Maine’s state park system is one of the finest in the eastern United States — 48 state parks and historic sites spanning the coast, mountains, lakes, and forests of the state. From the beachside splendor of Popham Beach to the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia, from the wilderness lakes of Baxter State Park to the historic fortifications of Fort Knox, Maine’s parks offer an extraordinary range of outdoor experiences. Most state parks are open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, with some open year-round.
Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is Maine’s crown jewel — a 209,644-acre wilderness park surrounding Mount Katahdin, the state’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Unlike most state parks, Baxter was the personal gift of former Governor Percival Baxter, who purchased the land over decades and donated it to the state with the stipulation that it remain “forever wild.” The park operates under strict wilderness principles: no pets, no generators, limited day visitor quotas, and advance reservations required for camping and summit hikes. See our Millinocket guide for planning details.
Acadia National Park
While technically a national park rather than a state park, Acadia is Maine’s most visited protected area and an essential part of any Maine outdoor itinerary. The park encompasses 47,000 acres on Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula, with Cadillac Mountain, 158 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of historic carriage roads, and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the country. See our Bar Harbor guide for full details.
Maine State Park Beaches
Popham Beach State Park near Bath is one of the finest state park beaches in Maine — a long barrier beach at the mouth of the Kennebec River with dramatic sandbars, tidal pools, and views of offshore islands. Reid State Park on Georgetown Island offers two sandy beaches — Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach — in a stunning open-Atlantic setting. Sebago Lake State Park near Portland is the largest state park campground in Maine with over 250 sites on the shores of Sebago Lake. Camden Hills State Park offers spectacular hiking with panoramic views of Penobscot Bay from the summit of Mount Battie.
Maine State Park Campgrounds
Maine’s state park campgrounds range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities. The most popular include Sebago Lake State Park, Camden Hills State Park, Lily Bay State Park on Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lake State Park, and Lamoine State Park near Acadia. Reservations are accepted through the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands at maine.gov/dacf/parks beginning in January for the upcoming season. For a complete camping guide see our Maine Campgrounds Guide.
Maine State Parks by Region
Southern Maine: Crescent Beach State Park, Two Lights State Park, Scarborough Beach State Park, Ferry Beach State Park, Vaughan Woods State Park.
Midcoast: Camden Hills State Park, Popham Beach State Park, Reid State Park, Pemaquid Beach State Park, Wolf Neck Woods State Park.
Downeast: Lamoine State Park, Cobscook Bay State Park, Quoddy Head State Park (the easternmost point in the United States), Roque Bluffs State Park.
Western Maine: Sebago Lake State Park, Rangeley Lake State Park, Mount Blue State Park, Grafton Notch State Park.
North Woods: Lily Bay State Park, Baxter State Park, Aroostook State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many state parks does Maine have?
Maine has 48 state parks and historic sites managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. This does not include Baxter State Park, which is managed separately under its own authority, or Acadia National Park, which is a federal park.
Do Maine state parks require reservations?
Camping reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends at popular state parks like Sebago Lake, Camden Hills, and Lily Bay. Day-use areas at most state parks are first-come, first-served. Reservations open in January through the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands reservation system at maine.gov/dacf/parks.
What is the most visited state park in Maine?
Sebago Lake State Park near Portland is among the most visited, with its large campground, sandy beaches, and proximity to the state’s largest metro area. Camden Hills State Park and Popham Beach State Park are also among the most popular destinations in the Maine state park system.