Friday, May 8, 2009

DOC 2009 Camping Trip Aug. 16 - 19


The camping committee has selected Pleasant River Campground in West Bethel, ME for our annual camping trip. The dates are Aug. 16 - 19 (Sun - Wed), with the actual overnights on Aug. 16, 17, 18 (Sun, Mon, Tues, check out on Wed.)


Campground website is www.pleasantrivercampground.com; phone no. is 207-836-2000. The campground is located on the Androscoggin River, and has lots of amenities, including outdoor pool, kayak/canoe rentals, and a well-equipped store. The Bethel area also has an abundance of good hiking opportunities.

We have reserved a group site that should be adequate for our group, which has averaged about 20 - 30 in the past couple of years. The site is a large grassy area that includes picnic tables and fire rings; no electricity. It's about 150 feet from the bath house, which includes free hot showers. The rate for campers using the group site is $7/person/night. The campground also accommodates all sizes of RVs (not sure what the RV rate would be)


The campground does not have any of its own cabins. There is a motel immediately across the road (Rt. 2), called Pleasant River Motel (800-847-7786). It has 18 rooms, each with 2 double beds or a single queen. The web site is www.pleasantrivermotel.net for more info. According to the website the rates are $75/night for weekend nights (which includes Sundays) and $49/night on weekdays. The motel is completely separate from the campground so you have to make your arrangements directly with the motel.


The campground owner also has a friend who owns two fully furnished condos, which are located adjacent to the campground. Each condo has 2 bedrooms and a pull out sleep sofa (i.e., the unit sleeps 6), full kitchens, linens, etc. The condos rent for $100/night. If anyone is interested a condo, they should contact Michelle at the campground. Note that payment for the condo is cash or check - no credit cards.


The group camping site has been reserved with my (Gordon's) credit card. The campground needs a 50% deposit no later than a month before we arrive. It would be helpful to get a head count and/or payment from those planning to use the group site no later than July 1.

The camping committee (Gordon/Gloria/Linda/Barbara-Dick) will plan to visit the campground after it officially opens on May 1. Let one of us know if you have any questions.


Pleasant River Motel 764 W. Bethel Rd Rt-2 800-847-7786

Pleasant River Campground Route 2 West Bethel, Maine 04286 207-836-2000