MECOA Maine Camping & Outdoor Recreation Guide 2011

2 | MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011

By David M. Fitzpatrick BANGOR DAILY NEWS

So where do you like to go camping in Maine?

If you’re like Rick Abare, the executive director of the Maine Campground Owners Association, you probably head inland to a lake to put your canoe in. That makes sense; Abare lives on the coast. But if you live inland, an oceanfront campground might be just the thing.

Or maybe you’re the hiking type, and want to be close to Baxter State Park to spend a day on Katahdin, or in Washington County for breathtaking views on the Bold Coast, or in the Weld region so you can summit as many western-Maine peaks as possible.

Or perhaps you get away from it all by getting near it all, where you can park your RV and head to amusement parks, shopping malls, and golf courses.

Luckily for you, no matter what you like to do — you’re in Maine! You can find it all here.

Camping with MECOA With 200 campgrounds across the state as members of MECOA, representing over 17,000 sites for tents and RVs, you’re sure to find something to fit what you’d like to do. And so far, the camping season is shaping up to be a good one.

“We’re looking forward to an excellent year,” Abare said. “Obviously, if we have the kind of weather we had last year, people will come out and camp.”

With Maine’s varied geography of coastline and mountains, lakes and ponds, rivers and ocean, hills and dales, there’s a camping opportunity, and a type of camping, for everyone. “[That’s] part of what makes Maine so unique and special,” Abare said. “There’s a reason why people stay in Maine or come back to Maine, or why people [from away] come to Maine.”

And we like to camp — apparently more than perhaps we realize. Abare said that, according to recent research, Maine is unique. Per capita, Maine has one of highest percentages of campers in the nation. “Folks who live in Maine appreciate the outdoors and use the outdoors and camp … more than almost any other state in the country,” Abare said.

Gas Prices and Lodging Tax But gas prices are rising… so you can’t really afford to take the family away for a camping vacation, right? Wrong.

Of course, Maine is “Vacationland,” and visitors from all over descend upon our state in the summer months. But, perhaps surprisingly, the majority of people who camp here are Mainers. And with 200 MECOA member campgrounds, Mainers are always a short drive to probably many local campgrounds. With gas prices on the rise, Maine families are probably going to be interested in keeping the driving to within the state for family vacations instead of heading off on cross-country tours or buying plane tickets for everyone.

Maine also enjoys substantial Canadian traffic.

They’re already over five bucks a gallon up there, so they’re even more likely to head to Maine en masse.

So far, the numbers are trending that way; Abare says that MECOA member campgrounds are reporting early reservations of 8 to 12 percent above last year.

Even the RV industry is emerging from the bad economy and doing well amidst rising gas prices.

“The number of used units that were available has dwindled as they’ve been sold off, and the new RV pricing is actually quite good,” Abare said. “The financing possibilities are back — that was a problem for the RV industry for a couple of years. But people being able to get financing for an RV is okay now.”

On the radar for several years was the concern that the Maine lodging tax would increase, also affecting campgrounds. Luckily, the lodging-tax increase passed last year left campgrounds alone (and then was repealed anyway). The question still remains as to whether campgrounds should have to charge a lodging tax at all; after all, you bring your tent or camper with you, which constitutes your lodging, so why pay a tax to use your own equipment? That debate will likely continue in the future, but for now, in light of the concern of it going up, MECOA is pleased that the lodging tax is staying right where it is.

First, many MECOA member campgrounds are participating in a coupon program from June 1 through June 25, offering discount camping for Great Outdoors Month. Check the MECOA Web site at www.campmaine.com to keep updated on which campgrounds are offering coupons.

Second, many MECOA member campgrounds will offer free day-use passes to nearby state parks.

They’re good for your entire carload of campers, and enable you to leave the campground for the day and enjoy a free trip to a local state park or historic site.

“It’s a very nice public/private partnership,” Abare said. “It’s part of our take it outside, get outdoors, get off the couch, Go Camping America campaign, in conjunction with the Great Outdoors Month. We’re very pleased to be participating in that.”

It’s All About Family So there are many factors for going camping: gas prices, the economy, convenience, and so on. But there’s always one constant factor that seems to trump everything: family.

“I think more and more people are recognizing that they want to spend time with their families,” Abare said. “They want to be outdoors in a healthy environment, they want to take their own bed with them, and so they’re very happy to go camping, to be able to provide a campfire to sit around and tell stories and laugh with their families and friends. That’s what camping is all about — that quality time you just can’t get anywhere else.”

Order a free copy of MECOA’s camping guide, download it, or view it interactively at:

www.CampMaine.com If you’re interested in a rental cabin, cottage, or RV at a campground, visit MECOA’s sister site:

www.CampMaineRentals.com

Campgrounds and State Parks An exciting partnership is sure to make Maine camping even more exciting this year.

June is the nationwide Great Outdoors Month, and MECOA has partnered with the Maine Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands to offer campers in Maine a great bonus.

And visit these sites:

www.GoCampingAmerica.com www.GetOutdoorsUSA.org

MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011 | 3

Imagine preparing for a week of camping and paddling in the wilderness, a hiking trip summiting multiple mountains, or a weekend fishing trip on a remote pond or stream inaccessible by road. It could be a lot of work before you even begin the adventure, but not if you use the services of a Registered Maine Guide.

