Okay, I just had to write a review for this campground! A group of 6 of us went over the weekend of October 21, 2011 for some "camping lite." Two of our group had never been camping, and the rest of us hadn't been camping for years, so we chose a campground with a bathroom and showers. We chose to stay in one of the rustic Tree houses. It was definitely an adventure!
We found out about Maple Tree campground through their website, and had not seen the cabins in person. We wanted to rent one of the cottages (that have wood burning stoves), but apparently those fill up FAST for the cooler months. We tried booking a couple months in advance and all the Cottages and newer rustic treehouses were already reserved. I'd advise trying to book a couple seasons (or a year) in advance if you want to nab a toasty cabin.
Overall, our camping experience was really fun -- lovely campground on the forested hill, nice firepit, very clean restroom facilities. The camp store is pleasant enough. It's a bit like a cozy, one story farmhouse converted to a small shop with canned goods, firewood, and frozen meats. Note that they don't have eggs, bacon, or milk at the store, so do bring your own if you want that sort of breakfast. The camp owners were sweet, and have an easygoing cat named Mister Bigfoot. When you visit, he may be napping in his bed on the windowsill.
Now a bit more about our experience. It was an unseasonably cold weekend, so we layered up and wrapped up tight in our cabin when it was time to sleep. The sleeping arrangements listed on the Maple Tree website are not entirely accurate as of 11-4-11: "Smaller tree houses are $43 a night for up to 4 people, $10 for each person over 4." Correct, but when we checked in, the caretaker remarked that it would be a tight fit for us in that cabin. "Six are small, with one double and 4 single bunks, designed for families. " We reserved Oriole for 6 people (site says it maxes out at 6 people when you book). We could certainly fit 6 people in the cabin, but the layout of Oriole is definitely two bunked doubles and two twin size sleeping areas. It worked out okay for us since we were a group of 3 couples, but it may be a wee bit awkward if you have one couple and four singles who think they'll have their own space! :D
Also, the top double bunk has the screened in windows all around. It would be nice and breezy in the summertime, but in the winter, the ventilation may not be quite as welcome. We hung a tarp to block out some of the chilly breeze for sleeping. I stayed in the top bunk with my husband, and we were fine with our sleeping bags, foam pads, and extra blanket (for my chilly feet).
I remember thinking the treehouse would have some sort of common floorspace -- maybe where everyone could sit on the floor and play a boardgame, or at least where you could set down a lantern to light the space. That is definitely not the case, as the house is quite small, really just sleeping quarters only. I would definitely recommend calling the camp office to discuss your group before you book if you haven't stayed there before. It *does* advise that on the site now --perhaps it always did. It's good advice.
One BIIIIIG caveat for anyone camping in the rustic tree houses in the Autumn: Tin Roof + Falling Acorns = ear splitting gunshot sound that will wake you in the middle of the night. REPEATEDLY. It was one of the most freakish sleeping experiences I've had in my life. Now it's a hilarious, wacky memory for me, but on that first, windy night, it was a very disconcerting attempt at getting some shut-eye. Get a cottage/cabin with a shingle roof (even some of the older treehouses appear to have shingles), sleep in a tent outside, or use earplugs. Even with earplugs, you can still hear the acorn-gunshots. Eek.
Despite the acorn peltings in Oriole treehouse, I really enjoyed our stay at Maple Tree Campground, and I give it four out of five stars. It was a memorable, fun experience: hanging out with friends, singing songs around the fire, going on a short hiking trip on the nearby Appalachian trail. I would definitely like to visit again. read more