Where Fireside Warmth Meets Snow-Capped Adventure — A Cozy, Curated Escape
When frost begins to lace the pines of MidCoast Maine and the daylight softens into glowing winter hues, Camp DeForest emerges as one of New England’s most enchanting year-round retreats. Just a short drive from Camden and Belfast on the Penobscot Bay, this boutique lodge and cabins destination turns the art of the winter escape into something both timeless and luxuriously intimate.
At Camp DeForest, winter isn’t a season to endure — it’s a season to celebrate: a tapestry of crackling fires, hearty local fare, and invigorating outdoor traditions that transform crisp snow into the backdrop for lifelong memories.
The moment you arrive, the scene feels uniquely Maine: fresh snow on spruce boughs, the distant whistle of cold wind through the treetops, and the welcoming glow of Camp DeForest’s campfires.
Days begin with hot coffee and the scent of wood smoke and end around campfires beneath starlit skies, where guests share stories and slow, quiet laughter.
From snowshoe trails that weave through silent forests to the warmth of wool blankets and handcrafted soups, every moment is designed to be savored — a counterpoint to the world’s bustle.
MidCoast Maine brims with unique winter traditions, none more spirited than the U.S. National Toboggan Championships at Camden Snow Bowl. A short 20-minute drive from Camp DeForest, this exhilarating event is a spectacle of speed, style, and local character.
Every February, daring riders launch handcrafted toboggans down the historic Jack Williams Toboggan Chute — four stories high and 400 feet of pure adrenaline. Spectators bundle up, toast with local ciders, don whimsical costumes, and cheer as teams chase gravity and glory alike.
For guests of Camp DeForest, the Championships are more than a day trip — they’re a rendezvous with authentic Maine culture, where laughter, competition, and ocean-cooled snow define unforgettable winter moments.
Designed by owners Jessica and Brady Brim-DeForest, Camp DeForest’s interiors strike a rare balance between refinement and nostalgia. Wood floors, woven textiles, and soft, warm lighting echo the rhythms of traditional camp life, while thoughtful modern upgrades ensure comfort in every season. The result is a setting that feels both deeply familiar and quietly elevated — a place where nothing is overdone, yet nothing is left to chance.
Camp DeForest wouldn’t be complete without its distinctive lodging experience: cabins and lodge rooms that combine the romance of classic New England camp life with thoughtful modern touches.
Each space is crafted to make unplugging effortless. Wood floors, woven throws, soft natural light, and textured stone fireplaces create a backdrop that’s both luxurious and deeply restorative.
Whether you’re returning from a day on the snow or easing into a slow afternoon with a book and hot cocoa, every corner feels like home.
Winter at Camp DeForest is as much about connection as it is about comfort.
Gather in the Lodge for meals that reflect Maine’s seasonal soul paired with local craft beers and spirits from the Lantern Bar.
Come evening, firepits beckon. Guests wrapped in blankets share stories of toboggan triumphs, step out for moonlit walks through powder-white trails, or simply enjoy the quiet crackle of embers as snow gently falls.
Here, luxury means presence: the simple yet profound pleasure of warmth, taste, and time well spent.
MidCoast Maine in winter offers more than one way to indulge:
Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills or serene exploration, Camp DeForest stands as the perfect launching point — an intimate retreat anchored in place and season.
Camp DeForest reimagines the winter getaway as a blend of heritage, warmth, and refined rusticity. From the firelit evenings to the spirited energy of the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, every aspect is designed to be felt and remembered.
Travel to Camp DeForest and find out why Maine isn’t just for the summer.
Discover more at: www.campdeforest.com
