Pure nature adventure on the lake shore providing tranquility and adventure.

Husband and I ditched our original plans to go to Arcadia and play around with the kayaks instead. Yes, that's right. We took this trip for the sole purpose of going to Arcadia...but when we settled in....we didn't want to leave. Bring bug spray....citronella candle or mosquito netting for your head. Bugs were crazy, but its spring time and bugs get crazy during the spring. Get everything you need BEFORE you get to the cabin (food, alcohol etc)

We had a wonderful time on Craig's Pond. I felt like I was at summer camp with paths leading through the wooded property to the boating and fire pit areas. The waterfront deck was a delight to spend time on. The pond is crystal clear. The owners just put in a new swim float and it was awesome! The jumping rocks are a paddle away and a great place to spend an afternoon. We were there over 4th of July and a few neighbors had a nice show of fireworks that my kids really enjoyed. One review mentioned the construction noise. There was construction noise but I'm assuming that is temporary. There is no wifi. You can make calls/texts but can't really get data to support any apps. Opportunity to truly get away. My kids were happy to get in town so they could update their Insta accounts with all their pictures. :) I highly recommend this rental. We had a fantastic time.

My husband and I stayed here with our dogs to get away from the city. We loved the location, property was on its own peninsula with water and Mountain View’s all around. Neighbors where quiet and far apart. We loved taking the kayaks out and exploring the very large, beautiful pond. The house was very well appointed with everything we would need, and great views from the two story high front windows. Beds were comfortable. Stove, grill and fire pit gave us plenty of cooking options which was nice. The indoor fire place was romantic and cozy. We saw loons all over the pond and a family of ducks all week. Property is only 15min to Fort Knox which is a cool peace of history to explore. Also, the property owner Jay was great, informative and quick to respond. The only negative thing to note was every single morning around 7:30 we heard chainsaws and trucks across the pond loudly cutting down trees/branches for hours, it took away what would of been the quiet peaceful mornings we came out here to enjoy. Other than that it was a beautiful property/location that we would recommend to others.

Had a great time. Already booked again for next year.

This was our third stay at Jay's property on Craig Pond and it will not be our last. The location is ideal with a deck right at the water's edge. The deck and camp are facing an awesome view with almost no signs of human activity. The neighbor's are friendly, generous, and helpful and far enough away to barely be heard. If you choose to swim or snorkel...and why the heck wouldn't you... you will find the spring fed pond is some of the clearest fresh water you will ever swim in. We got some great underwater videos of dozens of friendly sunfish off of the peninsula point. There were a ton of polywogs that the kids love to catch and release. Loons, merganser ducks, king fishers, and eagles are a daily sight. This was our first year to be at the camp for the 4th of July celebration. With fireworks legal in Maine now we were not surprised to hear and see some, but we were surprised by the the amount, duration and impressive quality! It started promptly at 9:00 pm. It appeared that there were 5 or 6 camps participating and trying to outdo each other. We did see some lights on Great Pond Mountain - people were up there watching - and that sounds like a nice thing that we may do next year - that vista allows a great view of several nearby lakes and ponds and from the distant sounds there were fireworks going off on Alamoosook Lake and the Toddy Ponds as we - all nicely visible from the mountain top. The fireworks reached a crescendo but mostly ceased politely by 10:00. The other two years we stayed here (not the 4th of July week) there were no fireworks whatsoever, and there were only a few fireworks on the 5th. So either enjoy the 4th knowing what may a happen or avoid it if you wish. We swam several times each day and could stay in the water for a full 30-60 minutes without getting too cold. All in all this is a wonderful secluded place to stay (with kids and dogs or not) and a major grocery only 15 minutes away in Bucksport (beer, spirits and basics are even closer at the nearby gas station). Boat traffic on the pond is minimal but expect some tubers and pontoon boats to motor by occasionally. Be sure to use the kayaks and/or canoe provided to explore the whole pond - the ledges are beautiful up close. The host, Jay, is quick to respond if you have any issues. Enjoy a wicked sweet slice of Maine!

Jay's cabin was the perfect lakeside escape from it all. We spent our days at Acadia, came back to the cabin, enjoyed some wine on the deck and relaxed by the fire in the evenings. Wish we could've had better weather while we were there to enjoy the fire pit outside! The weather finally cleared up on the last day we were there to take out kayaks out on the lake. My first time in a kayak and it was so much fun! Very peaceful and relaxing cabin. Jay was quick to answer our texts and emails with any questions or concerns we had.

We are return visitors to this delightful spot for a reason, or I should say for many reasons. Again, it did not disappoint, and if possible is more beautiful than we remembered. We all agree our skin is so soft after daily swims in the pond. Thank you, Jay, for continuing to allow others to enjoy your peninsula paradise. Neighbors are so nice too!

