Megunticook Cabin at Camden Hills State Park

Last weekend, I joined eleven women in a large cabin heated by wood stove, and there was no cell phone service. It was the perfect reset for early spring in Maine.

The adventure began with a 2.5-mile hike to the hut, carrying our gear and supplies. We would spend the next two days earning our Wilderness First Aid certification with our knowledgeable and entertaining instructor, my friend Courtney of Wild Maine Med. Having completed this course for the second time, I am more convinced than ever that everyone should have this training, whether they spend time in the woods or not.

I'll share details on the Wilderness First Aid training another time, but today I'll focus on providing information about this backcountry hut and how you can rent it for yourself.

The trail leading to the Megunticook Hut is wide and hilly. Everyone carried large hiking packs, while Courtney and I hauled the food/training supplies using wagons. Despite sweating my butt off during the hike, I was fueled by the thought of our destination, which promised fire pits, flowing streams, mossy trails, and a roof over our heads in case it rained.

As we neared the hut, I heard the sounds of a babbling brook, which would serve as our water source for the upcoming two days.

The weekend was packed with good food, plenty of humor, and minimal sleep. The cabin was perfect for a group of women with varying levels of wilderness training and I'd highly recommend it for anyone seeking an introductory backcountry experience.

The 20' x 40' insulated cabin was originally constructed in the late 1930's as a ski shelter, located at the base of several ski slopes on the northern side of Mount Megunticook. The ski slopes closed by the end of the 1950's and by the late 1980's, all that remained of the hut was a roof supported by posts. In 2005, park staff rebuilt the ski shelter using lumber from the property. It now includes bunk beds (three large, one small), a fieldstone fireplace, seasoned firewood, an outhouse (vault toilet), and indoor + outdoor picnic tables. There is no electricity or running water, so you'll need to bring lanterns and filter your water from the nearby stream.

Reservations can be made up to one year ahead and the cost is $54.50 per night for the first six campers (it's $5.45 for each additional camper after that). For more details and to book your stay, link here.

There are endless hiking trails from this hut and a trailhead leading to the summit of Megunticook directly across from it. For details on some fabulous hikes at Camden Hills State Park, link here.

If you'd like to sign up for Wilderness First Aid with Courtney (Wild Maine Med), her next training will be in Falmouth on April 26th and 27th. Sign up here.

For questions about the Megunticook Cabin, reach out by responding to this email. I'd love to hear from you!