Hiring a Registered Maine Guide is a great way to get expert advice and leadership from someone who truly knows the Maine outdoors, even for those who have lived in Maine for many years. The state’s woods and waterways are best explored and appreciated when approached with knowledge, research, and safety. All Registered Maine Guides are trained in wilderness survival skills and have completed at least one first aid course.

Guides know the best bait and location for catching fish wherever you want to cast a line.

They can lead you to the best and safest hiking routes, the most dependable hunting grounds, or a quiet spot for a private viewing of moose or bald eagles. Guides fully outfit each outing they lead, acting as campsite builder, cook, and gear manager, leaving you to simply enjoy the sights and experiences of your trip.

Some Maine Guides offer trips catered especially for women who are looking for an outdoor adventure on their own, or as part of a group of

like-minded women. Many Maine Guides also specialize in leading nature-based trips with a focus on wildlife watching, panning for gold in a river, nature photography, identifying wild flowers or edible plants, learning primitive or lowimpact camping skills, or how to follow the Leave No Trace method.

Guides are ambassadors to the wilderness and can introduce people to areas they might not discover on their own. A guidebook can tell you a lot about a place before you go, but it is no substitute for traveling with someone who has firsthand knowledge of the region. Guides are part tour guide, part teacher and part historian, able to share interesting facts and stories about the places you will explore.

Hiring a Maine Guide doesn’t mean that you lose control over what you want to do on your trip. The Guide works for you, taking you where you want to go and making sure your experience is personal and special. All it takes is a little research to find a guide who meets your outdoor adventure needs.

The Maine Wilderness Guides Organization (www.MWGO.org) and the Maine Professional Guides Association (www.MaineGuides. org) specialize in helping people find licensed guides who are dedicated to promoting a quality, ethical and safe outdoor experience.

Consider the benefits of a

This Maine Campground Owners Association special supplement was produced and published by the

Editor/Layout: David M. Fitzpatrick Writers: David M. Fitzpatrick, Sheila Grant.

Some material submitted by others.

Cover Design: Faith Burgos Sales: Jeff Orcutt, Amy Hayden To participate in next year’s MECOA supplement, contact Jeff Orcutt at (207) 990-8036 or jorcutt@bangordailynews.com, or Amy Hayden at (207) 990-8241 or ahayden@bangordailynews.com To reach a local, regional, or statewide audience with your organization’s message, consider running your own Special Section. For information, contact Mike Kearney at (207) 990-8212 or mkearney@bangordailynews.com

BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY JESSE SCHWARCZ

Randy McEwen (left), a Registered Maine Guide and owner of Central Maine Navigation, teaches a class on GPS, map, and compass use at United Technologies Center in Bangor in March 2011.

McEwen also teaches a course there for the Registered Maine Guide certification. According to listings on www.MaineGuides.org, there are currently approximately 839 Registered Maine Guides, with 772 of them residing in Maine. That means plenty of opportunities to have a Registered Maine Guide take you into the great Maine wilderness.

Registered Maine Guide when planning your next adventure.

Go to www.VisitMaine.com to learn more about outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the state.

4 | MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011

By David M. Fitzpatrick BANGOR DAILY NEWS

On the beautiful Atlantic coast in York County, you’ll find Old Orchard Beach, a world-famous stopover particularly popular with New Englanders and Canadians.

And in the heart of it all are the twin campgrounds of Powder Horn and Hid’n Pines, highly regarded in the industry and by its countless thousands of guests over the years.

Powder Horn was born in 1971 when David Ahearn, a merchant marine, was looking for something to do when he wasn’t out to sea. He and his wife, Glenna, had been married less than a year, and the camping industry was virtually nonexistent at that point. Glenna’s parents were convinced David was going to put their daughter in the poorhouse.

“I guess he had a vision on one hand, and had a real stroke of good luck on the other hand,” said Jason Ahearn, one of David and

Glenna’s two sons who run the campgrounds today.

It helped that David had launched his campground at Old Orchard Beach, whose

history dates back 400 years, and has been a key summer destination since the early 1800s. The campground’s land was originally farms and orchards in the 19th century,

later a golf course, and then an amusement park.

Despite Glenna’s parents’ concerns, the venture was a success. Powder Horn grew and expanded many times over the years, including purchasing neighboring Hid’n Pines Family Campground eight years ago.

Today, with about 800 campsites, the two campgrounds are extremely popular.

They’re a quick stroll from Old Orchard Beach (or a quick trolley ride if you’d rather) and a quick drive to an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding, amusement parks, water slides, whale watching, deep-sea fishing, and much more.

The twin campgrounds are known for their quality. For 2011, Trailer Life magazine named Powder Horn and Hid’n Pines two of its top 300 RV parks in North America, and RV ratings group Woodall’s awarded Powder Horn top five-star ratings.

None of this is by accident but by 41 years of hard work. Brothers Ryan and Jason, who grew up in the family business and now run See PH/HP, Page 15

MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011 | 5

By Sheila Grant BANGOR DAILY NEWS

Family is at the center of everything at Wassamki Springs Campground. The property is run by Richard Hillock, his father, John Hillock, and their family.

