Happy Horseshoe Campground

Hello, fellow Mainers! When we consider a camping trip, often we're looking for more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent. We seek a sense of community, friendly faces, and a place where traditions are born. If this resonates with your camping philosophy, then Happy Horseshoe Campground in New Portland, Maine, stands out as a truly unique and highly recommended destination. Described by visitors as an "AMAZING Family owned campground," it's a place where, as one happy camper put it, "You become Family on your first visit."

Nestled at 1100 Long Falls Dam Rd, New Portland, this campground offers a blend of rustic charm and welcoming atmosphere that is deeply appealing to those who appreciate a relaxed, communal vibe. While it may not boast every single amenity under the sun, it excels in what truly matters: cleanliness, friendliness, and fostering a strong sense of belonging. The dedication of owners Buster and Judy is frequently highlighted, with reviews praising them as "great friendly hosts" who are "always happy to help out." This hands-on, personal approach is a hallmark of many beloved local Maine businesses, and Happy Horseshoe Campground clearly embodies it.

For Mainers, especially retired folks or those looking for a seasonal home away from home, Happy Horseshoe Campground offers a compelling proposition. It’s a place where "large sites in the pines" are "very comfortable," and where "great friends" are made within a "little community." Even for "weekend warriors," the invitation to "take part in neighborhood get togethers" and enjoy unique Maine traditions like "Buster's bean hole bean supper" makes it more than just a place to stay; it's an experience. Let's explore what makes Happy Horseshoe Campground such a special corner of our great state.

Happy Horseshoe Campground is located at 1100 Long Falls Dam Rd, New Portland, ME 04961, USA. New Portland is a rural town in Somerset County, situated in Maine's scenic High Peaks Region. This area is known for its vast woodlands, pristine lakes, and the tranquil flow of the Carrabassett River, offering abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The campground's location on Long Falls Dam Road places it within a region that offers a true "Maine wilderness" experience, yet it remains relatively accessible. While it provides a sense of escape, it's not entirely isolated. Reviews mention it being a "30 minute drive to Skowhegan or Sugarloaf." Skowhegan, to the east, offers essential services, grocery stores, and some local dining. Sugarloaf Mountain, a renowned ski resort, is a major regional attraction to the west, providing year-round recreational opportunities from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking and mountain biking in warmer months. The Appalachian Trail and the expansive Bigelow Preserve (a 36,000-acre state-owned and "under-used" natural area) are also within a 20-minute drive, making it a fantastic base for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The access roads are generally well-maintained, accommodating various sizes of trailers and motorhomes, allowing for smooth travel to and from this peaceful retreat.

Happy Horseshoe Campground offers a range of services designed to foster a friendly community atmosphere while providing comfortable camping.

• Campsites: Offers a total of 91 sites, including 88 RV sites and 3 tent sites.
  • RV Sites: Many sites feature electric and water hookups (88 sites), with 7 sites offering 50-amp service and the rest 30-amp. 8 pull-thru sites are available. Most sites are "level, shady or open grassy" and can fit "every size trailer, motor home or tent." Reviews note that most sites have electric and water but "no disposal hookups."
  • Tent Sites: 3 dedicated tent sites are available, though specifics on amenities are limited beyond general campground facilities.
• Dump Stations: Two easily accessible dump stations are provided for guests whose sites do not have sewer hookups.
• Pump-Out Service: For weekly campers, owner Buster offers a convenient pump-out service every Monday for a small fee.
• Restrooms & Showers: Features "clean, modern restrooms with free showers." Reviewers emphasize that the entire campground, "including the bathrooms," is "neat as a pin." There are two bathhouses on site.
• Laundry Facilities: A "teeny-tiny laundry room" is available, though one review noted it had "much dated laundry facility only having 2 semi working 1970's washers and only one 1970's dryer."
• Swimming Pool: A "nicely maintained inground pool" is available for guests, providing a refreshing break on warm days.
• Recreation Hall: An on-site recreation hall is available for various activities and gatherings.
• Play Area for Kids: A designated "play area for kids" or playground is available, with another review noting a "playground for smaller kids."
• Disc Golf: Offers unlimited disc golf on a mini-course.
• Horseshoes & Corn Hole: Designated areas for these classic campground games.
• Camp Store/Cafe: A store with a cafe is mentioned, likely offering basic groceries and supplies.
• WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout the park.
• Picnic Tables & Fireplaces: All sites come with a picnic table and a fireplace for outdoor use.

