3 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
While North Waterboro offers limited dedicated equestrian camping options, nearby horse-friendly campgrounds accommodate riders with varying facilities. Gunstock Campground in Gilford, NH permits horses but lacks dedicated corrals, requiring campers to bring portable containment. The 250-site property allows pets and includes tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with water hookups and electric service for most sites. The campground features accessible trails through wooded areas that connect to nearby riding paths. Large back-in sites provide sufficient space for horse trailers, though advance reservation is recommended during peak season. Facilities include drinking water, sanitary dump stations, showers, and trash collection.
Freeport/Durham KOA offers another option for horse enthusiasts approximately 30 miles from North Waterboro. The campground accommodates horses with advance permission but requires guests to provide their own containment systems. Trail access requires short trailer drives to nearby equestrian routes. The property remains open seasonally from late April through October, offering tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. Water and electric hookups serve most sites, while the spacious wooded layout provides natural separation between camping areas. The property maintains clean facilities with showers, toilets, and drinking water. Sites accommodate larger rigs and trailers, making it suitable for equestrians traveling with horses and camping equipment.
"I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect."
"Pros: Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty), free hot showers that are not dirty, lots of trails on edge of"
from $35 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The haunted house is scary enough that I waited by the exit! (This part is NOT for the little kids). The campground fills up for this event so make reservations early."
"The location is good as it is about 10-15 minutes far from the town of Freeport(home to L.L."
from $25 - $45 / night
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GuideI was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect. This campground has nothing to do, or plenty you can do - walking, hiking, biking, and close access to all Gunstock's adventures.
RangerPros: Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty), free hot showers that are not dirty, lots of trails on edge of the grounds, lots and lots of tent sites, platform on campsite, pool and playground available, camp store, bike & Segway trails, quick access to some of NH’s most beautiful mountains. Staff is friendly. Cons: So many roots all over the sites, the platform did not fit our tent for 12 on it. More of the sites have very little separation from the neighboring campers near you. We explored the grounds & noted some sites that were a smidge more secluded and plan to return again sometime!
TravelerWe enjoyed this campground! The staff upon arrival was so nice. It was so quiet at night! Got to walk to hike Gunstock. Wished there was a restaurant within walking distance. But not a show stopper. We will be back!
GuideThis campground overall is very nice. The camp store has most everything you could need, and the campground is gated so you have to make sure you keep your key card with you whenever leaving in order to get back in. Most of the sites are out in the open though, or very close together. Not so bad if you're camping in trailers or RVs, but if tent camping you won't really have any privacy in those locations. I recommend the sites back in Breezy Knolls (K01-K17 I think?) and then I believe sites 203 and 205 were nice and tucked away in the trees as well. There is a zip line course and a metal "slide" or coaster behind the Breezy Knolls area which can get kind of noisy between the sounds of the gear and the kids screaming. Lol. But it didn't really bother me personally. The wooded area back there is beautiful though so the sites definitely made up for it. Campground has a fenced in dog park, playground, showers, clean bathrooms, and laundry facilities. Would definitely camp here again. I just prefer the wooded/shaded tent sites...which are limited at this place.
LegendFun place! The mountain coaster and chairlift were great for the little ones and the ziplines are epic! They give discounts to campers. We stayed in 255, which was really nice, wooded, and right by the creek. Site 254 next door us easily the best trailer site in the entire place. It is huge and has two levels and tons of creek frontage. These two sites are nestled in a quiet tent area. The grid RV area was not very impressive, but all of the tent sites in the woods were really cool. The open field rv area was really exposed but close to amenities. Our family stayed in the cabins and they are nicely situated for privacy. Rustic and no AC or bathrooms but clean and nice little porch. The pool was nice, two excellent playgrounds, and everything well kept. You get your own keycard for the gate. Epic views from top of mountain!
ScoutThis visit we had our hybrid camper in one of the wooded sites. The Halloween celebration is really well done- campers decorate their sites, there is an in-costume parade, and the central, bigger rigs are set up for trick or treating. The haunted house is scary enough that I waited by the exit! (This part is NOT for the little kids). The campground fills up for this event so make reservations early.
LegendI have a love– hate relationship with KOA campgrounds. They tend to be overpriced and not consistent. You will find one that has nice sites at a decent price. Then, there are the others which are complete opposite. This KOA is on my good side. There are lots of site choices, cabins, yurts, and tent sites to choose from. The location is good as it is about 10-15 minutes far from the town of Freeport(home to L.L. Bean and tons of outlet stores), the pretty coastal town of South Freeport, four craft breweries and a cidery, and Bradbury Mountain State Park. The owners and work campers are very friendly and the super welcoming. Normally I am not concerned how nice people are but they go out of their way to make sure you get all the discounts you can and put you in a site that you prefer.
We have stayed here a few times and are always impressed how well-cared for the grounds are and how and clean the common areas, bathrooms, and pool are. The grass is always cut, weeds trimmed, fire pits cleaned and there is no trash lying on the ground. There are lots of seasonal sites but they are in the back portion of the park with the transients being in the front. The park has nice super long 50 amp FHU pull-thrus in the front of the park which will fit any length RV and tow vehicle. Some of these sites are “buddy” sites with a shared patio, but are so wide that even if you don’t know your neighbors, it would not be a bother because you are far enough apart. The only downside to these pull thrus is there is no shade. We tend to be there in cooler months so shade is not a problem. However, the rest of the campground has a very park-like feel with over 50 acres there is plenty of room to roam and even a short nature trail through a wooded area. Many sites backup against the woods or are in wooded areas so keep that in mind when making your reservation. We give this park two thumbs up for their dog park which is ten times the size of the average KOA dog park. My lab had plenty of room to run and chase a ball and there were never any other dogs there which was nice. Plus, it was clean and free of dog poop! Normally, there are plenty of activities like s’mores by the fire, crafts, pony rides (yes, they have their own ponies on site), ice cream social, hay rides but this year they were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We don’t use those amenities anyway so that wasn’t a problem but can see that would be fun activities for kids. We were in a buddy sites with our friends and liked the shared patio. Since we were in the open area, we were able to get both satellite with our roof-mounted dome and some over-the-air channels from Portland which is about 45 minutes away. All of our hook-ups were in an accessible place but we were also in a long pull thru and could position the RV in the site accordingly.
