Quietside Campground & Cabins

- 397 Tremont Rd, Bernard, ME 04612

For Mainers seeking a truly authentic, peaceful, and woodsy escape on Mount Desert Island (MDI), away from the bustling crowds of Bar Harbor, Quietside Campground & Cabins offers a delightful and unique solution. Nestled in the quiet, southern end of MDI in the village of Bernard within Tremont, this is not a large, resort-style RV park. Instead, it is a classic Maine campground that embraces the experience of camping in its simplest form—yet comfortably and with convenient amenities.

Quietside Campground is defined by its intentional focus on privacy, nature, and rustic charm. The park offers a variety of accommodations, from secluded tent sites equipped with wooden platforms to charming, non-plumbed cabins and a few small water/electric RV sites. The ambiance is decidedly nature-based and "green," encouraging guests to enjoy the dark, star-filled skies and the sounds of the coastal Maine wilderness. The overall atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, with an owner and staff consistently praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. This is an ideal destination for those who appreciate a truly wooded, private camping experience where native foliage and local wildlife are your closest neighbors.

Quietside Campground & Cabins is uniquely situated at 397 Tremont Rd, Bernard, ME 04612, USA. This address places it squarely on the sought-after "Quiet Side" of Mount Desert Island—the western half that is less developed and far less congested than the tourist hotspots on the eastern side.

Its location in Bernard, a historic fishing village within the town of Tremont, means guests are immersed in local coastal life. You may even hear the local fishermen heading out for their daily catch in the early morning. While it provides a restful seclusion, it remains incredibly convenient for exploring Acadia National Park’s less-traveled, but equally stunning, areas, such as Echo Lake Beach, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station, and the many trails on the west side mountains.

Access to the campground is straightforward, though local Mainers should be aware of a few logistical points. The park is easily reachable via ME Route 102. However, the internal roads are noted by guests to be "pretty tight" and surrounded by woods, meaning travelers in larger RVs or dually trucks must navigate turns carefully. It is crucial to note that this campground caters primarily to tents and smaller RVs (typically up to 22 feet in length), with very limited capacity for large rigs, making it the perfect spot for pop-ups, vans, and tent campers looking for a true Maine forest setting.

The services at Quietside Campground focus on combining a comfortable stay with a traditional camping experience, ensuring you have what you need without sacrificing the rustic charm.

• Heated Bathhouses: Two full-service bathhouses are available, featuring flush toilets, sinks, and free hot showers, which guests frequently praise for their cleanliness and convenience.
• Laundry Facilities: A dedicated bathroom facility at the front of the property includes on-site laundry facilities, a much-appreciated amenity for longer stays on the island.
• Campsite Supplies: The office sells essential camping items, including ice and firewood, a convenient way to purchase local wood and comply with "don't move firewood" policies.
• Water & Electric Sites: A limited number of sites offer water and 30-amp electric hookups, suitable for vans, pop-ups, and small Class C RVs (up to 22 feet). The campground does not have a dump station on site.
• Reservation System: The campground operates on a friendly, personal, phone-call-based reservation system, which requires a conversation with the staff, ensuring a good fit for the type of camping unit and a customized booking experience.
• Check-in / Check-out: While general hours are provided, the campground offers a convenient way for late arrivals to self check-in via a reservation board on the office porch, allowing guests with a reservation to arrive any time after 1:00 p.m. Check-out is typically before 1:00 p.m.

Quietside Campground's features emphasize its unique accommodations and its immersive natural setting, providing a truly memorable experience.

• Unique Cabin Rentals: The campground is famous for its creative and cozy rental options, which include log-style Camping Cabins (with heat, electricity, and a small fridge/microwave), Rustic Non-Electric Cabins, and the much-loved “Hobbit Huts.” These unique cabins offer a perfect blend of a camping atmosphere with weather protection and a comfortable place to sleep.
• Private Tent Sites with Platforms: All tent sites are highly private, deeply wooded, and feature sturdy wooden platforms (either 12'x12' or 12'x18'). The platforms are a significant benefit, providing a level, dry base for tents—a welcome feature in Maine's often rocky or damp environments.
• Nature-Forward Ambiance: The campground intentionally maintains a quiet, nature-focused atmosphere with dark skies perfect for stargazing and a dense, natural setting that fosters wildlife and bird observation.
• Recreational/Game Room: There is a game room located by the office that offers indoor activities like a pool table and ping pong, providing a great option for entertainment on a rainy day or during the evening.
• Individual Site Amenities: Every site and cabin includes a picnic table and a sturdy fire ring, making it easy to enjoy traditional camp cooking and evening fires.
• Access to the Quiet Side: The property offers superior access to the tranquility of MDI’s western side, including the Bass Harbor Light and the Southwest Harbor area, allowing guests to explore Acadia National Park without dealing with the major traffic congestion found on the eastern side.

For reservations, which must be made by phone, or for general inquiries, please use the following contact details.

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

Phone: (207) 244-0566

Mobile Phone: +1 207-244-0566

Reservations: Accepted by phone only. Calling ahead is highly recommended as the park is seasonal (typically June through Indigenous Peoples' Day) and fills quickly.

As a resident of Maine, you likely appreciate the quiet charm of the state and may seek to avoid the intense tourist density that often comes with visiting MDI and Acadia National Park during peak season. Quietside Campground & Cabins is perfectly suited for the local user precisely because it offers a true taste of Maine's rustic, coastal woods camping experience.

This is where you go when you want to "unplug and relax," as one customer noted. The campground is less about luxury and more about immersion—from the heavenly wooded surroundings to the unique, cozy cabins and private tent platforms that simplify setup in a forested setting. For those with smaller campers, pop-ups, or tents, this facility is a genuine hidden gem. It provides a clean, welcoming, and quiet base that respects the natural environment. By staying on the "Quiet Side," you gain quick access to the serene trails and local charm of Southwest Harbor while supporting a small, friendly, and independently owned Maine business—all of which makes Quietside Campground & Cabins the ideal MDI getaway for local adventurers.

Quietside Campground & Cabins

397 Tremont Rd, Bernard, ME 04612, USA