Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers equestrian facilities approximately 45 minutes from Acadia National Park, with trail access for both horses and ATVs. The campground connects to multiple riding trails throughout Maine's Downeast region. For riders seeking horse campgrounds near Southwest Harbor, Maine, Cottonwood provides specialized accommodations including trailer parking and equestrian-friendly site layouts.
What to do
Explore waterfront sites: HTR Acadia (formerly Somes Sound View Campground) provides access to oceanfront camping with stunning views. "Wooded and quiet private sites with some on the ocean. Close to Acadia N.P.," notes LauraandJosh W., making it convenient for day trips into the national park.
Take riding lessons: Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers daily horseback riding lessons for visitors interested in equestrian activities. The owner provides instruction for all skill levels, allowing campers to develop riding skills before exploring local trails.
Enjoy quiet evenings: The Southwest Harbor area campgrounds often provide peaceful settings. At HTR Acadia, one camper reported, "One of the nights we heard a bunch of coyotes howling nearby which was pretty cool," adding a touch of wilderness to the camping experience.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness consistently receives positive mentions from campers at horse campgrounds near Southwest Harbor. At HTR Acadia, visitors appreciate "clean bath house and pool," according to Jessica P. Similarly, Cottonwood Camping earns praise for "Outstanding bath facilities w/ United hot water, (free too!)" from Suzy M.
Water views: Sites overlooking Somes Sound offer memorable experiences. "We stayed right by the water and it was just breath taking," shares Ashley L. about her stay at HTR Acadia, though waterfront sites require advance booking as they are limited and popular.
Site privacy: Many campgrounds in the region feature wooded sites that provide separation between campers. At HTR Acadia, campers note that "90% of the sites are well shaded, and most have plenty of room," making it "definitely a tent friendly place," according to IAN P.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Equestrian campgrounds near Southwest Harbor operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months. Cottonwood Camping & RV Park continues developing its facilities, with one visitor noting, "New park so lots of construction going on. Owner is very helpful. Will be a great park when it really gets going."
Site variations: Not all sites offer equal amenities or settings. At HTR Acadia, a camper advises, "Do your research not all the sites here are created equal," highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate accommodations for your needs.
Noise considerations: Sound travels over water at oceanfront campgrounds. One HTR Acadia visitor reported, "This is truly a stunning little spot and it was so peaceful, until it wasn't," describing how a "noisy group of young adults" disrupted the otherwise tranquil setting.
Tips for camping with families
Reserve well ahead: Family-friendly sites with the best amenities book quickly, particularly during summer months. At HTR Acadia, one camper observed the campground "was full" even midweek in September, indicating high demand throughout the season.
Check unique accommodations: Several equestrian-friendly campgrounds near Southwest Harbor offer distinctive lodging options. Cottonwood provides "tent rentals, teepee rentals, 'tiny bird cabin', and a tree house" according to J B., giving families alternatives to standard camping.
Consider off-peak timing: Visiting during shoulder seasons can provide a quieter experience while still enjoying the region's amenities. "We stayed at Somes Sound Campground for 5 days. It was extremely pleasant," reported TJ S., adding that despite some noise from children, "the WiFi was awesome" and "the views were breathtaking."
Tips from RVers
Verify hookup placement: Some campsites have utilities positioned inconveniently for RVs. One camper at HTR Acadia noted, "Our site has water and electric on the wrong side," requiring additional hose and cord length.
Check accessibility: Equestrian campgrounds near Southwest Harbor accommodate various RV sizes, with Cottonwood offering "full hookups, pull through sites" that can accommodate horse trailers. Don K. mentioned Cottonwood has "W/E/S at most sites" with reasonable prices ranging "35 to 45 bucks, in Maine thats not bad."
Prepare for varied terrain: Many sites in the region sit on uneven ground. Thomas R. warned about HTR Acadia's site 14: "the parking spot is about six feet above the camping area, and the camping area is not especially level," demonstrating why site-specific research matters.
