All 36 Maine State Parks: The Complete Guide

Maine's first and northernmost state park, where Quaggy Jo Mountain's twin peaks rise above rolling farmland in a region known for its vastness, potatoes, and reliable winter snow.

• -Spring-fed Echo Lake offers summer trout fishing, swimming, and canoeing, with rentals available
• -A wooden viewing platform atop South Peak provides sweeping views toward Presque Isle and beyond
• -Extensive winter trail network includes 15 miles of groomed cross-country skiing and 6+ miles of snowshoe trails with a warming hut

Maine's highest peak overlooks this vast wilderness park, created through one man's vision to keep 200,000 acres "forever wild."

• -Mount Katahdin's 5,269-foot summit marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, drawing long-distance hikers and peak baggers
• -The park maintains its rugged character with no electricity, running water, or paved roads within its boundaries. It's managed and operated differently with a set of unique rules you should research before visiting.
• -Backcountry canoe rentals are available at remote ponds scattered throughout the park
• -Cambing, cabins, and backcountry sites availabe for reservations

A day-trip worthy crescent beach with calm waves and views of Penobscot Bay.

• -Gentle surf and shallow waters create ideal conditions for quick dips
• -Two very short trails lead to rocky points with tide pools and views of the Muscle Ridge Islands
• -Shaded picnic areas with grills close to the beach

Southern Maine's backyard park with horseback riders, mountain bikers, hikers, and snowmobilers sharing the same extensive trail network.

• -Prime hawk-watching destination in spring from the summit
• -Rocky summit ledges provide views toward Casco Bay
• -Volunteer groomers maintain winter trails for XC skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing
• -Closest state park campground to Portland

Home to Mount Megunticook, the highest mainland peak on the Atlantic coast, with dramatic views of Penobscot Bay and cozy Camden Harbor.

• -Coastal views from a handful of peaks: Mount Battie (780 ft), Mount Megunticook (1,385 ft), and Bald Rock Mountain (1,200 ft)
• -Maiden Cliff Trail leads to a dramatic overlook and a memorial that marks a piece of local history
• -Extensive campground loop with one backcountry ski cabin available for rent

Dramatic 28-foot tides transform Cobscook Bay State Park's landscape twice daily, with campsites set along the water to take in the views.

• -High concentration of bald eagles and thousands of migratory shorebirds
• -Some campsites include direct water access for paddling and viewing seals, otters, and other marine wildlife
• -In close proximity to other large reserves like the Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge and Cobscook Shores

A popular summer spot for Portland area residents and visitors alike, offering nearly a mile of sand beach looking out towards Richmond Island.

• -Changing room, showers, and picnic tables with grills available
• -Cross-country skiing is possible on the beach after a heavy snowfall above the high tide line
• -Kayak and other gear rentals are available in summer through third parties

A pristine 4,600-acre lake with exceptional water quality, perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing

• -Sandy swimming beach and gentle water ideal for families
• -Picnic facilities, grills, and a playground
• -Easy access for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding

A small park with boardwalk trails through a diverse coastal ecosystem and access to a long stretch of sandy beach.

• -Easy ocean access with a sandy swimming beach
• -Raised boardwalk trail winds through one of the northernmost tupelo swamps in North America
• -Distinct from nearby Ferry Beach on the Scarborough River

Standing where the Penobscot River meets the sea, this tiny park makes for a great stop on a road trip or a picnic spot.

• -A pier extends into the Penobscot River, offering views of passing boats and wildlife
• -Several picnic tables provide a lunch spot with views of the Fort Point Lighthouse

A rugged section of the western mountains featuring a challenging stretch of the Appalachian Trail and scenic hikes with sweeping views.

• -23-foot waterfall at Screw Auger Falls plunges through a narrow gorge with roadside access
• -Great place for a fall foliage hike, including the Table Rock trail
• -Surrounded by a large swatch of conserved land, including a popular backpacking route in the Mahoosuc Public Lands

A quiet, undeveloped stretch of Penobscot Bay coastline where volcanic hills, rocky shores, and rich wildlife habitats remain largely untouched.

• -Minimal infrastructure preserves quiet recreation such as hiking, wildlife viewing, paddling, and skiing
• -Donated by conservationist Anita Harris and managed to retain its natural, non-commercial character

Lake St. George State Park features a clear, spring-fed 1,017-acre lake with undeveloped islands and year-round outdoor recreation.

• -Popular open-water and ice fishing for salmon and trout
• -Shoreline campsites offer direct waterfront access
• -Trails connect to broader snowmobile and hiking networks toward Frye Mountain

Waterfront access and scenic camping along Frenchman Bay just outside Acadia National Park.

• -Camping and day-use facilities are situated among wooded sites with waterfront views
• -A boat launch provides easy access to sea kaying in Frenchman Bay

Popular lakefront camping along New England's largest lake, with waterside sites offering direct access to 117 square miles of pristine waters.

• -Two public boat launches with dedicated slips for both motorized and non-motorized boats
• -Several miles of lakefront trails with a chance to spot moose, loons, and bald eagles
• -Over 5 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails during good snow years

A small urban island connected by a causeway features a short loop trail with views of Portland and Casco Bay.

• -A 1.4-mile perimeter trail offers a short, peaceful walk
• -Proximity to Portland makes it quite popular, with limited parking

Perched above Penobscot Bay, this small coastal park off busy Route 1 offers access to pebble beaches, tidal pools, and picnic spaces.

