Let’s ignore the fact that I possess absolutely no camping gear. Someone I know does, and I’m going to borrow it. I’m gung ho to trade my cell phone for a mountain pie maker and my computer for insect repellent. I want to poop in the woods for chrissakes!
Although a traditional pitch-a-tent-in-the-woods trip would suffice, why not make the most out of camping? How about a camping trip with whitewater rafting, skydiving, flyfishing, hiking or kayaking? You don’t have to travel far, my camping friend. There’s plenty of adventure right here in Maine.
For the get-high-on-life, ultimate camping experience, check out Jump N Raft, the only skydiving and whitewater rafting resort in the U.S. Skydive New England will fly you out of Millinocket to tandem skydive from 11,000 feet up and see views of Mt. Katahdin and some of the most beautiful scenery in Maine. Oh, but the fun doesn’t stop there. You’ll also spend a day on the Penobscot River’s Class 5 rapids, where you’ll get another injection of heart-pounding adrenaline. Besides that, there’s camping, live music, bonfires, all-you-can-eat barbecue and more. The two-day weekend package is $299, and the two-day weekday package is $279. You can also purchase videos of your rafting or skydiving experience. Go to www.jumpandraft.com.
Moxie Outdoor Adventures specializes in whitewater adventures on the Kennebec, Dead and Penobscot rivers. You can choose a mild trip for the family or an all-out aggressive adventure on the water in a canoe, kayak or inflatable raft. Spend a couple days on the river all while enjoying camping, hiking, fishing and free meals. The packages provide guides, equipment, tents and meals. Packages include the Kennebec River Overnight ($230), the two-day Kennebec East Outlet Canoe & Raft ($260), the four-day Moose River Bow Canoe Trip ($450) and the two-day Kennebec Super Trip ($299). Go to www.moxierafting.com for details.
Magic Falls Rafting Company also offers camping packages for any skill level or age. Raft the Kennebec or Dead rivers during the day and spend the night in cabins with electricity or rough it in a tent. You can also fun yak, bike or hike the trails, take a floating trip, rock climb or design your own adventure. Check www.magicfalls.com for rates and packages.
Catch togue, landlocked salmon and white perch on a fly fishing and camping trip at Big Moose Inn Cabins & Campgrounds, located on Millinocket Lake and Penobscot River. Maine river guides will join you for the day as you raft to sections of the river no drift boat or wading fisherman dares to go. The trip includes a night of lodging, breakfast, snacks and beverages, dinner and a half-day of fly-fishing with instruction and all equipment needed. You must purchase a fishing license, available right on the premises.
If you plan on staying a few more days, there’ll be plenty to do — moose watching, whitewater rafting, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, hunting and more. There’s also a Big Moose Photography Workshop in June. Professional wildlife photographers teach you the techniques and tricks to capture Maine’s beauty during this three-day workshop. The photography package ($695) includes lodging, meals for two days, photography instruction, lectures and more. Go to www.bigmoosecabins.com to reserve your trip.
Use a personalized search on www.campmaine.com to tailor your own camping experience. For state park information, go to www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs. And get information from the insiders at www.mainetoday.com’s Outdoors and Exploring Maine links.
Just pitch a tent ...
Here are some options for camping the old-fashioned way — just you, a tent and a Swiss Army knife. Well, maybe some snacks and a cooler of beer, too.
Baxter State Park | Millinocket
There are several campgrounds within the park, where you’ll get the best views of Mt. Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak. The park offers hiking on more than 30 trails, fishing, canoeing and other activities, and is a paradise for site-seers, photographers and naturalists. Go to www.baxterstateparkauthority.com or call 723-5140.
Bradbury Mountain State Park | Pownal
At 485 feet above sea level, the summit of Bradbury Mountain, featuring a scenic view of Casco Bay, is just a short climb. The park is available for hiking and biking. Picnic tables and outdoor grills are also available to campers. Go to http://bradburymountain.com or call 688-4712.
Hermit’s Island | Phippsburg
This family-oriented campground is located near sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and forested areas on this 1.5- by 0.5-mile peninsula. There are more than 275 campsites equipped with a picnic table, rock fire ring and parking for one car. There are also three small cabins if you prefer to skip out on the tent experience. Go to www.hermitisland.com or call 433-“1.
Sebago Lake State Park | Naples
This 1,400-acres recreation area is the perfect place for swimming, fishing, boating, trail hiking and biking. Picnic facilities, bathroom facilities (with hot showers and flush toilets), a boat ramp, lifeguards and a 250-site campground make this park a comfortable place to hang out for a day or a week. Go to www.maine.gov or call 693-6231.
Moosehead Lake | Greenville
Designated campsites are maintained by the state, some accessible by car, while others are more remote and can only be accessed by foot or boat. Picnic tables, campfire rings and outhouses are available. Primitive campsites are also available with landowner permission and open fire permits are required. Other activities include biking, all-terrain vehicle riding, boating, canoeing, kayaking and rowing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and much more. Go to www.mooseheadlake.org or call 695-2702.