FAQ
– Quick Facts –
Check-in Time: 3pm to 7pm
Check-out Time: 11am
Minimum Stay: 2 nights
Max Occupancy: Nomad 4 Guests Roam 3 Guests (but that’s cozy! more comfortable for 2)
Nightly Rate: Nomad $365 Roam $285
Pure bliss…. but we’re pretty biased!
By design, your experience aboard our Floating Camps will be a decidedly unique one. And while Nomad and Roam are full-fledged, fresh-water houseboats, we live in Maine. And up here, we’ve been calling our lake living spaces “camps” for years, so we’re officially offering the first Floating Camps on Pemaquid Pond.
Nomad is our flagship – a painstakingly renovated 1968 Thunderbird Drift-R-Cruise Houseboat – and he’s always excited to meet other traveling souls (more on Nomad’s journey to Maine here). Roam, his little sister, is a custom-built ShantySkow created with upcycled materials, who loves getting her guests a little closer to the water.
Both Floating Camps are extremely stable, quite bright and airy, and very comfy for up to four overnight guests on Nomad and two overnight guests on Roam. Even those uneasy around the water have told us that a stay on Nomad or Roam is a friendly experience!
As a guest, the entire Floating Camp is yours to enjoy: ~ Plenty of outdoor deck space with comfortable seating and propane fire pit* ~ One petite (though luxurious!) bathroom with toilet & shower facilities ~ Well-equipped kitchen with refrigerator* & small freezer or icebox, gas stove & oven* ~ Double bed sleeping ~ Single sleeping options for additional guests* ~ Swim ladder for access on & off the aft deck
*Nomad only
Nomad and Roam both have running water, electricity, plenty of lounging space inside & out, and a heater for the chillier Maine evenings (more specifics about what’s included on board in FAQs below). No special skills or training are required for a stay – just an adventurous spirit and some time to breathe.
When you arrive at 244 Nobleboro Road in Bremen, we’ll greet you in our parking area and help you unload. Nomad or Roam (or both!) will be waiting for you dockside a short distance away. We provide carts to transport your luggage and other items to the dock and gladly assist with boarding.
Once aboard, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need for a comfortable stay.
Then, we shove off! Your host will drive the houseboat a short distance to one of our private moorings a few hundred feet off shore. Once you’re safely set, your host will disembark and leave you to enjoy your Nomadic Experience.
You are welcome to check-in anytime between 3pm & 7pm on the day of your arrival.
We’ll pre-coordinate your checkout time, at which point your host will paddle out to your floating location and bring you back dockside for easy disembarking. On the morning of your departure, you are free to leave any time prior to 11am.
Your floating location while aboard Nomad or Roam will be on a secure mooring in front of our private shoreline on Pemaquid Pond a few hundred feet off shore. The water is fairly shallow and you will be close enough for an easy paddle to shore should you choose (but most guests find they prefer to never – ever – leave their floating haven). This property is happily shared with Otyokwa Cabins, a truly breathtaking property offering a nostalgic nod to times gone by (for additional rental options for larger groups or events, please contact us at info@otyokwamaine.com).
You will have access to and from the houseboat, your car on shore, and offsite should you choose to explore the local area. While the grounds and shoreline are extensive offering a great deal of privacy, we ask that you are respectful of other guests who may be visiting in the lakeside cabins or Farmhouse. Your host will help orient you upon arrival.
Nope. And that’s on purpose.
Simple answer – everything you need, nothing you don’t.
But for the Type A’s out there, both of our Floating Camps include: ~ All linens – bath, beach & hand towels, napkins, sheets, blankets, extra blankets (it’s Maine after all) ~ Hand & dish soap ~ Multiple ways to make coffee (just in case you were nervous about the ‘no coffee pot’ thing) ~ Cooking Basics (oil & vinegar, salt & pepper, tea& sugar) ~ Basic cook-ware ~ Fresh drinking water (enough for a few days – feel free to augment!) ~ Propane BBQ grill with fuel ~ Electrical adapters & back-up device rechargers (recharges anything via USB cable) ~ Canoe (carries two adults) ~ Comfy outdoor seating ~ Yoga mats ~ Magazines & books ~ Life jackets, first aid kit, life preserver
*Please note what’s NOT provided: Ice, WiFi, and complimentary back rubs.
Nomad features an upper-deck firepit, refrigerator with small freezer, bathroom with stall shower & hot water.
Roam features a custom pagoda-style aft deck, old-school icebox (like a built-in cooler), stove-top, and wet bath (toilet and shower) with hot water.