“My great-great-grandparents purchased the land in 1917,” said Richard Hillock. “It was all farmland.” In the 1960s Hillock’s grandfather, Bill Hillock, sold fill, put in a 30-acre pond and began a recreation area. The campground grew from there. Wassamki Springs has some basic tent sites as well as RV sites with water/electric hookups, full hook-ups, and some with telephone hookups available.

Pull-thru sites are also available for

big rigs. The campground has lakeside, sunny and shaded sites to choose from, all with fireplaces and picnic tables. Wassamki Springs also has free Wi-Fi, modern restrooms, free hot showers, laundry facilities, a campground store and a snack bar.

“We’re six miles west of Portland so we’re close to everything,” said Richard Hillock. “People come to stay. People come to park and visit Portland and Old Orchard. It’s a quiet park, and people just camp and make friends, and visit with old friends. We like to make it a friendly place for everyone.”

The campground, located at 56 Saco Street in Scarborough, is removed enough from the city to offer a quiet, family-centered

camping experience, but also central enough to serve as base camp for outings to Portland or Old Orchard Beach. The Scarborough outlet of Cabela’s is nearby, and

the Maine Turnpike is only three miles away. Just a short drive away, guests can also explore Sebago, Maine’s second-largest lake, or the

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Of course, guests may never want to leave the campground, which has two playgrounds, a softball field, two basketball courts, two volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. Wassamki Springs Pond offers catch-and-release fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass and stocked trout. There’s also swimming and boating on the lake — rental boats are available.

There’s a game room and an arcade. The banquet hall attached to the recreation hall provides space for large groups, making Wassamki Springs a favorite spot for company picnics, weddings and family reunions.

The campground also offers a full season of family fun activities.

Weekend offerings include free

hayrides, family bonfires, movies and more.

“We’ve been doing family-oriented, scheduled activities for about 20 years now,” Hillock said.

“We try to offer something for everybody.”

Weekend evenings also include occasional Karaoke and regular Saturday-night performances by live bands. Children’s activities include pie or ice cream eating contests, spooky story sessions, bingo, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, tug of war, egg relay races, sack races, nature walks, limbo and more. Many summer weekends have special themes, like the Halloween Weekend in July.

For more information about Wassamki Springs Campground, visit www.WassamkiSprings.com.

6 | MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011

bor just six miles before the entrance to Acadia Park. It offers a full range of camping, from waterfront tent sites to a full-hookup RV pull-thru. Our full playground, heated pool, video arcade, and weekly events make it ideal for families.

Narrows Too is located in Trenton and has three lobster pounds within walking distance. It was completely renovated in 2007 and every site offers a full hookup. Ideal for the larger RVs, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Mt. Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain.

Patten Pond is located in Ellsworth and offers the largest variety of camping and fun. Some of the activities enjoyed by patrons include swimming, fishing, boating, or just relaxing on our private beach. This self-contained hideaway has always been a secret until now.

For seasonal employees, commuters, or snowbirds just vacationing up north this

Mount Desert Narrows, Narrows Too, and Patten Pond

Still undecided on those weekend plans, or feeling like the economy may cancel your family vacation? Don’t worry — Bar Harbor Camping Resorts is just a phone call away.

At Mount Desert Narrows you can seek adventure in Acadia National Park; at Narrows Too, enjoy the sea breeze from your waterfront site; or, at Patten Pond, enjoy all the freshwater sports a 740-acre lake can offer. One thing is for sure: No matter which location you choose, there is a lot to do.

All are within reasonable driving distance to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. If you enjoy the comfort of your own RV, tenting under the stars, or just renting one of our cozy cabins or cottages, we are the place for you. Each resort offers a variety of hookups that include water, sewer, electric and cable. Wifi access is also available.

Mt. Desert Narrows is located in Bar Har-

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summer, we have sites available for the entire season. Prices will vary by location and sites are allocated on a first-come, firstserve basis.

So whether you come for a few days or a week, you may want to stay for the entire season. For more information, please visit www.BarHarborCampingResorts.com, and while you’re there, check out the “Specials” page to find one that suits you. Every month we offer different deals so there’s always something fresh and new for the weekend or seasonal camper, or somewhere in between.

Drive safe and have an enjoyable 2011 camping season. We’ll be looking for you by the campfire.

Pinehirst RV Resort

If you plan to be at the southern end of the state, then park your RV at the Pinehirst RV resort. Located in a beautiful wooded area just two miles from

the sandy Old Orchard Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. You can relax and enjoy swimming pools, hot tubs, a gym, a catchand-release pond, shuttle service to the beach, and activities for children and adults.

“Or take the time to explore the area by visiting the many different lighthouses, historic Portland, and other nearby attractions and activities,” suggested Andi Sartori, Pinehirst’s community manager.

“You will see why many families make Pinehirst RV Resort their summer home year after year.”

MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011 | 7

By Sheila Grant BANGOR DAILY NEWS

Bayley’s Camping Resort in Scarborough is offering several discounts and specials this year to help campers find vacations full of value.

“We’re offering off-season discounts of anywhere from 30 to 40 percent a night

from now to late June,” said Gaelan Bayley, operations manager, who runs the resort with his father, Tom Bayley, general manager. Discounts can apply to trailers and park cabins and can save guests up to 50 percent off the in-season rate on rental units.