Some of the cons for this park are the lack of cable, so-so wifi, and the dusty gravel roads and pot holes. There are a few restrooms buildings scattered around the park which may not be close depending on what site you are in.
GuideThis is an awesome campground! Lots to do with a nice pool and lots of land to walk the dogs. Seasonal camping is better here.
ScoutEasy to get too and close to everything from shopping to the beach.
Equestrian camping options near North Waterboro, Maine include facilities with varying horse accommodations across northern New England. The region sits at approximately 360 feet elevation with dense pine forests and rolling terrain that provides suitable conditions for trail riding in spring through fall. Winter camping for horses remains limited due to harsh snow conditions typically lasting from December through March.
Trail riding at Gunstock Mountain: Gunstock Campground offers access to hiking trails that connect with riding paths through wooded areas. Camper Carolyn S. notes, "I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect. This campground has nothing to do, or plenty you can do - walking, hiking, biking, and close access to all Gunstock's adventures."
Explore nearby equestrian paths: Horse owners staying at Freeport/Durham KOA can access multiple riding areas within trailering distance. The campground sits on over 50 acres with "a very park-like feel" and includes "a short nature trail through a wooded area," according to reviewer Nancy W., making it suitable for short walks with horses before trailering to larger trail systems.
Seasonal events for equestrians: Several campgrounds host special weekends that accommodate horse owners. Freeport/Durham KOA offers seasonal celebrations including Halloween events where reviewer Rebus B. shares: "The Halloween celebration is really well done- campers decorate their sites, there is an in-costume parade, and the central, bigger rigs are set up for trick or treating."
Spacious sites for equestrian setups: Gunstock Campground receives praise for its layout. Sara D. mentions: "Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights... We explored the grounds & noted some sites that were a smidge more secluded and plan to return again sometime!"
Clean facilities: Maintaining livestock-friendly campgrounds requires strict sanitation. Ryan P. appreciates that Gunstock offers "Large campsites, clean amenities, nice dog park, great store with everything you need and located near like Winni."
Nature immersion: Campers value the natural setting at equestrian-friendly sites. At Gunstock Campground, Melissa B. notes: "The wooded area back there is beautiful though so the sites definitely made up for it. Campground has a fenced in dog park, playground, showers, clean bathrooms, and laundry facilities."
Varied accommodation options: For horse owners preferring not to tent camp, several sites offer cabins. Mike T. states that Ramblewood Cabins and Campground "has a little bit for everybody there has a mini kid park and a pool, they have wooded area plus they also have an open areas to camp, always seems to be quiet well mannered Place."
Reservation requirements: Horse-friendly campgrounds near North Waterboro fill quickly during peak season. Nancy W. advises about Freeport/Durham KOA: "There are lots of site choices, cabins, yurts, and tent sites to choose from... Normally I am not concerned how nice people are but they go out of their way to make sure you get all the discounts you can and put you in a site that you prefer."
Site selection considerations: When booking equestrian camping, site characteristics matter. Melissa B. recommends at Gunstock: "I recommend the sites back in Breezy Knolls (K01-K17 I think?) and then I believe sites 203 and 205 were nice and tucked away in the trees as well."
Connectivity limitations: Most equestrian camping areas have limited technology access. Lynn T. warns about Freeport/Durham KOA: "bad WiFi and poor Verizon reception," which can impact emergency communications for horse owners.
Activity planning: Families with horses should consider campgrounds with diverse activities. About Freeport/Durham KOA, Rebus B. shares: "Kid and pet friendly. Lots of activities for kids including a flashlight candy hunt, water slide, and s'more roast."
Age-appropriate attractions: Different campgrounds cater to various age groups. Iris A. notes: "This is a cute little KOA with lots of things for smaller kids to do... There is a pool with slide, a playground, a basketball hoop, a disc golf net. They have hayrides and a nightly train ride for younger visitors."
Noise considerations: When camping with horses and children, noise levels affect animal stress. Christine M. appreciates that Gunstock Campground is "Peaceful and great location... It was so quiet at night! Got to walk to hike Gunstock."
Hookup availability: RV campers with horse trailers require specific amenities. At Gunstock Campground, Ryan F. found: "Very well kept and quiet grounds. The lot I was in was not wooded but still quiet. Check in was quick and friendly."
Site positioning: Proper placement of RVs matters for horse owners. Nancy W. advises about Freeport/Durham KOA: "The park has nice super long 50 amp FHU pull-thrus in the front of the park which will fit any length RV and tow vehicle... All of our hook-ups were in an accessible place but we were also in a long pull thru and could position the RV in the site accordingly."
Seasonal considerations: Equestrian camping with RVs requires planning around weather. JoAnne E. appreciates that Freeport/Durham KOA offers "Easy access, huge sites, very well maintained" with "Easy to get too and close to everything from shopping to the beach."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near North Waterboro, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near North Waterboro, ME is Gunstock Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near North Waterboro, ME?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near North Waterboro, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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