🌤 Weather at Camden Hills State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–62 °F | 54–77 °F | 31–69 °F | 12–36 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at W Rockport 1 NNW, 6 mi away, elevation 361 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Camden Hills State Park — Offering sweeping views of Penobscot Bay from atop Mount Battie.
Camden Hills State Park is just north of Camden, overlooking Penobscot Bay. You can climb or drive up the 780-foot Mt. Battie for views that make this park a draw for visitors.
This Maine State Parks”>Maine state park abounds with outdoor adventures to enjoy throughout the year. You can camp, hike, hunt, and ski or snowmobile, depending on the season.
Mount Megunticook is the site of some of these adventures, as the park is a perfect day-trip getaway for many Maine residents who can arrive here in under two hours.
Nearby Parks
Activities at Camden Hills State Park
The park is open for year round visits during the height of summer, Maine’s foliage season, the quiet winter months, and when spring awakens. This list of activities reveals how much is available for visitors. Some are multi-purpose where you’ll share the trail with those engaging in various activities.
Although Camden Hills State Park is listed as having 2 of 5 stars for accessibility, access to views from the top of Mt. Battie, parking, lower campground, restrooms, and group shelter uses are rated high.
Camden Hills State Park Trails
The park has numerous intersecting trails, many of which are multi-use. Some of the trails are town-owned, adding to this rich trail system.
The following offers trail overviews based on use. One is open for all! The multi-use Trail and Ski Shelter is a moderate 5-mile trail that’s graveled and graded for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Everyone who uses the trail can make their way around Mt. Megunticook with its varied views.
Hiking & Snowshoeing at Camden Hills State Park
The Trails designated for hiking and snowshoeing include:
- Adams Lookout: a short, easy trail connecting Megunticook and Tablelands Trails while offering views of the bay
- Bald Rock Trail: a ½-mile easy to moderate trail for hiking and snowshoeing. Entry is at Multi-use Trail junction
- Carriage Trail: a moderate ½-mile climb through wooded areas
- Carriage Road Trail: a moderate 0.8-mile trail
- Jack Williams Trail: a 1.6-mile route with woods, water, and cliff views that intersects with Maiden Trail
- Maiden Trail: a 1-mile moderate climb to cliff-tops overlooking Megunticook Lake
- Megunticook Trail: takes an hour for the 1-mile climb of 1,000-foot vertical gain with super views.
- Nature Trail: an easy 1.2-mile walk good for viewing plant and wildlife
- Ridge Trail: a moderately difficult 2.5-mile climb that traverses Mt. Megunticook
- Scenic Trail: a 0.8-mile, moderate climb, rising quickly to views from Miller ledges
- Sky Blue Trail: a leisurely 1 ½-mile trail through woods and fields
- Slope Trail: that once was a ski slope and is best for descending rather than climbing
- Tablelands Trail: a moderate1 ½-mile hike of varied terrain
- Zeke’s Trail: a 1.3-mile moderate climb to another lookout
Biking at Camden Hills State Park
These trails are for biking, along with hiking and snowshoeing:
- Frohock Trail: a gnarly 1.9-mile ride around rocks and roots, or a moderate hike
- Summer Bypass: an easy 0.8-mile trail originally constructed to skirt wet areas
Horseback Riding at Camden Hills State Park
These trails are for horseback riding plus biking, hiking, and snowshoeing:
- Cameron Mountain Trail: a 1.9-mile moderate rise through old farmland
- Mount Battie Trail: a ½-mile moderate trail with some steep sections to check out before riding
Cross-country Skiing at Camden Hills State Park
Shoreline: a 0.3-mile trail that’s as good for cross-country skiing as it is for hiking and snowshoeing.
Snowmobiling at Camden Hills State Park
Snowmobilers can use the Cameron Mountain Trail and the Multi-use Trail for scenic riding where you’re bound to meet folks skiing or snowshoeing.
Birding at Camden Hills State Park
The park offers multiple birding options due to variations in terrain and elevation. Watch for wood thrush, woodcocks, flickers, wild turkeys, and possibly a pheasant, in wooded and farmland areas.