“We’ll have two great specials again this summer that include free passes to local water and amusement parks,” Bayley said.

Family Fun Week specials will be offered for the first two weeks of July and include combo passes to Funtown/Splashtown U.S.A., unlimited mini-golf and paddleboat use at the campground, and one free kayak pass per person. Bayley’s Camping Resort is located next to the Little River estuary, and the campground has a private launch for easy paddler access.

The Mid-Summer Splash, a special available from August 14 to 24, includes Aquaboggan passes, Splashtown passes, and unlimited resort paddleboat and minigolf passes. And from August 21 to September 1, the resort is offering a Back to School Special on camp sites, rental trailers, and

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park cabins, with discounts of 30 to 50 percent off, depending on length of stay.

Bayley’s added the 12 new park cabins in 2010. Cabins have screened porches, air conditioning, fireplaces, full bathrooms with showers, fully-equipped kitchens, flat-screen televisions, master bedrooms with queen-sized beds, bunk rooms and outdoor fire rings and picnic tables. Two of the cabins are pet-friendly; four deluxe cabins overlook the pond and come with barbecue grills. A one-week stay in a deluxe cabin also includes one kayak pass and one Aquaboggan pass per person, plus unlimited mini-golf and paddleboat use.

Bayley’s also runs two free trolleys. Stops include Funtown/ Splashtown and Aquaboggan on Route 1, as well as at nearby Pine Point and Old Orchard beaches.

Bayley’s has accommodations for every camper, from basic tent sites to the new Big Rig Section installed in 2009 on sites of no less than 2,500 square feet. Sites are tiered to provide great views, accommodate pull-through parking, and have full

50-amp hookups.

Last spring, the resort entrance was also upgraded. There are now six lanes for incoming traffic and three for outgoing traffic, and the entire front section has been repaved.

The 200-acre resort has two playgrounds, three fishing ponds, kayaking, three heated pools and four hot tubs. A new complex with four additional hot tubs, laundry facilities and a snack bar is planned for the near future.

Bayley’s also has a game room and arcade, and a counselor-directed activities program with a Woodall’s 5-Star rating.

Spring and fall specials start at $25 per night, with frequent theme weekends.

Father’s Day weekend features an extremely popular car show.

Bayley’s has a full entertainment schedule, with some new acts lined up for 2011.

Offerings include live music, karaoke, movies, juggling, mimes, visual comedians, magic and illusion, and popular children’s singer Rick Charette.

8 | MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011

MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011 | 8

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Pages and map numbers refer to MECOA’s Camping Guide.

To get a copy of the Camping Guide, visit www.CampMaine.com.

KEY: A = Any; • = Service or facility located in campground; C = Close by, within one mile; D = Dryers only; MD = Memorial Day; LD = Labor Day; CD = Columbus Day; * = Seasonal RV sites only, call for more information

10 | MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011

By David M. Fitzpatrick BANGOR DAILY NEWS

Last year, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Maine State Parks system, the Bureau of Parks and Lands released the Maine State Parks Passport. The digest-sized booklet features a page for each of the 48 state parks and historic sites in Maine. The goal: get Mainers interested in what their state has to offer, and make visiting those sites fun for the family.

What you do is take your Passport to a park, use the park’s lock combination from the book, and use the rubber stamp within to stamp the park’s page. For every eight sites you visit, you earn a prize — up to and including free camping for visiting 40 and a season pass for visiting all 48.

The BPL printed 75,000 of them and hoped for the best — and the program exploded. This year the BPL has ordered an additional 50,000 Passports to keep up with the demand.

“We wanted Mainers to discover or rediscover their state parks and historic sites,” said BPL Assistant Regional Manager Gary Best. “We’re all guilty of this — we’ll travel halfway across the country to see something marvelous, but we live in Maine. We’re surrounded by it. It’s the lakes, it’s the rivers, it’s the coast, it’s the forts — it’s all right here.”

Development and ideas are always on the move with the BPL. In 2009, Androscoggin Riverlands State Park was created near the second largest urban area in Maine, Lewiston-Auburn. Half of Maine’s residents are within a one-hour drive of Riverlands.

“That’s the case with a lot of these parks: they’re all over the state, they’re very affordable and accessible to people,” Best said. And to get people excited about them, “We’re developing more programs, initiatives and reasons to visit Maine state parks,” he said. “I am confident that once you visit a state park, you’ll keep coming back for more. There is a lot to see and do; and visiting a park is just plain fun.”

There’s always something new and excit-

ing going on, and the BPL is always actively pursuing new ideas for various parks. One example is the new Junior Ranger program at Sebago Lake State Park, starting July 2011, kids get the Junior Ranger Activity Book and must complete some of the activities within. Then they either go on one Ranger Program or volunteer at the park. Junior Rangers are rewarded with patches and a certificate.

This summer, the BPL is using private donations and federal grants to build a nature center at Ferry Beach State Park near Saco, in close reach of many area schools and a great resource for visitors and tourists.

The center will open next year.

Several years ago, the BPL constructed playgrounds at various parks, and they were such a hit that they’re building five more slated to open by the Fourth of July this year.

The playgrounds will be at Cobscook Bay, Lily Bay, Mount Blue, and two playgrounds at Sebago Lake.