Once again we had an awesome week at Jay's camp on Craig Pond - last year was June and the water a bit on the chilly side, this year was the last week of July and the water was perfect temperature for prolonged swimming, snorkeling or lounging on an inflatable. The camp location on the water could not be better. Loons, mergansers, kingfishers, ospreys, and hawks were common sights. We read on rainy days or played games. As soon as the sun came out we moved to the deck to recharge our batteries, then to a watercraft for exploring. This is amazingly clear freshwater for snorkeling so bring your equipment if you have it or buy some. At one point I was treated to being surrounded by hundreds of curious minnows and several interested sunfish as I dove to recover some lost fishing gear we happened upon during a perimeter paddle of the pond. This was reminiscent of snorkeling in the clear waters off the coast of Belize. Near the camp fat polliwogs at various states of development can be chased down for temporary collection and inspection by the kids. Some resident sunfish under the dock are always overly eager for tiny bread balls. For kids, dogs, and adults, this is a wonderful place to stay!

Great little gem on one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen! Greatly enjoyed our stay and would recommend to anyone!

I loved sitting on the deck with a glass of wine and staring at the different moods of the lake. I also loved the fireplace - we enjoyed a fire almost every night. The cabin really represents all that is beautiful about Maine! The owner is a really nice guy and very accessible.

The property itself is rustic, but has everything one may need for a comfortable stay. The location on the lake is lovely and with enough land for exploring. Jay is so accomadating and is a wonderful host! Just go you wont regret it.

The only lake rental we have ever returned to because the water is crystal clear and the spot is like no other. After a mile down a bumpy camp road you find yourself in a secluded, quiet spot. A rustic small camp with windows overlooking the lake will make you forget about everything you left behind. The camp is situated on a peninsula with a perfect spot for a campfire to watch the sunset and end your day. Close to Acadia and other great hiking and biking spots.

The Craig's Pond camp was just as the the write up had described it but even better. We canoed, kayaked, swam, snorkeled, cooked out on the grill, sat around in the sun, and read a whole lot (750 pages of Steven King's It for me - I still have another...400 pages to go - and four books for my wife). The camp library was nicely stocked with an interesting array of books on nature and local interests. I learned I can eat a whole lot of what grows in Maine as bushes, flowers, trees, and weeds from Tom Seymour's excellent book. Reading the history of Craig's Pond book was enlightening as to how rare it is to be able to own property on this gem and how important it is for those fortunate families who can call the pond theirs during the summer months. I grew up in Bucksport, only a few miles from Craig's Pond, and spent numerous occasions visiting the public beach for swims and several times swimming all the way over the ledges for free fall jumps of dizzying heights (and swinging on the fabled rope-swing - see Craig's Pond history book) but being able to spend a whole week on the pond without knowing that my mom was picking me up in a few short hours was a fantastic opportunity to unwind. The placement of the camp and deck on the peninsula was brilliant as the view from the camp's deck decades later remains void of almost all traces of civilization's encroachment. I decided not to bring any fishing gear, but I will next year as early morning and evening, when the winds subsided, surfacing salmon and/or trout were plentiful. The water clarity remains, as I remember it as a kid 30 years ago, amazingly clear - probably due to the lack of camps (only a hand full of which have actual lawns). The water was refreshing for me and a bit on the cool side for my wife, but I had no problem being in for 15 minutes or so. Our dog (not a swimmer) was welcome and he had a great time. There are plenty of opportunities for kids to swim safely as one side of the peninsula is shallow while the other side drops off much quicker. I was able to dive off of the dock without any trouble, however, that may not be the case in July and August if the water level goes down. We traveled to Ellsworth twice to dine at The Mex (yum). We wouldn't recommend Carrier's Mainely Lobster as the crab meat was not fresh and the lobster roll was just so-so. Must do - hike Great Pond Mtn! We highly recommend this camp on Craig's Pond and plan to return. Marc, Wendy, and Blue (dog

Property itself is beautiful, very secluded and perfect get away from it all place. It was well stocked and clean and accurate as advertised. I would definitely recommend making sure your car has ample clearance as the road in is fairly rutted and there are very many high spots. It takes some concentration to navigate. Overall a lovely location.

The Jay-Meigs house is a a lovely rustic modern cabin that sits on an impossibly little corner of land. The house sits directly on the pond with access to the water on two sides, ideal for swimming and kayaking. The house is very secluded making it a perfect place to escape but close enough to Acadia for day trips into the National Park.

The most majestic, magical and serene, place to be. I lose myself and relax as soon as I step onto the back deck and open my eyes to the breathtaking scenery. Seeing my toes dangle in the clear waters off the dock every day and also kayaking, swimming, canoeing, or just floating around in the water is a slice of heaven for me! The sunsets are gorgeous, the loon's calls are melodious and the surrounding of nature make it practically impossible to say good bye each year. I remember this special place is what keeps me going when times get so difficult in N.Y.. My time on Craig's Pond in the fabulous cabin with the magnificent view.. Such a healing and re-energizing piece of Earth. Thank you J & J and the Universe . I am grateful we connected!

