Bowlin Camps Lodge

I cannot say enough about this camp. Spectacular doesn’t fully define it. The site and location are great. Tucked away, but easy to find. The river runs through it! So many options for hiking, fishing, shooting, canoe/kayaking, star gazing, etc. I could spend 10 full days of activities and never leave the property. It is exactly what you would Imagine a late 1800s logging camp would be. The cabins are outfitted well to accommodate all your levels of comfort for families as well as groups. The top notch staff(David, Terry, Tristan and Jeff) worked so hard to meet my needs, I felt a little guilty for enjoying myself so much. My next trip will include meals, that will leave myself more time to fish and hike, and I heard Chef Jeff makes some meals that I won’t want to miss. My friends and I will be back in 2019 if not sooner.

Eight members of the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) stayed at Bowlin Camps for a couple of nights last week while doing trail maintenance on a portion of our trail that goes through the KWW National Monument. We have been using Bowlin for our “base camp” for the last six years and have watched the site get better and better every year. This year we opted to have the folks at Bowlin (Dave and Terry, the managers and Jeff, the cook) do the cooking for us. We were amazed at the quality, quantity and price for the two dinners that we had. Nothing better after a long day of lopping, chainsawing, signage repairs, etc. then coming back to a hot shower, delicious meal, a few adult beverages around a campfire and then a good night’s sleep in a clean and comfortable bed! Kirk & Cheryl St. Peter

We went to Bowlin for deer hunting. We reserved a guide for deer hunting. They advertise deer hunting. 1. Our Guide was not local. and had no local deer hunting experience. 2. There was no knowledge of deer movement or location, We were told at one point "there aren't any deer here"...... " I don't know where to send you" 3. The stands that were available we bear bait sites. 4. When one of our group asked about scent control, we were told " the deer up here don't care about humans" 5. For the first morning of our scheduled hunt we were told by our guide he probably could have us in stands by noon. Because he had to go find the stands. 6. Our guide was rude, telling a filthy/ off color joke to our group, we had a lady in the group.......... 7. when asked about when the rut starts in this area our guide replied.. " Now, I guess, I don't know." 8. The food was lack luster, adequate, but nothing to write home about. 9. the owner of the camps told one of our group " I hope it doesn't bother you, I'm going to be running my dogs within a mile of your stand" 10. One of our group arrived after dark, and was not offered any supper. 11. Our guide took one of our group bird hunting, left the road with no GPS or compass. The hunter was concerned and there was a feeling of being lost for about 20 min. on that hunt, there was one shot fired, and it was fired by the guide. 12. Electricity was available only during scheduled hours and not when its would have been useful to the guests. 13. No scouting at all had been done or preparation for deer hunters. 3 of our group are seasoned hunters from northern Maine, they are well aware that Maine deer hunting is challenging. Our lack of success with deer has nothing to do with the above comments. One member of our group managed to limit out on grouse 2 of the days, unguided. The one star I give Bowlin Camps is for the actual structures, the camps themselves. The grounds were well taken care of and the Hosts were friendly. Bowlin may be a good place to go if you want to sit by the river in a beautiful location. But if you want a guided hunt, keep looking, this is not your place.

Great week fishing. Great camps, food and staff

Great family vacation, much more than a camp! Three home cooked meals a day and comfortable log cabins. Great hiking, canoeing, fishing, and hunting. We are Heading back for snowshoeing and snowmobiling this winter. Thank you for the great vaca!