• Family-Owned & Community-Focused: Renowned for its "AMAZING Family owned campground" atmosphere where guests quickly "become Family." This strong sense of community and friendliness is a core highlight, fostered by owners Buster and Judy.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: The entire campground, including bathrooms, pool, and all facilities, is "neat as a pin" and "in pristine condition," indicating a high standard of maintenance.
• Unique Maine Traditions: Famous for "Buster's bean hole bean supper" every Saturday night, where "the below ground pit cooked baked beans are incredible!" This authentic local experience is a major draw.
• Seasonal & Adult-Friendly: Highly recommended for "retired folks" and seasonal campers, creating a comfortable "little community" where "most of the crowd is more mature." Quiet hours are respected, with things winding down by 9:00 PM on Saturday nights.
• Dedicated & Helpful Owners: Buster and Judy are consistently praised as "great friendly hosts" who are "always happy to help out," making guests feel welcome and cared for.
• Convenient Services for RVers: Despite some sites lacking full sewer hookups, the presence of two easily accessible dump stations and a Monday pump-out service for a small fee makes it very manageable for RV campers.
• Engaging Activities & Entertainment: Offers a range of activities including a pool, recreation hall, playground, disc golf, corn hole, horseshoes, and "Saturday night entertainment" (especially on holiday weekends). The local snowmobile club also hosts a fantastic Sunday chicken BBQ on site during holiday weekends.
• Proximity to Outdoor Adventures: Located near the vast Bigelow Preserve (36,000 acres, under-used), the Appalachian Trail (within 20 minutes), and within a 30-minute drive of Sugarloaf for skiing and other mountain activities.
• Spacious & Comfortable Sites: Offers "large site in the pines" that are very comfortable, with both shady and open options.

Happy Horseshoe Campground, being a family-owned and community-oriented establishment, emphasizes value and long-term relationships, particularly for its seasonal campers. While specific time-limited discount codes aren't broadly advertised, their pricing structure and unique offerings act as inherent special values.

• Seasonal Rates: Reviews indicate that "the prices for seasonal are the best around this area." This makes Happy Horseshoe a highly attractive option for Mainers looking to set up a semi-permanent summer retreat.
• Group Supper & BBQ: The weekly "group supper" on Saturdays, featuring "Buster's bean hole beans" (which are "incredible"), and the Sunday chicken BBQ hosted by the local snowmobile club on holiday weekends, act as significant added values. These communal meals are more than just food; they are central to the campground's community spirit.
• Consistent Activities & Entertainment: The regular schedule of activities, including Saturday morning crafts for kids, hay wagon rides, and "Saturday night entertainment" (live bands, comedy improv, DJs on holiday weekends), provides continuous value beyond just the campsite fee.
• Free Showers: Unlike some campgrounds that charge for hot showers, Happy Horseshoe offers "free showers," a small but appreciated perk.

For the most current rates (Daily: $33.00 - $40.00; Monthly starting at $500.00 according to some sources, but current seasonal rates are best confirmed directly) and to inquire about seasonal availability or any current unadvertised specials, Mainers are highly encouraged to contact the campground directly. The personal touch from Buster and Judy often means they can provide the best information for your specific needs.

For reservations, inquiries, or to become part of the Happy Horseshoe Campground family, you can reach them directly using the following contact details:

Address: 1100 Long Falls Dam Rd, New Portland, ME 04961, USA

Phone: (207) 628-3471

Mobile Phone: +1 207-628-3471

Website: www.happyhorseshoecampgroundmaine.com

Email: camping@happyhorseshoecampgroundmaine.com (as typically found on their website)

Reaching out directly is often the best way to get a feel for the campground's availability, seasonal rates, and the specific activities planned for your visit.

For Mainers, Happy Horseshoe Campground in New Portland is more than just a place to stay; it's a destination that offers a genuine sense of belonging and a return to simpler, community-focused camping. Its suitability for locals, particularly those seeking a friendly, mature, and well-maintained environment, is evident in the glowing reviews and the very nature of its operations.

Firstly, the "family-owned" aspect shines through. Judy and Buster's dedication is consistently praised, making every visitor, whether a seasonal resident or a weekend guest, feel like "Family." This personal touch is something we, as Mainers, deeply value in local businesses. It's not just about a transaction; it's about building relationships and sharing experiences. The fact that the "entire campground is neat as a pin including the bathrooms, pool and all the facilities" speaks volumes about their commitment to providing a high-quality, comfortable experience.

Secondly, Happy Horseshoe Campground perfectly caters to a specific, and often underserved, segment of our local population: "retired folks" and those looking for a seasonal home. The "mostly a more mature crowd" and the respectful quiet hours (things "start to quiet down by 9:00" on Saturday nights) create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and socializing with like-minded individuals. The emphasis on "group supper" with the incredible "bean hole beans" and neighborhood get-togethers truly fosters a strong, welcoming community where lasting friendships can be forged.

Lastly, while some sites may lack full disposal hookups, the efficient system of two dump stations and a Monday pump-out service for a small fee demonstrates a practical approach to managing amenities, acknowledging the needs of "weekend warriors" and seasonal campers alike. Combined with the attractive seasonal rates, this makes Happy Horseshoe an incredibly cost-effective and comfortable long-term option. Its location in the beautiful High Peaks Region also allows for easy access to outdoor activities like hiking near the Appalachian Trail or skiing at Sugarloaf, ensuring there's always something to do, whether at the campground or just a short drive away. For Mainers seeking a clean, friendly, and community-rich camping experience that truly feels like home, Happy Horseshoe Campground is an ideal choice.

Happy Horseshoe Campground

1100 Long Falls Dam Rd, New Portland, ME 04961, USA