By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
MONTICELLO — It is hard to imagine that a sprawling 156-acre campground could be considered an unknown commodity in northern Maine, but that precisely defines Wilderness Pines Campground.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
NEW LODGE — Wilderness Pines Campground in Monticello has a new central lodge for visitors to the campground. Standing in front of the facility are managers Darrell and Heather Hanning. The campground is owned by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.
And it may just be the best-kept secret in the state.
Darrell and Heather Hanning now serve as the campground’s managers and their goal is to introduce new clientele to the beautifully maintained campground located off of the Lake Road in Monticello and just a short walk to pristine Conroy Lake.
Although the camping season is winding down, an open house is being held this Labor Day weekend for the community to come in and see all the changes that have taken place at Wilderness Pines Campground.
Jack Wilde of Littleton started Wilde Pines Campground on ground that once served as a farmhouse. The Houlton Band of Maliseets purchased the property in 2006 and changed its name to Wilderness Pines Campground. The Maliseets maintained status quo at the campgrounds for a couple of years before deciding changes were needed.
Last winter, a decision was made for a major overhaul to the campgrounds. A new 40-foot by 64-foot, handicapped-accessible central lodge was erected, complete with restroom and shower facilities, dining tables and flat screen televisions. Ice cream and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the lodge and plans are in the works to add wireless Internet service.
The new lodge also has a full kitchen, which the Maliseets plan to have licensed so that meals can be served. There are also a variety of stuffed game trophies hanging on the wall to give it a Native American flair. Local contractors performed all of the work done for the lodge.
“It was important for the Maliseets to keep as much of the revenue flowing to local sources,” said Wade Hanson, economic development director for the HBMI. “This entire project was funded with money from private business enterprises.”
Hanson said there will be a conscious effort to tie into the Native American heritage of the Maliseet tribe.
“We’ll be attempting to educate people on the past practices and beliefs of Native American tribes,” he said.
Wilderness Pines features six log cabins; 12 recreational vehicle sites with water, electrical and sewer; 16 RV sites with water and electrical; and 88 tent sites, each equipped with a fire pit.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
CABIN CREW — Standing on the deck of one of the six cabins available for rent at Wilderness Pines Campground in Monticello are staff members, from left, Heather Hanning, Wanda Tomah and Darrell Hanning.
Each side of the campground is marked with rows upon rows of massive pine trees. The central area, which features the lodge, also has a large open area to accommodate wedding receptions, class reunions or other such functions.
“We now have a facility (lodge) that can accommodate a variety of functions,” Darrell said. “We’ve had three dances, right outside, with live bands.”
The camping season traditionally runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. After that, it is on to hunting season, which lasts until the end of November. The campground is currently closed during the winter months.
“We’ll see where we go from there,” Hanning said.
Ironically, Darrell Hanning’s grandfather originally owned the farmland that Wilde converted into a campground.
“I actually grew up on this land,” Hanning said. “I spent 21 years in the Army and now I am right back here, on the land where I shot my first partridge. It’s a good deal and there is clearly some sentimental attachment for me.”
For local residents who simply want to take a dip in Wilderness Pines’ sparkling outdoor pool, the cost is just $2 per person for the entire day.
Just a short walk from the campgrounds is Conroy Lake, which features loons and Canada geese. Guests of Wilderness Pines can rent paddleboats, canoes and kayaks to spend time on Conroy Lake. There is also a public boat launch for those bringing their own boats.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
DINING AREA — This view shows the new dining area of the Wilderness Pines Campground lodge. Flat screen televisions, equipped with satellite television reception, are among the many modern features on hand.
There is a 10-horesepower limit on speedboats, making Conroy Lake one of the more peaceful locations in The County. The lake covers 25 acres and is one of the deepest lakes in the state with a depth of 108 feet. As such, it is an excellent source of stocked splake and brook trout.
The surface temperature averages about 71 degrees in the summer, making it a nice place to take a quick dip as well.
Tent sites are just $5 per person per night, or $30 per person for a week’s stay. RV sites with water, sewer and electrical service are also available for $30 per night/$180 per week. RV sites without sewer hookups are also available for $25 per night/$150 per week.
The expansion projects are not done yet, Hanning explained.
“We are developing plans for an archery range, where we could possibly do some competitions,” he said. “The potential here is limitless. It could be one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the state. We welcome the community to come in and watch us grow.”
For more information, visit www.wildernesspinescampground.com or call 538-4500.
