Welcome to the Western Mountains & Lakes of Maine
This is a Boondockers Welcome host in Andover, ME
Max Rig Size
< 30 (ft)
Parking Spaces
2
Same Day Requests
No
Nestled among the rivers and mountains of western Maine. We live on 40 acres of wooded property in the small village of Andover. This area is home to almost anything outdoors; hiking, biking, ATV trails, horseback trail riding, skiing, snowmobiling, boating, fishing, rockhounding, scenic drives, golfing, fairs, and festivals. For more information on the area visit the local chamber website at https://www.bethelmaine.com/ We have two ponds on my land with a walking trail to a river that borders the property. The ponds are best suited for wildlife but the river is excellent for swimming or playing in the sand. Location of rigs can change due to variables ie: the size/weight of rig and weather etc... The population of Andover is < 800 and there are limited services. There is a local general store and gas station in town which is 5 miles away. The next closest towns with services are Bethel and Rumford Maine both about 25 minutes away. Warning: We are surrounded by water and depending on the weather, our state bird (mosquito), could be out! Internet: Although WiFi is available we live off the road in a rural area so internet speed is a very slow DSL. So it is likely anything requiring large bandwidth will be compromised. Our local library is 5 miles away and has 24/7 access from the parking lot. Cell signal coverage: Cell coverage is weak or not available at our home. Most people can text but voice calls are spotty. As with WiFi there is access to stronger signals nearby. Suggested Local Attractions: The Lovejoy covered bridge is located 1 mile from our home and another covered bridge 20 minutes away in Newry, Maine. There are a lot of hiking trails from easy thru advanced within a short distance. Plenty of lakes with public beaches are also available.
Vehicle Suitability Information
Pets Welcome
Wifi
Slideouts Allowed
Offleash Area for Pets
Generators Allowed
Separate Tow Vehicle Parking
Campfire Ring Provided
Outdoor Cooking Allowed
House Rules
Smoking: We are non-smokers, if you smoke all we ask is don't throw your butts on the ground and don't smoke in my presence. Generators: We ask that generators only be used to charge batteries or just a few hours/day. No running generators after 8:00 PM. Pets: Your pets may be off-leash, but under voice command and visual at all times so they do not chase wildlife. If they bark a lot then they are not welcome. We have a very quiet space and want to keep it that way. If you leave them when going out they should not bark while you are gone. Please clean up after them. Water: Potable water is available but it is by the house so you will not be able to hookup. Dump Station: There is a campground about 5 miles away that has a dump station for a fee. Alcohol: Moderation only please. Noise: We enjoy a very quiet rural setting and would prefer music, TV etc...be low enough it cannot be heard outside. Children: Children are welcome but children need to be watched carefully since there are two ponds and a river on the property as well as tools and equipment stored outside. Firewood: Please do NOT bring wood from outside Maine. (it is against the law and can bring pests that can damage my woodlot) There are plenty of places to buy camp wood nearby and I also have wood available on my property if you are willing to gather it yourself. Outside Lighting: We enjoy the night sky free from light pollution and expect guests to use outdoor lighting only when absolutely necessary. Arrivals: We ask all guests to provide an ETA on the day of arrival and to arrive made before dark. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. Please leave the area as clean or cleaner than when you found it.
Location
Access Road Conditions: Our 1/4 mile long flat driveway is gravel and has good clearance up to 14'h with NO narrow turns. At the end of the driveway, you may need to be able to back-up to park. There is plenty of room to do so safely. One should move slowly when coming in or out for safety and minimize dust. Tow Vehicle Parking Details: TV parking is available on our gravel driveway during your stay. The trailer can be parked in the grass if conditions allow.
Parking Surface
Grass
Hosted By OutdoorPhoto
Age:
55-65
Retired educator and photographer who enjoys traveling and the outdoors. Details: I have retired early to spend time exploring North America in my RV when not at home in the woods of western Maine. I worked as a professional photographer and spent the last 13 years teaching and working in marketing for a private boarding school. I spend most of my free time exploring the outdoors. I enjoy hiking (four seasons), canoeing, and recreational cycling. Photography was my profession and I continue to take photos for pleasure. I make my home on 40 acres in the woods of western Maine. I enjoy working on the property and am handy with carpentry and working in the woods. I mostly remote tent camped until buying my first RV when I retired. Preferring to travel the back roads and explore the countryside with no schedule to adhere to. Home Town: I live in the middle of 40 acres in a small village in western Maine. Favorite Boondocking Locations: I have enjoyed so many that it would be hard to pick. All hosts have been great! Skills or Expertise to Share: I enjoy photography, remote canoeing, carpentry, Pickleball, and 4-season hiking. Working with my hands gives me a great deal of satisfaction.
Availability for RV Camping
References for this location from other RVers
2Livingthedream
6 months ago
Dirk has a beautiful property and easy to get into. We arrived while it was raining and he had no concern of getting wet, and came out to let us know where we could park. After we set up he invited us to come to the house and visit where he proceeded to show us his incredible knowledge of the surronding area. We love the scenic drives and he broke out the maps and spent a good amount of time with us telling us of places and things to see. This is a wonderful spot and so quiet and beautiful.
TheJameisons
7 months ago
We are new to the RV life and we had a great first stay. Dirk was very accommodating to our unfortunate change of plans. Very beautiful view and spacious area for our dogs to run free with no worries. We are glad we chose here for our first stay! Hope to come back next time we visit Maine.
Rach9495
7 months ago
We had such a wonderful stay with Dirk. His land and the surrounding area is absolute beautiful, but the best part about out stay was Dirk’s hospitality! We hope to come back next year when we are up in Maine.
EMaxThom
7 months ago
Extremely accommodating! Dirk. is a gracious host. knowledgeable of the area and wager to share. couldnt ask for a better stay, location. its a treat!
Ben_entrek
7 months ago
We greatly enjoyed our night spent there. The welcome from our host was very warm. His property is magnificent. Au revoir et Merci
