Acadia National Park compresses millions of visitors into one small island every summer — Bar Harbor traffic, vehicle reservations for Cadillac Mountain, and campgrounds that fill the day reservations open. Maine’s state parks offer pressure valves: one sits directly across the bay from Acadia, and two more bookend the most scenic stretches of the Maine coast.
Lamoine State Park — about 35 minutes from Bar Harbor
Lamoine State Park occupies a quiet shorefront on Frenchman Bay looking straight across at the mountains of Mount Desert Island — the classic Acadia skyline, minus the crowds standing in front of it. Its oceanside campground is the area’s best-kept secret when Acadia’s campgrounds are full, and the boat launch makes it a base for paddling the bay.
Camden Hills State Park — about 1.5 hours away
Southwest along the coast, Camden Hills State Park delivers the view Maine postcards are made of: from Mount Battie’s summit (hike it or drive the auto road), Penobscot Bay spreads out beneath you with the town of Camden in the foreground. With 30 miles of trails and a large campground, it’s a worthy destination in its own right, not just a stopover.
Quoddy Head State Park — about 2.5 hours away
For those continuing Down East, Quoddy Head State Park marks the easternmost point of the United States, guarded by the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Light. Whale sightings, 80-foot cliffs, and a bog boardwalk make the long drive worth it — and you’ll likely share the trails with more seabirds than people.
Planning your trip
Lamoine works as an Acadia base camp; Camden Hills and Quoddy Head turn the trip into a full Maine coast itinerary. Browse all Maine state parks for more options, or compare the best state parks for camping nationwide. Always confirm current fees, hours, and seasonal openings on the official Maine state park pages before you go (verified June 2026).
