HOULTON, Maine — George Hurteau, manager of Wilderness Pines Campground, shared information about the property with members of the Houlton Rotary Club during the group’s Monday meeting.
Purchased by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians 12 years ago, the campgrounds has become one of the top four-season destinations in northern Maine. There have been continual improvements to the camp during that time.
Hurteau managers the property with his wife, Heidi.
“The campground is active all year round,” said Hurteau. Snow sledding, ice fishing, ATVing, guided hunts, canoeing, swimming, and hiking are just some of the available activities.
Wilderness Pines partners with Houlton PowerSports, where visitors can rent snow sleds or ATVs. When they arrive, the vehicles are gassed up and ready to go right at the site. Additionally, trails are groomed directly to the campground, so no additional transportation is needed.
Hurteau told the club that a new lodge was built seven years ago, featuring a full industrial kitchen. Seven weddings are already booked for 2020, in addition to corporate events and family reunions. There are 28 RV sites with power, water and sewer, including pull-through sites for larger RVs, on top of the traditional tent camping locations.
The campground contains six cabins for rent, fully furnished with kitchens and large bathrooms.
“It’s just like checking into a hotel, except you’re in the middle of nature,” said Hurteau.
Surrounded by 125 acres of land, Wilderness Pines is the Maine experience many locals and tourists are looking for, and a great revenue generator for the community.
