State & National Parks: Camping, Hiking, Wildlife | Visit Maine

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From primal forests and majestic mountains to glacial lakes and the coastline that launched a thousand paintings, Maine’s natural world is unlike any other. Which makes each of our state parks a one-of-a-kind experience.

Popular State Parks

Explore our top parks and their range of activities and unique features. Note that during the summer months, these parks are often crowded. Consider visiting in the early mornings or late afternoons, when it is calmer. Much of the rest of the year, these are wonderful, quiet places to explore.

Reid State Park

An hour north of Portland, with two beaches, large sand dunes and views of lighthouse islands.

Popham Beach State Park

Popham Beach features sandy sunbathing areas and sparkling views of Fox and Wood islands.

Quoddy Head State Park

Quoddy Head features a candy-striped lighthouse and spectacular wildlife watching.

Unique State Parks

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway, part of the National Wild and Scenic River System, is a 92-mile stretch of the Allagash River, along with connected ponds and lakes. Once a center of commercial forestry, it’s now a nationally renowned destination for canoe and kayak adventures.

Baxter State Park, created with gifts from former Maine Gov. Percival P. Baxter, includes more than 209,000 acres of Northern Maine forest, rivers, streams and mountains, topped by Katahdin, the state’s tallest peak. Offering few amenities, Baxter provides a wilderness experience rare in the East.

Coastal Parks

In southern Maine, Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth is a favorite of sunbathers and swimmers, while in the MidCoast, Camden Hills State Park in Camden is known for mountain hiking beside the ocean. Cobscook Bay State Park in Edmunds Township is popular for scenic camping and exploring on the rugged DownEast coast. For more favorite coastal state parks, check with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands for a complete list.

Inland Parks

Maine’s inland parks stretch from the heights of the Western Maine mountains to scenic lakesides in the far north in the state’s forests. Swimmers and boaters appreciate Range Pond State Park in Poland, mountain bikers love the trails at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, and hikers are drawn to mountain trails of Grafton Notch State Park in Grafton Township. For more favorite inland state parks, check with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands for a complete list.

Breathtakingly Beautiful Maine State Park Gems

Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site

A reconstruction of Fort William Henry in Bristol, with archaeological remnants of 17th- and 18th-century villages and a museum.

Historic feature: archaeological site of 17th- and 18th-century structures, partial reconstruction of Fort William Henry, historic fort house, replica 17th-century house, historic interpreter dressed in period clothing during summer months
Water activities — boat ramp, sea kayak rentals through Maine Kayak
Restaurant — The Contented Sole
Public pier and marine floats accommodate visitors arriving by boat
Gift shop
Fishing
Events

Roque Bluffs State Park

South of Machias on Schoppee Point, the park offers a half-mile crescent beach of sand and pebbles, the 60-acre Simpson Pond, and a 6-mile trail network.

Trail activities — hiking
Fishing
Canoeing, kayaking on fresh water pond
Beaches/swimming — no lifeguards
Picnicking

Ferry Beach State Park

Situated on 100 acres between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis in Saco, with picturesque sand dune beach views and a rare stand of tupelo trees.

Trail activities — hiking trails include boardwalk through a bog with tupelo trees
Fishing
Beaches/Swimming — lifeguarded beach during summer months
Nature Center with pilot whale exhibit featuring pilot whale skeleton suspended from ceiling

Aroostook State Park

Maine’s first state park, created in 1838 in Presque Isle. The park’s 800 acres encompass the twin peaks of Quaggy Jo Mountain and scenic shoreline on Echo Lake.

Camping
Trail Activities — hiking on Quaggy Jo Mountain
Fishing
Snowmobiling and groomed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Canoeing, kayaking and other water activities, kayak and canoe rentals, boat ramp on Echo Lake
Beaches/Swimming
Picnicking, group shelter

Eagle Island State Historic Site

North of Portland, Eagle Island was the home of Arctic explorer Admiral Robert E. Peary. It includes Peary’s home, originally constructed in 1904. Eagle Island is a National Historic Landmark.

Island is accessible only by boat — tour boats provide transportation to the island
Trail activities — hiking trail
Tour boats provide transportation AND guided tours of the house and island — this is a half-day trip and is available June 15-Labor Day
Historic feature — museum/summer home of North Pole explorer Admiral Robert E. Peary
Fishing
Other water activities — 10 moorings with launch service to island
Beaches
Welcome center
The Peary MacMillan Arctic Museum, which is located in Brunswick on the Bowdoin Campus and open year-round