Bar Harbor, ME
United States
Terramor Outdoor Resort, a new brand from Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) opened in 2020 in Bar Harbor, Maine. It achieved SITES Gold certification, and is the first SITES for Existing Landscapes project in the United States.
The outdoor resort encompasses 64 luxury tents, a communal lodge, a swimming pool, a pavilion and nature trails, and was designed to introduce the outdoors to a new market of leisure travelers. The resort was designed to connect people to the outdoors and each other, the name is derived from Latin words meaning "land" and "love" showcasing the importance of a love of land.
Transforming a former KOA campground into Terramor Outdoor Resort required a thoughtful approach to land management. The team removed 40 outdated campsites and planted 1,000 trees, which revitalized the site and improved its ecological balance. By focusing on native species like Black Cherry and Sugar Maple, Terramor supports local ecosystems and enhances biodiversity.
The resort’s layout is designed to minimize environmental impact. Structures are clustered centrally to reduce disturbance to natural habitats, while gravel pathways replace asphalt, mitigating erosion and improving stormwater infiltration. These changes demonstrate Terramor’s commitment to sustainable land use practices.
Terramor’s dedication to sustainability is evident in several key areas:
- Native Plantings: Over 90% of the resort’s vegetation consists of native plants, which eliminates the need for permanent irrigation and conserves water.
- Organic Waste Recycling: Plant trimmings and fallen trees are repurposed as compost, firewood, or mulch, minimizing waste.
- Green Transportation: The resort supports green travel with bike facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, and is a stop for the free Island Explorer shuttle. A staff shuttle is also available for trips to town for shopping and errands.
- Waste Reduction: Terramor has phased out plastic bottles, opting for boxed water and installing a water refill station, and has on-site recycling programs to divert waste from landfills.
- Reduced Lighting: Terramor’s lighting follows DarkSky initiatives, to thoughtfully reduce light pollution.
Terramor fosters an inclusive environment with accessible pathways and complimentary all-terrain wheelchairs, ensuring guests of all abilities can enjoy the resort. Community-oriented programs and partnerships with local organizations, including Friends of Acadia, strengthen ties to the surrounding area, promote civic engagement, and provide educational opportunities. Terramor also donates $1 of every online booking to Friends of Acadia and participates in their events.
Adhering to frameworks like SITES not only validates but also enhances a resort's environmental stewardship. Terramor’s approach to maintaining and monitoring sustainable practices ensures they remain integral to its operations, regardless of changes in administration.
“The name ‘Terramor’ combines the words ‘Terra’ (earth) and ‘amor’ (love), and since day one, our resort has worked to create a space that lives up to that ideal,” said Toby O’Rourke, President & CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) which owns and operates Terramor. “We’re extremely proud to be the first outdoor resort to have earned this SITES for Existing Landscapes certification, demonstrating that eco-friendliness, luxury and the great outdoors can all be blended seamlessly.”
Photo credit: Trevan Hiersche and Nick LaVecchia