Park Rules and Regulations

Jack Byrley, NPS Photo

Key Regulations for Park Visitors to Know

Park rangers enforce a number of federal regulations in the park, including the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36 (36 CFR), and the United States Code, Titles 16, 18, and 21.

Within 36 CFR, park superintendents are granted the right to make park-specific regulations to maintain public health and safety, protect environmental or scenic values, protect natural and cultural resources, aid in scientific research, provide for equitable use of facilities, and avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

These park-specific regulations are found in the Superintendent's Compendium

Included below is a partial list of park regulations:

 

Accidents

Accidents must be reported to park rangers if property damage or personal injury are involved.

Alcohol Use/Possession

The following areas are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:

• All public buildlings and facilities, excluding the area served by the Jordan Pond House Restaurant and staff housing
• Parking lots and pull-outs
• Sand Beach
• Echo Lake Beach
• Lake Wood shoreline
• Along the shoreline within 0.25 mile (0.4 km) of the cliff and swimming area known as "Tyson Camp," "Ranger Camp," or "the Cliffs", located on the southeast end of Long Pond.

It is illegal to be in the park when under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. The possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor (less than 21 years old) is prohibited.

ATVs/Motorbikes

All motorized vehicles are prohibited on park trails and carriage roads. All-terrain vehicles are not allowed anywhere in the park.

Camping

Camping is permitted only in designated campsites at Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor (Isle au Haut) Campgrounds. For more information, visit the camping page.

Drones

Launching, landing, and operation of unmanned aircraft, or drones, is prohibited in Acadia National Park. Learn more about drones in parks.

Feeding Wildlife

Feeding wildlife is prohibited. This includes gulls and any roadside begging animals. All stored foods must be in a hard-sided locker or vehicle, or kept in such a manner as to be inaccessible to foraging animals.

Fires/Firewood

Contained charcoal and wood fires are allowed only in campgrounds and designated picnic areas in park-provided receptacles or private grills.

Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park, provided that wood is not collected from within the campgrounds (except from park-provided wood piles) and chainsaws are not used to gather wood.

Firearms in National Parks

The law governing possession of firearms inside a national park changed on February 22, 2010. Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided they comply with federal, state, and local laws. The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting.

For information about Maine guns laws that affect Acadia National Park see the following statute.

Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.

Fireworks

The possession or use of fireworks or firecrackers is prohibited.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in accordance with State of Maine laws. For more information, see Fishing.

Horses

The use of horses and other pack animals is permitted on the certain trails, routes, and roads in the park. For more information, see Horseback Riding.

Hunting

Hunting and trapping are prohibited.

In-Line Skating

Roller skates, rollerblades, roller skis, skateboards, and any other coasting devices are permitted on roads closed to automobiles.

Island Closures

A number of islands in the park are closed at certain times of the year to protect nesting bird species. For more information, see Boating.

Marijuana

Use and possession of marijuana within Acadia National Park is prohibited by federal law

Mushrooms

The taking of mushrooms is prohibited. A mushroom is not a fruit, like a blueberry. It is a fruiting body -- the body that produces fruits, i.e. spores. For recreational harvest of mushrooms to be permitted, superintendents must be able to prove that such harvesting has no adverse ecological effect. Too little is presently known about mushroom ecology and the effects of harvest to permit such a determination. In fact, what is known suggests that the potential exists for harvest to have significant detrimental effects on mushrooms and their role in the ecosystem.

Parking

Parking is limited to specific areas in the park.

Pets

Pets must be leashed (six feet or less) or otherwise physically restrained at all times. For more information, see Pets.

Permits

Permits are required for activities such as scientific research and collecting, commercial photography/filming, commercial tours and activities, etc. Please see the Superintendent's Compendium for a complete list of activities and events that require a permit.

Public Property/Natural and Cultural Features

The possession, injury, destruction, removal, or disturbance of park property or natural resources, including animals, plants, minerals, cultural, and archaeological objects is prohibited. This includes collecting rocks, cobbles, plants, marine organisms, other natural materials, and historic objects and artifacts.

RVs/Load, Weight, and Size Limits

RVs are permitted in the park, but some areas are not accessible due to low bridge heights or limited turnaround space. For more information, see Vehicle Restrictions.

Seat Belts

Federal law requires that seat belts are worn when driving or riding as a passenger in a national park.

Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles are permitted in certain areas of the park. See Winter Activities.

 

 

Photo © Mariah Reading. Used with permission.

No Drone Zone

Mariah Reading, an eco-artist and artist-in-residence at Acadia in 2020, shares her work, "No Drone Zone," from a spot along the Beehive Trail. The Maine Island Trails Association pulled the drone out of the Atlantic right off the coast during a summer ocean cleanup. Reading (@mariahreading) is collaborating with the group for an art show at the end of March 2023. Launching, landing, and operation of unmanned aircraft, or drones, is prohibited in Acadia National Park. Learn more about drone regulations.