Cottonwood Camping & RV Park caters to horse enthusiasts with trail access along Route 1 in Columbia Falls, Maine. The campground sits approximately 60 miles from Bar Harbor, providing strategic positioning for exploring both local trails and Acadia National Park. Riders can access ATV and horse trails directly from the property, with connections to regional riding routes suitable for various skill levels.
What to do
Trail rides for beginners: Cottonwood offers daily trail rides and horseback riding lessons for those without their own horses. "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.
Explore Acadia National Park: Situated about one hour from Bar Harbor, the campground serves as a base for day trips to coastal areas. HTR Acadia provides proximity to park attractions. "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. Proximity to Acadia National Park, Southwest Harbor, and all the great things to do in the area is perfect," reports Ian P.
Book specialty accommodations: Experience themed camping options beyond traditional tent and RV sites. "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," shares Cheryl R.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: The bathrooms consistently receive positive feedback for cleanliness and hot water availability. "Good stop between Millinocket and Acadia Nat'l Park. Very accessible owner. Outstanding bath facilities w/ United hot water, (free too!)," mentions Suzy M.
Waterfront camping options: Somes Sound View Campground offers premium sites with ocean views. "Wooded and quiet private sites with some on the ocean. Close to Acadia N.P.," writes LauraandJosh W. Another camper adds, "We stayed right by the water and it was just breath taking. Restrooms were clean and the owners/workers are nice and helpful."
Affordable pricing: Compared to other Maine campgrounds, rates remain reasonable. "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," reports Don K.
What you should know
Reservation specifics: When booking for equestrian camping near Bar Harbor, Maine, specify trailer dimensions and number of horses. Cottonwood enforces standard equestrian protocols including manure management and designated horse tying areas.
Site variations: Not all sites offer equal amenities or views. "This is actually a pretty nice campground as long as you have the right expectations. First, most of the campsites are quite nice, with decent amounts of privacy. I would avoid campsite 14 (the one I had), because the parking spot is about six feet above the camping area, and the camping area is not especially level," advises Thomas R.
Noise considerations: Sound carries differently across campgrounds. "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," reports Jess Y.
Tips for camping with families
Book well in advance for prime sites: The best locations fill quickly, especially waterfront options. "We 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," shares Sam L.
Consider seasonal timing: Off-season visits may provide better availability but require weather preparation. "We stayed at HTR Acadia for 5 days. It was extremely pleasant. Our site was on a hill but getting the camper in was easy. Water pressure was low, but the WiFi was awesome. The young children were a little loud at times, but ok."
Pack appropriate supplies: While basic supplies are available at on-site markets, equestrian campers should bring their own specialized feed and equipment. The small market at Cottonwood stocks essentials but has limited inventory.
Tips from RVers
Understand hookup locations: Some sites have utilities positioned unconventionally. "As of 9/25 address is not in Apple Maps, we had to enter Somes Sound View Campground. Nice campground, sites are nice size, fairly private and mostly level. Our site has water and electric on the wrong side. Excellent shower house," notes Rita.
Check road conditions: Access roads may present challenges for larger rigs. When traveling with horse trailers to equestrian camping facilities near Bar Harbor, Maine, plan routes that accommodate both RV and trailer turning requirements.