We provide check-in & check-out transportation aboard your Floating Camp to & from your moored location on Pemaquid Pond at the pre-arranged times; all other movement from Nomad or Roam is at your leisure and on your timeline.
A basic list (in no particular order): ~ Enough food for everyone aboard for your time away from shore ~ Enough to drink for everyone aboard for your time away from shore ~ A person(s) you can be on a boat with for your time away from shore ~ Sunscreen & after-sun lotion ~ Bug spray ~ Toiletries & any personal products ~ Medications ~ Music and speaker ~ Fishing license, gear & bait ~ Water floats & toys ~ Stand-up paddleboard (we have 2 you can rent – please inquire!) ~ Books & games ~ Charging cords ~ Ice & cooler (as needed for extra cool storage)
Please do take your food, beverage and activity requirements for your entire stay into account and bring all of the things you might need with you at the time of your check-in. There is no judgment for over-packing.
Of course, if you find you need more of something, please see following FAQ…
We keep a well-stocked Floating Camp, but if you run out of provided necessities (drinking water, TP) simply contact your host and we’ll point you to where the extras are hidden or coordinate a resupply run.
If you would appreciate additional niceties, you are welcome to paddle back to shore for a resupply run to any of our local shops.
Sorry, friend. While our Floating Camps love a good lake tour, they will happily remain moored or anchored while you visit except when your host is at the helm. Absolutely no offense to you or your boating skills, but liability prevents our guests from operating the houseboats.
If you’d love to explore Pemaquid Pond (say, while sipping a beverage and watching the sun set…), we offer chartered cruises aboard your Floating Camp during your stay. Simply ask your Host when booking!
We’ve got another Floater!
We absolutely want you to consider Nomad or Roam your floating home, and it’s not uncommon for guests to request to extend their stay – as long as you and your Floating Camp are getting along (and there’s availability…), you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Just get in touch with your Host and we’ll see what we can float.
We do offer longer reservation lengths (up to 30 days), but for stays 4 days or longer, we’ll need to make you aware of some logistical considerations. Please Contact Us to make your reservation.
You can book Nomad or Roam for a minimum of two nights. That is a strict minimum based on consideration for the impact on the surrounding property and we will not be able to accommodate shorter stays. But believe us, you’ll be begging for more time aboard!
Please Contact Us if you’d like to book specific dates and aren’t able to do so online. We sometimes get late cancellations and might be able to offer last-minute availability.
Unfortunately, we do not allow pets aboard. While we’re sure that your pet is just lovely, Nomad and Roam aren’t particularly pet friendly.
There are two types of cancellations:
Type 1: Weather If weather is forecasted to be questionable for your stay, your host will contact you about a day prior to your reservation to discuss options. As long as it’s safe (please see next FAQ) you’re still welcome to stay. If you’d prefer to reschedule your stay based on the weather, we will do our best to accommodate based on availability. If we must cancel the reservation prior to your arrival due to extreme weather, you will receive a full refund. This has happened one time over 6 seasons, so it’s not common. Our boats are hearty!
Type 2: A Change of Your Plans If you decide to cancel your reservation for personal reasons, you may do so for a 70% refund up to 30 days prior to your reservation. Within 29 days of your reservation, no refund is offered for cancellations.
As long as it’s safe to be on the water – no dangerous storms or extreme conditions – you’re still welcome to stay aboard. Our Floating Camps are waterproof after all! And while it may sound crazy, some of the most beautiful times on the water are during and right after a rain, so you may be in for a treat!
Additionally, we monitor the radar constantly with weather alerts set – if weather picks up unexpectedly while you’re aboard, we will be in touch to talk options.
Ultimately, Nomad and Roam’s location and occupancy is at the owners discretion, and will be based on a conservative assessment for your safety.
A great deal of thought has gone into ensuring you have a safe and comfortable experience. We want your stay to be relaxing and worry-free. But if issues arise (or you just can’t remember how to flush the toilet), your host is always available 24/7.
We’ll make sure you have good 2-way communication before disembarking, and there are emergency ways to communicate just in case.
If a bona fide medical emergency occurs while you’re onboard, you should contact local first responders by calling 911, just as you would on shore. You will have all the information you need to call for help in the unlikely event that it’s needed.
A few notes on life afloat –
Nomad and Roam are operated in partnership with another property in Bremen. As our guest, you will have access to and from the houseboat, your car on shore, and offsite should you choose to explore the local area. While the grounds and shoreline are extensive offering a great deal of privacy, we ask that you are respectful of other guests who may be visiting the Cabins or the Farmhouse, as they will be respectful of you. Your host will help orient you upon arrival.
