Best Equestrian Camping near Ellsworth, ME

Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers horse-friendly camping with ATV trail access near Columbia Falls, Maine. The campground accommodates equestrians with facilities designed for those traveling with horses. Full hookup sites include pull-through options suitable for horse trailers. The campground provides a variety of accommodation types beyond standard equestrian camping, including tent sites, RV spots, cabin rentals, teepee accommodations, and even a treehouse option. Pets are permitted throughout the property. The campground maintains clean restroom facilities and offers firewood for purchase. Cottonwood features drinking water access, electric hookups, and sewer connections at most sites. The park is still developing, with ongoing construction improvements.

Trail riders can access ATV routes directly from the campground, making it convenient for those who combine motorized recreation with horseback riding. The owner provides horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides for guests who don't bring their own horses. Columbia Falls location places the campground within reasonable driving distance of coastal Maine attractions while maintaining a rural setting appropriate for equestrian activities. The campground's reasonable rates range from $35-45 per night, which is considered affordable for Maine horse camping. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. The property's Western-themed accommodations create a unique atmosphere for horse enthusiasts. The campground's combination of equestrian facilities, diverse lodging options, and trail access makes it suitable for both overnight stays and longer equestrian vacations in the Downeast Maine region.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Ellsworth, Maine (2)

    1. HTR Acadia

    18 Reviews
    Mount Desert, ME
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 244-3890

    "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 Reviews
    Addison, ME
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 598-8497

    "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."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ellsworth, ME

22 Reviews of 2 Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth

Cottonwood Camping & RV Park provides equestrian-focused accommodations in Columbia Falls, Maine, approximately 50 miles northeast of Ellsworth. The campground sits in Washington County's rural landscape where elevation ranges from sea level to 1,500 feet across the region. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with summer averages around 70°F, making late spring through early fall the primary operating season for horse campgrounds near Ellsworth, Maine.

What to do

Trail riding access: Cottonwood offers direct entry to ATV trails that accommodate horseback riders, with connections to wider trail networks. "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: Visitors without their own horses can arrange riding lessons or guided trail experiences with the campground owner. "The owner also offers horseback riding lessons and trail rides," confirms Cheryl R. after staying in one of the property's teepees.

Explore coastal routes: The location provides a central base for equestrian camping while exploring Maine's Downeast coastline. "Good stop between Millinocket and Acadia Nat'l Park. Very accessible owner. Outstanding bath facilities w/ United hot water, (free too!)," reports Suzy M. in her review of Cottonwood Camping & RV Park.

What campers like

Unique accommodation options: Beyond standard equestrian sites, Cottonwood offers distinctive lodging alternatives. "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. about her stay at HTR Acadia.

Clean facilities: Washrooms and common areas receive positive mentions despite ongoing development. "The very clean restrooms were located nearby, which was convient. The staff was so friendly and very accommodating," notes Cheryl R. about her experience at Cottonwood.

Affordability: Maine equestrian camping options maintain reasonable rates compared to other regional facilities. "Reasonable price. 35 to 45 bucks, in Maine thats not bad," states Don K. regarding his stay at Cottonwood Camping & RV Park.

What you should know

Ongoing development: The property continues to undergo improvements and expansion. "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. in his review of Cottonwood.

Hookup availability: Most sites offer complete utility connections for both equestrian and standard camping. "W/E/S at most sites," confirms Don K., referring to water, electric, and sewer hookups at Somes Sound View Campground.

Western theme: The campground maintains distinctive decor and styling elements reflecting ranch aesthetics. "Sleeping in the TeePee was an incredible experience and we would definitely do it again - so fun! All we needed was a horse- haha!" describes Cheryl R. about the themed accommodations.

Tips for camping with families

Consider alternating activities: Families can combine horseback activities with non-equestrian recreation. "Due to covid19, it's impossible to reserve the campsite in Acadia National Park. This campsite is outside of NP but it's really close and easy to access everywhere. Very quite and nice place to enjoy the beautiful summertime," explains Maggie H. about options near Cottonwood Camping & RV Park.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The coastal location provides chances to observe marine life. "We saw few dolphins and seals, we had a great time here," shares Maggie H. about coastal camping experiences in the region.

Bring appropriate bedding: Some specialty accommodations require guests to supply their own linens. "We were asked to bring our own bedding due to Covid regulations - which we did not mind at all," notes Cheryl R. about the teepee rentals.

Tips from RVers

Pull-through availability: Horse trailers and larger RVs can access dedicated pull-through sites designed for combined equestrian and RV camping. "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!" explains Sam L. about HTR Acadia.

Site selection matters: Not all sites offer equal amenities or access. "Do your research not all the sites here are created equal," advises IAN P., emphasizing the importance of checking site specifications when making reservations for horse camping near Ellsworth, Maine.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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