Reviews for Balsam Cove Campground

Orland, Maine

 One week stay

Review by Skip on 9/3/22, 10:22 AM

The park was safe and adequate for our goal of exploring the area. Security is good, office staff very helpful and friendly, grounds reasonably well-maintained. We would come again.

 Nice Campground

Review by 30 on 7/3/22, 5:57 AM

We enjoyed your campground. The lady that checked us in was very helpful. Our spot was very shaded, and kept us cool. We enjoyed having the fire pit and picnic table. It was in the right location, just far enough from the hustle and bustle by the water, and not so far away that we couldn't just take a short walk down if we wanted. The lake is lovely. The price for the lot was reasonable, and our neighbors were very agreeable. Actually, all the campers we met were very friendly and nice. The office/store was very good, with many amenities for everyone. Very nice planning. The only unpleasant moment came from the gentleman that informed me, after I asked he if he was the owner, that "he was the manager, and the buck stops with him". He was quite rude, and impatient with us, when our teenage son came to drop off our car on Saturday. I understand that a visitor must pay and sign in, but he wasn't staying, and I was trying to ask him about that. He even accused me of yelling at him. Which I was most certainly not. I do not hear well, and my voice can be louder sometimes. However, he would not answer my questions without being very arrogant and disagreeable. Just a thought that perhaps he might need some instruction in customer service in the future. In the end, I did sign in my son, and pay the $6, which seemed silly, since he was only dropping off the car, and not staying for any amount of time or using any of your facilities. I would consider staying again, but I'm not sure If I could recommend it to others, knowing that they might experience the same kind of management.

 Stay

Review by Gerry on 9/27/21, 6:32 AM

Staff was super friendly on the phone. Campground was very clean. If was after hours and dark when we arrived. Finding our campsite at night was very frustrating.

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 9/28/21, 1:28 PM

We're really sorry about this. There is a phone number on the door and we are happy to come up and help anyone having difficulties after hours. I'm sorry if you didn't know this. Hope your future travels go smoothly.

 A1

Review by Rob on 9/20/21, 8:12 AM

Great place to camp. Rented a cabin with water view. People were very friendly. Clean and comfortable. Would recomend this place

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 9/28/21, 1:30 PM

Thank you so much for the great review! It makes us very happy.

 Pondside Peace

Review by Pondside Peace on 9/18/21, 2:38 PM

3 days of contentment. Truly quiet with a few old friends, and some new, thrown in. Love it here.

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 9/28/21, 1:30 PM

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

 Labor Day camping

Review by CampingFamilyof5 on 9/13/21, 6:48 AM

2nd annual trip to Balsam Cove. Overall a great time. We’ll see you next year

 Labor Day camping

Review by CampingFamilyof5 on 9/13/21, 6:47 AM

2nd annual trip to Balsam Cove. Overall a great time. We’ll see you next year

 First time visit

Review by Bruce on 9/12/21, 6:30 PM

This was the first time we have visited Balsam Cove. Had a campsite on the water. Campground is well laid out and most everything you need. The staff was very helpful and pleasant. Nice beach and playground. Enjoyed the entertainment and bonefire. Campground near Fort Knox, Ellsworth and Bar Harbor. Planning on going back next year for sure.

 Camper

Review by Annual  on 9/5/21, 8:08 PM

We love our annual trip to Balsam Cove! Too bad the pontoon boat rental was discontinued this summer ! Wish my cabin was a little cleaner and a table in the cabin would be good . The bonfire did not disappoint !! The kids love it and the music / dancing and always look forward to the hayride !! See you next summer!!

 Grammy

Review by DaleMarie on 8/25/21, 7:42 AM

I was fortunate enough to visit Balsam Cove twice this summer, Once with friends, the other with grandchildren. Both times were great! Everyone was friendly, helpful and I was truly impressed on how Clean they were able to keep their bathrooms!!! I definitely plan to visit again!!!

 Grammy

Review by DaleMarie on 8/25/21, 7:42 AM

I was fortunate enough to visit Balsam Cove twice this summer, Once with friends, the other with grandchildren. Both times were great! Everyone was friendly, helpful and I was truly impressed on how Clean they were able to keep their bathrooms!!! I definitely plan to visit again!!!

