Empire Grove Campground

- Poland, ME 04274

For generations of Mainers, the word "campground" evokes images of tents, campfires, and the deep, clean air of the state's woodlands. Empire Grove Campground, nestled in the scenic town of Poland, offers a distinct and cherished version of that experience. More than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV, Empire Grove is a historic Camp Meeting Association site with deep ties to the local community and the United Methodist Church, dating back to 1834. This rich history provides a unique, quiet, and cozy atmosphere that sets it apart from typical commercial campgrounds.

For those in Maine seeking a summer retreat focused on peaceful reflection, community fellowship, and the enjoyment of natural beauty, Empire Grove represents a treasured piece of local heritage. It is a place where tradition meets tranquility, perfectly suited for Mainers who appreciate a sense of history with their outdoor experience.

Empire Grove Campmeeting Association is located on 99 acres of pristine woodlands in East Poland, Maine. The core of the site's identity is its long and storied history as a place for annual religious gatherings, a tradition that began nearly two centuries ago. While rooted in the Methodist tradition, the association describes itself today as an Ecumenical Christian fellowship with continuing ties to the United Methodist Church.

The property is far from a standard tourist campground. It is home to approximately 36 privately owned, charming cottages—many built around the turn of the century on original tent platforms—that form the heart of the community. Some residents live here year-round, while others spend their summer months enjoying the peaceful environment. The general atmosphere, as noted by local visitors, is "Quiet and cozy," offering a genuine retreat from the busy pace of modern life. Empire Grove’s purpose is to promote the religious, educational, and social activities of its fellowship within its beautiful natural setting.

Empire Grove Campground is situated in Poland, ME 04274. The town of Poland is a beloved Central Maine community, famous as the home of Poland Spring Water and known for its picturesque landscape featuring five major lakes. This location offers an ideal balance: the secluded, peaceful feel of a historic woodland camp, yet convenient access to major amenities.

• Road Proximity: Located on Route 26, Poland is easily accessible. The campground is within 45 minutes of the state's capital, Augusta, and its largest city, Portland. It is also just a brief 20-minute drive to the urban hub of the Auburn/Lewiston (L/A) area, where residents can find major hospitals, shopping malls, and diverse dining options.
• Local Recreation Hub: Poland itself is a major destination for outdoor activities. Visitors are minutes away from Range Ponds State Park, which offers wide sandy beaches, and numerous other lakes like Tripp Pond and Sabbathday Lake for swimming, boating, and fishing.
• Historical Sites Nearby: The area is rich with history, including the Poland Spring Preservation Park, the iconic Spring House, and the Maine State Building, all of which provide excellent educational and sightseeing opportunities nearby.
• Natural Setting: Despite its proximity to major routes, the 99 acres of Empire Grove's "pristine woodlands" create an immersive natural barrier, ensuring a quiet, restorative environment.

While the primary focus of Empire Grove is its community and historic mission, the Campmeeting Association offers crucial services and facilities to support its residents and visitors, especially during the core summer season.

• Annual Camp Meeting: The central service of the association is hosting the historical annual 10-day camp meeting, which brings the community together for religious, educational, and social activities.
• Seasonal Vespers Services: The association holds Sunday evening vespers services at 7 PM throughout the summer season, typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day, maintaining its tradition of spiritual fellowship.
• Fellowship and Community Facilities: The property includes a chapel, a fellowship center, and the historic open-air pavilion (formerly an auditorium built in 1905), all maintained for communal use and events.
• Lodging/Cottage Management: The association oversees the community, which includes the privately owned cottages and ensures the upkeep of common areas, preserving the unique character of the historic grounds.
• Museum Access: The presence of a museum and a time keeper indicates the maintenance of historical records and artifacts related to the Grove’s long history, offering an educational service to residents and visitors.

The most significant highlights of Empire Grove Campground are intrinsically linked to its historical and natural identity, offering features that cannot be replicated by modern facilities.

• National Historic Status: The campground was declared a National Historic Site in 1980 (as part of the larger camp meeting movement history), underscoring its cultural importance and the preservation of its unique architecture and layout.
• Historic Cottage Architecture: The grounds are lined with unique, privately owned seasonal cottages built on original tent platforms, some dating back to the late 1800s. These structures contribute to the community’s distinctive, vintage New England charm.
• The Open-Air Pavilion (Auditorium): This large central structure, originally built in 1905, serves as the heart of the camp, providing a space for services and gatherings under its historic roof.
• Pristine 99-Acre Woodlands: The expansive, natural setting provides a genuine, unadulterated Maine woodland experience, perfect for quiet walks, nature viewing, and personal reflection.
• Strong Community Focus: The emphasis on being an Ecumenical Christian fellowship ensures a deeply rooted, friendly, and supportive social environment, as is often typical of long-standing church camps.
• The “Quiet and Cozy” Atmosphere: As noted by locals, the absence of excessive commercial bustle makes Empire Grove an authentic sanctuary for escaping the noise of everyday life.

As a historic association and unique type of campground, contact is often best initiated through the associated local resources or known community contacts. The general location is provided below. For current events, cottage sales, or association-specific details, users are encouraged to search for the Empire Grove Campmeeting Association or the Friends of Empire Grove online.

Address: Poland, ME 04274, USA (Located on Empire Road, East Poland)

Phone: Please consult the Friends of Empire Grove or the United Methodist Church conference for the most current administrative phone number.

Empire Grove Campground holds a special place in the fabric of Maine's summer tradition and is particularly suitable for locals who value heritage, community, and genuine tranquility. It is the perfect antidote to the overly commercialized vacation spot. For Mainers, it offers a tangible connection to the state's past—a preserved piece of history where families have been gathering for spiritual and social enrichment for generations.

The ability to retreat to a "quiet and cozy" place that is still just a short drive from the services and recreational opportunities of Poland, Lewiston, and Auburn makes it incredibly practical. Whether it’s attending a historic Camp Meeting, enjoying a summer vespers service, or simply owning a unique, century-old cottage in the Maine woods, Empire Grove offers a lifestyle that aligns with the traditional values of the state: community, nature, and a peaceful, unhurried pace of life. For those seeking a unique summer home or a peaceful place to park for a short stay steeped in history, Empire Grove is a Maine treasure waiting to be discovered.

Empire Grove Campground

Poland, ME 04274, USA