In a word, perfect. The solitude, isolation, peace, and quiet of nature. What a wonderful way to wind down one's summer. Almost afraid to write too glowing a review for fear too many others may discover this gem and then my husband and I won't find any weeks left open for booking. I missed terribly the clear, potable waters of Craigs after 35 years away, and I can't thank Jay enough for giving access to this private oasis via VRBO. Daily swims, beautiful views, our happy exploring dog, and the wonderful Maine air have restored my husband and I for the return to our work-a-day world. We concur with all the other 5 - star reviews: Jay is a text message away at any time, and the neighbors next door as well as those who paddle by in kayaks are all warm and welcoming...even if we are "from away" (a Maine saying!) :-) We are already talking about next summer!! Katherine, Larry, and Tate (the dog)

Many thanks to our owners for providing a wonderful setting and a great week of relaxation. The cottage was outfitted very well for us - had everything we needed for a fun and relaxing time. Kitchen was very workable, cottage was comfortable, had plenty of games and things to do when we weren't in the lake or hiking/biking. This is a wonderful place to be in the summer - thanks again.

The listing description is very accurate. This is a great place to experience a Maine lake vacation - great location for access to Bar Harbor, Blue Hill, Castine etc. The property provides a very private vacation - it's located on a private peninsula (probably over 2 acres). The view from the cabin is just as the photos depict - it reminded me of being in the pacific NW - rocks and pines - no site of other dwellings. It's great for kids and dogs to explore - lots of frogs, clear and shallow water to explore for hours (or hunt rocks like my dog spent most of his time doing), a fire pit for roasting marshmellows, 2 kayaks and a canoe for additional lake exploring and relaxation. Striaght across the lake is a great location for rock jumping/swimming. The water is very clear and was a welcomed treat for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. We never had a bug issue - no misquitos. I always look forward to the haunting song of the loon. There was a very cute loon family. The cabin was clean and stocked with all of the essentials. We cooked all of our meals except for 1 and that worked out just fine. The one night we went out to eat was in Bucksport at McLeods - a good and resaonably priced family restaurant. The loft includes 2 twin beds, it may be a bit scary for younger children to go up and down the stairs and the loft railing is low - probably better for children 6+. Places of interest/activities include a visit to the Salmon Hatchery - we had a great tour guide, the Lobster Hatchery in Bar Harbor was also interesting - the discovery tank was especially fun for children, had a beautiful picnic at Fort Knox overlooking the fort and river. During the summer months, the Jud Hartman gallery is worth a trip in BlueHill- introduce yourself to Jud, the artist - he's happy to talk about his sculpture process and subject matter - typically life-like bronze statues of New England Native Americans- capturing their life during 17c.

Après 5 jours trépidants a New York City , nous sommes arrivés à Craig's Pond en fin de jounée au soleil couchant. C'est un endroit incroyablement beau et paisible, où la nature est restée préservée. Le camp est très comfortable et parfait pour les enfants qui ont adoré faire du canoë et se baigner dans le lac. Depuis le séjour nous avons pu admirer les oiseaux, les écureuils , les chipmonks et les loons.C'est un endroit parfait pour se détendre et dont on n'a pas envie de partir..même s'il y a tant de choses à voir dans le Maine et dans l'Acadia National Park qui est tout prêt. Jay est un hôte parfait et très accueillant. Nous espérons bien pouvoir revenir très bientôt, dès que nous aurons économisé assez d'argent pour le vol! depuis Bordeaux ! Une famille de 5 français, amoureux du Maine! After 5 hectic days in NYC, we arrived at Craig's Pond at dusk. It's a very smooth and incredibly beautiful place, where you can see nature at its best! The camp is very comfortable and has everything you need. It's the perfect place for children . Ours loved canoeing and swimmnig in the lake! From the sitting room you can observe birds, squirrels chipmonks and loons.. It's the perfect place to relax and you don't feel like moving though there are many things to discover in Maine and in Acadia National Park which is very near. Jay is a very nice and helpful host. It's really a wonderful place and we hope to be able to come back soon, in fact as soon as we"ll have enough money for the flights from Bordeaux ! A French family of 5, in love with Maine.

We stayed at the cabin for a week in July and had a wonderful time. The location is breathtaking, we arrived at night and we were amazed at what we woke up to...an absolutely beautiful and peaceful lake view. We loved canoeing and kayaking on the lake and our dog, Ranger, LOVED jumping off of the dock! We canoed over to the rocks and jumped off and we all had a blast...Ranger jumped off too! We walked around the property each morning, having our coffee and soaking in the gorgeous surroundings. The cabin is in an ideal location, it is close to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor and after you explore the local areas and eat the scrumptious seafood you get to drive back to a place untouched by the hectic world to unwind and just relax. Sunsets were gorgeous and the sounds of the loons on the lake made it a perfect Maine experience. Jay was only a phone call away, he was a welcoming and perfect host. We think Ranger thought we had moved there, he was soooo happy, we had to explain to him that we were only visiting this beautiful place and we would soon be going back to our house in New Jersey! He still isn't over it!