Maine Forest Yurts

Are you a Maine local dreaming of a unique escape that combines the tranquility of nature with the comforts of a cozy retreat? Do you yearn for a place where you can truly disconnect from the everyday hustle and reconnect with loved ones and the great outdoors? Maine Forest Yurts, nestled on 100 private acres in Durham, ME, offers an unforgettable "glamping" experience that’s perfect for families, couples, and even special events like weddings.

Maine Forest Yurts is not your typical campground; it’s a thoughtfully developed pond-side retreat envisioned by the Crowley family, including Bob Crowley of Survivor fame. Their passion for the Maine outdoors and their love of hosting shine through in every aspect of this unique destination. As delighted guests frequently attest, the yurts are "warm and cozy from the moment we arrived," providing a comfortable sanctuary amidst the pristine forest. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, with the chance to spot bald eagles or hear owls hooting at night, all while enjoying the warmth of a wood stove. The property is described as "beautiful," the yurts "clean/cozy," and the pond area "magical." It's a place designed for connection – with each other and with the serene beauty of Maine.

Maine Forest Yurts is conveniently located at 430 Auburn Pownal Rd, Durham, ME 04222, USA. This prime location places it in Maine's Lakes & Mountains region, offering a fantastic balance of secluded natural beauty and easy access to nearby towns and attractions. Durham provides a charming, rural backdrop, allowing visitors to truly feel immersed in the Maine woods.

The campground is situated on Runaround Pond, which is composed of two shallow, river-like tributaries approximately two miles long, perfect for peaceful paddling. Despite its seemingly remote setting, Maine Forest Yurts is surprisingly accessible. It's roughly an hour north of Portland, a major city with diverse dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. For outdoor enthusiasts, the yurts are also conveniently located just five minutes away from Bradbury Mountain State Park, which offers excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. This strategic position allows guests to enjoy the tranquility of the forest while still being within a reasonable drive of popular destinations and essential services, making it an ideal getaway for New Englanders seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Maine Forest Yurts offers a distinctive glamping experience, providing fully furnished yurts with amenities that elevate your outdoor stay. Their services are designed to ensure comfort and convenience while maintaining a connection to nature.

• Fully Furnished Yurts: Each yurt comes fully furnished with comfortable sleeping arrangements (bunk beds, futons), a dining table, and chairs.

• Equipped Kitchens: The yurts include a rustic kitchen area equipped with a 4-burner gas stove with a full oven, a sink for dishes, and a propane grill. They are stocked with cooking and eating utensils, pots, pans, plates, and cups.

• Heating: All yurts feature a wood stove for warmth, with wood provided for indoor fires, ensuring a cozy stay year-round, even in winter.

• Private Composting Outhouses: Each yurt has its own private composting outhouse, offering a more comfortable and private alternative to communal campground facilities.

• 3-Season Gravity-Fed Showers: Private, gravity-fed shower stalls are available for each yurt, typically during three seasons (weather permitting).

• Kayaks/Canoes Available: Guests have access to kayaks and canoes for use on Runaround Pond, providing immediate water access for paddling and exploration.

• Grill & Fire Pit: Each yurt features an outdoor fire pit for campfires and a deck with a propane grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and gathering.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: The property encourages a "Carry In - Carry Out" policy with a dumpster, recycling bin, and compost bin available near the parking area.

• Baby Safety Gates & Accessible Parking: Indicating consideration for families and accessibility, these amenities enhance convenience.

• No Refrigeration: Guests should plan to bring coolers for perishables as there is no refrigeration within the yurts.

• No Electrical Outlets (mostly): While some yurts may have a solar battery for lighting and a USB port, guests should expect limited or no traditional electrical outlets and bring extra flashlights/headlamps.

Maine Forest Yurts offers a range of features and highlights that create its unique appeal, emphasizing outdoor activities, comfortable glamping, and a strong connection to nature.

