What are the best state parks in Maine? The answer will be different for every visitor.
There are 35 state parks in Maine and I’m on a quest to visit every single one. To date, I’ve visited 18 of Maine’s beautiful state parks, and I’ve listed my favorites below.
As I continue to visit each state park, this post will be updated to ensure you get the most accurate information.
In my opinion, Maine’s best state parks (in no particular order):
- Grafton Notch – scenic drives and hiking
- Two Lights – quick walk along rocky coast
- Popham – long beach, history
- Mount Blue – large, private campsites for tents and RVs
- Baxter – wildlife and hiking
- Quoddy Head – coastal tent camping
- Bradbury – easy hikes with beautiful views
- Wolfe’s Neck – great for snowshoeing
How did I determine the best state parks?
I’ve been to 16 out of the 34 amazing Maine State Parks. And my favorites so far are based on a few factors: camping options, scenic views, seclusion, and overall experience in the area. I would have included Acadia National Park, but these are the best state parks!
Maine’s Best State Parks
Below I’ll share details of what I believe are Maine’s best state parks. You’ll also find details for camping info, recommended hikes, and the best activities for each state park.
Grafton Notch State Park
If you are thinking of visiting the western side of Maine, then a drive through Grafton Notch State Park is a must.
Grafton Notch state park offers multiple hiking trails ranging from easy to hard.
For those looking for an extra challenging backpacking adventure, check out the Grafton Notch Loop Trail, 33 miles loop trail. Sunday River Whitecap is the highlight of this trek.
While I haven’t done this trail (and honestly probably never will!) my good friend loves this trail and thinks Sunday River Whitecap is the best mountain in Maine.
Another aspect to love about Grafton Notch State Park are the waterfalls you see along the scenic drive to and through the park. These waterfalls include Mother Walker Falls, Screw Auger Falls, and Step Falls.
The waterfalls have rest areas with picnic tables, perfect for a picnic lunch outdoors.
Two Lights State Park
Approximately 20 minutes from Portland, Maine
Two Lights State Park is a wonderful place to explore after a trip to nearby Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park.
Featuring day use sights, a 1 mile loop, and beautiful sweeping views of Maine’s rocky coast.
You can easily visit three state parks in one day: Two Lights, Kettle Cove, and Crescent Beach State Park.
Mount Blue State Park
Approximately 2 hours from Portland, Maine
Mount Blue is my favorite state park in Maine!
What I love most about this state park is the large beach area on Webb Lake. It’s such a serene area even with families on the beach with you.
Although you may be more familiar with Sebago Lake State Park, which often has tons of people, Mount Blue features an opportunity to enjoy a day at the lake without the congestion and noise.
The campground at Mount Blue State Park is one of the best RV parks we’ve been to, offering electric and water hookups and a dump station nearby. The spaces are so spacious and private. There are also paved roads perfect for leisure biking.
I also love this area for the numerous hikes that surround Weld, ME.
- Tumbledown Mountain, around 5 miles, hard hike.
- Bald Mountain, around 2 miles, moderate hike.
- Mount Blue, around 3 miles, moderate hike.
- Whitecap Mountain, around 6 miles, moderate hike.
You can also launch a kayak or canoe right from the lakeshore and enjoy an afternoon on the water!
Quoddy Head State Park
Approximately 4 hours from Portland, Maine
Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, Maine hosts one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in all of Maine.
The Quoddy Head Coastal Trail (3.6 mile, moderate) offers breath taking views of Maine rocky coastline. I would skip the interior portion of the trail and double back along the coast.
In addition to the beautiful trails, Quoddy Head State Park also offers a lighthouse and picnic areas.
Another reason I loved this state park was the proximity to other activities.
Activities within 1 hour of Quoddy Head State Park:
- Camping at Cobscook Bay State Park
- Shackford Head State Park in Eastport
- Roque Bluffs State Park
- Town of Lubec
- Cutler Coast hike and scenic drive
- Roosevelt International Campobello Park in New Brunswick (you’ll need your passport!)
