Maine’s state parks protect some of its most beautiful coastline, mountains, and waterfalls. After three decades running Maine’s resource guide, these are the state parks we recommend most, from coastal beaches to the Katahdin wilderness.
The best state parks in Maine are Camden Hills, Grafton Notch, Popham Beach, Reid, Baxter, Crescent Beach, and Quoddy Head. Camden Hills is the best on the coast, Grafton Notch the best in the mountains, and Baxter the best for wilderness. Each is covered below.
1. Camden Hills State Park
Camden Hills State Park is the best state park on the Maine coast. Camden Hills rises straight from Penobscot Bay, and the drive or hike up Mount Battie delivers one of the finest coastal views in Maine. Miles of trails, a classic Midcoast setting. ★ 4.7 from 2,100+ Google reviews.
2. Grafton Notch State Park
Grafton Notch State Park is the best state park in the western mountains. Route 26 through Grafton Notch near Bethel passes Screw Auger Falls, Mother Walker Falls, and the trailhead for Old Speck – waterfalls, gorges, and mountain hiking in one dramatic corridor. ★ 4.8 from 1,000+ Google reviews.
3. Popham Beach State Park
Popham Beach State Park is the best state park beach. A vast, wide expanse of sand at the mouth of the Kennebec, with sandbars, tide pools, and offshore islands. One of Maine’s most beautiful natural beaches. ★ 4.8 from 2,100+ Google reviews.
4. Reid State Park
Reid State Park is the best state park for a quiet beach day. Near Georgetown, Reid offers dunes, over a mile of sand, a tidal lagoon, and far fewer crowds than southern Maine – wild, natural coastline. ★ 4.8 from 1,600+ Google reviews.
5. Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is the best state park for wilderness. Baxter’s 209,000 acres surround Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The ultimate Maine wilderness – but plan ahead, as it requires reservations and imposes day-use quotas.
6. Crescent Beach State Park
Crescent Beach State Park is the best state park near Portland. In Cape Elizabeth minutes from Portland, Crescent Beach offers a sheltered sandy cove ideal for families and easy city day trips. ★ 4.6 from 1,100+ Google reviews.
7. Quoddy Head State Park
Quoddy Head State Park is the easternmost state park in the US. Home to the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Light and dramatic Bold Coast cliff trails, Quoddy Head marks the easternmost point of the United States.
Best State Parks in Maine: FAQ
What is the best state park in Maine?
Camden Hills State Park is the best state park on the Maine coast, with the Mount Battie view over Penobscot Bay, while Baxter State Park is the best for wilderness, surrounding Mount Katahdin. Grafton Notch is the best in the western mountains.
Which Maine state park has the best beach?
Popham Beach State Park and Reid State Park have the best state-park beaches in Maine – both wide, natural, sandy beaches with far more space and scenery than the developed southern beaches. Crescent Beach is the best near Portland.
Do you need a reservation for Maine state parks?
Most Maine state parks charge a day-use fee but need no reservation. The major exception is Baxter State Park, which requires advance parking reservations and imposes day-use quotas for the Katahdin trailheads – plan well ahead.
See also our best hikes in Maine, best beaches, and best things to do in Maine. MaineGuide.com has been Maine’s resource guide since 1995.
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