MainStay Cottages & RV Park

- 66 Sargent St, Winter Harbor, ME 04693

For Mainers seeking the quintessential coastal camping experience without the relentless crowds of Mount Desert Island, MainStay Cottages & RV Park in Winter Harbor, Maine, offers a distinguished alternative. Situated on the stunning Schoodic Peninsula, often referred to as the "quiet side" of Acadia National Park, MainStay is more than just a place to park your recreational vehicle—it is a true Downeast Maine retreat. This unique destination caters to both RV enthusiasts and those preferring a traditional cottage stay, providing a perfect balance of rustic charm and modern convenience.

MainStay is a small, intimate park, renowned for its spectacular waterfront location overlooking Henry Cove. Its compact size—typically featuring only about 10 dedicated RV sites—fosters a peaceful, community atmosphere where guests can truly unwind and connect with nature. Unlike larger, bustling commercial campgrounds, MainStay provides a tranquil escape where the predominant sounds are the gentle rhythms of the ocean and the cooling sea breezes. Run by friendly, hands-on hosts, the park embodies genuine Maine hospitality, offering not only a well-maintained property but also valuable local insights to enhance your visit to the Schoodic region and Acadia National Park. For local users, this park represents a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of Acadia while maintaining a sense of serene seclusion.

MainStay Cottages & RV Park is perfectly positioned at 66 Sargent St, Winter Harbor, ME 04693, USA. This location places the park directly on the water's edge, offering guests spectacular, direct views of Henry Cove and, on a clear day, views across the water toward Cadillac Mountain on Mount Desert Island.

The accessibility of MainStay is a major highlight for travelers. Winter Harbor is a traditional, working fishing village, and the park’s location is just a short, easy walk from the town’s amenities, including a bank, grocery store, local shops, and restaurants. For those planning to explore the vastness of Acadia National Park, the location is unbeatable. The entrance to the Schoodic section of Acadia—a less congested area known for its rugged coastline, wooded hiking, and excellent biking trails—is just a few minutes’ drive away, or easily accessible by bike.

Furthermore, a key logistical advantage is the proximity to the ferry pier. The passenger ferry that connects Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island (the main part of Acadia) is located on or immediately adjacent to the property. This means guests can leave their vehicles at the RV park, avoid the notorious traffic and parking nightmares of Bar Harbor, and enjoy a scenic ferry ride right into the heart of the activity. This combination of seclusion, walking-distance amenities, and direct access to Acadia via ferry makes MainStay a highly practical and desirable base for exploring Downeast Maine.

MainStay Cottages & RV Park specializes in providing comprehensive, full-service accommodations tailored to self-contained RVs, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay for travelers in the Maine region. The focus is on providing high-quality utility services and a relaxed environment.

• Full RV Hookups: All RV sites are equipped with complete utility connections, including water, sewer, and electric hookups (offering 20, 30, and 50 amp service) for seamless operation of your vehicle’s systems.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: High-speed internet access is provided, a necessary amenity for planning local excursions, staying in touch, or even a working vacation.
• Personalized Site Furnishings: Each RV site is thoughtfully furnished with a picnic table and chairs, offering a comfortable outdoor dining and relaxation space right outside your door.
• Community Fire Circle: A central fire circle is maintained for all guests, creating a social hub for mingling, sharing stories, and enjoying the classic Maine tradition of an evening campfire under the stars.
• Laundry Facilities: The park offers a small, convenient laundry area, which is essential for longer stays and helping guests keep up with their needs while on the road.
• Direct Ferry Access: While not a service of the park itself, the location provides immediate, walking-distance access to the passenger ferry to Bar Harbor, functioning as an invaluable travel service for guests.
• Free Local Shuttle/Bus Access: The complimentary Island Explorer bus service, which runs throughout the Schoodic Peninsula and into Acadia, can be accessed right outside the park, offering free, eco-friendly transportation to local trails and scenic points.

What truly sets MainStay Cottages & RV Park apart and makes it a standout choice for local Mainers and regional visitors are its distinct highlights, blending natural beauty with unparalleled convenience.

• Oceanfront Views and Tranquility: The park’s prime, elevated position on Henry Cove delivers stunning, unimpeded water views from every RV site. Guests consistently highlight the "total silence" at night, broken only by the "soft sound of the ocean," offering a true retreat for the soul.
• The Schoodic Advantage: Being situated on the Schoodic Peninsula provides a vastly different, more peaceful experience of Acadia National Park. Locals appreciate the ability to enjoy Acadia’s famous landscapes, hiking, and carriage roads without the high-season traffic of the Mount Desert Island area.
• Personalized Local Hospitality: Owners Roger and Pearl are frequently praised in reviews for their "awesome" and "friendly" hosting, their willingness to accommodate requests (like extending a stay), and their knowledge of the area, making guests feel like family.
• Cottage Accommodations Available: The combined RV park and cottage model provides flexibility. Guests traveling with non-RV companions or those seeking a mixed experience can utilize the charming, well-equipped cottages that also overlook the cove.
• Immediate Town Access: The ability to walk to the Winter Harbor village center means guests are not tethered to their vehicles for basic necessities or a pleasant night out at a local seafood restaurant.

For reservations, seasonal availability, and detailed information about the RV sites or cottages at MainStay, please reach out to the proprietors, Roger and Pearl Barto, using the information below. Advance booking is highly recommended due to the limited number of RV sites and cottages.

Address: 66 Sargent St, Winter Harbor, ME 04693, USA

Phone: (207) 963-2601

Mobile Phone: +1 207-963-2601

MainStay Cottages & RV Park is an ideal destination for Maine residents looking for a superior and accessible coastal vacation or a weekend getaway. It directly addresses the desire of locals to enjoy the natural wonder of Acadia National Park without the high-stress, overcrowded environment of Bar Harbor. The park’s location on the Schoodic Peninsula is often considered a hidden gem—it is the "Acadian experience" as it used to be: quieter, more natural, and deeply relaxing.

Local users will appreciate the high quality of the RV sites, which offer reliable full hookups and thoughtful amenities like tables and chairs, demonstrating the owners' commitment to a positive guest experience. The friendly, Maine-based ownership further enhances its suitability, ensuring a warm welcome and a commitment to local values. Most critically, the ability to walk to the Bar Harbor ferry and catch the free bus into the Schoodic section of Acadia provides unparalleled logistical convenience, allowing local Mainers to maximize their vacation time enjoying the scenery rather than sitting in traffic or searching for expensive parking. For an authentic, beautiful, and convenient Downeast coastal experience, MainStay Cottages & RV Park is the perfect, peace-filled spot to make your bi-annual tradition.

MainStay Cottages & RV Park

66 Sargent St, Winter Harbor, ME 04693, USA