Kisma Preserve

Staff had an in-depth knowledge of the animals they care for. They were welcoming and made our experience exceptional. I enjoyed feeding the bear marshmallows. I loved having a wolf interact directly with us.

We had 4 people and 2 tents, honestly we didn’t expect to enjoy the weekend after reading the reviews, but it was a birthday trip that I planned months ago. The rules are short but very strict, makes perfect sense really.We did buy wood though honestly it was too big to use and we returned several pieces. The shower was the highlight for some of them having never used an outdoor shower before, there was plenty of hot water for all of us. The sleeping with wolves really isn’t more than a attention grabber because we really never saw them, and you have to pay extra to get close which we didn’t do! Overall it was not our type of camping as we are tent and tarp types, and this is more for camper vans and campers, as there are also no picnic tables to sit at. We did have very little contact with the people there though seemed ok.

Not the amazing place it once was. All of the interaction with the wolves they once had is gone. Not worth the time / money. More focused on fearing the wolves than appreciating. When you bring back the experience you once offered in 2015/16 era, people will be able to cherish the visit / experience again. Right now it’s disappointing.

We visited this facility in July 2002. I brought 4 kiddos ranging from 6-11. For the most part it was ok, my 6 Year old purchased some food out of the dispenser. He twisted it and a few pieces came out and I went over to make sure he had twisted it the whole way. Immediately the owner came running and yelling at us saying stop jimmying the dispenser. Like we were trying to rip them off. I tried to explain rationally but the man kept yelling at us. I refused to allow the kids to purchase anything from the store. Never had I been treated that way from a place of business. I would have wrote a review then, but well this site just did not exist. Today my adult children and I have laughed at the other reviews discussing their own experiences. Just cannot believe they have stayed in business! It’s been 21 years and made our way back to Bar Harbor and lo and behold the doors are still open. Do not recommend this facility at all, not because of the lack of animals but really because of staffing. It’s a shame nothing has changed.

We had a really great experience at Kisma Preserve. All the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Getting the opportunity to be close to wolves was a once in a life time experience.

Please make sure to read reviews before coming here and also on HipCamp. We sadly didn’t and got to experience Heather firsthand…. She was incredibly rude and unwelcoming to our group. We were all in complete SHOCK at her treatment and each immediately started looking at other camp options and she told us we wouldn’t find anything in the area lie by the way, so when she does this to you, know there’s another option nearby! She proceeded to insult one of our friends, her character, etc., and would’ve kept going if we didn’t cut her off and ask if she could show us to our campsite, since we were just exhausted at this point. I thought she was having a bad day and then we read the reviews and realized most people had the same experience! Surprised she’s still in business and equally surprised at my friends’ patience through her 10+ minute rant. STAY AWAY!

Heather was really nice and it was nice to see the animals. I had no problem paying $90 a person when it’s a non profit benefitting animals in their care, so I won’t say it wasn’t worth the money. I was so very excited to come here and have always wanted to do something like this. I’m an animal advocate and have run a NJ non profit animal rescue myself for several years saving, rehabilitating, and adopting out different species. That being said I’m not a novice who was acting wrong or invading any animal space. I didn’t try to pet anyone, I kept my distance as asked, but any questions I asked were met with condescension and a very rude tone by BJ. She was purposely trying to make me feel stupid. Heather was nice, and when Heather was around BJ was not rude to me so that was nice. I tried to take a minute to collect myself because I was about to cry and she said she couldn’t move until I did. Which I understand also bc people suck and may try to wander off- it just was a really bad experience and I was really upset leaving.

We did the VIP tour and had such a blast... Heather and BJ were amazing! The animals were great! They had some beautiful flowers growing as well...

I just paid $90 for the bear and wolf encounter, honestly it wasn’t worth it. This has been on my bucket list for a long time and I left knowing I have to find another place to do it again and I also felt disrespected. 1. You feed the bear 4-6 marshmallows through a fence. As long as you understand that’s what you’re paying $40 for, then fine. Don’t assume it’s something amazing. 2. $50 for the wolf encounter- you’re not allowed to touch the wolves at all. The wolf comes to sniff you first. You then have to stay six feet away from them unless Heather brings them near you and if you get closer than what the other woman likes you to be she’s rude af. I forgot her name I was just standing there while everyone was talking pics with Gandalf. I opted to just take pics of him and idk what I did to upset her but she had a really rude tone and told me I needed to back up and rolled her eyes. I did and didn’t respond to her. Then at the end of the tour it had gotten super cold. I asked if it was finished. She shook her head yes. I then said okay, I’m going to head out since I’m really cold. She didn’t respond. When I started walking she says “no you need to wait for everyone else so I can lock the gate” and rolled her eyes again and looked at everyone else as if I had the audacity to choose to leave at the end. To sum this up, for the price you pay compared to what your “encounter” really is; along with the rudeness for no reason. I wouldn’t recommend. Heather was great. The other blonde woman not at all. I should’ve read the reviews.

I cannot say enough good things about Kisma Preserve. One of the most unique and memorable experiences we’ve ever been lucky enough to partake in. The ladies who care for these animals and operate these tours are so dedicated, and the love they have for their animals is obvious. Kisma is a must see if you’re in the Acadia area. We will be back ASAP!! Thank you Heather and Bj! Give Oreo a snuggle for me