Equestrian Camping near Aurora, ME

2 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Cottonwood Camping & RV Park in Columbia Falls, Maine offers full equestrian camping accommodations with direct ATV trail access. The campground provides a unique combination of horse-friendly sites and diverse lodging options. Travelers can choose between full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, or specialty accommodations including teepees, a treehouse, and cabins while camping with horses. Cottonwood features on-site horseback riding lessons and trail rides available to guests. Many campers note the clean bathroom facilities with reliable hot water. The park remains under development with ongoing construction improvements but maintains reasonable rates of $35-45 per night for sites with water, electric, and sewer connections.

    Located approximately 44 miles southwest of Aurora, this horse-oriented camping destination connects directly to regional trail systems. The campground combines ATV recreation opportunities with equestrian activities, creating a Western-themed outdoor experience in downeast Maine. Trail riders can access routes directly from the property without trailering horses to separate locations. The campground offers accommodation for various camping styles while maintaining horse-friendly policies throughout the property. Visitors particularly appreciate the unique amenities like the comfortable queen-sized bed in the teepee accommodation. The owner provides personal attention to guests and demonstrates ongoing commitment to expanding the facilities. This campground serves as a convenient stopover point between Millinocket and Acadia National Park regions for travelers with horses exploring Maine.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Aurora (2)

      1. HTR Acadia

      4.8(18)36mi from AuroraRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "My wife and I stayed at Somes Sound for 4 nights on our Maine honeymoon trip in July. We absolutely loved our stay. We set up at camp site 9. Incredible view of the sound/water."

      "I showed up to Maine unprepared with a place to stay. Somes Sound View Campground was the only campground I could find in the area with availability."

      2. Cottonwood Camping & RV Park

      4.0(4)34mi from AuroraRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This is the first campground we have stayed at that has ATV trail access, horse friendly camping, full hookups, pull through sites, tent camping, tent rentals, teepee rentals, "tiny bird cabin", and a"

      "The very clean restrooms were located nearby , which was convient. The staff was so friendly and very accommodating."

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time


    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Aurora, ME

    22 Reviews of 2 Aurora Campgrounds


    • J B.
      Sep. 8, 2020

      Cottonwood Camping & RV Park

      ATV & Equestrian Fun

      This is the first campground we have stayed at that has ATV trail access, horse friendly camping, full hookups, pull through sites, tent camping, tent rentals, teepee rentals, "tiny bird cabin", and a tree house.  

      A must see!

    • C
      Aug. 10, 2020

      Cottonwood Camping & RV Park

      A Wild West experience!

      This campground is absolutely adorable. RV, tent , Treehouse camping to camping out in a Teepee! I surprised my husband with the Teepee- we were not disappointed! A huge Teepee with a very comfortable queen size bed- a couch, table, area animal rugs , coffee maker and a fan if needed. We were asked to bring our own bedding due to Covid regulations - which we did not mind at all. The very clean restrooms were located nearby , which was convient. The staff was so friendly and very accommodating. Sleeping in the TeePee was an incredible experience and we would definitely do it again - so fun! All we needed was a horse- haha! The owner also offers horseback riding lessons and trail rides.

    • T
      Jul. 27, 2019

      HTR Acadia

      Honeymoon camping at Somes Sound View

      My wife and I stayed at Somes Sound for 4 nights on our Maine honeymoon trip in July. We absolutely loved our stay. We set up at camp site 9. Incredible view of the sound/water. Our site was large enough for a 12 person tent with plenty of room for pop up canopy and other gear. We had electricity and water right at the site. The staff is very friendly and informative. The campground has a heated pool which was nice after hikes and being out all day. The grounds also have a small quarry with a paddle boat you can use for free! It's a older boat but was nice to have for a quick boat ride. The bathrooms were some of our favorite we have used, the toilets are separated into their own rooms for maximum privacy. Hot showers are $1 for 5 minuets and were separated into their own rooms as well. Very clean. The campground also offers yurt camping and water sites, which are extremely close to the water and beautiful. We went down to the water at night and sat on the dock, it was an amazing experience with the stars and sky so clear. Kayak rentals are located right at the campground which was so convenient, the views were insane! The campground is located outside of Bar Harbor and is on the quiet side which we enjoyed just as much as Bar Harbor and Acadia. Highly recommend this campground for a getaway or family trip!

    • Sam L.
      Jun. 13, 2020

      HTR Acadia

      Peaceful getaway

      I showed up to Maine unprepared with a place to stay. Somes Sound View Campground was the only campground I could find in the area with availability. The entire staff during my 6 nights was very friendly. I stayed at two different sites during my stay due to my first one being reserved after my fourth night. Both sites were very nice. The sites were equipped with hammock trees, fire rings, picnic tables, and even running water and electricity! One of the nights we heard a bunch of coyotes howling nearby which was pretty cool. Very clean and nice showers too

    • D
      Jul. 20, 2021

      Cottonwood Camping & RV Park

      Happy Trails

      New park so lots of construction going on. Owner is very helpful. Will be a great park when it really gets going. W/E/S at most sites. Reasonable price. 35 to 45 bucks, in Maine thats not bad.

    • Jessica P.
      Jul. 30, 2018

      HTR Acadia

      Somes Sound Campground-Acadia Nat’l Park

      This campground was great. Beautiful view of the water. Highly recommend the waterfront sites. Some of the sites are small but the view makes up for it. Limited general store but clean bath house and pool. Anchor campground is tucked in your own corner and pretty private!