• Unique Yurt Accommodations: Staying in a yurt provides a distinctive and memorable experience, combining the rustic feel of camping with the comfort of a furnished, heated shelter. The yurts themselves are described as clean and cozy.

• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Guests frequently report seeing bald eagles, hearing owls, and encountering other wildlife like beavers, otters, osprey, kingfishers, herons, turtles, bass, and pickerel on Runaround Pond. This makes it a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

• Year-Round Activities: The property offers seasonal adventures accessible year-round, including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, making it a versatile destination for all seasons.

• Peaceful Pond Setting: Runaround Pond is quiet and ideal for peaceful paddling and wildlife viewing, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation.

• Extensive Trail Network: With over 100 acres of private property, there are plenty of trails for running, walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, catering to various outdoor pursuits.

• Family-Friendly Environment: Many reviews highlight it as the "perfect family getaway," emphasizing opportunities for kids to enjoy sledding, running around trails, and walking on the frozen ponds in winter. Children and dogs stay free in the yurts.

• Warm and Welcoming Hosts: Page, Bob, and Peg (the Crowley family) are consistently praised for their hospitality, often described as "great" and making guests feel at home. Their personal touch enhances the overall experience.

• Stargazing Opportunities: Given its natural setting away from major light pollution, the yurts offer a fantastic opportunity to marvel at the night sky.

• Wedding and Event Venue: The beautiful property, especially the "magical" pond area, has successfully hosted weddings and is suitable for other intimate events, offering a picturesque backdrop for special occasions.

While specific, time-limited "promotions or special offers" are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, Maine Forest Yurts offers various rental options with clear pricing. It is always advisable to contact them directly for the most current rates and to inquire about any potential seasonal deals or packages they may be offering.

The different yurts available—Zen Den Yurt, Fisher Ridge Yurt, Hemlock Ridge Yurt, and Hideaway Yurt—each offer a similar setup, accommodating guests typically up to 6 people. Pricing generally starts around $140-$150 per night and can vary slightly depending on the specific yurt and number of guests. Children and dogs reportedly stay free, which is a significant bonus for families.

A deposit is required for reservations, with a cancellation policy of 14 days for single yurts and 30 days for parties of two yurts or more. It’s always best to speak directly with the owners, Page and Bob, as they are known for their helpfulness and can provide precise details on availability, pricing, and any special arrangements.

Ready to book your unique Maine glamping adventure or inquire about hosting a special event? Getting in touch with Maine Forest Yurts is easy and direct. The owners, Page and Bob, are available to assist with reservations and answer any questions you may have.

• Phone: (207) 400-5956

• Mobile Phone: +1 207-400-5956

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

It's recommended to call ahead, especially during peak seasons or if you're planning a group visit, to ensure availability and discuss any specific needs for your stay. You can also visit their website for more information and potentially online booking options.

For residents of Maine, Maine Forest Yurts offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the best of our state's natural beauty and hospitality, often just a short drive from home. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a fully immersive "glamping" experience where you can enjoy the rustic charm of the woods without sacrificing comfort. The yurts themselves are consistently praised for being "warm and cozy" and "clean," providing a welcoming base for your adventures, even in the depths of winter with their efficient wood stoves.

The genuine warmth and hospitality of the Crowley family – Page, Bob, and Peg – truly set this place apart. As locals, we appreciate direct, friendly service, and their willingness to "greet us and showed us around the property" creates a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. The ability to "connect with each other and nature" is a profound draw, offering a much-needed break from screens and daily routines. With year-round activities like sledding, walking on frozen ponds, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing (including those majestic bald eagles and hooting owls!), there’s always something to do, regardless of the season. For families, the space for kids to run around and explore safely is invaluable. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a romantic retreat, or just a weekend to unplug and embrace the Maine wilderness, Maine Forest Yurts offers a magical and accessible escape right in our own backyard.

Maine Forest Yurts

430 Auburn Pownal Rd, Durham, ME 04222, USA