Appalachian Mountain Club Echo Lake Camp

- 1479 Main Street, ME-102, Mt Desert, ME 04660

For generations of Mainers and visitors to our beautiful state, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has been synonymous with outdoor adventure and conservation. The AMC Echo Lake Camp, nestled right on the shore of a clear, deep lake, is one of the club's most unique and beloved destinations. Operating since the 1920s, this is not a typical campground; it is an exceptional, all-inclusive, week-long family camp experience.

What truly sets this destination apart is its incredible value and location. Echo Lake Camp is famously reviewed as one of the most affordable high-quality family camps in the Northeast, offering a full package that includes lodging, activities, and all meals for a single weekly rate. It is a genuine 'hidden gem' that allows families and individuals to completely immerse themselves in the spectacular scenery of Mount Desert Island without the hassle of daily planning, cooking, or booking individual activities. With its charming, rustic atmosphere, focus on community, and commitment to accessible outdoor adventure, this volunteer-supported operation is a perfect summer retreat.

The core philosophy is simplicity and community. Accommodations are in cozy, canvas wall tents set on wooden platforms, providing a true camping feel but with the comfort of real beds, sheets, blankets, and pillows. Guests are encouraged to 'unplug' and connect with one another, making new friends through shared activities, communal dining, and evening programs.

The strategic location of Appalachian Mountain Club Echo Lake Camp is one of its most compelling features: it is situated inside Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island (MDI). The camp's address is 1479 Main Street, ME-102, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA.

This prime location places the camp on the western side of MDI, between the villages of Somesville and Southwest Harbor. This part of the island offers a slightly quieter, less frenetic experience than the Bar Harbor area, yet provides immediate access to some of Acadia’s best resources. The camp sits directly on the shores of Echo Lake, giving guests a private, beautiful waterfront for swimming and boating, a luxury few other accommodations in the park can claim.

Accessibility is straightforward via Maine Route 102, a primary artery on MDI. Being central on the island, the camp serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring all of Acadia National Park. Furthermore, being located within the park eliminates the need to commute long distances to reach trailheads or scenic points, making spontaneous day trips or guided hikes effortless. The camp also often provides transportation to and from various hiking trailheads, which is a major convenience for campers, particularly local Mainers who know how challenging parking can be inside the National Park during the summer season.

The camp’s reputation as an "all-inclusive" destination is supported by an impressive suite of services designed for a relaxing, hassle-free vacation.

• Full-Service Dining: Three abundant, excellent, family-style meals are served daily in the dining hall. The menu features creative, fresh cuisine, often prepared by a professional chef who has been highlighted in AMC's own Outdoor magazine.
• Waterfront Recreation: The camp maintains a large fleet of complimentary boats for guest use, including kayaks, canoes, sailboats (Sunfish), rowboats, and Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs) on Echo Lake.
• Guided Activities: Daily activities are a cornerstone of the experience. These include several choices for guided hikes, led by experienced, Wilderness-Medical certified volunteers. Guided nature walks with a camp naturalist are also available.
• Special Camp Meals: Each week typically includes two special outdoor meals: a traditional lobster cookout and a delicious mussel picnic, enhancing the authentic Downeast Maine experience.
• Clean Facilities: Modern facilities are provided, including two bathhouse areas with flush toilets, hot and cold running water, and hot showers. There is a larger, accessible bathhouse in the center of the camp.
• Lodging Comforts: Canvas wall tents are furnished with comfortable beds (cots), mattresses, blankets, sheets, and pillows, taking the heavy lifting out of packing and setup for guests.
• Community Facilities: A dining hall, a recreation hall with a busy ping pong table, and a library with cozy seating and roaring fireplaces are available for community gathering and quiet time.

The unique features of the AMC Echo Lake Camp are centered around its community spirit, its location, and the value it provides to outdoor enthusiasts.

• Inside Acadia National Park: The rare and highly advantageous location *within* the National Park greatly reduces travel time and eliminates the stress of park access, placing world-class hiking and scenery right at your doorstep.
• Historical & Volunteer Ethos: The camp has maintained its charming, rustic heritage since the 1920s. It is run by a dedicated, all-volunteer executive committee and supported by experienced volunteer hike/activity leaders, which is key to keeping the operation high-quality and exceptionally affordable.
• Echo Lake Waterfront: The camp features private access to the crystal-clear, deep waters of Echo Lake for swimming, sunning, and non-motorized boating, complete with swimming floats and a dock. The lake is set against a backdrop of spectacular cliffs.
• Family and Community Focus: The atmosphere is designed to build community, welcoming individuals and families. The week-long Saturday-to-Saturday schedule encourages deep connections, culminating in fun social events like a talent show and game tournaments on the final night.
• Affordability: The all-inclusive, weekly rate is recognized as one of the best deals in the Northeast for a full-service family camp in a premier destination like Acadia National Park, making a high-quality MDI vacation accessible.
• Recreational Spaces: Guests can enjoy various outdoor sports areas, including a volleyball court and a basketball net. The large deck outside the dining hall, lined with Adirondack chairs, offers "nap-inducing" gorgeous views of the lake.

To learn more or inquire about the weekly camp schedule and current rates, please use the following contact details. Note that the camp operates seasonally, typically during the summer months.

Address: 1479 Main Street, ME-102, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA

Phone: (207) 244-3747

Mobile Phone: +1 207-244-3747

For Maine residents, the Appalachian Mountain Club Echo Lake Camp is uniquely suited as a vacation spot that celebrates the best of what our state has to offer, while providing unparalleled value. We often hear about the congestion and expense of a summer trip to Mount Desert Island. This camp completely bypasses those issues.

As a Mainer, you understand that an authentic experience often involves embracing the rustic, natural beauty of our woods and waters. Echo Lake Camp delivers exactly this, but with the massive convenience of all meals prepared for you—freeing up your entire day to hike, paddle, or simply relax without thinking about the logistics of feeding a family. Being *inside* Acadia National Park is an enormous advantage, cutting down on daily driving and parking headaches, allowing you to spend more time exploring and less time in traffic. The all-inclusive, affordable pricing is a major draw for local families looking for a quality, week-long vacation that won't strain the family budget. This is a place to tap into the spirit of Maine's outdoor community, leave the screens and gadgets behind, and create lasting memories right in the heart of one of our most treasured National Parks.

Appalachian Mountain Club Echo Lake Camp

1479 Main Street, ME-102, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA