Camp Neofa

- 213 Trotting Park Rd, Montville, ME 04941

Introduction / Overview

Welcome to Camp Neofa, a cherished local institution nestled in the heart of Maine, specifically on the tranquil shores of Trues Pond in Montville. For residents of Maine and surrounding New England communities, Camp Neofa represents more than just a campground; it is a place rich in history, community spirit, and natural beauty. Established in the early fifties by the esteemed Northeastern Odd Fellows Association, the camp has provided generations of young people with formative summer experiences and a safe haven to grow, learn, and build lifelong friendships.

The origins of Camp Neofa trace back to a meaningful community investment. The Odd Fellows Association acquired the Liberty Fairgrounds from the town, transforming the land into a dedicated facility for youth development. This commitment to community and mentorship remains the cornerstone of the camp's mission today. While primarily known as a stay-away camp for 9 to 14-year-olds, Camp Neofa’s facilities and stunning natural setting are also made available for rental by outside groups, extending its legacy of hospitality beyond the summer months. This dual-purpose structure ensures the site remains vibrant and accessible to the broader Maine community.

Visitors often speak of the camp’s unique, timeless atmosphere. It is a place where traditions are valued, and the natural environment is respected. The location on Trues Pond offers a quintessential Maine experience—the peaceful waters, the surrounding woods, and the deep connection to the outdoors that Mainers hold dear. Administered and directed continuously by the Northeast Odd Fellows Association, the camp's operations reflect a deep, enduring commitment to its founding principles of fellowship, love, and truth. For local families seeking a meaningful experience for their children, or for groups looking for a rustic, historical venue, Camp Neofa stands out as a genuine Maine treasure.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Neofa is perfectly situated at 213 Trotting Park Rd, Montville, ME 04941, USA. This location places it squarely in Waldo County, an area of Maine known for its rolling hills, pristine lakes, and classic New England small-town charm. Montville itself is a small, quiet community, which contributes to the camp's feeling of being a true escape from the noise and distractions of modern life. The accessibility is straightforward, making the trip manageable for families driving from various parts of Maine, whether from the coastal regions, inland towns, or even from the greater Bangor or Augusta areas.

The camp's proximity to major Maine arteries, while maintaining a secluded feel, is an advantage. Once you turn onto Trotting Park Road, the world seems to slow down, giving way to the natural beauty that defines central Maine. The location on Trues Pond is crucial. The pond itself is a centerpiece of the camp's activities and environment. Thanks to recent fundraising efforts by the Odd Fellows to update the pond’s dam, a wonderful ecological area has been preserved and enhanced. This updated dam project has created an excellent habitat for local wildlife, including a fantastic fishing spot and a marsh area teeming with birds, various fish, and even snapping turtles. This commitment to maintaining the natural integrity of the site ensures that the camp experience is both educational and deeply connected to Maine’s unique ecology.

For local users, the Montville location is a familiar and easy drive, avoiding the heavy tourist traffic found closer to the coast during peak season. It offers a genuine, inland Maine experience, emphasizing nature and community over commercialization. The setting is ideal for its primary purpose—a safe and engaging environment for youth—and equally appealing for outside groups seeking a tranquil and authentic Maine retreat.

Services Offered

The core services of Camp Neofa revolve around its primary function as a youth summer camp and its secondary role as a rental facility.

• Stay-Away Summer Camp Program: The camp is historically dedicated to providing a enriching stay-away experience for children aged 9 to 14 years old. The program focuses on building character, fostering independence, and creating lasting friendships in a supportive, rustic environment. Many past attendees recall these summers as the best of their lives, underscoring the camp's positive impact on young people.
• Facility Rentals for Outside Groups: When the youth camp is not in session, the unique facilities and grounds are available for rent. This makes Camp Neofa an excellent option for organizations, schools, or other large groups seeking a peaceful and comprehensive venue for retreats, educational programs, or large family gatherings. The availability of the property for rental helps sustain the camp’s mission and upkeep.
• Access to Trues Pond: All users—campers and rental groups—benefit from direct access to Trues Pond. This includes the enhanced marsh and fishing area created by the updated dam. The pond facilitates water activities, nature observation, and provides a picturesque backdrop for the entire property.
• Historic and Rustic Accommodations: The camp offers accommodation and program areas that maintain a classic, rustic feel. Long-time visitors note that the main structures and overall atmosphere have remained wonderfully "untouched by so many years," providing an authentic and grounding experience that many newer, modernized camps lack.
• Community Sponsorship and Support: The Odd Fellows Association maintains a strong commitment to making the camp accessible. Past examples have shown the director and the association stepping in to help families facing financial difficulties, ensuring that the camp’s positive experience is not limited by economic barriers. This spirit of inclusion is a vital service offered by the camp’s administration.

