Balsam Cove Campground

- 286 Back Ridge Rd, Orland, ME 04472

Introduction / Overview

Balsam Cove Campground, nestled on the shores of the scenic, 10-mile-long Toddy Pond in Orland, Maine, is a highly-focused, family-oriented destination that captures the heart of DownEast lakeside camping. Described as Maine's "best kept secret," this rustic campground is designed for families, pet owners, and anyone looking to unplug and reconnect with nature and one another. With 124 available sites, including full hookup RV spots, dedicated tent areas, and cozy cabin rentals, Balsam Cove caters to a wide range of camping styles, all centered around the beautiful waterfront setting.

This is a place where activities are a central part of the experience, with an energetic atmosphere fostered by planned events and nightly entertainment. While the focus is heavily on family fun and a very welcoming environment for dogs—with owners being respectful and understanding—the campground prides itself on offering the essential comforts, including clean facilities and a stocked camp store. Balsam Cove is not just a place to park your rig; it is a community where lifelong memories are created, making it an excellent station for Maine residents exploring the mid-coast and Downeast regions.

Location and Accessibility

Balsam Cove Campground is conveniently located at 286 Back Ridge Rd, Orland, ME 04472, USA. Orland's placement in the region offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, rural, lakeside retreat that is still centrally located to explore Maine's most iconic destinations. The campground is situated on Toddy Pond, known for its loons, ducks, and excellent fishing, yet it’s only a short drive to the ocean and major towns.

The accessibility from this location is a significant benefit for Maine locals planning regional excursions:

• Historic Bucksport: Only minutes away, offering a charming waterfront walk, access to the working harbor, and proximity to the iconic Waldo/Hancock Bridge and the historic Fort Knox.

• Fort Knox & Penobscot Narrows Bridge: Extremely close, offering the opportunity to tour the ghostly halls of the historic fort and ascend the world's tallest public bridge observation tower for jaw-dropping panoramic views.

• Ellsworth & Bangor: Convenient access to the regional gateway town of Ellsworth, and a reasonable drive to Bangor for city amenities, shopping malls, theaters, and dining.

• Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor: Located about 26 miles away (less than an hour's drive), making it a suitable base camp for day trips to Acadia’s trails and Bar Harbor's bustling streets, without the stress of staying on MDI.

• Nature Trails: Proximity to hiking trails like the Great Pond Conservation Trust, including routes to destinations like Hellbottom Swamp and Great Pond Mountain.

Services Offered

Balsam Cove Campground is equipped with numerous services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and active stay for families and RV enthusiasts:

• Full Hookup RV Sites: Most RV sites offer 20-amp, 30-amp, and 50-amp electric hookups, along with water and sewer hookups, accommodating vehicles up to 70 feet long.

• Diverse Accommodations: Offers rustic one-room log cabin rentals (sleeping up to four, with a microwave and dorm fridge), tent sites (some with water/electric), and camping trailer rentals.

• Waterfront Amenities: Features a designated swim area with a grassy beach, a swim dock, a separate fishing dock, and boat launch access.

• Boat and Slip Rentals: Guests can rent kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, and pontoon boats for use on Toddy Pond, and can rent a boat slip for personal watercraft.

• Bathhouse and Laundry: Provides a central bathhouse with free hot showers (though unheated and not fully enclosed), multiple clean toilets, and on-site laundry facilities.

• Camp Store and Essentials: A general store is available on-site for essentials, snacks, ice, firewood, and take-out meals (available at the pavilion on weekends during high season).

• Utilities: Includes free Wi-Fi access (though reliability can be limited due to the rural setting) and on-site LP gas service.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Balsam Cove Campground are centered on its family-friendly atmosphere, recreational activities, and its strong focus on the pet community:

• Very Dog Friendly: The campground is explicitly focused on being welcoming to dogs, featuring a large, enclosed dog park that is appreciated by owners. The community spirit ensures a relaxed environment where dog owners and non-owners are respectful and understanding of all pets.

• Themed Seasonal Events: The campground comes alive with special themed weekends, such as "Christmas in July" with Santa and crafts, "Halloween in August" with costume parades and trick-or-treating, and "Water Wars Weekend" featuring a cardboard boat race.

• Lakeside Family Fun: Centralized activities include hayrides, evening bonfires by the waterfront (sometimes with music and dancing until 10:00 p.m.), a lakeside playground, sandbox, basketball court, horseshoes, and volleyball/badminton fields.

• Prime Fishing Location: Toddy Pond is highly regarded for fishing, with guests welcome to cast a line from the dedicated fishing dock or their rental boats.

• Rustic Cabin Option: Provides rustic, pet-friendly cabin rentals for those who want a camping feel without owning an RV or pitching a tent, including a covered porch for relaxation.

• Gated Security: The campground operates with a controlled gate and access pass system, ensuring a high level of security and peace of mind for residents.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about boat rentals, or to find out more about the current schedule of events, please contact Balsam Cove Campground:

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

Phone: (207) 469-7771

Mobile Phone: +1 207-469-7771

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Balsam Cove Campground is an excellent choice for Maine residents who prioritize an active, family-centric, and dog-friendly camping vacation. For locals, the campground’s dedication to a structured, fun environment means the kids and grandkids will always have something to do, creating those classic "summer camp" memories. Its proximity to Bucksport, Fort Knox, and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge is a major convenience, offering easy access to some of Maine's most important historic and architectural landmarks without requiring long drives.

Crucially, as a family and pet-focused establishment, the community is built on mutual respect. The understanding atmosphere for even barky or protective dogs is a huge relief for Maine dog owners who often feel restricted at other resorts. While the nightly entertainment that runs until 10:00 p.m. might not suit every early riser, for many Maine families who want to maximize their summer nights with music, bonfires, and socializing, this vibrant schedule is exactly what they seek. Balsam Cove provides a true Maine lakeside retreat that perfectly balances regional accessibility with a robust, fun-filled, and very clean recreational atmosphere.

Balsam Cove Campground

286 Back Ridge Rd, Orland, ME 04472, USA