Balsam Cove Campground

For those of us in Maine who cherish memorable family getaways that include our beloved four-legged companions, Balsam Cove Campground in Orland, ME, stands out as a genuinely welcoming and vibrant destination. Tucked away on the tranquil shores of Toddy Pond, often called "Maine's best-kept secret," this campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a community-focused haven where relaxation, fun, and a deep appreciation for nature converge. As Mainers, we understand the desire for a camping experience that feels both comfortably accommodating and truly connected to our state's beautiful landscapes. Balsam Cove Campground perfectly delivers on that promise.

Balsam Cove Campground is particularly renowned for being incredibly family-friendly and exceptionally dog-friendly. Visitors consistently praise the respectful atmosphere, especially within the dedicated dog park, allowing both owners and non-owners to enjoy their time without issue. While the campground offers a vibrant schedule of activities that can extend into the evening, fostering a lively atmosphere for many, its core appeal lies in its clean facilities, diverse site options, and the genuine warmth of its community. This comprehensive guide will explore all the details about Balsam Cove Campground, from its idyllic location and amenities to its unique features that make it a highly recommended spot for your next Maine family and pet-friendly adventure.

Balsam Cove Campground is beautifully situated at 286 Back Ridge Rd, Orland, ME 04472, USA. This prime location places it directly on the peaceful shores of Toddy Pond, providing a serene lakeside setting that feels wonderfully secluded while still being conveniently accessible. For Maine locals, its position in Orland offers an excellent gateway to some of Downeast Maine’s most beloved attractions.

The campground is strategically located to offer the best of both worlds: a tranquil retreat and easy access to bustling tourist hubs. It's approximately an hour’s drive from the world-renowned Acadia National Park and the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor, making it an ideal base for day trips to explore rocky coastlines, hiking trails, and picturesque villages. Closer to home, you're just minutes away from historic Bucksport, with its stunning views of the iconic Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Fort Knox. The city of Bangor, offering extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options, is also within a comfortable driving distance. This balance of being "tucked away at a peaceful lakeside setting" while being "conveniently close to many attractions" makes Balsam Cove Campground a highly appealing choice for Mainers looking to experience diverse facets of their state's beauty and recreation.

Balsam Cove Campground offers a wide array of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and entertaining experience for all campers, with a strong focus on families and pets.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features a variety of sites including full hook-up RV sites (with 20, 30, and 50 amp electricity, water, and sewer connections), as well as various tent sites (some with electricity and water, others rustic with no hookups). Sites range from wooded and upland areas to waterfront and water-view spots, catering to diverse preferences.

• Rustic Cabin Rentals: For those who prefer more comfort, Balsam Cove offers rustic one-room log cabins. These cabins sleep up to four people (a full bed and bunks), include a microwave and small refrigerator, and feature a covered porch. While they do not have private bathrooms or kitchens, they are in close proximity to the bathhouse and are pet-friendly (with an additional fee).

• Clean Bathhouse and Laundry Facilities: The campground provides a central bathhouse with hot showers and restrooms that are consistently praised for their cleanliness, even if not fully enclosed or heated as noted by some. Laundry facilities are also available on-site.

• On-Site Camp Store: A well-stocked general store sells fishing supplies, RV equipment, souvenirs, snacks, drinks, ice cream, gifts, clothing, beach toys, ice, firewood, and charcoal, ensuring campers have access to essentials.

• Dog Park and Pet-Friendly Policy: Balsam Cove is highly dog-friendly, featuring a dedicated dog park that receives high praise from visitors. Pets are welcome at an additional charge, but owners must register them, provide current vaccination certificates, keep them leashed, and clean up after them. Pets are allowed to swim at the boat ramp but not in the main swim area.

• Boat Rentals and Slips: Direct access to Toddy Pond is enhanced by boat rentals, including canoes, kayaks, fishing boats, and pontoon boats. Boat slips are also available for rent for those who bring their own watercraft.

• Grassy Beach and Swim Area: A designated grassy beach and lounge area near Toddy Pond provides a pleasant spot for relaxation and swimming (no lifeguard on duty).

• Dish Washing Sink: A convenient outdoor dishwashing sink is located near the tenting area, making cleanup easier for campers.

• Free Wi-Fi (Limited): Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, though guests should note that due to the rural reception, connectivity may be poor to fair in most parts of the campground.

Balsam Cove Campground distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that create a unique and appealing camping experience for families and pet owners in Maine.

• Lakeside Serenity on Toddy Pond: The campground's location on pristine Toddy Pond, described as "Maine's best-kept secret," offers stunning natural beauty. The peaceful waters are perfect for fishing (known for good fishing), paddling, and swimming, providing a truly tranquil setting for relaxation.

