Last summer, we stayed at Huttopia in New Hampshire and we loved it so much that this summer we wanted to try their location in Southern Maine. This time around, we stayed in a Vista. Once again, we had an amazing experience and can’t wait to tell you all about it.
A Vista is like a modern tiny house. It has such a great design that really allows you to bring the outdoors in. You enter through a screen door onto a L shaped patio. Two large glass doors slide all the way open so that the entire kitchen is exposed. It gives an open and airy feel while the screens keep out any pesky mosquitoes. You have the option to slide a curtain across if you want more privacy.
The kitchen had a refrigerator with a freezer, a stove, microwave, sink, dishes, cutlery and really anything else you would need to prepare a meal. There was a full dining room table as well as a second table out on the patio so we could enjoy meals outside. Two mesh lounge chairs were on the porch which were great for relaxing.
There were two bedrooms off the kitchen. One had a queen size bed with shelving built around it to maximize storage space. The kids room had bunk beds and a twin. The Vistas sleep 5 people comfortable. Linens are provided but you have to make the beds.
The bathroom had a flush toilet, sink and glass stand up shower. We were not roughing it by any means. We had everything we needed under one roof. I was amazed by the design of the Vistas, because they don’t look that big but they really figured out how to maximize every inch of space.
Click here for a walk through video with the cutest little tour guide.
I learned a tip from another camper to pack our things in plastic Rubbermaid tubs. I tried that this time and it worked great. I had all of the kids clothes as well as mine in one tub. It sat out on the patio, so no critters could get inside and everything was in one place. We also learned from last year to bring a fan and we were glad we did because the temperatures were in the 90’s. The tall skinny fans would work best with the space. I would pack two so you have one for each room. Outside of every campsite is a firepit, a picnic table and a grill.
There are trapper tents in the woods as well as by the pond. We were in Vista 6, which was great for us because it was a short walk to the reception area or the pond. If you want something more secluded, there are trapper tents pretty deep into the woods.
As soon as we were unpacked, we head up to the reception area which is the hub for all of the activities. There is a playground for the kids and games on the deck. There was a large wooden box of blocks that the boys had fun setting up battle fields with their little green army guys that travel everywhere with us. We ordered a pizza and finally slid down into Adirondack chairs to have a cold drink.
I just love the vibe at Huttopia. The restaurant area has these doors that lift up like garage doors so that the whole place is open to the outdoors. String lights zig zag overhead. There are hammocks beneath the trees. You can always find a nice little corner to lounge in.
After dinner, the kids wanted to go for a swim so we jumped in the pool to cool off. We purchased a bundle of firewood from reception on our way back to the Vista so that they kids could make s’mores.
We always bring our bikes, because it’s fun to ride around the campground. The pathways at the Maine location were a bit more rocky than the New Hampshire pathways, but we still had fun cruising around. The boys especially love being at Huttopia because they feel so cool having a bit of independence. It’s so safe there, we let them ride their bikes to the playground or in a circle around the campsites. They meet other kids and then travel in a pack.
Another thing Huttopia is really good at is finding locations that feel really secluded, but you are still only 20 minutes outside of a nice town to explore. We were only 20 minutes from Kennebunkport so we explored there on Saturday. We brought the kids to the Seaside Trolley Museum which was a lot of fun. We rode speeders down the tracks which was such a special experience because they only do it once a year. They also run trolley rides every 45 minutes and there are 4 barns of old trolleys and subway cars from all over the country that kids can climb on.
We ate at Federal Jacks which I wouldn’t really recommend. Batson River Brewery right next door is a better option. Kennebunkport is such an adorable seaside town. Daytrip Society is my favorite shop and there is a Daytrip Jr. right around the corner for kids. We got ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s and then were anxious to get back to Huttopia because we had reserved paddle boards.
You can rent paddle boards, canoes and kayaks by the hour. You do have to book them in advance because there are only so many to go around. If you had a waterfront place, it is worth bringing your own so you can just launch from your campsite and not have to worry about time restrictions.
Paddle boarding is always a highlight for everyone. Huttopia, Maine is on Sand Pond. Whatever kind of boat you take out, it’s really fun to paddle around. There is dock off of a small beach where smaller children like to play. You could bring some sand toys for them. They will provide you with life jackets, but we brought our own.
The weekend went by way too fast. We had to be out by 10:00, so Sunday morning is really just eating breakfast and packing up. I savored my last crepe for the trip with a single tear running down my cheek.
After checking out, you are still allowed to stay and use the beach or the pool. We were only 20 minutes from Ogunquit, so I brought the kids for a walk down Marginal Way. It’s such a beautiful place to walk along the ocean and find little coves to play in.
A really fun part of this trip was that we brought the dog. Huttopia is such a dog friendly place. I loved walking him around the campground and it was just fun to have him with us. Dogs have to be on leashes, so I would recommend bringing a tie out so that you can hook your pup to the picnic table or a stake. I would also pack dog bowls and a towel for your dog.
Huttopia Maine did a great job with the parking so that you can get close to your tent without having cars drive around the campground. They provide rolling carts to help carry your thing to and from your campsite. We bring our pop up cart and it always comes in handy. We just keep our beach stuff packed in it so we can just grab it and go.
The last thing I will mention is that there were a lot of ticks. Just be sure that you do a good tick check, bring bug repellent and make sure your dog has tick meds. Luckily they were dog ticks and not the tiny lyme ticks we get around here. They were easy to see and pick off, but just be prepared. I also wish I had packed paper towels and a dish towel. They provide dish soap and a sponge.
I can’t say enough good things about Huttopia of Southern Maine. People have already asked me which location I liked better and I don’t know the answer. We really loved both locations and it is worth visiting each of them. They both have so much to offer and great places to explore in the surrounding area. Huttopia is also opening a campground in the Adirondacks this summer so we are excited to visit that location in the future.
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