    • Gabby M.
      Jun. 6, 2018

      HTR Acadia

      Instant Favorite!

      We decided to move around and camp in 3 locations to fully experience all that Acadia had to offer, but this easily became my favorite. And we have already booked a second trip only staying there!

      The staff was incredibly helpful and accommodating. I camp with my dog and that was absolutely no problem. No breed restrictions which is a huge plus.

      We stayed close to the water and had plenty of room for parking and setting up camp. The grounds were kept clean and easily accessible.

      I can’t say enough great things about the location, the staff, and the campground overall. We cannot wait to go back!

    • Jess Y.
      Apr. 16, 2021

      HTR Acadia

      Beautiful View...

      ...but remember that sound travels over water. This is truly a stunning little spot and it was so peaceful, until it wasn’t. I snagged the best spot right on the waters edge on a platform. The night I happened to stay here I had a very noisy group of young adults show up around 9pm and were up until 3 in the morning chatting and laughing. Showers were clean and the woman at the front was friendly and helpful.

    • IAN P.
      Jul. 31, 2020

      HTR Acadia

      Great place to camp and explore the area

      Great campground. Staff is helpful, sites are clean. Definitely a tent friendly place. 90% of the sites are well shaded, and most have plenty of room. Do your research not all the sites here are created equal. Proximity to Acadia National Park, Southwest Harbor, and all the great things to do in the area is perfect. Great pool and other facilities. Found this place because the State Parks closed camping due to Covid, what a great find. We will definitely be back.


    Guide to Aurora

    Cottonwood Camping & RV Park stands out among horse campgrounds near Aurora, Maine with its equestrian-focused facilities and direct ATV trail access. Located 44 miles southwest of Aurora, this western-themed destination sits in Maine's downeast region where riders can access trails directly from campsites without needing to trailer horses to separate locations. The campground combines traditional camping options with specialty accommodations while maintaining facilities for horses throughout the property.

    What to do

    Trail riding with horses: At HTR Acadia, guests can use the campground as a base for exploring nearby riding trails. "We stayed at Somes Sound Campground for 5 days. It was extremely pleasant. Our site was on a hill but getting the camper in was easy," reports TJ S.

    ATV adventures: Access ATV trails directly from Cottonwood Camping & RV Park for day trips through the Maine wilderness. "This is the first campground we have stayed at that has ATV trail access, horse friendly camping, full hookups, pull through sites, tent camping, tent rentals, teepee rentals, 'tiny bird cabin', and a tree house," notes J B.

    Horseback riding lessons: Take advantage of on-site equestrian instruction for beginners or experienced riders. "The owner also offers horseback riding lessons and trail rides," mentions Cheryl R., highlighting opportunities for skill development at local horse facilities.

    What campers like

    Clean facilities: Travelers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms at equestrian campgrounds. "Outstanding bath facilities w/ United hot water, (free too!)" reports Suzy M. about Cottonwood Camping.

    Unique accommodations: Horse enthusiasts enjoy specialty lodging options while staying with their equine companions. "I surprised my husband with the Teepee- we were not disappointed! A huge Teepee with a very comfortable queen size bed- a couch, table, area animal rugs, coffee maker and a fan if needed," explains Cheryl R.

    Accessibility to multiple destinations: Equestrian campers value strategic locations between major attractions. "Good stop between Millinocket and Acadia Nat'l Park. Very accessible owner," notes Suzy M., highlighting Cottonwood's convenient positioning for travelers touring Maine with horses.

    What you should know

    Development status: Some equestrian facilities continue to expand their offerings. "New park so lots of construction going on. Owner is very helpful. Will be a great park when it really gets going," explains Don K. about Cottonwood Camping.

    Reservation requirements: Waterfront sites at campgrounds near Aurora require advance planning. "Although the campground is on the water, don't expect to get a water front spot unless you reserve well in advance, even during the week," advises Thomas R.

    Site variations: Research individual sites before booking at horse-friendly campgrounds. "Do your research not all the sites here are created equal," recommends IAN P., noting significant differences between camping spots at the same facility.

    Tips for camping with families

    Noise considerations: Sound travels differently at waterfront locations near horse trails. "Remember that sound travels over water. This is truly a stunning little spot and it was so peaceful, until it wasn't," cautions Jess Y., suggesting families select sites carefully for noise management.

    Pool amenities: HTR Acadia offers swimming options for children after trail rides. "Great pool and other facilities. Found this place because the State Parks closed camping due to Covid, what a great find," shares IAN P., highlighting recreational alternatives when not riding.

    Wildlife experiences: Children can experience natural encounters near horse camping areas. "One of the nights we heard a bunch of coyotes howling nearby which was pretty cool," reports Sam L., describing memorable wildlife interactions for young campers.

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup configurations: Check utility placement before setting up at horse campgrounds. "Our site has water and electric on the wrong side," notes Rita about her experience at campgrounds near equestrian trails.

    Pull-through availability: Horse trailers and RVs benefit from accessible sites at equestrian campgrounds. J B. mentions that Cottonwood offers "pull through sites" along with horse-friendly camping and full hookups.

    Internet access: Some equestrian campgrounds maintain connectivity despite remote locations. "Water pressure was low, but the WiFi was awesome," reports TJ S., highlighting the surprising digital amenities at campgrounds serving trail riders.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Aurora, ME?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Aurora, ME is HTR Acadia with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.