Due to electrical constraints onboard, high-draw electrical appliances (coffee pots, hair dryers/straighteners, space heaters, electric kettles, toasters, blenders, etc.) are requested to stay on shore; they will disable all electricity if used aboard. Alternative options are provided whenever possible.
For full use of all that Nomad and Roam have to offer, guests should note that ladders, stairs, and a floating dock are part of the experience. Please consider your own physical limitations prior to booking.
You’ll be staying on a lake, so sound will carry much further on the water than you realize. Mindful of those sharing your extended space, please keep loud music and loud voices for the daylight hours. And remember that even conversational tones can be heard at a distance when the water’s calm. So make sure you speak frequently about your host’s ravishingly good looks whenever possible.
You will be staying in Maine and enjoying an indoor/outdoor living environment. This environment includes bugs. While the accommodations include insect deterrents (essential oils, swatters, screens, mosquito nets), there will be bugs sharing your space (mostly gnats, flies, and other flying bugs). Most guests find that they are a minor nuisance, but please consider your personal tolerance before booking.
Depending on your mobile cell carrier, you may or may not have strong data coverage while onboard. WiFi is not offered (but that’s okay – the live show is much better!). Emergency 911 calls can always be made no matter your mobile carrier.
You are free to come and go from your Floating Camp whenever you like utilizing the canoe included with your rental. Or if you prefer, you’re welcome to bring your own water toys – kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are popular tag alongs and easily transportable on Nomad or Roam.
If an unforeseen issue arises while on board (illness, family emergency, etc.) your host will help handle reservation adjustments on a case-by-case basis.
Still have questions? That’s totally cool. We’d love to chat about Floating Camps, Pemaquid Pond or the best cheese you’ve ever tasted in your life. Contact Us
FAQ - Water Picnic
– Quick Facts –
Available Hours: 7am to 9pm daily
Min/Max Reservation: 2 to 6 hours, at hour increments
Max Occupancy: 6 Guests; children welcome! *10yrs & younger required to wear life-jacket*
Rates: 2 Hr – $200 // 3hr – $250 // 4hr – $300 // 5hr – $350 // 6hr – $400
Pure bliss…. but we’re kind of partial to the Lake Life!
By design, your experience aboard Nomad will be a decidedly unique one. Nomad has been likened to a floating tiny house. But we live in Maine, and up here, we’ve been calling our ‘tiny houses’ camps for years, so he’s officially the first Floating Camp on Rangeley Lake.
Nomad is our flagship – a painstakingly renovated 1968 Thunderbird Drift-R-Cruise Houseboat – and he’s always excited to meet other traveling souls (more on Nomad’s journey to Rangeley Lake here).
He’s extremely stable, quite open and airy, and very comfortable for up to six guests. Even those uneasy around the water have told us that time on Nomad is a friendly experience!
Nomad’s got a full kitchen, running water, electricity, a toilet, and plenty of lounging space inside & out.
For full use of all that Nomad has to offer, guests should note that ladders and stairs are part of the experience.
You are most welcome to book your desired length of time aboard Nomad for 2 to 6 hours between 7am & 9pm daily.
A few options for your time aboard: Floating Family Picnic – swimming & sunbathing Couples Getaway – serenely bobbing in a secluded cove with a bottle of wine Floating Expansion Space for visitors – anchored off your shore where your guests can come & go Party Boat for a gathering of friends Forward Launch Point for a kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding adventure
But these are just suggestions! You’re welcome to use your time aboard for whatever activity you choose (within the realm of safety, decency and legality…) at whatever time you choose, subject only to availability. If you can think it, we can float it!
Nomad’s location is supremely flexible – based on your preference, reservation length, & the weather.
Option 1: Nomad can remain dockside (at our dock or yours*!) for easy access to the shore…. or for a convenient Floating Yoga session (see FAQ below). This is a great option if you want to experience a day on the lake but prefer to remain a little closer to dry land.
Option 2: You can also choose to shove off a bit and remain at our private mooring a few yards into the lake for a more waterborne experience. Or if you prefer, Nomad can be anchored off your private shoreline. You’ll have a canoe tethered to the stern, so you can come and go as you please. This is a great option to offer visitors who might want some getaway space!