Park activity extends beyond the summer months. Last winter, in partnership with the Kittery Trading Post and Sebago Lake Rotary, the BPL held a cold-weather event at Range Ponds. Kittery Trading Post donated 500 ice-fishing traps for the first 500 kids registering, and BPL showed them how to ice fish to get them started in the fishing tradition. To ensure the kids had positive experiences, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife introduced 500 16-inch brook trout at the fishing spot the day before.

“Needless to say, the kids were pretty successful that day,” Best said, indicating the

event would return next winter.

This year, with a partial grant from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund and partners such as L.L. Bean, Wicked Joe Coffee, Winter Kids, and Maine Winter Sports, the BPL will purchase an enclosed trailer and stock it with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing equipment.

The trailer will travel the state, stopping at many of the state park winter recreation areas and giving people expert fitting and instruction. People will have the chance to try those winter sports without having to purchase expensive equipment.

The past few years, the BPL has run the First-Time Campers Program. Thanks to partners like L.L. Bean, Kittery Trading Post, Poland Spring, Hannaford, Wicked Joe Coffee, Oakhurst Dairy and Coleman, the BPL has found Maine families who have never been camping — and take them camping.

Last year, 1,300 families applied, and 40 were randomly drawn. The BPL sets them up for the weekend, and they have a great time.

“Once we get them there, they have fun and they keep coming back,” Best said. “And that’s the whole point.”

The BPL has a small staff, considering the properties managed and the efforts statewide. Best has the opportunity to speak and meet with park managers from other states, and he says Maine is the envy of many of them.

“They’re all jealous of us,” he said. “Some of these places, they have more infrastructure, they might have fancier buildings — but what we have is really what parks are all about: the mountains and the lakes and the rivers and the coast. We’re blessed with the beauty of the natural resources.”

MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011 | 11

MECOA has about 200 member campgrounds, covering everything from tent sites to full-hookup RV sites and everything in between. Amenities range from nothing more than the wilderness outside your tent to golf, amusement parks, whale watching, shopping, and much more. There’s a MECOA member campground for everyone’s wants and needs!

The following campgrounds are participating advertisers in this supplement.

Please check out their advertisements.

For a complete list of all MECOA campgrounds, turn to the center of this supplement or visit www.CampMaine.com.

And don’t forget to read stories about these campgrounds: Bar Harbor Camping Resorts - p. 6 Bayley’s Camping Resort - p. 7 Powder Horn and Hid’n Pines - p. 4 Wassamki Springs - p. 5

Acres of Wildlife See ad on p. 14 “A Camper’s Paradise in Southern Maine” amidst 300 privately owned acres and surrounded by 4,000 acres of state-owned pine. An informal family destination campground with daily activities for the whole family, such as a great beach, swimming, fishing, hiking, ice-cream sundaes, homemade food, theme weeks and weekends, mini-golf, and more.

Campground Inn on the waterfront features eight guest rooms, covered porches, community BBQ grills, and more. Moose Lodge is great for couples to get away, featuring a comfortable living area with 45-foot fireplace, spacious kitchen, queen-sized beds with linens, semi-private bathrooms (shared between two rooms), and breakfast voucher for each night’s stay; super-deluxe Maple Room offers large living space and a private bath. Other rentals include park cottages, luxury RV rental sites, the Chickadee House (roomy enough for two families), and the two-bedroom Deer Cottage.

~~~~~ Airline Lodge & Snack Bar See ad on p. 13 Nestled in the heart of Downeast Maine, 40 miles east of Bangor, near the intersection of Route 9 and Route 193. This fullservice, four-season facility features a restaurant, motel, campground, convenience store, 24-

hour rest area, and gas and oil for your automobile, RV, snowmobile, or ATV. Whitewater canoe trips down Narraguagus or Machias Rivers in spring. In summer, close to blueberry fields and dozens of lakes and streams. Enjoy sightseeing, fishing, canoeing, ATV rides, or a visit to Acadia National Park.

In fall, enjoy hiking, hunting, or enjoying the fantastic fall foliage.

In winter, enjoy the many miles of groomed ITS snowmobile trails just a step from the Airline’s back door. The owners are there to help you experience Maine’s great outdoors: “Give us a call and let’s go on an adventure together!”

~~~~~ Balsam Cove See ad on p. 9 Located on 10-mile-long

Toddy Pond, where there’s plenty of fishing, swimming, waterskiing, tubing, loon watching, sun bathing, as well as boating, canoeing, and kayaking (rentals available). Features playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoe pits, arcade games, “Book Nook” (take a book, leave a book).

Friday night movies in the pavilion, Saturday morning children’s arts and crafts (nominal fee), Saturday Candy Bingo, Saturday Bingo (nominal fee), Friday- and Saturday-evening hayrides, Christmas in July. Nearby attractions include Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Bucksport Golf Club, and historic Fort Knox.

There’s shopping in Ellsworth, Bangor, and Blue Hill, as well as antique shops, sightseeing cruisContinued on next page

12 | MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011

Continued from previous page es, hiking, and much more.

Wooded and waterfront sites with no kookups, water and electricity, or full hookups. Log cabins, onsite rental trailers, seasonal options. Full hookups available.

