CAMP DEFOREST: WHERE NOSTALGIA MEETS COASTAL LUXURY

Kate Curcio
Mar 19
3 min read

Updated: Mar 25

As I pulled up to Camp DeForest, I was immediately filled with joy. The cabins, the glowing string lights, the fire pits—it all felt like stepping into a scene I’d been dreaming about since I was seven years old, watching Salute Your Shorts on Nickelodeon. I always wanted that classic summer camp experience… and this felt like it, but elevated. Sorry, Camp Anawanna—this was something else entirely.

A Lodge That Transports You

Walking into the lodge, I was completely blown away. The decor instantly transports you back to what I imagine summer camp in the 1950s looked like—nostalgic, warm, and incredibly thoughtful. The space is filled with carefully curated antiques (which I absolutely loved as a history buff), each piece adding to the story of the place.

There’s a cozy sitting area with beautiful coffee table books and a record player that practically begs you to slow down for a bit. A piano sits nearby for guests to play, and there’s even a shuffleboard table and board games that make you feel like a kid again in the best way. There is a side porch with an outdoor seating area that is the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee or wind down in the evening.

Camp Vibes… With a Bar

As you move through the lodge into the check-in area, you’re greeted by something you definitely didn’t have at childhood camp—a bar. You can order drinks from the menu, but I grabbed a Cushnoc IPA from the fridge to bring back to my cabin.

There’s also a camp store that I honestly could have spent way too much time (and money) in. From shirts and hats to patches, games, and stickers, everything is so well-branded and fun. And yes,I fell in love with the marshmallow man stuffed animal.

The Birch Cabin: Cozy Meets Luxury

After checking in, I was handed the keys to the Birch cabin, which has its own parking spot right next to it. The second I walked in, I was giddy.

To the left is a charming kitchenette stocked with water and everything you need to make coffee. It also had the sweetest small retro fridge. Just beyond that is the bathroom—and let me tell you, it’s not your average “camp” bathroom. A stunning clawfoot tub, a beautiful glass shower, and the softest robes made it feel more like a boutique hotel than a cabin.

The bed was big, plush, and incredibly inviting, with a couch at the end decorated with the cutest outdoorsy pillows. There’s also a mounted TV (perfect for unwinding with some trash reality TV—no judgment here). And the cherry on top? A basket of Maine-made snacks, including chips and chocolate, waiting for me when I arrived.

Location, Location, Location

Camp DeForest is perfectly situated between two of my favorite coastal Maine towns—Camden and Belfast. Whether you’re in the mood for exploring shops, grabbing amazing food, or just taking in the ocean views, you’re right in the middle of it all.

Already Planning My Return

I genuinely cannot wait to come back this summer when everything is in full bloom. Sitting around a fire pit, making s’mores with friends, soaking in that perfect Maine air—it’s exactly the kind of experience that Camp DeForest is made for.

If you’ve ever wanted that nostalgic summer camp feeling—but with a cozy bed, a great drink, and a little bit of luxury—this is it.