Seasonal migrations are rich for birding as much of Maine’s open spaces are inviting to long-distance fliers.
During nesting season, be on the lookout for scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, and various grosbeaks, plus heron, Canada geese, osprey, and cormorants. Another benefit of birding here is that you’ll see both ocean and freshwater species.
Winter birding means sightings of wintering gulls or red-throated loons. Bald eagles are still here. A rare Stellar’s Eagle was seen on the Maine coast during the 2022 winter.
Nature & Wildlife at Camden Hills State Park
Wildlife here includes those on land and at sea. There are deer, moose, fox, bears, mink, and bobcats, where it’s less busy. Bears hibernate much of the winter.
Various whales, including humpbacks and pilot, inhabit Maine ocean waters from mid-Spring to mid-Fall. These and the dolphins who are year-round are most likely seen when cruising offshore.
Flora is abundant throughout the year with many found in open and/or boggy areas. Spring is viewing season for lady slippers, bluets, violets, and viburnum. Early summer brings blue flag iris, trillium, wild azalea, daylilies, among others. Then watch for common milkweed that attracts monarch butterflies.
Hunting at Camden Hills State Park
Hunting is allowed at the park though not between June 1 and Labor Day. Hunters are responsible for following licensing and campground rules.
Pets at Camden Hills State Park
Leashed pets are permitted throughout the park as long as they are never left unattended, and their waste is properly disposed of.
Camping at Camden Hills State Park
The park has small and large group campsites for everything from tents to large RVs. That includes 108 family campsites that accommodate tents, popups, and RVs and campers, including those over 35 feet. There are a couple of wheelchair accessible sites.
Campsites are both reservable and non-reservable, some with electric and water hookups. Each campsite has a table and fireplace. Firewood must be purchased onsite. Family sites are for up to 6 people with fees that vary based on hookups, reservations, and your state of residence.
There are 5 group camping sites for groups of 7 or more. The group sites are on the ocean side of the park, with each site accommodating up to 35 campers. There are new bathrooms with hot showers. Each site has a per night fee with an additional per person fee for groups of more than 10.
Boating, Swimming, & Fishing in the Camden Area
Although these activities aren’t available at Camden Hills State Park, you’ll find options quite nearby. Camden has numerous parks to explore. Barrett’s Cove on Megunticook Lake is one that offers all three.
- There’s a beach, picnic area, and boat launch.
- You’ll find a designated swim area, though no lifeguards are on duty.
- The picturesque lake is over 1300 acres and good for fishing brown trout and both large and smallmouth bass.
Swimming in the Camden Area
There are a couple of modest beach areas nearby. Neither has a lifeguard.
- Lincolnville Beach is a sandy spot four miles north of the park on Route 1. It’s on the Atlantic Ocean overlooking Penobscot Bay and Islesboro.
- Laite Memorial Park is a sand and rock ocean beach two miles south of the park. There are picnic tables and grills at this pet-friendly spot.
Boating in the Camden Area
Steamboat Landing is a public boat launch for putting in personal as well as motor craft. There are also boat rentals and charters for fresh water or ocean excursions.
Fishing in the Camden Area
The park has nearby freshwater and ocean fishing spots. Be sure to plan ahead for proper licensing and gear.
- The Rockland Breakwater is a saltwater fishing spot 10 miles south.
- The Maine Angler’s Guide is a source for fishing along the coast info, including licenses.
Park Location
Camden Hills State Park 280 Belfast Rd, Camden, ME 04843 Phone: 207.236.3109
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Camden Hills State Park:
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Warren Island State Park is a short drive away, and Damariscotta Lake State Park is a short drive away.
🌲 Ready to explore the Maine coast?
Camden Hills offers hiking and camping for all skill levels.
