Castle Island Camps, Belgrade, ME

Introduction / Overview

Castle Island Camps represents the quintessential Maine summer retreat, offering an authentic "American Plan" vacation experience on the picturesque Long Pond in the heart of the Belgrade Lakes region. This unique, family-owned and operated resort has been a beloved destination since 1929, building a rich history of welcoming generations of families, fishing enthusiasts, and those simply seeking a peaceful escape to the Maine woods and waters. The 'American Plan' format is a key feature, distinguishing it from standard lodging by including meals, comfortable waterfront cabins, and daily housekeeping in the daily rate. This all-inclusive approach ensures a truly relaxing, stress-free vacation where guests can focus entirely on enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the area.

Nestled on an island, yet conveniently accessible by bridge, Castle Island Camps offers a rare combination of privacy and security with easy access to the mainland. The camp comprises a collection of attractive waterfront cottages, each offering a private, screened-in porch with panoramic lake views. The atmosphere is deliberately set for relaxation and connection, with cozy cabins and a main lodge serving as a central hub for dining and socializing. For Mainers and out-of-state visitors alike, Castle Island Camps provides that deeply traditional Maine sporting camp feeling—rustic charm without sacrificing necessary modern comforts like private baths and hot showers. While the professional, friendly service from the hosts, John and Rhonda, receives high praise in local reviews for making guests feel at home, the experience remains focused on getting away from the everyday demands, including leaving the cooking and cleaning to the exceptional camp staff. It’s a place designed to explore, play, and connect with family and friends, promising to be an unforgettable part of your Maine summer tradition.

Location and Accessibility

Castle Island Camps is ideally situated at 441 Castle Island Rd, Belgrade, ME 04917, USA. Its location in the Belgrade Lakes region places it perfectly for enjoying Central Maine's best lake life. Critically, the camp is located at the mid-point of Long Pond, one of the largest and most sought-after bodies of water in the area, which grants easy boat access to both the northern and southern sections of the lake.

Though the camp is on its own private island, it is accessible by a bridge, meaning guests can drive directly to the property without relying on ferry service, ensuring smooth arrivals and departures. This unique setup provides the feeling of an exclusive island getaway while retaining the convenience of a mainland location. The camp is just a short and scenic drive from the charming village of Belgrade Lakes, which offers local shops, a country store, and various attractions. Furthermore, its central Maine location provides convenient motoring distance to larger areas for shopping and entertainment, as well as easy access to hiking trails within the Kennebec Highlands. The proximity to local hubs like Augusta and Waterville, while maintaining a secluded atmosphere, makes Castle Island Camps highly accessible for Maine residents from across the state and for those traveling on major routes.

Services Offered

The American Plan model at Castle Island Camps means a comprehensive range of services are included to maximize guest relaxation and enjoyment.

Full American Plan Dining: The daily rate includes three delicious, home-cooked meals served in the main lodge. The kitchen is known for preparing abundant and satisfying fare, including Maine favorites like lobster, steak, chicken, and fresh fish, allowing guests to leave the cooking entirely to the hosts.
Daily Housekeeping: Each of the 12 waterfront cabins receives daily maid service, ensuring a clean and comfortable stay with fresh linens and towels provided regularly.
Boat Docking and Services: Guests can utilize docks (some with electricity) to moor their personal boats. For added convenience, the camp also offers boat and motor rentals, as well as a fuel dock on-site.
Fishing Supplies and Assistance: Catering heavily to anglers, the camp provides non-resident fishing licenses, a full line of tackle and bait, and free ice. They also offer the service of freezing and storing the guests' catch to take home.
Recreational Equipment Rental: Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are available to rent, encouraging exploration of Long Pond and the nearby streams and inlets.
Guided Services: Fishing and other guides are available upon request to help guests maximize their outdoor experience in the Belgrade Lakes region.

Features / Highlights

Castle Island Camps boasts unique features that draw guests back year after year for a truly memorable Maine experience.

Island Setting Accessible by Bridge: The camp's location on its own island provides an unmatched sense of privacy and a true 'island getaway' feel, all while being easily accessible by vehicle.
World-Famous Fishing: Long Pond is renowned for its excellent fishing, being a focal point of the state’s stocking program and home to a variety of sought-after species, including Large and Small Mouth Bass, Northern Pike, and land-locked salmon.
Historic Family Ownership: Operating since 1929, the camp is a cherished local institution, run by the Rice Family (John and Rhonda) who maintain the traditional, friendly, and high-quality Maine sporting camp culture.
Rustic Waterfront Cabins: The accommodations are attractive, heated cottages nestled among majestic pines, each featuring a private screened porch overlooking the water, a private bath, and a dorm-sized refrigerator for personal use.
Recreational Hall: A large lakefront Rec Hall offers a central gathering space with pool, ping pong, and foosball tables, dart boards, and plenty of space for card and board games, promoting family fun regardless of the weather.
On-Water Recreation: The camp provides a sundeck and floating raft for swimming, sunning, and socializing on the pristine waters of Long Pond.

Contact Information

To plan your American Plan vacation, inquire about rates, or make a reservation at Castle Island Camps, please use the contact details below. Reservations are necessary, especially during peak season (May 1st through September 30th).

Address: 441 Castle Island Rd, Belgrade, ME 04917, USA

Phone: (207) 495-3312

Mobile Phone: +1 207-495-3312

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Castle Island Camps is exceptionally well-suited for Maine residents because it offers an authentic, yet supremely convenient, return to the state's traditional camp heritage. For Mainers, the Belgrade Lakes area is synonymous with summer, and this camp provides an easy, low-stress way to enjoy it. The 'American Plan' is a perfect fit for hard-working locals who want to truly relax and spend quality time with family without the hassle of cooking, cleaning, or endless meal planning. It transforms a vacation from a logistical effort into pure enjoyment.

Furthermore, the value proposition is strong. The all-inclusive pricing model makes budgeting for a family vacation simple and predictable, which is a major benefit for local households. For Maine's passionate fishing community, the camp's dedication to the angler—from on-site tackle, bait, and freezing services to the exceptional Long Pond location—makes it an undisputed premier destination. By preserving the rustic charm and exceptional hospitality that Maine camps are known for, while providing modern conveniences and truly stress-free services, Castle Island Camps allows locals to reconnect with the Maine they love, creating new family memories while celebrating a time-honored tradition. Despite the occasional note about administrative communication, the core experience—stellar service, amazing food, and a perfect setting—guarantees a repeat visit for many loyal patrons.