waves crash against the rocky shoreline at Reid State Park

Reid State Park is unique for different reasons, including that it’s the first saltwater beach to become owned by the state of Maine. There are at least four different swimming and water features there. Located in Georgetown, the park is an hour from both Portland and Augusta, making it an ideal day trip for residents and visitors.

Along with the 770-acre site’s defining water features, there are sand dunes and Griffith Head from which one can view nearby lighthouses. This Maine state park is open year round, adding to its appeal for getting outside, even when it’s blustery.

Nearby Parks

Activities at Reid State Park

Many people come here to swim, sun, and picnic. You’ll find tables and grills that overlook the Sheepscot River, many of which are fairly private. There’s a group picnic shelter that can be reserved for special gatherings.

The terrain and relatively quiet surroundings, along with dunes, make this an ideal spot for bird watching, especially off-season. The marshy river inlet abounds with wildlife and nature of the crab and seaweed varieties. Surfers flock here because of the wave action rolling in from the Atlantic.

The park has limited accessibility for people with disabilities. Despite that overall rating, the parking, restrooms, some picnic tables, and the group shelter meet full accessibility. The beach and some picnic spots require assistance. A beach wheelchair is available.

Boating at Reid State Park

While at the park, you’re sure to see boats go by, although there are no designated launch sites here. This area of the Maine coast has numerous inlets, islands, and lighthouses to see from the water. You can find boat sites with launch location and size, or search for charters and cruises going out of Boothbay Harbor. The park is just over six nautical from there.

Swimming at Reid State Park

When you arrive, be sure to check out the various swimming spots! As you cross the Griffith’s Head Road bridge leading to Mile Beach, you’re going over a Sheepscot River inlet. There’s swimming right there and in Lagoon Beach, the tidal pool by the main parking area. This spot is warm and lacks surf, making it a perfect spot for tots and those looking for a calm swim.

Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach are expansive and invite surf play. The latter is reached via the Seguinland Road. These beaches provide different swimming and water-play experiences. Mile Beach invites swimming with caution because of its strength. Half Mile Beach is somewhat sheltered on the far end where Little River flows into the sea by Todd’s Point.

The beaches are typically staffed by lifeguards at five stations. Using caution, including on the rocky areas, is the way to stay safe.

Hiking at Reid State Park

This year-round destination even has multi-purpose trail opportunities. You can hike, snowshoe, mountain bike, or cross-country ski on this easy, 3.5-mile loop that’s made up of two trails.

  • The Little River trail has some moderate sections as it traverses 1.4 miles.
  • Ski Loop Trail is just over two miles for exploring the park’s northern regions. You’ll go through forestation that skirts a pond and bog area that’s good for birding.
  • Griffith’s Head is a popular place to climb and hike, though not designated as a trail on the map. From there you can view local lighthouses and islands.

Your leashed fur friend is invited to join in on your trail adventures. Please note that pets are to be leashed and not allowed in the beach areas from April 1 to September 30.

Berry Woods Preserve is another place for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing that’s only 6 miles away. The almost four miles of moderate networked trails in this 377-acre plot have forest and dirt floor surfaces. Please leave your pet at home.

Biking at Reid State Park

The trails here are good for biking with parking near the trailheads and a ride that takes you through varied terrain while offering gorgeous views. Here are other nearby biking trails that may pique your interest:

  • Lilly Pond Community Preserve is a half-hour up the road, providing you with a moderate 3-mile networked ride on dirt and forest surfaces.
  • Whiskeag Trail is also a half-hour north. There you’ll find a 5-mile, one-way easy ride on a multi-purpose trail that’s good for birding.

Fishing at Reid State Park

When you look into local fishing, you’ll come across striper surf-casting here. The Striped Bass Fishing Regulations detail the Special Kennebec Regulations that include Reid State Park. There are good tips about lures and do’s and do not’s about hooks.

Surf-casting here may also yield mackerel or bluefish. The information you need about Licenses & Permits is easily accessed, including online purchasing.

You may opt for a fishing or lobster cruise from nearby Phippsburg.

  • Half Moon has various charter options based on cruise length.
  • Go to Fishntripsmaine to learn more about lobstering fun.

Birding at Reid State Park

The park’s dunes and varied terrain provide nesting spots for shore and woods dwellers, including some that are protected. These include threatened piping plovers and endangered least terns. The rocky sections are where you’re most like to spot purple sandpipers.

Water birds favor the Maine coast for their winter stay. When walking or skiing here you may see common loon, mergansers, scoters, long-tailed ducks, common eiders, and red-necked grebes.

Various gulls are abundant during the summer, especially the herrings that are happy to steal your food. The tidal lagoon is a place to spot American black ducks and buffleheads at any time of year.

As you follow the trails into the wooded areas and leave the summer crowds behind, you’re most likely to catch glimpses of warblers, woodpeckers, and owls. Kinglets can be spotted here and at these nearby trails at any time of year, as can black-capped chickadees, and nuthatches:

  • Moose Pond Preserve is adjacent to the park with its entry two miles away.
  • Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary is about five miles away and does not permit pets.
  • Weber Kelly Preserve is seven miles west, leading through woods to a salt marsh.

Nature & Wildlife at Reid State Park

The tidal pool is a relaxing way to observe small wildlife. Here you’re likely to see starfish, sea urchins, hermit crabs, blue mussels, and barnacles. A hike up Griffith Head is good for viewing ocean dwellers with the chance of spotting whales, seal, and porpoise. The numerous inland acres are home to deer, fox, and smaller mammals, most of them not hibernating in the winter.

Plant life is also abundant, including beach roses, seagrass, and a range of conifers. The latter two provide shelter and food for the array of birds that live or visit here.

Pets at Reid State Park

Leashed pets can join you on the beaches here from October 1 through March 31. Please clean up after your fur friend.

Camping at Reid State Park

Camping is not permitted here. Fortunately, there are campgrounds nearby.

  • Sagadahoc Bay Campground is 15 minutes away. It has over 160 options that include plenty of spots for tents and RVs with varied amenities. This pet-friendly spot is right by Sagadahoc Bay on a tidal inlet. You can swim and paddle your own or a rental boat during high tide, or walk the clam flats when it’s low.
  • Meadowbrook Camping is a half-hour away in Phippsburg. It’s pet-friendly, with tent and RV sites for rigs of different sizes.

Park Location

Reid State Park
375 Seguinland Road
Georgetown, ME 04548
Phone: 207.371.2303

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Reid State Park: