Camping near Bernard, Maine offers direct access to Mount Desert Island's western shore, known locally as the "Quietside" for its reduced tourist traffic compared to Bar Harbor. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer averages 70-80°F with frequent coastal fog that can roll in quickly. Many campgrounds on this side of the island remain open from May through mid-October, with peak season bringing higher rates and fuller facilities.
What to do
Lighthouse visits: 10-minute walk from Bass Harbor Campground, visitors can reach the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. "It's walking distance to the Bass Harbor Head Light, and that is just beautiful. Rarely is there ample parking at the light, so walking from your site has its advantages," notes one camper who appreciated avoiding the typically full parking lot.
Stargazing: Unobstructed night skies at Seawall Campground provide exceptional celestial viewing. "For stargazers, the short walk across the street to the beach will give you some unbelievable views of the milky way when the night is at peak darkness," shares a visitor who recommends timing your viewing for maximum darkness.
Kayaking: Launch directly from waterfront sites at some locations. A visitor to Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA explains, "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. (If you don't have a waterfront site, there are 2 water access areas that anyone can launch from). The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows."
Marine wildlife watching: During quieter hours you might spot local wildlife. "We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" reports an enthusiastic camper at Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, highlighting the unexpected encounters possible at Bernard-area beaches.
What campers like
Quiet camping options: Less crowded experiences on the west side of Mount Desert Island. "This campground was great. Beautiful view of the water. Highly recommend the waterfront sites. Some of the sites are small but the view makes up for it," shares a visitor to HTR Acadia (formerly Somes Sound View Campground), appreciating the balance of views and space.
Proximity to trails: Easy hiking access without driving to the main park entrance. A Seawall Campground visitor noted, "A short drive to the main part of the park & far enough away so that it's not crowded during busy weekends. Just remember to bring a ton of bug repellent, or opt to go during the months where bugs are less mild."
Budget-friendly glamping options: Several campgrounds offer affordable alternatives to expensive accommodations. "My wife and I rented a 'hobbit' cabin for our anniversary for 3 nights at 50 dollars a night—it was a great deal," shares a visitor to Quietside Campground, appreciating the value while still having access to "clean and maintained great" bathroom facilities.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain good bathhouses. "The bathhouse we went into had one shower for the men and one for the women. The toilet and sinks were combined into one stall with 2 stalls for the men and 2 stalls for the women," noted a September visitor to Quietside Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most glamping structures close by early October. "We stayed in a small cabin and it was perfect for our stay. Weather was a bit cold when we were there (October 2018), but there was a space heater," explains a honeymooner who stayed at Bass Harbor Campground, noting the accommodation still worked despite cooler temperatures.
Island Explorer shuttle limitations: The free shuttle doesn't run until later in the season at some stops. A Bar Harbor Campground visitor noted, "Shuttle doesn't run until late June. Pool is cold in June," which affected their transportation plans early in the season.
Water supply considerations: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. At Four Acre Woods Campground, a visitor experienced issues with water availability, mentioning, "All the things you need are there - firewood, water, bathrooms and showers, and even electricity at the site. Only thing is the sites are small and close together."
Site selection research: Campground layouts vary significantly between locations. "Do your research not all the sites here are created equal," advises a visitor to HTR Acadia, highlighting the importance of understanding site differences before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Family activities: Pool access provides entertainment for children at several locations. A visitor to Hadley's Point Campground shared, "The campground had a heated swimming pool, shuffleboard courts, and a playground specifically for guests. There's nowhere on the island we'd rather go!"
Kid-friendly glamping structures: Several campgrounds offer family-oriented accommodations. "We tent camp, without power, so we are way out back. No car noise, private, a bit of a walk to the showers and bathrooms but the privacy is worth it," notes a Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA visitor traveling with family.
Tent platform advantages: Some campgrounds offer level platforms for tents. "We had a site with a wooden platform that was perfectly level. There was enough tree cover that we didn't get soaked during the rain," shares a visitor at Quietside Campground, appreciating the practical advantages for family camping.
Public beach access: Nearby beaches offer additional recreation. "The day use area is lovely, as is the launch area. The staff at the park were friendly and helpful," notes a camper at Lamoine State Park, appreciating the family-friendly amenities.
Tips from RVers
Water/power hookup locations: Electric sites vary between campgrounds. "Sites at the top are grassier with more sun, and the sites near the water have more shade. Many sites are not flat and require significant leveling if in an RV," warns a visitor to Lamoine State Park, offering practical positioning advice.
Dump station availability: Know where you can empty tanks. "No reservations taken so get there early to get his sites," advises a Bar Harbor Campground visitor, who added, "After 4 days and my tanks were full. I found a full hook with sewer $46 and moved for the next week."
Site sizing limitations: Many Bernard-area campgrounds have tight spaces. "Not all sites full hookup but it's coming next year. Would stay again," notes a Bar Harbor Campground visitor, highlighting ongoing improvements for RV campers while acknowledging current limitations.
