Rebecca K.
Google
Echo Lake camp has been reviewed in the Boston Globe as one of the most affordable high quality family camps in the Northeast. This camp is owned by the Appalachian Mountain Club, and is actually INSIDE of Acadia National Park.
That's right--it's INSIDE the park.
You'd think that a full service camp (think abundant and excellent family-style meals 3 times per day, hot showers, flush toilets, canvas wall tents with deck flooring, a dining hall and library with roaring fires, a rec hall with a busy ping pong table, a volleyball court...) would be ridiculously expensive, but no. All inclusive (all meals/lodging/activities) for one week Saturday to Saturday is $781, or if you are an Appalachian Mountain Club member, it is $707. AMC member rates for children ($461) and juniors ($603) are even less!
The charming and rustic camp has been around since the 1920's and is run by an all-volunteer executive committee. The hike and activity leaders are also experienced and certified volunteers, which allows the full time paid staff to operate this jewel of Acadia that won't break your family's bank.
Each day there are several hikes to choose from. Each one is led by experienced, wilderness-medical certified hike leaders. Echo Lake itself is a clear, cold, deep lake for swimming, sunning and boating--no need to bring your own boat! The camp has a fleet.of kayaks, canoes, sailboats and SUP's. Gorgeous views from the nap-inducing Adirondack chairs on the deck mean you can also enjoy the lake from afar.
The food is wonderful. Professional chef Tina Lunt has been the camp chef for years and her creative, fresh, family style cuisine has nourished thousands of hiker miles through spectacular Acadia National Park. Her food is so good that there was an article written about her in AMC's Outdoor magazine.
There's still space available for the summer of 2019! I have been going to this camp on and off for the past 40 years. I thought the magic was because this place is like home for me, but I brought a friend last summer and she said "How come we've never heard of this place? It really IS magical."
Tips: They have blankets, sheets and pillows for the beds that are in each tent. However, I am particular about my bedding so I bring a fluffy blanket and a mattress topper! My kids like to bring their sleeping bags and use the cozy camp fleece blankets on top when it gets extra chilly.
Flashlights: essential for getting to and fro in camp at night, AND for your kids: they can play flashlight tag with new friends!
Community: Bring your musical instruments, jokes or a favorite poem for the talent show on Friday night! There are plenty of games to play there, but you can always bring your favorite group game to share, too! This is a place where you'll make new friends.