If you’re RVing in this area, we highly recommend Sunset Point RV Park in Lubec.
Baxter State Park
Approximately 3 hours from Portland, Maine
Baxter State Park begins and ends with Mount Katahdin. Even for locals, this is a beast of a mountain. When you say you’re going to hike Katahdin most locals we’ll say they’ve always wanted to do it, but they’re too scared.
Well, there’s no reason you should be nervous about hiking Mount Katahdin. Just be prepared.
Remember to bring lots of water. More than you think you’ll need. There is a high chance you won’t get back to your car until it’s dark out. This is so much better than having to use water bottles.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight. It’s not only safer to hike with light at night, it makes it a heck of a lot faster to get to a shower and warm meal.
Bug Spray. Yes, there will be mosquitos or black flies. Hike it anyways. Avoid wearing perfumes and scented lotions the morning of your hike.
If you’re really wanting to hike Mount Katahdin but not feeling up to doing it all in one day. You can do an overnight at Chimney Pond, about half way up. I’ve never done this, mostly because the idea of carrying that size backpack stresses me out, but it’s a popular option.
There are no RV sites at Baxter State Park, but the campground offers tent sites and cabins.
Wolfe’s Neck State Park and Bradbury State Park
Approximately 30 minutes from Portland
I’ve been to both of these state parks many times! They are two of the more accessible state parks, especially if you’re staying in the greater Portland area.
Bradbury State Park located in Pownal, my husband’s hometown!
Bradbury is a TINY state park. The area is tiny, the mountain is tiny, and there are a lot of tiny humans (aka children!) who frequent this area. It is a very family friendly area because the summit hike is relatively easy.
Once you get to the top of Bradbury you are rewarded with a perfect picnic spot!
On a clear day you can see the ocean and maybe even Wolfe’s Neck State Park!
Speaking of Wolfe’s Neck State Park, this is a beginner hiker’s dream! There are multiple trails but the best ones are the ones along the coast. All trails are very flat and great for kids, although they are through the woods so not wheelchair accessible.
Wolfe’s Neck State Park also offers camping options for RVs and tents.
Both Wolfe’s Neck State Park and Bradbury State Park are close to Freeport where you can shop to your heart’s delight, visit LL Bean, and get a delicious Buffalo Chicken pizza at Antigoni’s Pizza, our personal favorite!
Bonus: Mackworth Island State Park
Mackworth Island is a super tiny island in Falmouth, Maine. It’s about 10 minutes from Portland, ME, making it a great getaway from the city.
What I love most about this state park is the coastal views all around the island.
There is only one trail around the whole island totaling 1.4 miles. It’s a great beginner hike and should only take you about 30 minutes.
There are numerous benches to enjoy a peaceful break, multiple access points to the rocky beach, and even an area for you to make a fairy house.
Beware, it gets incredible windy on Mackworth Island.
Are dogs allowed in Maine State Parks?
Yes! But there are restrictions.
Dogs are not allowed on Maine state park beaches from April 1st to Sept 30th.
Sebago Lake State Park does not allow dogs any time of the year.
Dogs are allowed at every Maine state park campground except Sebago, yay!
How much are Maine state park entrance fees?
Remember to bring cash with you to pay for state park entrance fees. Most fees are between $3-$9 for non-Maine residents.
Maine has some of the best state parks in New England! That’s why I’m on a personal mission to visit every state park in Maine. I have a ton more to go, but so far, I’ve loved all of them!
A few honorable mentions:
Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, and Ferry Beach State Park in Saco.
Final Thoughts
Maine has fabulous state parks. I hope you’ll consider adding a few to your itinerary on your next trip to Maine. Whether you venture all the way to Baxter State Park or enjoy a simple walk to the summit of Bradbury State Park, enjoy all that Maine has to offer in its beautiful state parks.
Happy Traveling!