• Vibrant Family Activities and Theme Weekends: Balsam Cove is highly focused on being a "family campground" with a lively schedule. They host "nighttime activities" and "Special Events" including popular "Theme Weekends" like "Christmas in July" with Santa and "Halloween in August" with trick-or-treating. These events foster a strong sense of community and fun, especially for children, despite some guests finding the noise close to quiet hours challenging for early risers.

• Exceptional Dog-Friendly Environment: The campground goes above and beyond to accommodate pets. The presence of a dedicated dog park is a huge bonus, and reviews confirm that both dog owners and non-dog owners are "respectful," creating a harmonious atmosphere where "no issues with dogs barking constantly or in the middle of the night" are reported, even for "barky protective" dogs.

• Friendly and Welcoming Community: Consistently, visitors praise the friendliness of the staff and fellow campers, with many describing everyone they met as "very nice." This welcoming vibe contributes to a pleasant and comfortable stay, making guests feel like they’ve "come home."

• Proximity to Downeast Maine Attractions: Its location makes it an excellent base for day trips to iconic Maine destinations. Campers are "conveniently close to Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park and the rocky coast, historic Bucksport, and Bangor with its shopping, dining, malls, entertainment, and more."

• Variety of Recreation On-Site: Beyond water activities, the campground offers an arcade, basketball hoop, horseshoe pit, badminton field, and a lakeside playground. There are also opportunities for biking on dirt roads within the campground.

• Wildlife Viewing: Toddy Pond is home to loons, Canada Geese, and Mallard ducks, offering opportunities for bird and wildlife observation right from the campground.

Balsam Cove Campground offers various rates and specials that cater to different lengths of stay and types of campers. While specific time-limited "promotions" beyond their structured rates may not always be widely advertised, their rate tiers inherently provide value. It's always best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information, as prices and offers can change.

Based on available data, here's an overview of potential value propositions:

• Varying Site Rates: They offer a range of nightly rates based on site type, from standard tent sites (e.g., $34 no hookups, $38 electric only, $40 with W&E) to deluxe waterfront tent sites ($59), and RV sites varying from Upland Stargazer ($55-$59) to Pull-Thru ($69), Wooded ($69), Waterview ($75), and Waterfront ($79). This allows campers to choose a price point and amenity level that suits their budget and preference.

• Cabin Rental Options: Rustic one-room cabins are available from $89 to $109 per night, providing a comfortable alternative to tent or RV camping, with higher prices for waterfront cabins.

• Seasonal Sites: Balsam Cove Campground has a significant number of seasonal RV campers, indicating that competitive seasonal rates are offered. Prospective seasonal campers should contact the campground directly for specific pricing and availability. For instance, past seasonal rates have been around $2,550.00 to $5,000.00 for a 136-day season, depending on the year and site type, offering substantial savings compared to nightly rates for extended stays.

• Pet Fees: While pets are welcome, there's an additional charge ($2 per dog per night for RV sites, $5 per dog per night for cabin rentals). This isn't a promotion but part of their transparent pricing, ensuring proper management of their pet-friendly environment.

• Boat Slip Rentals: Boat slips start at $20 per night, providing convenience for campers bringing their own boats to enjoy Toddy Pond.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, including any holiday minimums or specific package deals, visiting their website or calling the office directly is recommended.

For reservations, inquiries, or any further information about Balsam Cove Campground and its offerings, Maine residents and visitors can use the following contact details:

Address: 286 Back Ridge Rd, Orland, ME 04472, USA

Phone: (207) 469-7771

Mobile Phone: +1 207-469-7771

Email: info@balsamcove.com

Website: www.balsamcove.com

Given the campground's popularity, especially during peak season and for its themed weekends, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance. Their friendly staff are readily available via phone or email to assist with booking your stay and answering any questions you may have about their facilities, activities, or policies.

For Mainers, Balsam Cove Campground in Orland offers a truly tailored and enriching outdoor experience. Its location on Toddy Pond provides a genuine slice of Maine's natural beauty, allowing for peaceful lakeside relaxation and fun water activities without requiring extensive travel to more remote areas. The campground’s strong commitment to being both family-friendly and exceptionally dog-friendly resonates deeply with local families who wish to include every member of their household in their adventures.

The lively schedule of themed weekends and activities, while potentially extending close to quiet hours for some, fosters a vibrant community spirit that many Mainers appreciate for its camaraderie and entertainment value. Coupled with consistently clean facilities, diverse camping options—from rustic tents to full-hookup RV sites and cozy cabins—and the praised accommodating nature of the staff, Balsam Cove ensures a comfortable and memorable stay. Its strategic proximity to iconic Downeast attractions like Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor makes it an ideal home base for exploring beyond the campground. For locals seeking a welcoming, activity-rich, and genuinely dog-friendly lakeside retreat that captures the essence of a Maine summer, Balsam Cove Campground is an excellent choice.

Balsam Cove Campground

286 Back Ridge Rd, Orland, ME 04472, USA