Outdoor lovers visiting Maine often head for Bar Harbor, which is located on Mount Desert Island. Less than 10 miles from Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor hugs the coastline along Frenchman Bay and invites hiking, water sports and whale watching. Cyclists have more than 55 miles of trails to choose from. Visitors to Bar Harbor can find both cabins and cottages for privacy and quiet evenings.
Located inside Acadia National Park, 11 miles from Bar Harbor, Smuggler's Den Campground has a variety of log cabins for rent. Cabins offer either full-size or twin beds and accommodate up to five persons. The cabin contains interior electric lighting and a refrigerator. Electricity, propane and water are included in rental fees. Bedding, linens, cookware and dishes are not included. The site has free hot showers, a dump station and coin laundry. The free Island Explorer Bus service stops at the campground, and a camp store sells ice, soda, groceries, wood, lobsters and liquefied petroleum gas. Inside the National Park, visitors have access to more than 25 miles of hiking trails. There is also a four-acre recreation area in the campground, which has a basketball and volleyball court, horse show pit, badminton, swings and a seesaw area.
Smuggler's Den Campground
20 Main St.
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
(877) 244-9033
smugglersdencampground.com
Less than three miles from Bar Harbor are the Tide Watch Cabins. They are located right along the waterside with a view of Frenchman Bay and are available for weekly and nightly rentals. Each cabin has a queen-size bed, heat and air conditioning. Also included are cable TV, wireless Internet, a kitchenette, breakfast coffee and a gas barbecue grill. Every cabin has a private porch terrace and receives housekeeping services. Those who wish to dine out can walk next door to the Chart Room restaurant. Those who love water sports will find opportunities to explore the area by kayak or canoe. Hikers can walk the beaches, and nature lovers can sign up for whale-watching trips.
Tide Watch Cabins
565 Eden St.
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-4306
tidewatchcabins.com
On the western side of the Island, within Acadia National Park, Acadia Cottages are 15 miles from Bar Harbor. Choose either a studio or a deluxe or suite cottage, depending on size preference. All cottages include king or queen beds, all linens, bath and kitchen towels, and toiletries. The kitchen has a microwave, refrigerator and cook top, as well as a teakettle, coffeemaker and toaster. Cable TV and VCR are included along with wireless Internet service and a phone with free local calls. The cottages have baseboard heating and patio decks. Grills, a coin-operated laundry and bike storage are on-site. The Island Explorer bus comes through the park. Visitors can travel to Echo Lake for fishing or relax on sandy beaches.
Acadia Cottages
410 Main St.
Mount Desert Island
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
(207) 244-5388
acadia-cottages.com
