Sandy River Camping

For Maine residents seeking a truly unique and memorable outdoor escape, Sandy River Camping in Starks offers an experience unlike any other. This is more than just a campground; it’s a working alpaca farm nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Western Maine Mountains, boasting 40 acres of private land and 1600 feet of stunning river frontage along the beautiful Sandy River. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in nature, enjoy modern comforts, and even interact with adorable alpacas, making for an unforgettable family getaway or a peaceful retreat.

The owners, Kendall and Hannah (Marie), have poured their hearts into creating an exceptional property, and their dedication shines through in the overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors. One enthusiastic camper declared, "This is an amazing place! Kendall and Hanna have done an awesome job! this place is beautiful. we love the alpacas! they've done an outstanding job creating this property! there are several 'get away' spots in the campground as well as a riverside beach. the bathrooms were spotless. overall, a great experience. thank you, guys!" This sentiment is echoed by many who praise the cleanliness, beauty, and unique offerings of Sandy River Camping.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the river, enjoying a peaceful morning coffee with alpacas nearby, and spending your days exploring private beaches or casting a line into excellent fishing waters. Sandy River Camping promises an experience that blends the tranquility of the Maine wilderness with the charm of farm life and the convenience of well-maintained facilities. It truly is, as one reviewer put it, "Absolutely phenomenal place to stay."

Sandy River Camping is conveniently located at 1005 NEW SHARON RD, Starks, ME 04911, USA. This placement in the foothills of the Western Maine Mountains along the Sandy River offers a picturesque and serene backdrop for your camping adventure. For Maine residents, Starks is accessible via well-maintained state and local roads, making the journey to the campground straightforward from various parts of the state.

The strategic location provides both a sense of peaceful seclusion and reasonable accessibility to nearby towns for supplies or additional exploration. The highlight of the location is undoubtedly its extensive river frontage on the Sandy River, a clean and beautiful waterway known for its fishing and scenic appeal. The surrounding area offers a true taste of rural Maine, with rolling landscapes, forests, and the opportunity to truly disconnect and enjoy the natural environment. This blend of accessibility and immersive nature makes Sandy River Camping an ideal choice for a local escape, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment.

Sandy River Camping provides a diverse range of accommodations and services designed to cater to various camping preferences, all with an emphasis on comfort and cleanliness:

• Tent Campsites: Offering various tent-only sites, from standard single sites accommodating 1-tent & 6-guests to larger group sites fitting up to 4 tents & 12 guests. Many sites include power hookups.
• Campsite Amenities: Each campsite typically comes with a picnic table and a large fire ring. Firewood is available for purchase at the camp store.
• Alpaca Interaction Sites: Some sites are strategically placed near the alpaca enclosures, allowing campers to be close to these adorable animals, and even watch them from their campsite.
• Coryn's Cottage: For those seeking more comfort, a charming cottage (named after one of their alpacas) is available for rent. The cottage is fully equipped with necessary items, including a kitchen, bathroom, and air conditioning.
• Brand-New Bathhouse: A highly praised feature, the bathhouse boasts two spotless bathrooms and two showers, ensuring a clean and comfortable experience for all campers.
• Fresh Drinking Water: Access to potable water is available for all guests.
• Community Room: A gathering space offering a variety of games, books, magazines, a TV, radio, and a ping pong table, providing indoor entertainment options.
• Gift Shop: Located on the property, the gift shop is stocked with amazing alpaca products (sweaters, throws, socks, etc.) and handmade items like soap and jewelry, crafted by Marie.
• Farm Experiences: Guests have the unique opportunity to participate in farm experiences with the alpacas, including halter training, herd health, basic daily chores, skirting fleece, or even a guided hike with an alpaca.
• Seasonal Produce: When in season, the farm offers U-pick blueberries and fresh vegetables from their raised beds for purchase.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally welcome, with Coryn's Cottage being pet-friendly (additional fee applies). Specific rules should be confirmed.