Option 3: Finally, for a truly immersive Floating Camp experience, you can choose to spend your time anchored out in South Bog or South Cove on Rangeley Lake. Here, you’ll enjoy private, undisturbed shorelines and sweeping panoramic views. Take advantage of the swim ladder and plunge into the refreshing lake water, or enjoy the outdoor sun decks and onboard firepit.
Option 3.5: We will happily consider alternate locations for Nomad further afoot on Rangeley Lake – a quiet cove, your favorite swimming hole, or secret fishing spot. We must respect local rules and regulations, as well as our landlubbing neighbors on shore, but if we can make your particular special spot work, we will! Contact us to see what we can float!
*Subject to approval – your dock and water depth must be capable of safely holding Nomad.
Yes, of course! Nomad is fully equipped with a fridge & small freezer, oven & stove, BBQ grill, running water and plenty of prep space. All plates, cups, mugs, utensils, cutlery, and bake-ware are provided as well. Whether you’d like to bring chips & salsa or baked brie, cans of PBR or snazzy cocktail mixins, Nomad’s got you covered.
And we guarantee – whatever it is – it’ll taste better when you’re munching or sipping aboard the most scenic platform on Rangeley Lake.
Absolutely! If you just have to have more time on the water, we totally get it. With a few caveats – Nomad has to be available & there has to be enough daylight left. Just give us a call or send us a message and we’ll see what we can accommodate. We can easily accept cash, check or credit card for the balance of your additional time upon your return.
Yes – Nomad is waterproof, after all! And he’s got plenty of indoor space to enjoy. But it all depends on what your planned activity is – reading a magazine in peace while lounging on the settee = Awesome. Swim party for your daughter and all her friends = Not so much.
As long as it’s safe to be on the water, Nomad is available even in inclement weather. But if you’d prefer to reschedule your reservation based on the weather, we’ll do our best to accommodate (see our Cancellation Policy FAQ below). If there are extremely high winds, thunderstorms, hail, or lightening forecasted, we will have to cancel your reservation and try to reschedule.
Additionally, we monitor the radar constantly with weather alerts set – if weather picks up unexpectedly while you’re out, we will recover you promptly and return you safely to shore. Any time left on your rental can be used at a later date or as a pro-rated refund.
There are two types of cancellations:
Type 1: Weather If weather is forecasted to be less than perfect, your Boat Captain will contact you the day prior to your reservation to discuss options. As long as it’s safe to be on the water – just rain; no hail, lightening, or high winds – we can still get you floating (please see above), but we will probably cancel if there’s any question and try to reschedule. If you’d prefer to reschedule to a non-rain day, we will do our best to accommodate based on availability. If we must cancel the reservation due to weather with no reschedule options, you will receive a full refund.
Type 2: A Change of Your Plans If you decide to cancel your reservation for personal reasons, you may do so for a 50% refund up to 24 hours prior to your reservation. Within 24 hours of your reservation, no refund is offered.
But we hope none of this applies and you can come meet Nomad!
A great deal of thought has gone into ensuring you have a safe and comfortable experience aboard Nomad. We want your stay to be relaxing and worry-free. But if issues arise (or you just can’t remember how to light the grill), your Boat Captain is always available with a no-questions-asked 24/7 accessibility policy.
We’ll make sure you have good 2-way communication before disembarking, and there are several back-up and emergency ways to communicate should your cell phone fall in the lake.
If a bona fide medical emergency occurs while you’re onboard, local first responders are very familiar with the Just Add Water operation and we’ve pre-coordinated for emergency response. You will have all the information you need to call for help in the unlikely event that it’s needed.
Your Boat Captain just so happens to also be a Certified Yoga Instructor … who is quite partial to yoga on Nomad’s upper decks.
We can fit up to four yogis (…if you’re okay living on the edge) up on the rooftop deck for a one hour yoga session of your choice – Power Vinyasa, Gentle Flow, or Yin. Nomad can stay docked, anchored near shore, or in a secluded spot where our only spectators are the loons. Yoga mats are happily provided.
You can choose to simply reserve an hour on Nomad for your private session, or we can arrange for your yoga session to begin your daily rental period.
Pricing: One Hour Private Floating Yoga Session (at the dock or near shore): $75 for up to 4 guests One Hour Private Floating Yoga Session (secluded spot, cruise included): $200 for up to 4 guests One Hour Floating Yoga in addition to daily rental: $50 + cost of rental
Still have questions? That’s totally cool. We’d love to chat about Floating Camps, Rangeley Lake or your favorite yoga pose. Contact Us
FAQ - Private Charter
– Quick Facts –
Available Hours: 7am to 9pm daily
Min/Max Reservation: 1 to 3 hours, at half hour increments
Max Occupancy: 6 Guests; children welcome! *10yrs & younger required to wear life-jacket*
Rates: 1 Hr – $150 // 1.5hr – $200 // 2hr – $250 // 2.5hr – $300 // 3hr – $350
Pure bliss…. but we’re kind of partial to the Lake Life!
