Moose Lodge

The road to Bar Harbor is lined with lodging options, but most force you to choose between proximity and space. Moose Lodge flips that trade-off: three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a real kitchen, and enough square footage for five adults to spread out - all within a 15-minute drive of Acadia National Park's main entrance. Guests are staying here as families and friend groups, not passing through in a standard hotel room. The lake views, the back deck, the freedom to cook your own meals: these details matter when you're anchoring a week around hiking and exploring.

The 9.2-out-of-10 rating comes from five reviews spanning multiple seasons. Families and groups rate it highest; there's real substance here, though one caveat worth surfacing early: the property sits on Bar Harbor Road, a fairly busy corridor. That's the price of convenience - you're six miles from downtown and three and a half from the Acadia Visitor Center, which means easy drive times but also road noise. For groups who plan to spend their days outdoors and return to a base for dinners and rest, this trade works cleanly.

Space to spread out without leaving Bar Harbor. A three-bedroom, two-bath layout on Bar Harbor Road gives you what small hotel rooms never will: a living room to gather in, a kitchen to prep meals, and enough beds that nobody's sleeping on a sofa. Guests traveling as families or friend groups consistently note the comfort of the layout and the well-equipped kitchen - dishwasher, stovetop, oven, full fridge - which pays dividends if you're doing a longer stay or want to eat some meals in-house.

A responsive owner and genuinely clean property. Multiple reviews mention the property manager being quick to answer questions and the home arriving in ready-to-use condition, stocked with cleaning products, extra towels, and kitchen supplies. That attention shows up in the details: free toiletries, fresh linens, a bathtub, a hairdryer. It's the difference between "rental home" and "actually pleasant to live in for a few days."

A functional base for Acadia National Park exploration. The Visitor Center at Hulls Cove is 3.7 miles away; downtown Bar Harbor is 6.2 miles. Frenchman Bay and Agamont Park are nearby if you want to explore beyond the park. You're close enough that you don't waste vacation time driving, far enough that you have quiet mornings on the back deck.

Pet-friendly and covered for practical needs. Dogs and cats are welcome. Free WiFi and 24-hour front-desk service mean you can check your email or call for help without hunting. Free on-site parking is non-negotiable in a Bar Harbor summer, and it's here.

The property offers a single layout: three bedrooms in a full house setup. One family reviewer stayed in June with five people and found plenty of space; another group of friends in March had room to spread belongings across bedrooms without crowding. The living area includes a sofa and sitting chairs, a dining table, and a desk - useful if anyone needs to work or use a laptop (there's a laptop safe).

• Three-Bedroom House - Full-size family rental with lake views from the back deck, hardwood floors, and a private entrance for coming and going as you please.

A heads-up: multiple guests flagged soft mattresses and overstuffed pillows. If you're sensitive to mattress firmness, bring a yoga mat or request guidance when you book - the owner may be willing to swap pillows or discuss options. It's not a dealbreaker for everyone, but it's worth knowing.

Kitchen & Cooking · Fully equipped with dishwasher, stovetop, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee machine, electric kettle, toaster, and a dining table sized for group meals.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms · Three bedrooms with linens provided, two full bathrooms with private facilities, towels, free toiletries, hairdryer, and both bathtub and shower options.

Living Spaces · Living room with sofa, sitting area, and desk; a front porch for arrivals and departures.

Outdoors & Views · Back deck with outdoor furniture and dining area, lake views, BBQ facilities, patio space, and bicycle parking.

Tech & Security · Free WiFi throughout, laptop safe, 24-hour front-desk service, private entrance, and air-conditioning.

Family & Activity Amenities · Flat-screen TV, fishing access, canoeing, mini golf, and hiking trails nearby. Laundry service and washing machine available. Pet-friendly rooms.

