🌤 Weather at Peacock Beach State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21–66 °F | 54–81 °F | 29–72 °F | 9–36 °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 Gardiner, 6 mi away, elevation 133 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Maine’s Pleasant Pond Swimming Beach — Sandy Beach Day-Use Area, Picnicking, Grills & Lakeside Recreation on Route 201 in Richmond
Peacock Beach State Park is a small, day-use swimming and picnicking area on the shores of Pleasant Pond in Richmond, Maine, along U.S. Route 201. The park features a sandy swimming beach, picnic tables, charcoal grills, parking, and a peaceful lakeside setting.
Originally established as a Maine state park, Peacock Beach has been managed by the Town of Richmond since 2010 following state budget cuts. Despite the management transition, the beach remains open to the public for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking during the summer season. The park offers a quiet, uncrowded alternative to Maine’s larger and busier state park beaches. Pleasant Pond provides a calm, freshwater swimming experience in a scenic central Maine setting.
Things to Do
Swimming
- Sandy beach: On Pleasant Pond
- Freshwater swimming: Calm, clear pond water
- Season: Typically Memorial Day through Labor Day
Picnicking
- Picnic tables
- Charcoal grills
- Lakeside setting
Nature
- Birding: Waterfowl and shore birds on Pleasant Pond
- Quiet observation: Peaceful, uncrowded lakeside setting
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Day-use only — swimming and picnicking |
| Admission | Small entry fee (pay via drop box — park is not regularly staffed) |
| Season | Memorial Day through Labor Day, dawn to dusk |
| Camping | Not available — see nearby private campgrounds |
| Address | U.S. Route 201, Richmond, ME 04357 |
| Dogs | Generally not allowed on the beach |
| Trash Policy | Carry-in, carry-out |
| State Park Passes | NOT accepted (town-managed since 2010) |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Swimming; picnicking; warm water; long days; full access | Busiest weekends; hot afternoons; thunderstorms possible |
| Late Spring (May) | Opening weekend; quiet; birding; pond warming up | Water still cold; limited hours; bugs emerging |
| Early Fall (Sep) | Warm water; less crowded; early foliage; quiet afternoons | Beach may close after Labor Day; shorter days |
| Off-Season (Oct–Apr) | Park CLOSED for swimming/picnicking | No access during winter months |
Visitor Tips
- Drop-box fee: Admission is a small fee paid via drop box — bring cash. The park is not regularly staffed.
- State park passes NOT accepted: Peacock Beach has been managed by the Town of Richmond since 2010 — Maine state park passes are not valid here.
- Carry-in, carry-out: There are no trash cans — bring bags to pack out all your trash.
- No dogs on beach: Dogs are generally not allowed on the beach.
- Quiet beach: This is a small, quiet, uncrowded beach — ideal for families seeking a peaceful freshwater swim without the crowds of Maine’s ocean beaches.
- No alcohol or smoking: Prohibited in common areas.
Wildlife & Nature
Peacock Beach SP — on Pleasant Pond. The park’s sandy beach, mixed forest, and pond support loons, ospreys, and white-tailed deer. Bass and pickerel fill the pond.
Nearby Attractions
Richmond — adjacent. Kennebec River — nearby. Augusta — 15 miles north.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peacock Beach State Park still open?
Yes — Peacock Beach is still open to the public for swimming and picnicking. While the original state park was transferred to local management in 2010 due to budget cuts, the Town of Richmond continues to operate the beach on Pleasant Pond. It is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from dawn to dusk. A small entry fee is collected via drop box. Note that Maine state park passes are not accepted since the site is now managed locally.
Can you camp at Peacock Beach?
No — Peacock Beach is a day-use only swimming and picnicking area on Pleasant Pond in Richmond, Maine. There are no camping facilities at the park. For camping nearby, consider private campgrounds in the Litchfield, Winthrop, or Augusta/Gardiner area. The park features a sandy beach, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and parking. It operates on a carry-in, carry-out trash policy.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Colburn House State Historic Site is a short drive away, while Fort Edgecomb State Historic Site lies within about an hour’s drive.
Park Location
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