 5 night stay 8-15-2021

Review by Mark on 8/22/21, 8:47 AM

Well run and family friendly campground. We stayed 5 nights while traveling throughout New England and did not want to leave. The staff and guests were all very friendly and the lake is absolutely beautiful.

 Camper

Review by Linda on 8/7/21, 1:38 AM

Great family experience!

 2 night stay

Review by Aun on 8/3/21, 2:34 PM

Very nice, pleasant people, quiet and clean.

 Special place

Review by Rose on 8/3/21, 7:45 AM

Again, we enjoyed our stay and love our spot at Balsam. Hate to say to much nice as don't want everyone to find this little peace of heaven like we did 😁 can't wait to go back a couple times next year, at least! Rose, Dave, Bella

 Walter

Review by Kevin  on 7/28/21, 7:20 PM

Really nice, will definitely go back

 One night

Review by Site 54 on 7/14/21, 1:15 PM

Even thought it was only one night because of change of plans, Justin took care of me because I was arriving late! Your the best. Thanks for always making it feel like home when me or the whole family come every year, and we have been coming for 15 yrs plus. See you soon, Jim R

 One night

Review by Site 54 on 7/14/21, 1:15 PM

Even thought it was only one night because of change of plans, Justin took care of me because I was arriving late! Your the best. Thanks for always making it feel like home when me or the whole family come every year, and we have been coming for 15 yrs plus. See you soon, Jim R

 Love It Here!!!!

Review by Andi on 7/12/21, 4:40 PM

Hands down our favorite summer place to be!! So clean and such a friendly welcoming environment!! Love love love. Can not say enough good things about this amazing campground!

 Love It Here!!!!

Review by Andi on 7/12/21, 4:40 PM

Hands down our favorite summer place to be!! So clean and such a friendly welcoming environment!! Love love love. Can not say enough good things about this amazing campground!

 Love It Here!!!!

Review by Andi on 7/12/21, 4:40 PM

Hands down our favorite summer place to be!! So clean and such a friendly welcoming environment!! Love love love. Can not say enough good things about this amazing campground!

 Seasoning

Review by Linda Albert on 7/6/21, 6:44 AM

Love it there! We have been going there for the last 5 years. They are very nice, and have lots going on. We will continue to visit Balsm Cove for our summer vacations!

 very friendly

Review by Family on 7/2/21, 3:05 PM

It was a very pleasant campground. Very friendly people. Just wish there more activities for kids and teens. Someone like a activity person to plan stuuff for children.

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 7/5/21, 10:25 AM

Thanks for your kind review. Yes, we are working on that. This last weekend we had a decorated bicycle parade, sack races, live music, plus fireworks! Unfortunately, the bounce houses and bonfire with music for kids were cancelled due to rain, but in Maine, the weather always has its say. Cheers!

 Loved it

Review by Maddy on 6/30/21, 3:55 PM

First time at Balsom! We loved it. Well taken care of; cleanest, nicest bathrooms I have seen in a campground. Normally a lot of seasonal sites are almost like junk yards but here all nice looking and well cared for. Beautiful beach, views and very friendly staff. Can’t wait to go back!

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 7/5/21, 10:26 AM

We are thrilled with your comments. Always working to make camping at Balsam Cove a great experience.

 Wow!

Review by Sheri on 6/29/21, 9:16 AM

Beautiful sites right on the water. Very friendly owners.

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 7/5/21, 10:27 AM

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

 Loved it

Review by The Harmons on 6/24/21, 7:29 PM

Once again hubby and I returned to balsam but had site 11, water and enjoyed our stay very much with our dog Bella. Returning end of July as our favorite place. We stayed weekdays and found it Clean and peaceful as usual. Looks like a great place for families. Bathroom and laundry were very good also. Very helpful, friendly staff.

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 7/5/21, 10:29 AM

So glad that you will be returning. Happy campers make us happy. Warm regards.

 Loved it

Review by The Harmons on 6/24/21, 7:28 PM

Once again hubby and I returned to balsam but had site 11, water and enjoyed our stay very much with our dog Bella. Returning end of July as our favorite place. We stayed weekdays and found it Clean and peaceful as usual. Looks like a great place for families. Bathroom and laundry were very good also. Very helpful, friendly staff.

