Seawall Campground facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Seawall Campground
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Checking Station (1941)
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Southwest Harbor, Maine |
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| Area | 120 acres (49 ha) |
| Built | 1935 |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps; et.al. |
| Architectural style | Historic Campground |
| MPS | Acadia National Park MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 07000613 |
| Added to NRHP | June 29, 2007 |
Seawall Campground is a popular place to camp inside Acadia National Park. It is located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. This campground offers different types of campsites. You can find "drive-up" spots for RVs and trailers. There are also "walk-in" sites just for tents. The campground is usually open from late May until October.
A big part of Seawall Campground was built a long time ago. It was constructed between 1936 and 1942. The work was done by groups called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Because of its history, this section of the campground is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can find Seawall Campground in the small village of Seawall. This village is part of Southwest Harbor and is right on Maine State Route 102A.
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About Seawall Campground
Seawall Campground covers about 120 acres of land. It is located near the southern tip of Mount Desert Island. This part of Acadia National Park is separate from the main section of the park. The campground is on the north side of Route 102A. This road is the main loop that goes around the coast.
When you enter the campground, a road leads to the check-in station. Beyond that, there are four loops of campsites. The campground also has other helpful facilities for visitors. These include comfort stations with toilets and hot showers. There is also an amphitheater where events might take place. Park staff also have housing and other buildings here.
How the Campground Was Built
Acadia National Park was first created in 1916. It was called a National Monument back then. Later, in 1919, it became a full national park. It was the first national park in the United States located east of the Mississippi River.
In 1927, park planners thought about adding campgrounds. However, there wasn't enough money at first. Funding became available in the 1930s. This was when the government started programs to create jobs. In 1935, the spot for Seawall Campground was chosen. Construction began in 1936.
The Civilian Conservation Corps
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) crews built the campground. These crews were funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Both the CCC and WPA were government programs. They helped people find jobs during the Great Depression.
The first parts built were Loops A and B. Workers used a special style called "Rustic design." This style made the buildings look natural and fit into the park. Loops A and B were mostly finished by late 1937. Only the comfort station in Loop B was completed later.
Work continued on Loop C and the check-in station. However, progress slowed down when the United States entered World War II. These parts were not fully finished until 1942.
Later Additions
Loop D was built later, in the 1950s. This loop has campsites where you walk in with your tent. The amphitheater was also built during this time. These additions were part of a plan called "Mission 66." This plan helped the park service add more facilities. They wanted to be ready for the park's 50th anniversary in 1966.