Features / Highlights

Camp Neofa possesses a number of distinctive features that make it a compelling choice for both local families and renting organizations.

• Managed by the Northeast Odd Fellows Association: This is a major highlight, guaranteeing that the camp is run with a deep commitment to fraternal values, community service, and youth mentorship. The Association's long-term stewardship provides stability and a clear mission for the camp's operations.
• Rich Local History and Tradition: Established in the 1950s on the former Liberty Fairgrounds, the camp is steeped in Maine history. This long legacy is evidenced by the deep emotional connection many alumni have to the place, often returning years later to find the spirit and physical structure largely unchanged—a powerful testament to its enduring nature.
• Enhanced Natural Environment: The recent, successful update to the dam on Trues Pond is a significant ecological feature. This project has not only secured the pond but has also fostered a thriving marsh ecosystem, improving the area for fishing, birdwatching, and nature studies. The presence of wildlife, including snapping turtles and various fish, enhances the outdoor educational experience.
• Positive and Formative Experience for Youth: The camp's core value is its ability to deliver a positive, life-changing experience for children. Alumni universally praise the quality of friendships forged, the positive influence of counselors, and the overall developmental benefits of their time at the camp. This consistent track record is the camp's strongest highlight.
• Unique Sense of Timelessness: Unlike many facilities that chase the latest trends, Camp Neofa has retained its original, rustic charm. This provides a rare opportunity for both children and adults to disconnect from the modern rush and connect with nature and community in a simple, meaningful way—a feature often cited by returning visitors.
• Affordable and Community-Focused Access: The dual-model of offering the camp to Odd Fellows youth and renting it to outside groups ensures the facility remains an active, viable community asset. This community-first approach often translates into a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all users.

Contact Information

For local Maine residents and groups interested in the youth camp programs or facility rentals, Camp Neofa maintains straightforward contact channels.

Address: 213 Trotting Park Rd, Montville, ME 04941, USA

Phone: (207) 589-4133

Mobile Phone: +1 207-589-4133

For initial inquiries about availability, pricing for rentals, or registration details for the summer program, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the administrative contact through the provided telephone numbers. Given the camp’s operational cycle, it is best to check in advance regarding the seasonal availability and booking windows for outside use.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For people located in Maine, Camp Neofa in Montville is an ideal destination because it is fundamentally interwoven with the fabric of the local community and heritage. It is not an impersonal, corporate retreat; it is a camp with a soul, established and sustained by a historical community organization, the Northeast Odd Fellows Association.

Camp Neofa provides local families with a rare and valuable opportunity: a stay-away experience for their children that is both deeply rooted in New England tradition and proven to be profoundly positive. The anecdotal evidence from decades of alumni confirms that the friendships made here are "still friends of mine to this day" and are among "the best people I have ever known." This speaks volumes about the quality of the environment and the mentorship provided.

Furthermore, the physical location—set quietly on Trues Pond, surrounded by Maine's inland beauty—offers a truly authentic outdoor experience that is easily accessible to residents across the state. The camp’s commitment to maintaining the natural surroundings, exemplified by the dam update and the resulting ecological improvements, aligns perfectly with the Mainer’s respect for the environment. By choosing Camp Neofa, locals are not just booking a facility; they are supporting a piece of Maine history, investing in a time-tested youth development program, and ensuring that a beloved local institution continues to thrive for future generations. Whether for a child's summer adventure or for a local group's rustic retreat, Camp Neofa stands ready to deliver an experience that is authentic, memorable, and deeply connected to the best of Maine.

Camp Neofa

213 Trotting Park Rd, Montville, ME 04941, USA