 Awesome place

Review by Lyssa on 6/13/21, 3:51 AM

I take my older parents camping and love going to Balsam Cove. All the employees are friendly and helpful. My dad is 85 and rides a scooter. I never worry he will get lost because everyone watches out for him. The campground is clean and well maintained. We will be going back thru out the summer.

 Great time

Review by Momma on 9/28/20, 9:00 AM

We had a fantastic time, our camper was clean and comfortable. We look forward to coming back next year!

 Nice!

Review by Jerry on 9/22/20, 9:50 AM

Great Campground. Even in Covid Era we felt safe. Staff was very friendly/helpful. Stayed on waterfront site...too cold to swim when we visited but the place is just beautiful and will stay again when in the area. WiFi was very good.

 Loved it

Review by Rosieh on 9/22/20, 7:10 AM

New campers 2 adults and dog. Had done a preliminary drive thru previously and liked what saw so came back to use for a base to scout out other 5 campgrounds trenton/Ellsworth area and will be coming back here as much preferred. Great family cpg. Happy with water site. Only downside can think of is wifi not great for laptop tv but won't stop us from going back and maybe with grandkids 😁

 Camping

Review by Greg mooy on 9/21/20, 5:16 PM

Very nice campground! Very quiet and clean. We have camped there several times before and it's one of our favorite places

 Camping

Review by Greg mooy on 9/21/20, 5:16 PM

Very nice campground! Very quiet and clean. We have camped there several times before and it's one of our favorite places

 Lacking

Review by Bigcamper on 9/18/20, 10:50 AM

Stayed in rented camper. Clearly NOT cleaning according to CDC recommendation. A/C filter coated in grime, dirty smudges in shower. Only real nice aspect is the location. Bring your own cleaning supplies!

 Great camping

Review by TraceyR79 on 9/15/20, 4:16 AM

Booked as our first trip in our new camper for Labor Day and couldn’t have been more pleased with the facility. Clean. Friendly. Lots to do for kids. HUGE

 Great camping

Review by TraceyR79 on 9/15/20, 4:16 AM

Booked as our first trip in our new camper for Labor Day and couldn’t have been more pleased with the facility. Clean. Friendly. Lots to do for kids. HUGE

 Mrs

Review by Denise on 9/14/20, 5:39 AM

We had a great time! Relaxed and friendly atmosphere! Great place to bring our family. We will be coming to visit again!

 Awesome

Review by Jesse on 9/13/20, 9:35 AM

My favorite place to go camping. The people that work and run this place are wonderful.

 Watch out for pricing issues

Review by Acadia21 on 9/3/20, 7:09 AM

I talked to an agent of the company to make a reservation, you get a price and it's agreed upon (a contract). I put a deposit down and then paid the rest a few days later to make sure that I had my rental and things were all set because flying in for a vacation, the last thing that I would want is to have issues. I've been coming here for years and thought I was all set until I showed up. I was informed that the agent made a mistake and that they quoted me the wrong price and that I owed another $127 dollars or something like that. I was furious and was told that the person who did that is no longer there and I could speak to the manager, the owners son Justin, about it. Well that wasn't the only issue. The AC in the unit was frozen which made for a hot night. Thanks for Tom for fixing. Then the last people in the RV didn't do something and crap kept seeping back up in the toilet. Tom to the rescue. So when it's time to check out, I talk with Justin about the outstanding bill. Again, it's paid for and I have a receipt. He said that Jennifer, who took the reservation, made a mistake and that I owe the money. I asked how an agent for the company who has the power to take reservations, quote prices, and take payment isn't locked into that once it's paid for like a contract (which if you look under Chapter 2 for Consumer Contracts from the Maine Attorney Generals documents under chapter 2.3 for the 3 exceptions, already paid for goods and services, a written contract is not needed). Justin said fine, don't pay it but I'll be getting it from you one way or another. That was a threat. I doubt that I will want to deal with that or him again. The campground needs updating and I guess that it's too much money or they are pinching pennies. Don't go - it's not worth the headaches.

 Very Nice Pond Side Campground

Review by George on 8/27/20, 9:11 AM

We traveled a short distance to this campground to visit friends who live in the area and others visiting the area. We have a 23' travel trailer and stayed in site #9 very close to the water, though not quite right on it. The site itself was quite large but a little difficult to back into if you were following the road directions, I had to adjust and come "in the out road" so to speak to back in comfortably, but beyond that it was very nice. The staff were very accommodating! We had rented a pontoon boat for the day from the campground but woke to rather rough conditions that made me nervous, and they let us cancel the boat with no charges. Won't find that everywhere! My only warning to guests is make sure you've got your food on board! Not much in the way of good food really nearby! :) We'd go back in a heartbeat! Thanks Balsam Cove!

 Q.

Review by Ellen on 8/26/20, 6:01 PM

We stayed in one of the cabins and had a great time...staff was friendly and helpful. First time here but not the last. Grandkids camped here in tents and loved the Halloween themed weekend.

 Weekend camping

Review by Amy on 8/24/20, 7:46 AM

We always love going to Balsam cove. We love the swimming in the pond. The RV was great with the kids! I was told there was a grill and free to use, but the grill didn’t work. I was disappointed the snack shack was not open during the week anymore. It has been a lifesaver for picky kids. Overall, the stay was great!

 amazing experience !

Review by Krystal on 8/16/20, 5:21 PM

We absolutely loved this campground ! Friendly staff clean and fun environment we can't wait to return again!

 Very Nice Campground

Review by TMP on 8/2/20, 12:38 PM

Very clean campground and facilities. Like that there are wooded areas between camp sites. This year self contained campers are asked to use their own "facilities" leaving the campground "facilities" for campers without 'facilities". The "outhouses" in the tenting area are pretty unique and again very clean. The only negative are the rocks in the swimming area - stubbed our toes a bit but nothing unexpected for lake swimming. Great campground!

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 8/6/20, 6:10 PM

We're so sorry for the assault on your toes. Unfortunately, we can't get rid of those stubbing rocks! Glad you enjoyed the rest of your stay and thanks for coming!

 Awesome

Review by Ken on 7/19/20, 3:50 PM

Had a great time 4 of July week nice place to relax nice clean sites friendly people

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 8/6/20, 6:11 PM

So glad you enjoyed your weekend. Come again when you can stay longer!

 Great Camping

Review by BM on 7/19/20, 8:10 AM

Friendly service all around. Great for the Grand Kids....swimming, biking, awesome bonfire where my granddaughter met 2 new friends. We continue to return as many times as we can throughout the summer. Very pet friendly also. Thanks to the whole Balsam staff and keep up the great work and hospitality.

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 8/6/20, 6:13 PM

Thank you for your kind words. Having happy campers is our goal and pleasure.

 Camper

Review by Shelly on 7/19/20, 5:54 AM

Our stay at Balsam cove is always a great time. This year my granddaughter chose to have her birthday party here. When she was told she might not be able to, she didn't want a party at all. Thankfully, she could and as always a great time. The campsites are great, everyone has a smile here. I would recommend balsam cove to everyone.

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 8/6/20, 6:14 PM

I'm so glad she had a happy birthday here. It makes us smile just hearing about it.

 July 4

Review by Sm on 7/12/20, 7:55 AM

We spent 4 days over July 1-4. Family and friends joined us. Had good time . Full campground but never felt crowded. Fireworks were great. Grandchildren had good time. Everyone friendly. Be back again

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 8/6/20, 6:16 PM

Glad you came and had a good time. Happy campers make everyone here happy too!

 Wonderful stay!

Review by JLR on 7/6/20, 4:21 PM

Our Stay was perfect. We decided on this campground based on friends recommendations. Our site was perfect for our travel trailer, flat shady/sunny and a small view of the lake. The campground itself was clean and well maintained. We rented the pontoon boat for half a day and had a blast! Love the fact that they offer boat rentals! Also loved the big bon fire they had. We will be back as we thoroughly enjoyed our stay!

Response From Balsam Cove Campground on 7/11/20, 11:22 AM

Thank you JLR. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay. We work hard to make the Balsam Cove experience fun and when we hear we succeeded, we do a happy dance!!! Come again!

 Wonderful stay!

Review by JLR on 7/5/20, 7:30 PM

Our Stay was perfect. We decided on this campground based on friends recommendations. Our site was perfect for our travel trailer, flat shady/sunny and a small view of the lake. The campground itself was clean and well maintained. We rented the pontoon boat for half a day and had a blast! Love the fact that they offer boat rentals! Also loved the big bon fire they had. We will be back as we thoroughly enjoyed our stay!