Sandy River Camping boasts a remarkable array of features and highlights that create its distinctive appeal:

• Alpaca Farm Setting: The most prominent highlight is undoubtedly the integration of a working alpaca farm with the campground. The presence of adorable alpacas provides a unique and charming backdrop, allowing for memorable interactions and a truly non-traditional camping adventure.
• Private Riverside Beach: A beautiful private beach along the Sandy River offers a perfect spot for swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. The "amazing views and great beaches to enjoy the Sandy River" are frequently praised.
• Spotless Facilities: The "spotless" bathrooms and brand-new bathhouse are consistently highlighted by reviewers, ensuring a high standard of cleanliness and comfort.
• Spacious & Private Campsites: The campsites are strategically placed throughout the 40-acre property to ensure privacy and tranquility, giving each guest their "own little piece of paradise." Some sites offer stunning river overlooks with platforms for tents.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Sandy River itself is known for great fishing, with easy access from the cabin or campsites, allowing anglers to "cast off the banks."
• Outstanding Hospitality: The owners, Kendall and Hannah, are consistently commended for their "outstanding hospitality," creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
• Community Gathering Area: The community room with games, books, and a ping pong table fosters a sense of camaraderie and provides entertainment beyond the campsites.
• Hiking Trails: Multiple hiking trails are available on the property, offering opportunities for exploration and exercise amidst the natural beauty.
• Outdoor Games: Amenities like a horseshoe pit, basketball hoop, and cornhole provide additional recreational fun for families and groups.
• Future Expansion: Plans for next year include adding another bathhouse, more campsites, and a second cottage rental, indicating continuous improvements to enhance the guest experience.

While specific, publicly advertised promotions beyond their general offerings are not extensively detailed, interested Maine residents should always contact Sandy River Camping directly to inquire about any current promotions or special offers. Campgrounds, particularly those with unique features like an alpaca farm, may occasionally run seasonal deals, package experiences (e.g., camping with an alpaca farm tour), or discounts for extended stays. It's always beneficial to call or check their official website before booking to ensure you get the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any potential savings or unique experiences they might offer.

To inquire about availability, make reservations, or learn more about Sandy River Camping, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 1005 NEW SHARON RD, Starks, ME 04911, USA

Phone: (207) 504-0138

Mobile Phone: +1 207-504-0138 (another number listed is (207) 751-0447)

Email: sandyriveroutdoorevents@gmail.com

Their website (https://www.google.com/search?q=sandyrivercamping.com) is also an excellent resource for detailed information, photos, and possibly online booking. It's recommended to call during their operational hours to speak directly with the owners for the most current information.

For Maine residents, Sandy River Camping in Starks offers an unparalleled and highly suitable option for a local outdoor getaway. Its unique combination of a working alpaca farm and a tranquil riverside campground provides an experience that is both engaging and deeply relaxing, setting it apart from traditional camping destinations. The convenient location in the foothills of the Western Maine Mountains makes it easily accessible from various parts of the state, allowing locals to enjoy a refreshing escape without extensive travel.

The overwhelming positive reviews from real customers consistently highlight the exceptional hospitality of the owners, Kendall and Hannah, and the remarkable cleanliness of the facilities, especially the "spotless bathrooms." This dedication to guest comfort and satisfaction ensures a pleasant and stress-free stay. The ability to interact with adorable alpacas, offering a "non-typical camping adventure," adds an element of charm and novelty that is particularly appealing to families and animal lovers.

Beyond the unique farm aspect, Sandy River Camping provides a wealth of outdoor activities. The private riverside beach offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and simply enjoying the calming sounds of the Sandy River. The availability of diverse campsite options, including tent sites with power and the cozy Coryn’s Cottage, caters to different preferences and comfort levels. Furthermore, the community room with games and books, along with on-site hiking trails and outdoor sports, ensures there's always something to do, rain or shine.

Sandy River Camping is truly a "gem" for Maine locals seeking a distinctive, welcoming, and well-maintained camping experience that blends nature, unique animal interaction, and genuine hospitality. It’s a perfect destination to create lasting memories, whether you're looking for an active family vacation or a peaceful retreat by the river.

Sandy River Camping

1005 NEW SHARON RD, Starks, ME 04911, USA