Cabins near Isle au Haut, Maine offer overnight options primarily on Mount Desert Island, located across Penobscot Bay from Isle au Haut itself. The island's geographic isolation requires a boat crossing, with most visitors using the mail boat service that departs from Stonington. Winter accommodations are limited with most cabin rentals closing after mid-October when temperatures regularly drop below freezing at night.
What to do
Hiking to views: At Seawall Campground, trails provide direct access to Acadia's scenic viewpoints. "With coastal hikes so close, sunrise hikes and exploring the tide pools were outstanding!" reports Steve M. The campground serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby Ship Harbor Trail.
Kayaking from sites: HTR Acadia provides waterfront cabin and tent platforms with ocean access. "We stayed at two different sites during my 6 nights due to my first one being reserved after my fourth night. Both sites were very nice," writes Sam L., who appreciated the oceanfront location for water activities.
Stargazing opportunities: Several cabins offer exceptional night sky 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," notes Kyle R. from Seawall Campground. Stargazing is best from late August through October when skies clear and humidity drops.
What campers like
Cedar showers: Megunticook by the Sea Campground features distinctive bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms were super clean and the showers are of similar construction to a sauna and it feels like a hot shower outdoors," according to Rafi K. These cedar-lined shower facilities remain open throughout the camping season.
Lobster dinners: Several campgrounds arrange weekly seafood events. "The owners host a Lobster bake on Saturdays and it was so good," reports Mona S. about Megunticook by the Sea. Fresh lobster is typically available from June through September when water temperatures are optimal.
Free shuttle access: Hadley's Point Campground connects to Acadia's transportation system. "The campground is on the Island Explorer bus loop, which is the bus that takes you all around Mount Desert Island, to Acadia, and Bar Harbor. We used the bus almost every day," shares Jenna L. The shuttle runs from late June through mid-October.
What you should know
Seasonal timing: Most cabin rentals operate on limited schedules. According to Maryanne S. who stayed at Megunticook, "The location of this campground is outstanding. Conveniently situated between Camden and Rockport off of Route One, the views of the Penobscot Bay are drop dead gorgeous." Most coastal campgrounds with cabins close by mid-October.
Island isolation: Saddleback Island offers rustic cabin options with minimal amenities. "The camping spot is simple and similar to most backcountry sites: a flat space to pitch your small tent, no toilet, no drinking water, no picnic table, and no reservations possible," explains Shari G. Access requires boat transportation and advance planning.
Diverse cabin styles: Budget-friendly cabin options range from basic to furnished. "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 Micah B. about Quietside Campground's distinctive small cabins that feature electricity but minimal amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and pools: Smuggler's Den Campground includes family-friendly amenities. "They have everything, from rustic tent sites with mountain views, to a full hookup section that looks like a small-scale KOA. Camp store was well-stocked, playground and pool looked brand new," reports Jen V. Children's activities typically operate from late June through Labor Day.
Private cabin spacing: Family cabins offer varying degrees of privacy. "The tent sites are very private. We felt safe and secure. It's quiet and the staff was very friendly," notes Melissa N. about Smuggler's Den Campground. Cabin sites with greater separation are typically found on the campground perimeters.
Access to attractions: Several cabin locations provide convenient routes to beaches. "We vacationed here for my birthday. We had full hookups with free WiFi and cable. The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide," writes Kasey M. about Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV sites with cabins nearby allow for group camping. "Although the tent sites were large, the RV sites felt a little snug," reports Erin S. who stayed at Smuggler's Den Campground with both RV and tent campers. Reservation staff can help coordinate nearby sites for mixed camping groups.
Water and utility challenges: RV travelers should note water quality varies by location. "There is definitely an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," mentions Lynette L. about Mt. Desert Narrows. Most cabin campers bring drinking water even when sites have water hookups.
Campground navigation: Large RVs require careful maneuvering in some locations. "We incurred damage to our vehicle relying on the eyes/directions of an employee. The sites are very close together, some are shaded, some not," warns Kristine B. about Hadley's Point. RV-friendly cabins typically include parking pads designed for larger vehicles.