• -Two dedicated lookout points along the Big Spruce Trail provide panoramic ocean views
• -Includes picnic tables, a group shelter, and a gazebo centered around a grassy lawn

Rising 700 feet above Moosehead Lake, Mount Kineo features dramatic cliffs and scenic trails, accessible only by boat.

• -Reachable only by boat or seasonal ferry
• -A converted fire tower offers unobstructed 360-degree views for those who hike to the summit
• -Thousands of years of Native American history are preserved here at prehistoric quarry sites

One of Maine's largest state parks, spanning 8,000 acres with two distinct sections centered around Mt. Blue and Webb Lake.

• -The Webb Lake district features several campground loops, a beach, anda boat landing
• -Winter activities include an outdoor ice rink with a warming hut, plus extensive cross-country ski and snowmobile trails
• -Center Hill offers views of the valley and picnic tables for those looking for a more accessible outing

Perched 100 feet above Penobscot Bay, this historic lighthouse is the main attraction for this small coastal park.

• -Historic lighthouse grounds include the original 1854 keeper's house and wooden stairs ascending to the lighthouse
• -A small, rocky beach offers views towards Rockland Harbor and the Camden hills

More than a mile of sandy shoreline on Sebec Lake with wooded campsites and scenic hillside trails

• -Twelve unique picnic table "sculptures" offer unique picnicking places throughout the park
• -On-site canoe and kayak rentals available
• -Forested campground with tent and RV sites

Wide sandy beaches, tidal islands, and surfing opportunities near the site of one of New England's earliest English settlements.

• -Tidal sandbars create temporary walking paths to Fox and Wood Islands during low tide
• -Huge expanse of sandy beach at low tide with showers, changing room, and picnic tables available
• -Popular with surfers when the conditions are right

A red-and-white striped lighthouse perched over dramatic 150-foot cliffs with a handful of short but memorable trails.

• -5 miles of coastal trails along towering cliffs with a chance of spotting whales and seabirds
• -Excellent viewing location for sunrises with Grand Manan Island in the distance

Accessible waterfront recreation, scenic trails, and quiet paddling on a 290-acre pond.

• -Wheelchair-accessible waterfront provides easy access to swimming and the pond shoreline
• -Several miles of multi-use trails border the southeastern shores of the lake

A pristine glacial lake set in the Western Mountains, renowned for its fishing and long sporting tradition.

• -1.5 miles of undeveloped, forested shoreline with 50+ well-spaced campsites
• -Lakeside trails through mixed habitats, with views of Ranegeley Lake and Saddleback Mountain
• -Includes a boat landing, beach, and picnic facilities

Midcoast park known for two stretches of wide sand beaches and a tidal lagoon.

• -Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach offer pristine sandy shores and dunes
• -A naturally warmed tidal lagoon provides an alternative swimming spot with waters warmer than the ocean
• -2-mile ski loop trail is groomed in the winter when there's adequate snow

A Downeast Maine park with a rare combination of coastal sand beaches and a freshwater pond.

• -One of Downeast Maine's only sandy beaches
• -A 60-acre freshwater pond is stocked for fishing and provides a warmer swimming alternative to the ocean
• -Three miles of trails through varied coastal terrain, featuring views of the Libby Island Lighthouse

A long sandy shoreline with waves for swimming and surfing.

• -Guarded beach with rentals and ideal swimming conditions in summer
• -Attracts surfers of all skill levels
• -Managed independently of other state parks with its own annual park pass

A popular family summer destination for camping and swimming on a remarkably deep and clear lake.

• -The last remaining hand-operated lock of the Cumberland and Oxford Canal system, dating to the 1830s, still operates between Sebago and Long Lakes
• -Premier fishing destination for landlocked salmon and lake trout
• -Offers a wide range of camping options from simple tent sites to dedicated group sites

A rugged coastal park with short hiking trails and broad views over Cobscook Bay toward Campobello Island and eastern Maine

• -2 miles of trails through forest and tidal zones
• -Dramatic views of Cobscook Bay from 173 ft Shackford Head overlook

Seasonal park welcoming swimmers, anglers, paddlers, and picnickers.

• -Swimming area with lifeguard, picnic sites, grills, and walking trails
• -A private group shelter with volleyball and horseshoes can be reserved for a fee

Named for the nearby twin Cape Elizabeth lighthouses, this tiny park features WWII fortifications, dramatic views, and ample picnic spots.

• -Nearly two miles of trails wind through the forest and along seaside rock ledges
• -Top-tier picnic spot with tables and grills strategically placed with scenic views of the ocean
• -Short drive to the nearby lighthouses

Historic stone bridges and century-old pines grace this nature preserve, featuring three miles of wide paths along the Salmon Falls River.

• -Original stone-arch bridges and restored carriage roads from the 1890's
• -Mature pine and hemlock stands, many more than a century old, line the scenic riverbanks
• -Year-round trail network for walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing

Accessible only by boat, Warren Island offers secluded campsites and solitude to those able to make the voyage.

• -70-acre island encircled by a 1.5-mile trail with views of Penobscot Bay and the Camden Hills
• -Rustic island camping with basic amenities and a carry-in, carry-out policy
• -Island dotted with the remains of a 19th-century homestead

Situated on a peninsula between Casco Bay and the Harraseeket River, Wolfe's Neck offers an easy coastal option for hiking, clamming, snowshoeing, and more.

• -A network of trails winds through tidal estuaries, rocky shores, and forests
• -Recreational clamming is permitted on the mudflats
• -The park hosts frequent outdoor and educational events