OUR STORY

The original Bateman Camps were built in the late 1950s by Carl Shillings for Clarence Bateman. Mr. Bateman, who hailed from Ohio, owned several acres of land in Byron, Maine — a place he loved to share with others. Carl, well known in Byron as a hermit from Germany, made his living doing odd jobs and gold panning. He built himself a small cabin on the East Branch of the Swift River, which closely resembled what became the first Bateman Cabin.

Over the years, Mr. Bateman’s cabins were rented by many people looking to experience the peace and simplicity of Maine’s wilderness. Eventually, the original structures fell into disrepair, leading to the decision to rebuild while preserving the history and character that made them special.

To honor that legacy, two new cabins were handcrafted by Amish carpenter Mahlon Gingrich of Stacyville, Maine. They were transported to Byron on a flatbed trailer and placed exactly where the original cabins once stood. The bricks from the chimney of the original Cabin #2 were even reused to create the hearth in the new version — a small but meaningful connection to the past.

A modern solar system was installed to power the camps, the well was upgraded, and a cell phone antenna was added for minimal connectivity. While the system provides electricity and hot/cold running water, the property still offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect and enjoy true peace and quiet.

Each cabin tells part of the Bateman story.

• Cabin #1 “Bates” was named after the original structure that stood in its place. The salvaged “Bates” sign proudly hangs on the new cabin today.
• Cabin #2 “Catherine” was named in honor of Reba Catherine Kolos, whose love for the property and its history lives on.

Both cabins feature full bathrooms with showers, kitchen areas with a stove and refrigerator, and cozy living spaces. Cabin #1 offers a queen bed and futon, while Cabin #2 includes a separate bedroom with a queen bed and bunk beds plus a futon in the living area.

The Bateman Camps sit right on the ATV and snowmobile trails, open year-round to welcome guests who come for Maine’s four-season recreation — from gold panning and fishing to leaf-peeping and snowmobiling.

In October 2025, the Pingree family proudly purchased The Bateman Camps with a deep appreciation for its history and a shared vision to carry it forward. They are excited to continue the legacy of the Bateman Camps, preserving its off-grid charm while expanding the experience for future generations to enjoy.