Daily and seasonal dock rates, on-site winter storage, and offsite summer storage.

~~~~~ Balsam Woods

See ad on p. 8 New owners Matt and Jaime Snyder have announced that Balsam Woods will be open for the 2009 season from May 21 through October 12. The Snyders take pride in keeping their campground

clean, safe, and family-oriented.

Campground offers free wifi, free hot showers, a fully stocked store, snack bar, game room, 25 x 50 inground swimming pool, playground, walking and biking trails, direct ATV trail access, kayak rentals, and more. New for the 2009 season: Saturday-night movies, adding additional men’s and women’s showers, new seasonal sites. Planning Christmas in July and Halloween in late September/early October. Sundaymorning pancake breaskfasts, icecream socials throughout season.

Weekend hayrides.

~~~~~ The Evergreens See ad on p. 15 Peaceful, uncrowded resort

offers casual atmosphere in a scenic blend of birch, pine, and oak trees along the beautiful Kennebec River. Enjoy swimming, fishing, sun bathing, canoeing, camping or cottage living.

Restaurant, lounge, pool, music.

Cottages/cabins with twin beds and extra rollaway beds, baths with hot showers, private, beautiful views. Spacious campsites for any RV, privacy for tenters. Water and electric hookups available with separate dumping station.

Modern restrooms, hot showers; each site has fireplace and picnic table. Ice, firewood, supplies at the lodge. Tube rentals, fishing supplies, meal and lodging packages for whitewater rafting groups, hunters, snowmobilers. Also has information on the best rafting companies in the area.

~~~~~ Freeport/Durham KOA See ad on p. 9 Just six miles from beautiful Freeport. Excellent savings on early spring and late fall camping; specials on monthly or seasonal stays. On 50 acres with spacious sites: completely wooded for back-to-nature feel, treelined and nestled in the woods, or wide-open pull-throughs.

One- or two-bedroom cabins with fridges, microwaves, heaters. RV rentals with full kitchen and bath. Playground, horseshoe pits, basketball, beach volleyball, baseball field, game room, pool, waterslides, nature trails, and pony and horse rides.

Groups can use rec hall with kitchen and/or pavilion. Planned activities, pancake breakfasts, ice cream socials every weekend.

“Theme Weekends” like Christmas in July, Haunted Weekend in August, and Hawaiian Luau in September.

Loads more facilities, amenities, activities, events. Local area attractions and festivals. Over 101 things to do within a 50-mile radius of Freeport, including the famous LL Bean, open 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

~~~~~ Gray Homestead Oceanfront Camping See ad on p. 13 The only oceanfront campground in the Boothbay Harbor Region, Gray’s her been “green” for eight years. Does plastic and grass recycling; shower meters conserves water. No pesticides, but the salt air keeps the mosquitoes

away. A small, family, eco-friendly campground. The peace and serenity of Southport Island, and its proximity to the myriad yearround attractions and activities of the Boothbay Harbor Region, make Gray Homestead “the ultimate family vacation destination.”

Scenic and relaxing family-run oceanfront Maine camping and lodging. Seasonal campsites, 40 RV and tenting sites, oceanfront cottages and condos, private beach, kayakers’ paradise.

Spectacular ocean views. Lobsters to cook at sites, or cooked for you.

Entire heritage- and culture-rich Midcoast Maine area within an hour’s drive.

~~~~~ Homestead by the River Family Campground

See ad on p. 12 Small, family-friendly campground nestled along the Saco River just out of Saco. Spacious sites, clean restrooms, showers, coin laundry. Camp store with

Continued on next page

MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011 | 13

Continued from previous page basic camping supplies, firewood (delivered to your site), ice cream, candy, ice, small line of personal care and grocery items including farm-fresh eggs. No alcohol or cigarettes. Area farm stands with wide variety of produce, corn, farm-fresh eggs, milk.

Gonneville’s Ice Cream is just three minutes away. Extensive play area for kids, safe space for bike riding, half-court basketball, outdoor table tennis, horseshoe pits, swimming/picnic area, fishing, canoe/kayak rentals, river tubing.

Quick drive to beaches, amusement parks, deep-sea fishing, ocean excursions, shopping, dining, more.

~~~~~ Katahdin Shadows

See ad on p. 14 Offering four-season camping experiences. NearMillinocket and Baxter State Park, luring hikers, fishermen, and winter sports enthusiasts every year.

Accommodates smallest tents to

biggest RVs. Trained staff can direct campers to best mooseviewing areas. Pool, a playground, rabbits for the kids to pet, bingo, and arts and crafts.

Game room, arcade, lounge, and 30-by-60-foot enclosed function hall with kitchen and bathroom”.

Beanbag madness” activity to help Shriner’s Children’s Hospital; part of 2007 proceeds raised $5,800. Heated cabins for 4-10 people, some with fully equipped kitchenettes.

Bathrooms near cabins. Picnic tables and outdoor fireplaces.