Explore More Maine State Parks
Camden Hills State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Maine. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Maine guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
⛺ Camping at Camden Hills State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 107 sites — 107 single-family sites (numbered 1-110 with a few administrative/non-camping numbers), sized S through U per the official map legend; some sites are marked as drive-through. Sites with electric & water hookups are marked on the official campground map. Comfort stations with hot showers. Nightly rate tier: Maine resident $25, non-resident $35, plus a $5/site/night reservation fee, 9% Maine lodging tax, and roughly $5-10/night extra for hookup sites. Wi-Fi available for a fee at select campsites. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Megunticook Cabin: rustic 20'x40' insulated cabin with a fieldstone fireplace and bunk beds sleeping six. NO electricity and NO running water (an outdoor vault toilet is on site); no linens or bedding supplied. Firewood is sold on site, not included. Reachable only by foot, bicycle, horseback, skis or snowmobile - about 2.5 miles from the campground parking area, not drive-up. Available for year-round reservation up to 1 year in advance by calling the park (207-236-0849 winter / 207-236-3109 summer). Maximum stay 6 nights/7 days. $54.50/night for the first 6 campers, plus $5.45/person/night for each additional camper, includes the 9% Maine lodging tax. Reservations are non-transferable and non-refundable. |
| Pets | Leashed pets (leash under 4 feet) allowed at campsites; must not be left unattended and waste must be cleaned up immediately. |
| Reservations | Book online at CampWithME.com or call 800-332-1501 (Maine) / (207) 624-9950 (outside Maine); in-season park phone (207) 236-3109. 2-night weekend minimum for bookings before July 1, 1-night minimum after July 1; 14-night maximum per person per park from late June through mid-August. Cabin reservations are made separately by phone. |
| Special sites | RV dump station on site. Group picnic shelter in the day-use area across Route 1. Site categories run through U (over 35'), so large RVs are accommodated. |
| Season notes | Campground opens May 15. The park itself is open year-round, 8 a.m. to sunset (the Mt. Battie summit road closes December 1 or at first snow). Primitive winter camping without amenities is available December 15-March 15; the Megunticook Cabin can be booked year-round separately from the regular campground season. |
Camping questions about Camden Hills State Park
Can you camp at Camden Hills State Park?
Yes. Camden Hills State Park has 107 campsites. 107 single-family sites (numbered 1-110 with a few administrative/non-camping numbers), sized S through U per the official map legend; some sites are marked as drive-through. Sites with electric & water hookups are marked on the official campground map. Comfort stations with hot showers. Nightly rate tier: Maine resident $25, non-resident $35, plus a $5/site/night reservation fee, 9% Maine lodging tax, and roughly $5-10/night extra for hookup sites. Wi-Fi available for a fee at select campsites.
How do you reserve a campsite at Camden Hills State Park?
Book online at CampWithME.com or call 800-332-1501 (Maine) / (207) 624-9950 (outside Maine); in-season park phone (207) 236-3109. 2-night weekend minimum for bookings before July 1, 1-night minimum after July 1; 14-night maximum per person per park from late June through mid-August. Cabin reservations are made separately by phone.
Are there cabins at Camden Hills State Park?
Megunticook Cabin: rustic 20'x40' insulated cabin with a fieldstone fireplace and bunk beds sleeping six. NO electricity and NO running water (an outdoor vault toilet is on site); no linens or bedding supplied. Firewood is sold on site, not included. Reachable only by foot, bicycle, horseback, skis or snowmobile - about 2.5 miles from the campground parking area, not drive-up. Available for year-round reservation up to 1 year in advance by calling the park (207-236-0849 winter / 207-236-3109 summer). Maximum stay 6 nights/7 days. $54.50/night for the first 6 campers, plus $5.45/person/night for each additional camper, includes the 9% Maine lodging tax. Reservations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Are pets allowed at the Camden Hills State Park campground?
Leashed pets (leash under 4 feet) allowed at campsites; must not be left unattended and waste must be cleaned up immediately.
Source: maine.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Camden Hills State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 4 feet, under the physical control of the handler
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on state park beaches April 1 through September 30; leashed pets are welcome on beaches October 1 through March 31
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- No pets allowed at Sebago Lake State Park campground; park staff may assign pet owners to less congested camping areas
Are dogs allowed at Camden Hills State Park?
Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via maine.gov. More: Maine state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Camden Hills State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Camden
from $15
from $20
from $15