Cottonwood Camping & RV Park, located along US Highway Route 1 in Columbia Falls, offers equestrian accommodations approximately 27 miles from Cranberry Isles. This campground provides dedicated facilities for horses with trail access directly from the property. The seasonal Maine coastal climate averages 45-75°F during camping season, with higher humidity near waterfront areas. Equestrian campers can access ATV trails that connect to regional riding networks.
What to do
Trail riding lessons: Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers horseback riding lessons and guided trail excursions. According to J B., "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."
Day trips to Acadia: HTR Acadia serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions. One visitor notes, "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."
Waterfront activities: Enjoy coastal activities like kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. A camper at HTR Acadia reports, "We stayed right by the water and it was just breath taking. Restrooms were clean and the owners/workers are nice and helpful."
What campers like
Unique accommodations: Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers specialty lodging options beyond standard equestrian sites. Cheryl R. shares, "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."
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality is consistently mentioned as a highlight for horse campers. Suzy M. reports about Cottonwood, "Good stop between Millinocket and Acadia Nat'l Park. Very accessible owner. Outstanding bath facilities w/ United hot water, (free too!)"
Waterfront views: Campsites with ocean views provide memorable experiences. One HTR Acadia visitor states, "Wooded and quiet private sites with some on the ocean. Close to Acadia N.P."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites provide equal experiences. A visitor to HTR Acadia advises, "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."
Ongoing development: Some equestrian facilities in the region are newer and still improving. Don K. notes about Cottonwood, "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."
Noise considerations: Sound carries differently in coastal areas. One camper shares, "...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."
Tips for camping with families
Horse-friendly activities: Families with equestrian interests can participate in guided trail rides appropriate for various skill levels. Cottonwood offers options for beginners and experienced riders with no size restrictions for horses.
Bring proper bedding: When using specialty accommodations, prepare accordingly. A Cottonwood visitor notes, "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."
Reserve waterfront sites early: HTR Acadia offers prime waterfront locations that book quickly. TJ S. advises, "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. Water pressure was low, but the WiFi was awesome. It was also on the Somes Sound / Atlantic Ocean. The views were breathtaking."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through access: Equestrian campers with horse trailers need adequate space. Cottonwood Camping provides pull-through sites that accommodate larger rigs with trailers.
Unexpected availability: Last-minute travelers might find options. Sam L. shares, "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. The sites were equipped with hammock trees, fire rings, picnic tables, and even running water and electricity!"
Hookup variations: Be prepared for different utility setups. One camper at HTR Acadia reports, "Our site has water and electric on the wrong side. Excellent shower house."
