We certainly aren’t experts, no one really is an expert in the outdoors. Mostly it comes down to experience; the mistakes you’ve made or crazy stuff you’ve been through over the years, which in turn you learn from. You can take all the classes you want and collect those coveted certifications but it comes down to silly battle scars. Our first visit to the infamous Cathedral Pines gave us our official “rain patch.” We’ve been through loads of rain over the years and several bad storms, but this was different. It was relentless rain for the entire time. Really, the theme of the summer of 2023 was summed up over our annual Father’s Day camping weekend. 

Let’s rewind, this wasn’t a state park visit. Instead, this was a trip to one of the most sought out camping destinations in New England and in an area, Bigelow Public Lands, that we have spent a significant amount of time hiking and camping over the years. Really it would fall in the Ruby Top 3 areas to recreate in Maine. Being able to come back to a part of the state we LOVE and to camp somewhere so many others LOVE, sounded like a win win. Even with the wettest weather possible (out of everyone’s control), this campground might turn into an annual visit for us moving forward. Like it is for so many others!

Actually it might make sense to rewind even more to our reservation. Unlike the state parks, reservations here go live in fall. And when we say “live” we really mean “in-person”. If you want first dibs here, you need to literally show up. We didn’t have a do or die weekend so we called the first opportunity possible, but it was to our surprise that it wasn’t until our 3rd date choice that we finally scored a lakeside site. It’s pretty wonderful seeing so many other Mainers take advantage of something special in our backyard. So hats off to all the folks who get in line every Halloween season!

Out of about 100 campsites, there were about 3 we wouldn’t want. Honestly that is a ratio you don’t find anywhere. Being our first time, we were so hellbent on staying close to the lake, but you don’t need it. Sure you might not have a path to the water but if there is ONE thing Cathedral Pines has throughout, its privacy and that is a way straight to a Ruby’s heart. We like our space and man oh man there is something about being among these tall pines.

The rain came and really didn’t stop. To the point in which we had to dig trenches around the picnic table with beach toys. It certainly was a “tarp over the fire” type of weekend. We actually had a tarp city and it wasn’t pretty, but it was that or pack up, and we were too excited for this trip to pull the plug on waterworld. Though towns around us ended up dealing with extreme flooding and some roads were being washed out, we just did what we do best, we cut out the rest of the world. We’ve logged many nights in a tent over they years but don’t be mistaken, no one toughed this one out in canvas. It was all campers left behind and we were certainly lucky to have one to escape to when needed. 

To kill some time and to stay dry, we took a drive around the campground at one point. It was a bit surreal, just weaving in and out of the trees pointing out all the other places we would be more than happy to set up camp. 

Amenities are always a luxury when you are camping but it felt different here. They have washers and dryers, but it wasn’t over the top and honestly we almost had to use them before running out of dry clothes. No outhouses in sight, but there was a centralized spot to shower and sh…shave. Not much different than some of the state parks. The Rec Hall was something out of Stranger Things. It was more of an 80s right of passage for the kids rather than a knock on a private campground. They loved it!

We had planned on a trip or two to town (Eustis) to break up the rainy days but it’s funny how the hours burn away without trying when camping. Somehow it’s 2pm and then it’s 8pm and that is why we do this. The kids don’t know the difference, they are just present. If Cathedral Pines can be this amazing in a monsoon, we can’t fathom a sunny summer weekend.

If you happened to forget anything, Pines Market is walkable and they have everything you’d ever need in life.

We also got the best insider tip to check out a Bison Farm, and you don’t even need cash for its honor system bread house.  

Lastly, this is a rural part of Maine but you are only minutes from Carrabassett Valley and not too far of a drive from Rangeley so no matter what fancies you, there is something for ya. Warning, you might consider leaving it all behind and moving here.