Equestrian Camping near Holden, ME

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    Cottonwood Camping & RV Park accommodates equestrians with direct ATV trail access and horse-friendly facilities. Located along US Highway Route 1 in Columbia Falls, the campground combines RV, tent, cabin, and glamping options with specialized spaces for horses. Pets are permitted throughout the property. The campground features full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, along with amenities including shower facilities, toilets, drinking water, and trash service. Campfire rings and firewood are available on site. The property accommodates larger rigs and offers both drive-in and walk-in access options. The atmosphere remains relaxed despite ongoing construction activity as this newer campground continues developing additional features.

    The surrounding region provides riding opportunities on designated trails that connect to the park's camping areas. Horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides are available through the campground, creating convenient options for campers bringing their own horses or those seeking equine experiences without transporting animals. Cottonwood maintains reasonable rates between $35-45 per night, offering good value for equestrian campers in Maine. The campground's western theme extends to unique accommodation options, including teepee rentals with comfortable queen beds, a treehouse, and a "tiny bird cabin" alongside traditional camping spaces. Clean bathroom facilities with unlimited hot water enhance the experience for riders after returning from trails. The campground's proximity between major destinations makes it a strategic stopover when traveling between Millinocket and Acadia National Park.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Holden (2)

      1. HTR Acadia

      4.8(18)34mi from HoldenRVs, 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)48mi from HoldenRVs, 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."

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Holden, ME

    22 Reviews of 2 Holden 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 Holden

    Cottonwood Camping & RV Park specializes in equestrian-friendly accommodations along US Highway Route 1 in Columbia Falls, Maine. The facility offers direct access to ATV trails with spaces specifically designed for horses and their owners. Located approximately 65 miles from Holden, the campground provides diverse lodging options including RV sites with full hookups, tent spaces, cabin rentals, and specialty accommodations like teepees. Amenities include shower facilities with unlimited hot water, toilets, drinking water, trash service, and campfire rings with firewood available for purchase.

    What to do

    Trail riding access: Designated riding trails connect directly to the camping areas at HTR Acadia, where equestrians can enjoy wooded paths through the Mount Desert Island region. "Wooded and quiet private sites with some on the ocean. Close to Acadia N.P.," notes LauraandJosh W., highlighting the natural surroundings.

    Horse-focused activities: Equestrian campgrounds near Holden, Maine offer specialized facilities beyond basic boarding. According to J B. at Cottonwood Camping & RV Park, "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."

    Year-round recreation: Many horse-friendly campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations with varied activities. TJ S. shares, "There was plenty of firewood available cheap. The bathrooms were clean and well placed. It was also on the Somes Sound / Atlantic Ocean. The views were breathtaking."

    What campers like

    Unique accommodations: The western-themed options at equestrian campgrounds provide distinctive experiences beyond standard camping. Cheryl R. explains, "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."

    Clean facilities: Horse-oriented campgrounds maintain comfortable amenities for riders returning from trails. "Very clean and nice showers too," reports Sam L., who also appreciated that "The sites were equipped with hammock trees, fire rings, picnic tables, and even running water and electricity!"

    Strategic location: Horseback riding facilities near Holden serve as convenient bases for regional exploration. According to Suzy M., Cottonwood provides a "Good stop between Millinocket and Acadia Nat'l Park. Very accessible owner. Outstanding bath facilities with unlimited hot water, (free too!)"

    What you should know

    Site variations: Not all sites at equestrian campgrounds offer the same features or terrain. Thomas R. advises at 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. Not an awful site, but it did not work well at all for my usual set up."

    Ongoing development: Many horse-friendly facilities in the region continue adding features. Don K. notes, "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."

    Reservation requirements: Prime sites at equestrian campgrounds book quickly, especially water-adjacent locations. "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," shares Thomas R., emphasizing planning ahead.

    Tips for camping with families

    Noise considerations: When selecting sites at horse campgrounds, consider sound dynamics. Jess Y. cautions, "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."

    Educational opportunities: Horse-focused campgrounds offer unique learning experiences for children. At Cottonwood, Cheryl R. mentions that "The owner also offers horseback riding lessons and trail rides," providing opportunities for young campers to interact with horses without bringing their own.

    Wildlife encounters: Families camping with horses should prepare for local wildlife. Sam L. recalls, "One of the nights we heard a bunch of coyotes howling nearby which was pretty cool," highlighting the importance of proper horse containment at night.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection research: RVers with horses should thoroughly investigate specific site layouts. Rita advises, "Nice campground, sites are nice size, fairly private and mostly level. Our site has water and electric on the wrong side," noting the importance of understanding hookup configurations.

    Utilities variability: Horse campground infrastructure can vary significantly between facilities and sites. TJ S. mentions, "Water pressure was low, but the WiFi was awesome," indicating campers should prepare for fluctuations in service quality.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

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