Quietside Campground & Cabins

quietside campground maine, quietside campground & cabins

Greetings, fellow Mainers! If the allure of Acadia National Park calls to you, but you also crave a more serene and less crowded experience, then Quietside Campground & Cabins in Bernard, Maine, might just be your perfect destination. Tucked away on the aptly named "quiet side" of Mount Desert Island, this charming retreat offers a genuine sense of peace and connection to nature, whether you prefer pitching a tent under the stars or cozying up in a rustic cabin.

For those of us who live here, we appreciate the beauty of our coastline and the incredible outdoor opportunities our state provides. Quietside Campground & Cabins embodies the spirit of a true Maine getaway – unpretentious, friendly, and deeply immersed in the natural environment. It's a place where you can unwind, listen to the sounds of the woods, and still have convenient access to all the wonders of Mount Desert Island. This article will provide you with a comprehensive look at what makes Quietside Campground & Cabins a standout choice for local residents seeking a relaxing and authentic Maine camping experience.

Quietside Campground & Cabins is conveniently located at 397 Tremont Rd, Bernard, ME 04612, USA. This address places it squarely on the southwestern portion of Mount Desert Island, which is widely known as the "quiet side." For Mainers driving in, the route involves navigating to the island and then heading towards the less bustling towns of Bernard and Tremont, away from the more frequented areas of Bar Harbor.

While the campground offers a peaceful retreat, its accessibility remains excellent. The roads leading to it are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth journey for all types of vehicles, from cars with tent trailers to those pulling small RVs. Although it's a bit of a drive to the main features of Acadia National Park, such as Cadillac Mountain or Jordan Pond (approximately 30-40 minutes), this distance is precisely what contributes to its "quietside" charm. It means less traffic, more tranquility, and a different pace of exploration for your Acadia adventures. For those who enjoy exploring beyond the primary tourist hubs, the location offers easy access to charming local villages like Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor, with their working harbors, local eateries, and unique coastal character.

Within the campground itself, accessibility to sites and facilities is generally good, with pathways and roads designed for convenience. Some tent sites are described as "walk-in" for increased seclusion, which might involve a short stroll from parking, but this contributes to their private, natural feel. The combination of easy road access and a serene island location makes Quietside Campground & Cabins an ideal choice for Maine residents looking for a tranquil escape without venturing too far off the beaten path.

Quietside Campground & Cabins offers a variety of accommodations and essential services designed to provide a comfortable yet authentic camping experience. The focus here is on simplicity and natural immersion, with thoughtful amenities to enhance your stay.

• Tent Sites with Platforms: A significant feature, most tent sites come with a 12' x 12' (or larger) wooden tent platform. This is particularly beneficial for keeping tents dry during rain and providing a clean, level surface for setup. Some tent sites are "walk-in" for more seclusion, nestled in wooded areas.
• Log Camping Cabins: These one-room cabins sleep four (queen bed and bunk bed) and are located in a wooded area. They are equipped with heat, electricity, a small refrigerator, and a charcoal grill, offering a more comfortable, yet still rustic, camping experience without plumbing inside the cabin.
• Rustic Cabins (Non-Electric): Designed for a more rugged experience, these cabins also sleep four (queen loft, queen bed) but do not have heat, electricity, or plumbing. They include a propane lantern, gas grill, and a screened-in porch, ideal for those seeking a true disconnect.
• Two-Story Camping Cabin: A larger option that sleeps four (queen and two twin beds upstairs). This cabin has heat, electricity, microwave, small refrigerator, electric cooktop, and charcoal grill, with the bathhouse nearby.
• Hobbit Huts: Cozy, unique cabins that sleep two on a queen mattress, featuring a solar portable power station, charcoal grill, picnic table, and fire ring.
• Water & Electric Sites: Available for pop-ups or small RVs (up to 28 feet), offering 30-amp service, water, and often located near the campground road.
• Full-Service Bathhouses: There are two heated bathhouses on-site, providing clean flushing toilets, sinks, and free hot showers. A coin-operated washer and dryer are available at the lower bathhouse. Porta-potties are also strategically placed for convenience, particularly in loops undergoing renovation or further from the main bathhouses.
• Camp Store: A small store on the property offers information, firewood, ice, maps, snacks, and other essential camp supplies. Coffee is available for a small fee during peak season morning hours.
• Potable Water: Water spigots are located at various points throughout the campground for easy access.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: All sites, whether tent or cabin, are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a permanent grate.

