Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.5 (2570)
25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Visitor complex with maps, souvenirs & ranger-led activities, plus direct access to carriage roads.
Gender-neutral restroomRestroom
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
National Park Freshwater Swimming AreaME
Lakewood
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Acadia's Lake Wood swimming area with no lifeguards, a short uneven approach, seasonal road access and current freshwater beach notices.
Swimming restriction
Follow current freshwater beach notices and park pet restrictions. Shoreline alcohol prohibited; do not jump or dive from ledges.
Official sources checked:
Water type
National Park Freshwater Swimming Area
Access
Informal
Fee
No separate swimming activity charge listed; Acadia entrance fees may apply.
Best season
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Bar Harbor
Water body
Lake Wood Pond
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Bar Harbor
Access location not verified
Bar Harbor, ME
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
A recognized Acadia swimming area
Lake Wood, also written Lakewood in the historical listing, is a swimming destination in Acadia National Park near its northern Mount Desert Island boundary. NPS recognizes swimming here and states that no lifeguards are on duty. Check its current freshwater beach status before entering; the presence of a beach does not establish today's water quality.
Road and walking approach
NPS directs visitors from Crooked Road onto Lake Wood Road and says the access road does not open until June 1. Motor-vehicle access closes at dark under the park's defined nighttime rule. A roughly 0.1-mile trail connects parking and beach, with roots and uneven footing; NPS does not describe Lake Wood as accessible.
Fees and park rules
The activity page lists no separate swimming charge, but explicitly notes that park entrance fees may apply. Confirm passes and current road notices rather than calling the visit universally free. Follow current pet restrictions and park rules, including the shoreline alcohol prohibition, and use authorized viewpoints rather than jumping from ledges.
Getting There
Use the linked current source to identify the named destination and authorized approach. Historical directions are retained as an archive, not a current bathing-entry route.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use authorized routes and current notices. A trail, launch, campground or regional source does not authorize every archived water approach.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Follow current freshwater beach notices and park pet restrictions. Shoreline alcohol prohibited; do not jump or dive from ledges. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Bar Harbor Campground
Campground
4.5 (796)
409 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Wooded campground offering tent & RV sites, plus a heated pool, free Wi-Fi & a shuttle stop.
Free Wi-Fi
Park Headquarters
Forestry office
4.7 (13)
20 McFarland Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Restroom
Hadley's Point Campground
Campground
4.5 (707)
33 Hadley Point Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Campground featuring tent & RV sites, plus cabins, a heated pool, a store, bathrooms & games.
Free Wi-Fi
Public parking lot
Parking lot
4.1 (14)
21 Ells Pier, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Public Bathrooms
Public bathroom
3.6 (25)
37 Firefly Ln, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Public Restrooms
Public bathroom
5 (10)
Newport Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Sieur de Monts Nature Center
Visitor center
4.5 (242)
2 Sieur de Monts Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Exhibits on park nature & science in historic Spring House complex, the site of Acadia's origins.
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakewood
Does Acadia recognize swimming at Lake Wood?
Yes. NPS lists Lake Wood as a swimming area, subject to current notices, conditions and park rules.
Are lifeguards available?
No. NPS states that no lifeguards are on duty at Lake Wood.
Is the road open year-round?
NPS says Lake Wood Road does not open until June 1 and closes to motor vehicles at dark. Check current road notices before travel.
Is the swimming visit completely free?
NPS lists no separate activity charge, but park entrance fees may apply. Check current pass requirements.
Is the beach approach accessible?
NPS identifies an approximately 0.1-mile trail with roots and uneven footing and says Lake Wood is not accessible. It also notes no accessible restrooms.
Can I bring pets or alcohol?
Follow the current NPS pet restrictions rather than assuming unrestricted pet swimming. The park compendium prohibits alcohol on the Lake Wood shoreline.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or use rope swings
- Water appearance does not establish depth, current, water quality, underwater hazards or an exit
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect protected sites and local rules; no invented cultural associations.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from permitted viewpoints and respect visitors' privacy. Scenery is not a current water-condition report.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect property boundaries, use authorized routes and carry out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
Approximately 0.1-mile trail with roots and uneven footing; NPS identifies Lake Wood as not accessible.
Fee
No separate swimming activity charge listed; Acadia entrance fees may apply.
Facilities
Named campground or pool services are not facilities at every riverbank.
Activities
NPS-recognized swimming and authorized shore visits; no lifeguards.
Phone
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Book an authorized campground separately; no assumed overnight riverbank access.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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