Seasonal winter rentals available for snowmobilers; cabins on nightly basis in winter.

~~~~~ Meadowbrook Camping Area See ad on p. 12 This is a second-generation, family-owned and -operated campground with 100+ sites on 60 acres. It’s located in Phippsburg, a small-town peninsula, just outside of Bath and 10 minutes from the popular

Popham Beach State Park. Also near Reid State Park, Boothbay Harbor, Maine Maritime Museum, Owls Head Museum, LL Bean, and more. Sightseeing river tours and boating nearby. At the campground, there are full hookups, cabin and cottage rentals, heated pool, horseshoes, arcade, snack bar, nature trail, beaver pond, playground, free hot showers, laundry, general store, and rec hall. Enjoy weekend karaoke, family movie nights, massage therapy, and more.

~~~~~ Moody Beach Campground/ Outdoor World See ad on p. 14 With 144 full hookups and 53 park models for rent, Outdoor World is the RV stop to find in Wells. See the sights of the Maine coast from this beautifully wooded property located just minutes from Ogunquit Beach. You’ll enjoy whale watching and deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic, shopping, hiking, great seafood restaurants, and a variety of local attractions.

Beautiful picturesque views. Walk along the beach, smell the fresh salt air and relax in the easy charm of coastal living. Amenities include a ball field, clubhouse, country store, horseshoe pits, laundry facilities, playground, rec center, shuffleboard, sport courts, swimming pool, video games, and volleyball court.

~~~~~ Pumpkin Patch RV Resort See ad on p. 12 Resort-style campground with most of clientele 55 and older.

Sites are big-rig friendly and staff is very friendly. Calling itself “The friendliest RV resort in the Northeast,” campground is in its 10th year. Features 75 spacious sites, mostly pull-through, to accommodate the largest of campers. Some back-in sites usually reserved for those who park their campers for the season. Staff can direct visitors to points of interest and special events in Maine and are happy to act as travel agents as part of the friendly service. Staff appreciates being notified of special events so they

can share that information with their customers.

~~~~~ Salmon Falls River Camping Resort See ad on p. 15 Great RV accommodations in southern Maine, with sites forbig

rigs and motor homes, including slide-outs, as well as small campers. Salmon Falls is a petfriendly camping resort with a fenced dog park for “your canine kid’s pleasure.” Many sites are oversized, 30/50 amp, with full hookups. Cable TV is available at select sites. Indoor heated Continued on next page

14 | MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011

Continued from previous page Olympic-sized pool, 17,000square-foot activity center, fitness room, free hot showers, private pond, river access, wi-fi, general store with some groceries and RV supplies, bingo hall, ping pong, volleyball, fishing, badminton, basketball, horseshoes, playground, nature walks, and more.

~~~~~ Seaview Campground

See ad on p. 14 Step back in time at the old seaport of Eastport, Maine. Be the first to see the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean. View whales and eagles right from your front window or chair. Explore five lighthouses in Washington County, including the famous East Quoddy Head Lighthouse. Go on whalewatching and sightseeing tours, take a trip to Canada, go kayaking, hike the beautiful Bold Coast, and enjoy some of the most incredible underwater diving on the eastern shores. Guided tour on the Moose Island Trolley to St. Andrew’s or Campobello Island. Tour the Roosevelt summer home. The Old Sow restaurant on site. Fourthgeneration family serving seafood, bison, ribeye, chicken pot pie. Lots more.

~~~~~

Shore Hills Campground See ad on p. 8 Store and gift shop for groceries, supplies, wood, ice, souvenirs, and area information.

Lobster and clam kettles provided.

Waterfront, open, and wooded sites. Full hookups with 30/50 amps, any size RVs. Cable TV, paved roads, picnic tables, fireplaces, hot showers, laundry, public phones, propane, dumping station. Small cabin rental available (sleeps two in twin beds; fully equipped with towels, sheets, kitchen items; kitchen/living area with TV, full bath, separate bedroom). Furnished house for rent on property (three bedrooms, two baths; weekly, monthly, or for the season). Memorial Day weekend square dancing, and country dancing to Bobby Reed and Wildhorse on June 6, 2009.

Swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, playground, horseshoes, and free use of canoes.

~~~~~ Stetson Shores See ad on p. 8 Located in quiet surroundings in the heartland of Maine, with clean air, blue skies, and a great view. It’s a place, they say, where you can “unwind and relax like never before.” Fishing in lake and stream. Boat launch and ramp;

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rentals of kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes; a swimming area; a rec center with game room; horseshoes and badminton; volleyball and basketball; a playground; and much more. Features 32 wooded acres; choose from shady or sunny, wooded or open, secluded or lakefront. Each site has fireplace, picnic table, artesian-well water, and electric hookup. Clean, modern flush toilets, lavatories, and free hot showers. On-premises coin-op laundry, sanitary dump station, and honey wagon service. Wood, ice,

ice cream, limited groceries and camping supplies, T-shirts, and kids’ tuff are available from the camp store. Special holiday events, many area attractions.

~~~~~ Woodland Acres See ad on p. 3 Located on the beautiful, cool, crystal-clear Saco River and its sandy beaches, Woodland Acres Campground offers camping in a wooded setting in the foothills of the White Mountains. Enjoy

swimming, canoeing, and trout and bass fishing on the Saco River.

Relax and enjoy the privacy of its wooded, spacious campsites, riverfront sites, group tenting area, pull-through sites, water/electric sites, and more. Some sites have wooden dining canopies. Visit nearby attractions, or enjoy a variety of canoe trips offered at the campground. Woodland Acres is a great fall-foliage spot. Wellstocked store, non-resident fishing licenses, firewood, ice, propane, free hot showers, modern restrooms, and more.

MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011 | 15

By GoRVing.com It’s a buyer’s market and a great time to invest in an RV for years of vacation savings.

Now is the time to see your RV dealer!

Consumer financing is readily available for qualified borrowers looking to purchase a vehicle to fit their needs at a price to fit their budget. Most dealers offer in-house financing through one or more national lenders or with local banks, finance companies and credit unions. Their in-depth knowledge will make the process go that much smoother.

Depending on the type and price of the

PH/HP Continued from Page 4 the campgrounds, are quick to note that success could never come without their dedicated staff, which nears 120 people in July and August.

“We owe a huge thanks to our staff,” said Ryan. “They share our vision, enthusiasm and excitement.”

Ryan said that whenever guests tell him the campground is the cleanest they’ve ever stayed at, he gets chills knowing that his staff made that happen. “It’s like a salesman making a huge sale, or a football player scoring that winning touchdown,” he said. “We really love delivering a first-rate product… We’re lucky to have the staff that we do.”

The two campgrounds complement each other well. Hid’n Pines Family Campground is ideal for a more laid-back experience, but still has full hookups, sites with water and electricity, and tent sites, as well as plenty of amenities, such as a heated pool, a playground, and the Snack Shack.

Some sites offer cable TV, and

model, RV loans typically vary in length from five to 20 years with a down payment of 10 percent. On average, RV loans were paid off in three to four years, according to the 2009 Survey of Lenders’ Experiences, an annual nationwide survey conducted by RVIA of financial institutions concerning their RV-lender portfolios.

You May Qualify for Tax Deduction For the vast majority of RV buyers, the interest on an RV loan is deductible as second home mortgage interest. To qualify, owners must not already have a second home mortgage. Also, the RV must be used as security for the loan and provide basic living accommodations such as sleeping area, bathroom, and cooking facilities. Virtually all RV types — motor homes, travel trailers, truck campers and even most folding camping trailers — are equipped with these accommodations and eligible for the tax savings benefits.

A Great Investment in Family Fun Studies show that even factoring in the

WiFi is accessible in most areas.

That’s an impressive lineup for a campground with site packages starting at less than $200 per week.

Fifteen new sites in a recent expansion will be open by midJuly, with another 40 ready to go next year. The expansion will be finished with modern restroom and laundry facilities.

Powder Horn Family Camping Resort, with even more amenities, is ideal for family fun.

Sprawling across 80 acres of open meadows and groves of pine and oak, it features a fully stocked grocery store, a three-pool complex, three playgrounds, two Jacuzzis, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and an extensive activity program. Ready for this year is

Time for an RV? Check out these RV dealers in your area. They’ve supported this MECOA supplement, so please check out their advertisements here to learn more about the kind of RV solution that works for you.

Good Times Unlimited Farmington See page 3

cost of RV ownership and fuel, families can save 27 to 61 percent on vacation costs by traveling by RV. By investing in an RV today, your family can enjoy many years of quality vacation time together all while saving money generally spent airfare, hotels and restaurant meals. And the on-the-road adventures create priceless memories that will last a lifetime.

The bottom line is that if you are thinking of buying an RV, you should check financing options to maximize your purchase enjoyment. You’ll be on the road enjoying your new RV before you know it!

the new heated, in-ground swimming pool — reportedly the largest of its kind in southern Maine. Along with the pool complex, Powder Horn added 24 state-of-the-art RV sites.

“Powder Horn being considered a camping resort, this new camping area embodies that 100 percent,” Jason said. “We’re very proud of it.”

Today, Ryan and Jason run the campgrounds, with Ryan handling operations and Jason administrative and office management. “It’s worked out well in that we both handle different areas of the business, so our collaboration kind of complements one another,” Ryan said. “A lot of times, when he brings an issue to

Harvey Trailer Bangor See page 5

Lee Family Trailer Sales

me, it’s something that’s fresh and new and something I hadn’t considered, and vice versa. We can bounce ideas off each other and get a different perspective and it works out well.”

With 41 years of all-it-thefamily experience and dedication

Windham See page 6

McKay’s RV Brewer See page 10

Seacoast RV Saco See page 7

Whited RV Auburn See page 11

to back that collaboration up, it’s no wonder why the campgrounds are so successful.

For more information, visit Powder Horn online at www.MaineCampgrounds.com and Hid’n Pines online at www.HidnPines.com.

16 | MECOA | Friday | May 20, 2011

u o Y

i s d v r a a c y a k t i c onla a b r

nd

Baxter State Park, with magnificent Mt. Katahdin, is one of Maine’s many spectacular locations for outdoor enthusiasts. More at VisitMaine.com/NaturalResources.

There’s More to Maine in the Outdoors • More than 5,000 miles of trails • 32,000 miles of rivers and streams • 6,000 lakes and ponds

In Maine, recreational opportunities abound in all four seasons.

Plan your adventure at VisitMaine.com/NaturalResources.

VisitMaine.com Register and buy licenses in advance of your trip so you y can spend more time enjoying Maine’s Main Ma ine’ in e s great outdoors.

www.mefishwildlife.com © 2011 Maine Office of Tourism