By design, your experience aboard Nomad will be a decidedly unique one. Nomad has been likened to a floating tiny house. But we live in Maine, and up here, we’ve been calling our ‘tiny houses’ camps for years, so he’s officially the first Floating Camp on Rangeley Lake.
Nomad is our flagship – a painstakingly renovated 1968 Thunderbird Drift-R-Cruise Houseboat – and he’s always excited to meet other traveling souls (more on Nomad’s journey to Rangeley Lake here).
He’s extremely stable, quite open and airy, and very comfortable for up to six guests (eight if you’re willing – see FAQ below). Even those uneasy around the water have told us that time on Nomad is a friendly experience!
Nomad’s got running water, a bathroom, and plenty of lounging space inside & out.
Nomad is available daily between 7am & 9pm for a minimum of 1 hour, up to 3 hours, bookable at half hour increments.
Need an excuse to make a reservation? We offer the following: ~ Coffee Cruises ~ Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Charters ~ Cocktail Cruises ~ Or our most popular – Sunset Charter
But these are just suggestions! You’re welcome to use your time aboard for whatever activity you choose at whatever time you choose, subject only to availability.
Yes, of course! Nomad is fully equipped with a fridge & small freezer, oven & stove, running water and plenty of prep space. All plates, cups, mugs, utensils, cutlery, and bake-ware are provided as well. Whether you’d like to bring chips and salsa or baked brie, cans of PBR or snazzy cocktail mixins, Nomad’s got you covered.
And we guarantee – whatever it is – it’ll taste better when you’re munching or sipping aboard the most scenic platform on Rangeley Lake.
For general comfort and manageability aboard, we have a six-person maximum for our Private Charters. This allows for your ease of movement around Nomad during your cruise. However, if you and those in your party are okay with slightly less open space, Nomad can safely carry up to eight adults.
As long as passengers are generally aware of their collective position while aboard (i.e. everyone can’t be on the upper deck on one side at the same time…), there is ample space for eight passengers to enjoy.
And, of course, if an unwieldy situation were to arise due to the number of individuals aboard, the Boat Captain always retains the right to terminate the cruise in the name of safety. Pirates are welcome, as long as they save their swashbuckling for another vessel.
He is indeed! The same charter rates apply ($150 for the first hour + $50 for each addt’l half hour) beginning at the time Nomad leaves Oquossoc and ends when the service is complete (return time is not billed). Special pricing may apply for reservations longer than three hours.
Past requests have included: ~ Wedding Party transportation to island ceremonies or shoreline properties ~ Drop-offs at Loon Lodge for dinner ~ 4th of July Fireworks Show ~ Floating viewing platform for Oquossoc Days events
If a Floating Camp can enhance your special event, please Contact Us to see what we can float!
Yes – Nomad is waterproof, after all! And he’s got plenty of indoor space to enjoy. As long as it’s safe to be on the water, we will still cruise in inclement weather, unless you’d prefer not to (see our Cancellation Policy FAQ below). And while it may sound crazy, some of the most beautiful times on the water are just after a rain, so you may be in for a treat!
But if there are high winds, hail, thunderstorms, or lightening forecasted, we will have to cancel your charter and do our best to reschedule.
There are two types of cancellations:
Type 1: Weather If weather is forecasted to be less than perfect, your Boat Captain will contact you the day prior to your reservation to discuss options. As long as it’s safe to cruise – just light rain; no hail, lightening, high winds or thunderstorms – we can still cruise (please see above), but we will probably cancel if there’s any question. If you’d prefer to reschedule to a non-rain day, we will do our best to accommodate based on availability. If we must cancel the reservation due to weather, you will receive a full refund.
Type 2: A Change of Your Plans If you decide to cancel your reservation for personal reasons, you may do so for a 50% refund up to 24 hours prior to your reservation. Within 24 hours of your reservation, no refund is offered.
But we hope none of this applies and you can come meet Nomad!
Still have questions? That’s totally cool. We’d love to chat about Floating Camps, Rangeley Lake or the best cheese you’ve ever tasted in your life. Contact Us