Deer Isle Hostel - Deer Isle, Maine

Duff A.

Deer Isle Hostel is a back-to-nature, laid back, magical place. As soon as you park, an air of calmness covers you. Tucked away in the woods, beautiful, simple, hand-planed huts await you. For travelers wishing all the usual amenities, you’ll need to lay to the side things like electrical outlets where you sleep, or toilets that flush. Walk back in time. Gather in the community kitchen at the long table, cook your meal at the stove, read one of the dozens of books that range from thin volumes that discuss what life is to homesteading. The longtime owner and builder of the hostel lives in large historically accurate home, which travelers can also stay in as an option. He’s super chill, mellow, and kind.

raphael T.

Amazing Camping Experience!

We recently had the pleasure of staying at this fantastic camping spot and we couldn't be happier with our experience. The emplacement was absolutely perfect, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere. The vibe of the place was excellent – it was super quiet and peaceful, just what we needed to unwind and relax.

A special shout-out to the host, Denis, who was incredibly welcoming and made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. He was always available for any questions and went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great stay.

I highly recommend this camping spot to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway in a beautiful location. We will definitely be returning!

-Florence and Raphael

Maggie V.

What a wonderful experience! Deer Isle is not only a beautiful location, but the hostel itself was clearly built with and continues to be cared for with so much love. We stayed in one of the huts, and it was clean and comfortable. The outhouse, outdoor shower, and shared kitchen were also very clean and had everything we needed to have a great stay. I cannot recommend visiting Deer Isle Hostel enough--staying here in and of itself was a clear highlight on our trip through Maine! We would be so lucky to stay here again one day.

mike L.

The Hostel is a magical place. Set in the woods. The cabins nestled in the trees with small paths cutting through the forest to each location.
When driving into the hostel, the Main House and the Kitchen House come into view. A couple of utlity huts are also present.
None of the cabins are in view.
Outhouses with compostible toilets ans an open top shower House are nearly.

This is a busy place. You will always run into someone to speak to if you wish.

Dennis is the owner, creator, and developer of the Hostel. I can't remember when I last met a man who is so intelligent, kind, knowledgeable, and is an excellent listener.
He will take his time to answer your questions. I think he would give you the shirt off his back if need be.
Dennis is extremely busy running and maintaining the Hostel.
In 2025, he is hoping to hire an Intern and a Chef. Check his website for more information and his personal email address.

Now, this IS NOT an ADA location to stay.
In fact, if you have a walking disability, consider whether you would be able to walk through a forest over tree roots, boulders, and other obstructions.

Along with the cabin sites, there are tent sites available.

Definitely call Dennis and discuss your needs to see if he can accommodate you.

I believe you will enjoy your stay at the hostel. Give it, try, check out the website, read all the articles, and see the programs about this site.

As always, if you enjoyed the review, please don't forget to hit the "Like" button.
Thank you.

Kimberly G.

This was by far the most relaxing weekend we have ever had.|Dennis and I believe Emily, sorry if that is not your name, were the most soft spoken, kind hearted, welcoming people we have met. |The food was spectacular! |The beds were fantastic! |The grounds were stunning! |Before the communal dinner we held hands told our names where we were from and something we were grateful for that day. |It was so nice to hear all the wonderful reasons people were grateful, followed by a delicious dinner and kindhearted but comical conversation. ||We were certainly a diverse group and still found ways to connect. The funny travel stories and anecdotes shared around the fire will stick with us long after the trip has ended. ||We met young folks traveling from all over. All had wonderful stories of the kind people they had encountered during their travels. Helping them out with food and places to sleep, sometimes attics and airports! |It has solidified our thoughts that there are many more good people in the world than are portrayed in media. |This 3 generational family trip will continue to seek out new adventures but the Deer Isle Hostel has sure set the bar high. 😊

Tamasha E.

This Hostel had the best website. Everything there was listed and very clear. Google maps worked perfectly for us to navigate from the mountains of New Hampshire. It's pretty far from major attractions, but the drive is beautiful. Everyone working the days we were there were kind and accommodating. We were there 2 nights, but meet people who had been there for weeks and even repeat guests. There were absolutely unconventional parts of our stay, but everything was well described both before we booked, in our confirmation email, and when we arrived so there were no surprises. We did go during a very bug-y time, and as I'm very allergic to mosquito bites that was tricky. That's my only complaint. Best night sky I've ever seen.

Peter O.

A wonderful place to spend time with wonderful hosts. From the amazing 17th-century-inspired beautiful main lodge to the screened-in bedroom on the hill in the woods, the Deer Isle Hostel is like no other. Dennis and Anneli have crafted a unique lodging experience. Guests are engaged in the "event" that is your stay at Deer Isle hostel.||We participated in the prep for the community meal in the farmhouse style kitchen and in the outdoor fire ring where the meals were enjoyed by chopping vegetables, fetching water, poking at the cooking fire for the lobster pot and enjoying getting to know the other guests. I'm normally a loner and a solo traveler but I enjoyed interacting with the couples and families with kids during my 2 night stay. There are so many interesting features of the property: the gardens and orchard, the "green" water heaters (making for great hot showers), composters, outhouses, solar power generators. Plus, locally roasted coffee at 5 am. And to top it off, you are a ten minute gentle-trail walk from the coast through beautiful Maine woods. Dennis and Anneli are warm, friendly innkeepers who are thoroughly committed to enriching your stay with their kindness and gentle attitudes. Throughout my stay I felt as though I was visiting long lost relatives--the really cool ones you had always heard about from your family. Next year my wife will accompany me and we will try to book that storybook screened-in bedroom on the hill in the woods. Thanks for the great time. Peter.

MizTMaine

I just returned from a 3 night stay with Anneli and Dennis at the Deer Isle Hostel. I will admit that I was a little apprehensive but it is a wonderful, comfortable retreat where you give up a few things (like wifi) and gain SO much more for your personal spirit. My friend and I stayed in the upper (3rd floor) room in the main house and it was delightful. Large space, windows overlooking the beautiful gardens, comfortable beds, outlet for c-pap machine and charging phones. This massive room is also used for drying items from the garden so the fragrance of garlic and calendula was wonderful. It has a ships ladder for access that is sturdy and wide for those of us in their 60's and larger people but for that room you do need to be fit enough to climb a ladder. The facilities are very clean and obviously Dennis and Anneli work long hours to ensure their clients enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and educational experience. Anneli has become a master at gardening and together they raise most of the food that they (and their clients) eat. Dinner each evening was enjoyed outside around the fire with other guests from around the world as we shared snapshots of our lives with each other. Meals were healthy and delicious.The setting is away from the summer traffic and very quiet with many nearby areas to enjoy the rugged and scenic coast. Annali and Dennis make logical sense of how to live off the land and enjoy sharing the experience with guests. I look forward to returning again next year to this very special retreat.