Camp DeForest

My husband and I spent one night at Camp DeForest after the holidays, and we were so pleased. We’re big campers, and the vibe was just right. Every detail had us giddy. The staff, decor, clean rooms and lodge, and everything beyond that impressed us. We can’t wait to come back!

There was plenty to enjoy around Lincolnville and Ducktrap, from local recreation to the nearby Ducktrap River, one of the few where wild salmon still spawn. At Camp DeForest, you can kayak, snowshoe, reserve a campfire with s’mores, or just meet people and talk by the fireplace, play cards, or try horseshoes. It felt relaxed and kid-friendly during my stay, and the staff were genuine and well prepared to make guests comfortable. There’s something to do in any season here. It could also work well for event guests or a team or group retreat. The place has a quaint, captivating camp feel with the modern touches I wanted, including mini-splits for AC and heat, clean new hardwood, fixtures, and linens. I liked retreating to the rooms, which come stocked with books. The coffee in the room was lovely but took a while, so I’d head to the Lodge for a ready-made cup. Prices seemed mid to upper-mid range and varied by season and holidays, as expected. I’m looking forward to returning.

We spent three nights at Camp DeForest, and the personal welcome from Mac set the tone right away. He checked us in, showed us around, and even made some of the best hotdogs we’ve ever had. Devin and Ben were just as kind, helpful, and present throughout our stay. The Pine cabin felt warm, welcoming, and full of character. Its custom touches and carefully chosen vintage pieces blended with modern amenities, making it feel both fresh and like stepping into a memory. That attention to detail and the staff’s kindness came through all around camp. We especially liked the Book of Merits, which sent us exploring Lincolnville to collect stamps. It made each day feel like an adventure. We also stayed up late playing the Camp DeForest card game, liked it so much we took a deck home, along with a few things from the camp store. I could write much more about how wonderful it was. We’ll absolutely be back to find out if it can get any better.

The campfires were perfect for s’mores and hanging out, and there were other things to do on site too. The town just down the road was adorable, and the little gift shop had a fun card game of their own. My weekend stay was great. The rooms were beautifully put together, with radiant bathroom floors as a lovely touch. The main lodge felt cozy, and service was top notch. You can tell the staff care about their work and making your stay a good one. What a find, 10/10 recommend!