Quietside Campground & Cabins boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Mainers seeking a tranquil and authentic outdoor experience on Mount Desert Island. These elements contribute to its unique appeal and ensure a memorable stay:

• Genuine "Quiet Side" Experience: As its name suggests, the campground delivers on its promise of tranquility. Guests frequently note the peaceful atmosphere, with minimal noise and a sense of seclusion. This is a significant draw for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more populated areas.
• Variety of Accommodations: Unlike many traditional campgrounds, Quietside offers diverse options beyond just tent sites. The availability of log cabins, rustic cabins, and even unique Hobbit Huts provides flexibility for different camping styles and comfort preferences, from hardcore campers to those new to the outdoors.
• Tent Platforms: A major advantage for tent campers, the elevated wooden platforms on most tent sites help keep gear dry during rain and provide a clean, level surface, greatly enhancing comfort, especially during Maine's unpredictable weather.
• Clean and Accessible Bathhouses: Despite being a campground, the bathhouses are consistently praised for their cleanliness and the availability of free hot showers. The thoughtful placement of porta-potties near sites is an added convenience, especially during late-night needs or when main facilities are a bit further.
• Immersive Natural Setting: The campground is intentionally designed to blend with its wooded surroundings. Guests appreciate being immersed in nature, hearing the sounds of birds, and enjoying well-shaded sites, offering a true "breath of fresh Maine air." The property has even been reducing site numbers to enhance privacy.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Reviews highlight the friendly and helpful nature of the staff and host, Susan, who is available daily to assist guests. This personal touch contributes significantly to a welcoming and problem-free stay.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground welcomes quiet dogs, allowing Mainers to bring their furry companions along on their island adventures, provided they are kept on leash and owners clean up after them.
• Community Atmosphere (Without Being Crowded): While quiet, the campground fosters a subtle sense of community, allowing guests to enjoy nature respectfully while still having the benefit of on-site support and shared amenities.

When considering a stay at Quietside Campground & Cabins, it's helpful for Mainers to understand their pricing structure and any potential offers. As a smaller, family-run operation, their promotions might differ from larger chain campgrounds. Their focus is on providing fair, transparent rates for their unique experience.

• Seasonal Rates: Quietside Campground & Cabins operates with "In Season" rates (typically June through Labor Day) and "Off Season" rates (after Labor Day through Indigenous Peoples' Day), with slightly reduced prices in the off-season.
• Minimum Stay Requirements: Certain popular weekends, such as the 4th of July, Labor Day weekend, and Indigenous Peoples' weekend, require a non-refundable 3-night minimum reservation. Some cabins may also have a 2-night minimum stay.
• Rates Based on Occupancy: Rates are based on 2 adults and 2 children (under 18), with additional fees for extra adults. It's important to note that sites and cabins are typically rented to one group (e.g., one family or one couple), and multiple families or couples would need separate sites.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and specific booking policies, it is always best to contact Quietside Campground & Cabins directly by phone. They emphasize personalized service and do not currently offer online booking.

To plan your peaceful escape to Quietside Campground & Cabins or to inquire about availability, you can reach them using the following contact information:

Address: 397 Tremont Rd, Bernard, ME 04612, USA

Phone: (207) 244-0566

Mobile Phone: +1 207-244-0566

They handle reservations exclusively by phone, and it's recommended to call during their office hours. If you get their answering machine, leave a message, and they will return your call to assist with your booking or answer any questions you might have about their sites and cabins.

For us Mainers, Quietside Campground & Cabins offers an appealing blend of accessibility to Acadia National Park with the sought-after tranquility of the "quiet side" of Mount Desert Island. It's particularly suitable for locals because it understands and delivers on the authentic Maine camping experience, focusing on peace, nature, and practical comforts rather than elaborate amenities.

We appreciate a good value, and the option of reasonably priced cabins, as highlighted in reviews, makes it an attractive choice for those looking for more comfort than a tent without the cost of a hotel. The inclusion of tent platforms is a thoughtful touch that many seasoned Maine campers will value, especially given our sometimes-rainy weather, ensuring a drier and more comfortable night's sleep. The overall quiet atmosphere, where you "barely saw anyone" and "usually had the bathrooms to ourselves" (as one review noted for a June stay), is a significant draw for those looking to genuinely disconnect from the daily grind.

While it requires a short drive to the main Acadia attractions, this is often seen as a benefit by locals who prefer to avoid the peak season crowds. It encourages exploration of the quieter trails, charming local villages like Bernard and Southwest Harbor, and the authentic working harbors. The consistent praise for the cleanliness of the facilities and the friendly, helpful staff ensures a welcoming and well-managed stay. Quietside Campground & Cabins truly embodies the spirit of a Maine getaway – rustic, comfortable, and perfectly positioned for enjoying the natural beauty of Mount Desert Island without the constant buzz, making it an ideal choice for us residents seeking a serene escape.

Quietside Campground & Cabins

397 Tremont Rd, Bernard, ME 04612, USA