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Cottonwood Camping & RV Park welcomes horseback riders with horse-friendly camping accommodations in Columbia Falls, about 50 miles from Bass Harbor. The facility provides both ATV trail access and equestrian-friendly camping areas with various accommodation options including RV sites with full hookups, tent camping, and specialty lodging such as teepees and a treehouse. Horse owners can utilize designated areas for their animals while staying at the park. Reasonable rates range from $35 to $45 per night for sites with water, electric and sewer hookups. The campground continues to undergo improvements as a newer facility in the region, with ongoing construction noted by visitors.
Located along Route 1, Cottonwood offers direct access to local riding trails and provides an authentic western-themed experience for equestrians and their horses. Guests have noted the excellent bath facilities with unlimited hot water available at no additional charge. Beyond horse accommodations, the park features unique lodging options including a comfortable teepee furnished with a queen bed, couch, table, and coffee maker. The owner also offers horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides for campers interested in equestrian activities. While this campground is situated farther from Acadia National Park than other options, its equestrian-focused amenities make it a worthwhile destination for those traveling with horses in Maine's Downeast region.
"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."
"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."
GuideThis 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!
GuideThis 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.
TravelerMy 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!
ScoutI 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
TravelerThis 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!
TravelerWe 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!
TravelerNew 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.
Guide...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.
GuideGreat 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.
Equestrian camping near Bass Harbor, Maine offers sites with direct access to riding trails and specialized accommodations. Located on Maine's rocky coast, Bass Harbor sits at the southwestern edge of Mount Desert Island with terrain characterized by mixed pine forests and coastal landscapes. Summer temperatures average 70-75°F during peak camping season, while early fall brings cooler nights around 45-50°F with reduced humidity.
Trail riding access: At Cottonwood Camping & RV Park, campers can take advantage of local riding paths. "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 reviewer J B.
Water activities: Campsites near water provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. At HTR Acadia, "the ocean is just in the campsite, even though the water is really cold but we saw few dolphins and seals," according to Maggie H. The campground offers multiple waterfront sites with direct ocean access.
Scenic drives: Explore the 27-mile Park Loop Road through Acadia National Park, accessible within 30 minutes from most Bass Harbor area campgrounds. "Close to Acadia N.P." with "wooded and quiet private sites with some on the ocean," writes LauraandJosh W. about HTR Acadia.
Waterfront sites: Premium waterfront camping spots offer direct ocean views. "We stayed right by the water and it was just breath taking," shares Ashley L. about her experience at HTR Acadia. "Highly recommend the waterfront sites. Some of the sites are small but the view makes up for it," adds Jessica P.
Clean facilities: Cottonwood Camping & RV Park receives high marks for its shower facilities. "Good stop between Millinocket and Acadia Nat'l Park. Very accessible owner. Outstanding bath facilities w/ United hot water, (free too!)," mentions Suzy M.
Unique accommodations: Beyond traditional horse camping, Cottonwood offers distinctive lodging options. "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," describes Cheryl R.
Site selection matters: Research campsite options thoroughly before booking. "Do your research not all the sites here are created equal," advises IAN P. about HTR Acadia. "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," cautions Thomas R.
Reservation timing: During peak season (June-August), waterfront sites fill quickly. "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," warns Thomas R. about HTR Acadia.
Ongoing development: Some equestrian campgrounds in the region are still expanding. Cottonwood Camping & RV Park has "lots of construction going on. Owner is very helpful. Will be a great park when it really gets going," according to Don K.
Noise considerations: Sound carries across water at waterfront campgrounds. "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," reports Jess Y. about her HTR Acadia experience.
Alternative accommodations: Families seeking horse-friendly camping with more comfort should consider specialty options. "This campground is absolutely adorable. RV, tent, Treehouse camping to camping out in a Teepee!" notes Cheryl R. about Cottonwood Camping & RV Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local marine life. "We saw few dolphins and seals, we had a great time here," mentions Maggie H. about HTR Acadia.
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. "Our site was on a hill but getting the camper in was easy," notes TJ S. about their experience at HTR Acadia.
Utility reliability: Water pressure can vary at some locations. "Water pressure was low, but the WiFi was awesome," shares TJ S. about HTR Acadia's hookups.
Value considerations: Equestrian camping with full hookups offers reasonable value compared to standard sites. Cottonwood provides "W/E/S at most sites. Reasonable price. 35 to 45 bucks, in Maine thats not bad," according to Don K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bass Harbor, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bass Harbor, ME is HTR Acadia with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.
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