About Our Shin Pond Campground

In 1981, Craig purchased 40 acres of land from a local bank foreclosure with the intention of building a store, laundry facilities, public showers, and an apartment for him to reside in. In the fall of that year, Craig along with his brother, Leslie started to frame a 30' x 80' building that they were able to enclose before the first snow. Craig and his four-legged best friend, Efrom lived in a camper in the basement of what is now the Main Building at Shin Pond Village until he was able to finish the apartment in February of 1982. The basement also housed a fire truck that was used to respond to fires in Mount Chase and the surrounding areas. In July of 1982, Craig opened the general store, laundry facilities, game room, and public showers. He worked for the next four years as a bachelor with his trusted friend, Efrom by his side.

In May of 1986, Craig and Terry met, and a year later she and her then 3-year old son, Blaine moved from Old Town to Mount Chase, Maine. In February of 1988, Craig and Terry were married! Just a few months later, in May of that year, Craig’s parents helped them with the purchase of the property across the road from the store. It was part of the original Shin Pond House property which included five original log cabins and a “motel” with six rooms. Craig and Terry were excited to bring the former Shin Pond House property back together again, unaware of the difficulties the following years would bring. They fought against the age and neglect of the property for several years before eventually deciding to replace most of the cottages and completely gut the motel.

Today, our property consists of our Main Building (which includes a General Store, an Agency Liquor Store, and our Restaurant & Bar), eight Cabins, three Guest Suites, three homes on Lower Shin Pond, and thirty Campsites. In 2017, we became a KLIM dealer and we now carry a large selection of KLIM snowmobile/off-road gear throughout the year. We are extremely active in our local Snowmobile Club, Bowlin Matagamon Shin Pond Snowmobile Club! We house two club Piston Bully Groomers on property and help maintain 140+ miles of groomed trails in our area. Craig has been involved with the Mt. Chase Volunteer Fire Department since he moved here in 1976 and has been Mt. Chase. Fire Chief for the past 49 years!