My son and I are returning for our third consecutive vistit to the quietside campground. Previously, we had only stayed at the Seawall Campground run by the National Park Service. Most likely, we will not be returning to Seawall due to increasing costs (daily fee + park entrance fee) and the lack of ammenities. We also had some problems with noise from late night party folks which is unlikely to occur in a private campground. The staff at Quietside is fantastic - always looking for ways to make your stay as accomodating as possible. The bane of camping (rain) is eased considerably by the availability of a recreational cabin - complete with small library, pool table, games, food, and on those cold rainy maine days - a warm fire. The cabin itself is timber framed and a work of art - it is a great place to curl up on the couch with a good book. Small outside sheds house everything from firewood to antiques to books (all for sale at reasonable $) The baths are cleaned daily and free for seasonal residents (seawall has none - as you must travel off site for private $howers) All in all, if you enjoy camping and/or are on a budget that doesn't allow for expensive beds, this is an excellent alternative.

Finding affordable lodging on MDI can be a fruitless pursuit if you aren't careful. We went down for to pitch a tent at QUIETSIDE CAMPGROUND and it ended up pouring, I mean outright wet everything for 2 days. And you know what, we stayed!

The owner was FABULOUS! She showed us the clothes dryer and gave us a cabin to sleep in. She charges $40-$55per night depending on the season (can't beat that!). The cabins sleep anywhere from 3 to 5 people I think. They are CLEAN, spotless clean. The beds were super comfortable. Each cabin looks a little different and are positioned as you can have as much privacy as you want/require or mix and mingle with the other guests.

They come quipped with either a gas grill or charcoal (make your choice at check in.), a firepit, picnic table, books, fans or heaters depending on the season. Most have a front porch with chairs (perfectly relaxing). The bathrooms are clean and conveinient (and I'm super neurotic about bathrooms!)

I only live an hour away but I'll stay there again and again. We went down to do some running along the carriage trails and hiking and exploring the island. All was accomplished.

This place is in the Bass Harbor area, past SW Harbor. But if you're familiar with MDI, nothing is much of a drive. We explored this side of the very NON Tourist area with abandoned on the rainey days and it was like 5-10 minutes to SW? Although the island explorer can pick you up and drop you off hourly.

If you want to stay intown BarHarbor with all the cars, action and, well, everyone else then this is not the place for you. This is a perfect, quiet place to sleep and base camp for exploring MDI. Plus it has to be the most affordable place ANYWHERE! It may cost less, but it's definatley better than those run down cabins along Rt3. You won't be disappointed.