Roadtrip with RVshare Providence to Acadia National Park

It is no wonder that John D. Rockefeller laid out carriage roads to take advantage of Acadia National Park's immense beauty. Before you get there, however, you will want to explore many other sites on a road trip from Providence to Acadia National Park, including helping to recreate the Boston Tea Party. The Atlantic seacoast has many spots that you will want to see. 

Nearby National Parks

Acadia National Park  

Biking along the carriage roads at Acadia National Park is a favorite activity of many visitors, especially during the fall when the leaves turn colors. Much of this park is on an island, so use Island Explorer Bicycle Express to ferry your bike to those locations. This park, containing the highest point along the Atlantic seacoast, offers more than 150 miles of hiking trails. You can choose between boardwalk hikes through forests, coastal hikes along the Atlantic, or hikes to the mountain's summit. Some paths even allow you to do all three. Mt. Desert Narrows' mudflats are a great place to go birdwatching for migratory shorebirds from August to September. If you love nature photography, bring along your long-distance lens and head to Otter Point to capture stunning images of shorebirds. The carriage roads are also a great place to watch for songbirds, including the 20 species of warblers that live in this park. Precipice, South Bubble, and Great Head are all favorite spots for mountain climbing. The dark skies at this national park make it the perfect place for stargazing. 

Nearby State Parks

Beavertail State Park  

You will not want to bypass the chance to visit Beavertail State Park near Jamestown, Rhode Island, on your trip from providence to Acadia National Park RV. While you will have to go south from Providence about 31 miles to visit this location, you will not want to miss touring the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum and the lighthouse, the third oldest in America. Stroll along the cliffs on dirt trails to enjoy stunningly beautiful views of the ocean. This park is a fantastic place to go saltwater fishing. Check with the park rangers to see what naturalist programs rangers have planned during your visit. 

Lincoln Woods State Park  

Grab your trout fishing gear and head to Lincoln Woods State Park near Lincoln, Rhode Island. This location is a great place to play on the beach at the lake. If you get hungry, grab a snack from the concession stand and head to one of the secluded picnic areas surrounded by tall trees to enjoy it while birdwatching. Take a class at the REI kayaking school before enjoying time on the quiet lake. Enjoy a mountain bike ride on the trails in the eastern part of this park. 

Hampton Beach State Park  

Stop at Hampton Beach State Park near Hampton, New Hampshire, on your road trip from Providence to Acadia National Park. This park offers a sandy beach outlined with large rocks that is a stunning backdrop for photos and is a peaceful spot for a picnic. Go a short distance away on the other side of the rocks, and you will find terrific saltwater fishing. Hike along the trails to see beautiful views of the ocean. 

Mackworth Island State Park  

Hike along the 1.5-mile trail at Mackworth Island State Park near Falmouth, Maine, to soak in Casco Bay and Portland's views. If you love taking photos of ships and ferries, be sure to bring your camera along as you are sure to find amazing shots along the rocky shoreline. There are plenty of opportunities to go fishing in the bay. This state park is home to the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf, so be sure to avoid areas where school activities are taking place. 

Damariscotta Lake State Park  

Mark Jefferson, Maine, on your road trip itinerary from Providence to Acadia National Park, so that you can visit Damariscotta Lake State Park. The lake is a fantastic spot to go for a swim. You can launch a canoe or kayak nearby to explore this park from the water. If your trip occurs in the spring, this lake is a terrific place to go fishing for herring. Grill a meal at the picnic shelters or bring a picnic lunch with you to enjoy by the water.

Along the Way

Old Sturbridge Village  

Before you get to Worchester, Massachusetts, head to the southwest about 22 miles to Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. This outdoor living history museum houses 40 historic buildings moved to the site from throughout New England, including a cider mill, general store, printing office, and bank. Interact with costumed actors throughout the park who will be glad to share their knowledge with you. You will love seeing the chicken, sheep, pigs, oxen, and cows similar to those raised on 19th-century farms. 

Norman Rockwell Museum  

See the world's largest collection of Norman Rockwell artwork at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. To get there, continue beyond the Old Sturbridge Village for about 77 miles on your road trip from Providence to Acadia National Park. The museum houses 998 original paintings and drawings. Tour the studio that was moved to the site from nearby where Rockwell worked for the last 25 years of his life. 

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum  

Pretend that you are a person living in America during the 18th century by stopping at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Participate in a vote to start the American Revolution. Then, storm aboard one of the three replica vessels to throw tea into the harbor, just like the early settlers did in 1773. Understand more about the events by watching the show in the 3-D theater and another in the Minuteman Theater, showcasing what happened within a short time following the revolution. Finish your visit with a cup of tea in the tearoom. 

Peabody Essex Museum  

Stop in Salem, Massachusetts, to visit the Peabody Essex Museum, the oldest museum in the U.S. The museum contains many art collections worldwide, including one of the largest collections of Asian art in America. Their photography collection containing more than 650,000 objects is the largest in the world. There are also 24 historic buildings at this museum. 

The Butterfly Place  

Stop and watch the butterflies at The Butterfly Place in Westford, Massachusetts. This indoor preserve has lots of places to sit and watch butterflies from around the world fly. Do not be surprised when one decides to land on you.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Boston, Massachusetts  

Boston is an iconic city with more than 50 museums to explore and many other activities to enjoy. You can find terrific campgrounds in Boston to stay at while exploring this city, including the gated Atlantic Oaks RV Resort and the Boston / Cape Cod KOA Holiday, located very close to downtown Boston. There are also many convenient Boston RV dump stations, including M&L Boston Fuel & Wash and Hanscom AFB FamCamp. 

Portland, Maine  

Get fresh lobsters at many restaurants and explore the local art scene. Many campgrounds near Portland offer ocean views, including Stadig Campground, Shady Pines Campground, and Bayley's Camping Resort. RV dump stations in Portland are available at Ne're Beach Family Campground, Wassamki Springs Campground, and Wild Duck Adult Campground. 

Bangor, Maine  

If you love history, then you will want to stroll through downtown Bangor. Once the lumber capital in the U.S., Bangor features a giant Paul Bunyan statue that you have to see to believe. There are plenty of Bangor campgrounds, like Shady Acres RV Park, Balsam Cove Campground, and Pleasant Hill Campground, that have large trees near their sites. RV dump stations in Bangor are not hard to find. Consider using the ones at Pushaw Lake Campground, Dysart's Citgo, or Brewer Car Wash and Gas Station before continuing on your road trip from Portland to Acadia National Park. 

Find Adventure from Providence to Acadia National Park

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Providence to Acadia National Park, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Providence or Acadia National Park.