Back of the Moon Lakefront Camp

There's a particular kind of Maine magic that happens when a cabin sits right on the water, close enough to hear it lap against the shore at night. Back of the Moon Lakefront Camp, tucked into Sullivan on the quieter side of the Downeast region, delivers exactly that. It's a three-bedroom beachfront property built for families or small groups who want to spend a long weekend swimming, paddling, fishing, and watching eagles circle overhead - without the crowds of Bar Harbor thirty miles south.

The cabin sleeps eight and comes fully equipped: kitchen, wood-burning fire pit, private beach access, and a waterpark setup for kids. It's the kind of place where you arrive with a plan to explore nearby attractions and end up spending half your time just being on the water. One couple who stayed in June raved about the "cozy, quaint" vibe and the ease of reaching bigger parks, but there are practical things to know before you book.

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Direct beachfront access on a serene lake. You walk out the back and you're on sand, looking across the water to tree-lined shores. The property description doesn't oversell it - there's a private beach, garden views, and that particular quiet you get in Sullivan, where you're close enough to Bar Harbor's attractions but far enough from the tourist machinery.

Fully self-catering kitchen for families. The cabin has a complete kitchen with modern appliances, a dining table, and all the basics (toaster, oven, stovetop, microwave, kettle). For a week-long family trip, this beats eating out every meal and gives you the flexibility to cook on your own schedule.

Fire pit and outdoor spaces for evening gathering. Beyond the beachfront, there's a patio, barbecue, garden, and the famous fire pit - the kind of setup that naturally keeps families together on an evening. Board games, streaming services, and books for kids are provided, so you're not scrambling for entertainment on rainy afternoons.

Pet-friendly and designed for larger groups. One dog is welcome, free parking is ample, and the three-bedroom layout means families or friend groups can spread out without anyone feeling cramped.

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The cabin offers a three-bedroom layout across one structure. One guest who stayed in the Family Room noted it felt spacious and well-maintained. Bedrooms include linens and closet space; all beds have proper bedding. The property is smoke-free, and each bedroom has heating - important for shoulder-season visits when Maine lake air cools down fast.

One honest note from the single review: the property lists kayaks as an amenity, but they're stored at another cabin down the road and may be in use. If kayaking is a must-have for your trip, reach out to the owner before booking to confirm availability on your dates.

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Essentials: Free parking · Private bathroom · Heating · Smoke-free property

Kitchen: Dining table · Oven · Stovetop · Microwave · Refrigerator · Electric kettle · Toaster · Kitchenware · Cleaning products · Dryer · Washing machine

Outdoors & Water: Beachfront access · Private beach · Patio · Barbecue · Outdoor furniture · Garden with lake views · Fire pit · Water sports facilities · Fishing · Waterpark (small water toys for children)

Entertainment: TV with streaming services (Netflix, etc.) · DVD player · Books, DVDs, and music for children · Board games and puzzles · Work desk

Comfort: Linens · Wardrobe/closet · Private entrance · Ironing facilities · Clothes rack · Fan · Bathtub · Towels · Free toiletries · Hairdryer

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The water is the main event. The property includes a waterpark setup (small water toys and activities for kids), a private beach, and water sports facilities on-site. Fishing is possible right from the property - though as one June guest noted, success varies by season and timing.

Beyond the beach, there's a washing machine on-site (crucial for multi-week stays), a work desk if you're splitting time between work and vacation, and TV with streaming services (Netflix, etc.) for downtime.

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Summer (June–August): Peak season for water activities. The lake is warm enough for swimming, kayaking, and paddling. Eagles and osprey are actively feeding. Crowds at nearby Bar Harbor and Acadia are at their highest. Book early.

Shoulder Seasons (April–May, September–October): Quieter but still pleasant. Spring brings warming water (still chilly for most swimmers until late May) and tree greening. Fall is magnificent for foliage and wildlife; water is cool but swimmable for the hardy. Far fewer tourists at Acadia.

Winter (November–March): The property remains open year-round with heating. Not ideal for swimming or water sports, but excellent for couples seeking solitude, winter birdwatching, or a cozy off-season escape. Many local restaurants and attractions reduce hours.

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"Cozy, quaint, right on the water, easy to big parks. Eagles abounded as well as ospreys." - Jason, United States · Couple · 9/10

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• 5 miles to downtown Sullivan - local restaurants, the Sullivan Harbor Farm ice cream stand, and general-store browsing.
• 15 miles to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park - the obvious draw for the region. Hiking, carriage roads, and the Park Loop Road are all within reach for a day trip.
• 20 miles to Bar Harbor - working waterfront, lobster pound dining, downtown shops, and ferries to the Cranberry Isles if you want to extend the water time.
• 20 miles to Pirate's Cove Miniature Golf - if you need a structured activity break with kids.
• 21 miles to Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport - useful reference if you're flying in.
• Nearby eagles and osprey habitat - the lake is active with birdlife. Bring binoculars and a field guide.
• Cycling routes through the surrounding area - quieter roads through Downeast Maine offer easy pedaling if you bring or rent bikes.

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Is the property directly on the water? Yes. Back of the Moon has beachfront access and a private beach. You can walk from the cabin to sand and the lake in seconds.

Are kayaks included? Kayaks are listed as an amenity but are stored at a separate cabin down the road. Confirm availability before booking, as they may be in use by other guests on your dates.

Is the kitchen fully equipped for self-catering? Yes. The kitchen includes a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, dining table, and all basic cookware and utensils. Perfect for families planning to cook some meals.

Can I bring my dog? Yes. One dog is welcome. The property is pet-friendly with outdoor space and a garden.

Is breakfast included? No. This is a self-catering vacation rental. You'll cook your own meals or explore local dining options in nearby Sullivan and Bar Harbor.

How far is it from Acadia National Park? Approximately 15 miles to the park entrance and Mount Desert Island. Allow 20–30 minutes driving time from the cabin.

Is there air conditioning? No. The cabin has heating and fans but no AC. Summer lake breezes and shade from trees provide natural cooling. Confirm comfort level if you're sensitive to heat.

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