Closing Up Your Camp for the Season
As the end of another summer is in sight, it is time for many Mainers and seasonal residents to bid farewell to their lakefront camps. Closing up properly isn’t just about tradition, it’s about protecting your property from the harsh realities of a Maine winter. Here’s a guide to make sure your camp is safe, secure, and ready for your return in the spring.
Start inside your home to protect your plumbing and interior:
- Shut off the main water supply and drain all pipes, faucets, toilets, and the water heater.
- Blow out water lines with compressed air if possible, and add non-toxic RV antifreeze to all drains, toilet bowls, tanks, and traps.
- Unplug appliances and prop open refrigerator and freezer doors to prevent mold.
- Remove all food or seal it tightly to avoid attracting pests. Seal gaps around pipes and doors to keep rodents out.
There are many that heat their camp or lake home over the winter. Set thermostats to about 50°F to keep pipes from freezing. If you’re shutting down entirely, make sure the building is well-ventilated to avoid moisture buildup and mold.
Then, move to the exterior:
Ice, snow, and wind can be brutal on camp structures.
- Clear roofs and gutters of leaves and debris to prevent ice dams.
- Inspect shingles, flashing, and siding for damage.
- Lock windows and doors and consider storm shutters or plywood for exposed lakeside windows.
- Store outdoor furniture, grills, and kayaks indoors or secure them tightly.
Next, focus on the docks and boats:
Waterfront equipment is especially vulnerable to ice damage.
- Remove or raise docks, floats, and ladders.
- Drain or stabilize boat fuel and remove batteries for indoor storage.
- Store small boats upside down away from heavy snow loads.
Secure the shoreline:
- Before the snow flies, remove portable ramps, swim rafts, and water toys.
- Check for signs of shoreline erosion and address any issues that could worsen during winter storms.
Take a final walkthrough:
- Take photos of your camp for insurance records.
- Remove valuables or store them securely.
- Leave a spring reopening checklist so you know exactly what was done before winter.
Closing up your camp is part of the rhythm of lake life in Maine, a blend of maintenance, preparation, and a farewell to another season by the water. Do it right, and you’ll open your camp next year with fewer headaches and more time to enjoy what really matters: those long summer days on the lake.
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