Many years ago (1972) I spent a week at the Red River Camps with my father and grandfather. I remember a rugged camp with the traditional lodge and out cabins. So I wanted the same experience for my sons so I contacted Jen Brophy proprietor of Red River Camp and made a reservation with just my memories. With my two sons, my brother and his son, we began our adventure.
After an exhausting 14 hour drive up to Portage and a 26 mile dirt road experience to get to the Camps we were welcomed by Miss Brophy and shown to our cabin. The camp was nowhere near what I had remembered. Miss Brophy a petite red hair woman was the consummate hostess. Always a smile and a hello even as she was hauling a 200 pound propane cylinder up the steep hill to the work shed. Business wise, this woman is on point.
We stayed at Touge Cabin nestled at edge of the Island Pond. Our accommodations were not what I remembered. I chose the American plan for this trip because I did not want to be bothered by cooking and cleaning up. The price included our four bedroom cottage, full bath with hot water on demand and a full living room. I must say the beds were comfortable and just what one needed after a day of fishing or hiking.
The price included all meals. You went to the main log lodge with a giant cathedral ceiling, stuffed bears, wood stove and reading chairs. There you sat at a large table for your meals. The woman who ran the kitchen was Gloria. With an extensive background as a veteran chief at her husband's bear camps this woman could be the next Master Chief. Coffee was at 6a.m. With breakfast at 7. Every morning we were greeted to a hot muffin, blueberry scone, or Cinnamon roll with homemade blueberry, or peach jam. Then eggs to order, pancakes or oatmeal and of course fresh baked bread. Then you order your box lunch of turkey, roast beef or PBJ, on of course homemade bread and then go fishing or hiking.
Diners were at 6pm when the steeple bell chimes. Every diner was a four star presentation from NY Strip steaks cooked to order to spaghetti and meat balls over homemade fettuccini to pork loin with Fern fiddle heads and pork roast. Then comes desert with wonderful cakes, apple crumble with vanilla ice-cream and much more. Gloria, you are the best!
This Camp is for everyone. Families to the retired couple, fishermen to hikers just wanting a getaway. All in all, I give the Read River Camps a 5 star out of 5 read more