The back deck is a real asset. It overlooks the pond (across the road and guardrail, so the view isn't entirely unobstructed, but the outdoor furniture and dining area are welcoming). From here, the property advertises fishing, canoeing, hiking, and mini golf - though reviews emphasize the deck itself as the main relaxation spot. Barbecue facilities and bicycle parking are on hand. The lake-view orientation and outdoor dining area are why this place appeals to groups planning to cook and linger.

Spring (April–May): Shoulder season brings milder days and fewer crowds, though mornings stay cool. Acadia's trails are mud-season sensitive; stick to high ground or wait for June. Spring rates are typically lower than summer. The back deck is pleasant but expect occasional cool evenings.

Summer (June–August): Peak season and peak traffic on Bar Harbor Road. Families with school breaks fill rentals. Hiking is optimal, lake views at their best, and the deck is in constant use. Acadia's parking fills by 9 a.m. on fine-weather days. Book early and arrive in early morning to secure trailhead spots.

Fall (September–October): Shoulder season again, with better weather than spring. Foliage builds through September and peaks in early-to-mid October. Acadia is less crowded, though leaf-peeping brings its own traffic surges. The lake is cool but swimmable for the bold.

Winter (November–March): Quiet season. The road noise is still present, but the property is peaceful. Acadia closes some loop roads after the first major snowfall. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate footwear. Fewer tourists mean easier reservations and lower nightly rates.

Beautiful, cosy stay. Lovely and clean. Well equipped with extra towels, kitchen equipment. Super easy getting in and out.

• Rushton, United States · Group · 10/10

Great rental home in a convenient location. Home was well kept and stocked. Property manager was kind and quick to respond.

• Doug, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

The kitchen was well equipped and we had enough space for our group of five. The back deck was a great feature.

• Suzannee, United States · Family · 7/10

[No review text provided]

• Katie, United States · Family · 10/10

The one consistent mild note: the property sits on a busy road, and traffic noise - especially in summer - is constant. The pond view, while real, is somewhat obscured by the guardrail and the road itself. If you're seeking a serene retreat with water views unbroken by traffic, this isn't it. But if you want a functional, spacious base for an active Acadia trip, the convenience outweighs the noise for most groups.

• 3.7 miles to Acadia National Park Visitor Center Hulls Cove - the main entry point for the park and ranger programs
• 6.2 miles to Agamont Park in downtown Bar Harbor - waterfront green space, gift shops, restaurants
• 6.2 miles to The Abbe Museum - Wabanaki and Indigenous history, a serious detour from typical tourist fare
• 4.3 miles to Frenchman Bay - kayaking, whale-watching tours, and sunset cruises depart from here
• Quick drive to Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain via Acadia's loop roads - two of the park's signature stops
• 15 minutes to Bar Harbor downtown and the ferry to Winter Harbor and Northeast Harbor if you want to explore sister towns

Is the property right on the water?
No. It has lake views from the back deck, but the pond is across Bar Harbor Road and a guardrail. The water is visible and the outdoor space is pleasant, but expect road noise as part of the trade-off for convenient location.

Is breakfast included?
No, but the kitchen is fully equipped for you to cook your own meals. Coffee machine, full stovetop, oven, and dishwasher make group cooking feasible. Many guests plan grocery runs as part of their arrival routine.

How far is this from Acadia National Park?
The Visitor Center is 3.7 miles away. Park Loop Road is accessible within 10 minutes. Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain are roughly 15–20 minutes by car depending on traffic and your precise trailhead.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Pets are welcome. There's bicycle parking on-site and the back deck offers an outdoor space, though the property is on a busy road, so don't expect a quiet private dog park.

Is there free parking?
Yes. Free on-site parking is included. During Acadia season this is a genuine advantage, as downtown Bar Harbor parking fills quickly.

What's the property manager like?
Multiple guests noted quick responses to messages and a well-maintained home. If issues arise, communication is straightforward. Consider reaching out before booking with any specific requests (mattress firmness, dietary needs, etc.).

Can you fish from the property?
The listing advertises fishing access, though details on exact locations and licensing aren't specified. Clarify with the owner before arrival if fishing is a priority for your trip.