Maine Forest Yurts

- 430 Auburn Pownal Rd, Durham, ME 04222

Introduction / Overview

Maine Forest Yurts offers a truly unique and eco-friendly retreat for those seeking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature in the heart of Maine. This is not your typical campground; it’s a premier ‘glamping’ destination where the traditional circular structure of a fully furnished yurt meets 100 private acres of pristine wilderness on Runaround Pond in Durham. The entire experience is intentionally designed to be off-grid, promoting relaxation, family time, and immersion in the Maine outdoors.

Each yurt is carefully equipped to provide rustic comfort year-round, blending a cozy, woodsy feel with thoughtful amenities like a full kitchen setup, heating with a wood stove, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. Guests embrace a simpler way of life, with composting outhouses and gravity-fed outdoor showers, all while enjoying the vast natural playground outside their door. From summer swimming and paddling on the pond to winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Maine Forest Yurts is a fully accessible, year-round haven perfect for families, small groups, and anyone looking for a memorable, quiet escape near the Midcoast region. The owners, including 'Survivor' winner Bob Crowley and his family, are well-known for their genuine hospitality and a deep commitment to sharing their love for the Maine wilderness.

Location and Accessibility

Strategically situated at 430 Auburn Pownal Rd, Durham, ME 04222, USA, Maine Forest Yurts boasts an ideal location that provides deep wilderness immersion while maintaining excellent accessibility to Maine’s most popular attractions. The property is set on a secluded 100-acre tract bordering the tranquil waters of Runaround Pond, offering a peaceful sanctuary away from the noise of city life.

For Maine residents, the convenience is unmatched. The yurts are:

• Only about 15 minutes away from the shopping outlets and famous L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport.
• Just a five-minute drive from the recreational trails and summit of Bradbury Mountain State Park.
• A short, pleasant drive—approximately 30 to 45 minutes—north of Portland, making it an easy weekend escape from Southern Maine’s urban areas.

While the yurts are nestled about a quarter-mile into the woods, the main parking area is easily accessible. Depending on the season and trail conditions, guests may be able to drive right up to their yurt, or the owners will assist them with transport during winter or muddy months, ensuring a smooth transition into your secluded retreat. This blend of remote feel and easy access to major towns makes it the perfect ‘staycation’ option for local users.

Services Offered

The experience at Maine Forest Yurts is tailored for comfortable, self-sufficient, off-grid living, and the services reflect this dedication to sustainable and rustic glamping.

• Accommodation: Stay in one of the property’s fully furnished, insulated yurts, each designed to comfortably sleep up to six people with bunk beds and a futon that pulls out to a double bed.
• Off-Grid Kitchen: Each yurt includes a full kitchen setup, featuring a four-burner gas stove with a full oven, a dish sink, cooking utensils, and a coffee maker. A propane grill is also provided on the deck. Note: Guests must bring a cooler for perishable items as there is no electric refrigeration.
• Water and Power: The yurts are intentionally off-grid. They utilize a solar battery for lighting and a USB port for charging cell phones, but there are no traditional electrical outlets. Guests must bring their own drinking water.
• Heating: All yurts are equipped with a wood stove for heating, making them suitable for year-round use. Wood for the indoor stove is provided by the hosts.
• Toileting and Hygiene: Each yurt has a private composting outhouse. For bathing, a private, three-season, gravity-fed outdoor shower stall is provided. Guests heat water on the gas stove for a warm shower experience.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Children are welcomed and stay for free. The yurts come equipped with all the necessary furniture and cooking supplies to make a family trip simple.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are welcome on the property, allowing the entire family to enjoy the retreat. Guidelines require dogs to be leashed and owners to clean up after their pets.

Features / Highlights

Maine Forest Yurts stands out for its immersive nature experience and the complimentary outdoor activities offered to guests.

• Complimentary Pond Access: The yurts offer private access to Runaround Pond, a quiet, two-mile-long tributary perfect for peaceful paddling and swimming.
• Free Watercraft Use: Guests are provided with free use of the kayaks and canoes to explore the pond. The pond’s calm nature is excellent for observing local wildlife, including beavers, herons, turtles, and fish.
• Year-Round Activities: The property is open 365 days a year, offering distinct seasonal adventures. In warmer months, enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking. In winter, the pond freezes over, creating opportunities for ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing right from your doorstep.
• Rustic Campfire Setting: Each yurt has an outdoor fire pit for traditional campfires, perfect for S’mores and storytelling under a sky free of light pollution. Bundles of firewood for outdoor fires are available for a small cash fee.
• Veteran and Military Support: As noted in customer reviews, the owners are highly supportive of veterans and military families, often offering generous gestures of appreciation.
• Immediate Access to Hiking Trails: The property is crisscrossed with trails for hiking and snowshoeing, connecting you directly to the woods and nature views of the 100-acre retreat.

Contact Information

For reservations, current rates, and more detailed information about the off-grid experience and seasonal availability, please use the contact information below.

Address: 430 Auburn Pownal Rd, Durham, ME 04222, USA

Primary Phone: (207) 400-5956

Mobile Phone: +1 207-400-5956

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Mainers, Maine Forest Yurts is more than just a place to stay—it's an intentional and much-needed experience that champions the state's deep connection to the outdoors. It provides a highly accessible yet fully secluded retreat that helps local residents truly 'unplug.' The proximity to Freeport and Portland means a weekend getaway doesn't require a full day of travel, making it perfect for quick, relaxing trips throughout the year.

The core appeal lies in its off-grid commitment. It offers a genuine "camping" feel with the comfort of a sturdy, furnished structure, allowing families to bond over a wood stove, the tranquility of a night sky full of stars, and the simple joy of paddling on a quiet pond with complimentary boats. It’s an authentic, budget-conscious way to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Maine woods, all while being hosted by friendly owners who deeply appreciate their community and those who have served. Maine Forest Yurts is the perfect local destination for an effortless and enriching nature escape.

Maine Forest Yurts

430 Auburn Pownal Rd, Durham, ME 04222, USA