Likely to have higher prices due to its convenient location and focus on tourist needs.
- Bar Harbor Hannaford: Generally offers competitive prices for a full-service grocery store in the area.
- Carroll’s IGA: Prices may be slightly lower than tourist-focused stores, with good deals on weekly specials.
- Pine Tree Market: Known for higher prices, with locals joking about items like $7 Triscuits.
To save money, consider shopping in larger towns like Ellsworth before arriving at the island.
What Are the Unique Local Offerings at These Stores?
Each grocery store near Blackwoods Campground offers some unique local products:
- Otter Creek Market:
- Local lobster
-
Made-in-Maine gifts in the souvenir section
-
Bar Harbor Hannaford:
- Local produce when in season
-
Maine-made products in various departments
-
Carroll’s IGA:
- Good selection of local meats
-
Some ethnic food options
-
Pine Tree Market:
- Homemade baked goods
- Local coffee options
Additionally, A&B Naturals in Bar Harbor, while not one of the main grocery stores, offers unique health food options, including bulk goods and organic produce.
What Are the Transportation Options for Accessing These Grocery Stores?
Transportation to grocery stores near Blackwoods Campground primarily relies on personal vehicles:
- Otter Creek Market: Easily accessible by foot or a short drive from the campground.
- Bar Harbor Hannaford: Requires a 15-minute drive. Ample parking available.
- Carroll’s IGA: About 20-30 minutes drive. Known for having plenty of parking.
- Pine Tree Market: 30-40 minutes drive. Parking is available.
Public transportation options are limited in the area. Visitors without cars may face challenges accessing stores further from the campground.
What Are the Seasonal Considerations for Grocery Shopping Near Blackwoods Campground?
Seasonal factors can affect grocery shopping options near Blackwoods Campground:
-
Otter Creek Market: Operates seasonally, typically open during the tourist season. May not be available during off-season months.
-
Bar Harbor Hannaford: Open year-round, providing a reliable option regardless of season.
-
Carroll’s IGA: Open year-round, but selection may vary seasonally.
-
Pine Tree Market: Open year-round, with a wider selection of produce and fresh foods during busier months.
During peak tourist season (summer), expect higher prices and potentially crowded stores. Off-season shopping may offer better prices but with a more limited selection, especially for fresh produce.
How Can Campers Plan Their Grocery Shopping Efficiently?
To make the most of grocery shopping near Blackwoods Campground:
- Stock up on non-perishables and staples in larger towns like Ellsworth before arriving at the park to save money.
- Use Otter Creek Market for quick resupplies and camping essentials.
- Plan a larger shopping trip to Bar Harbor Hannaford if staying for an extended period.
- Visit Carroll’s IGA or Pine Tree Market for unique local offerings or specific needs.
- Consider bringing a cooler to store perishables, especially if planning to visit stores further from the campground.
By understanding the options available and planning accordingly, campers can ensure they have all the supplies they need for a comfortable stay at Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park.