While Maine only has one official state park, it is a fantastic one – Acadia National Park.
However, for those wanting to explore more of its outstanding natural beauty, thankfully The Pine Tree State is blessed with 32 fabulous state parks as well.
Although smaller, they are no less stark or beautiful. Incorporating everything from soaring mountain peaks and sparkling lakes, to dense woodland and the bracing waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Acting as a brilliant playground for those who love outdoor recreational activities, they offer wonderful places to swim, hike, bike, climb, fish or go camping.
Many of these state parks are located within 100 miles of the town of Bar Harbor. Collectively encompassing over 500,000 of lovingly preserved land, they are fabulous places to visit whenever you want to reconnect with nature.
With that in mind, here are 5 state parks near Bar Harbor you would be well advised to visit.
Map of State Parks Near Bar Harbor, ME
Here is a map of the state parks in Maine covered by this post:
List of State Parks Near Bar Harbor
All five of the state parks near Bar Harbor that appear below can be reached within a two hour drive of the town.
While they make wonderful day trip destinations, they all provide some form of camping facilities as well, for those who would prefer to stay there for a night – or a few.
1. Camden Hills State Park
Location: 280 Belfast Rd, Camden, ME 04843
Camden Hills State Park is a popular public recreation area that is spread across 5,710 gorgeous acres.
Directly overlooking picturesque Penobscot Bay, it is located in the town of Camden in Knox Country, about a 100 minute drive south west of Bar Harbor.
This state park is renowned for its multi-use trails which will take you to Mount Battie as well as Mount Megunticook, and several other scenic destinations. Which on a clear sky day, showcases wonderful views of Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park, as well as Camden Harbor.
A popular spot for hiking, horseback riding and Off-road biking, the town of Camden also runs plenty of Bar Harbor cruises where you will be able to see whales and puffins. During the winter snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are well practised here too.
The park has several camping options that come with RV hookup for electricity and water, as well as hot showers. It is also a wonderful spot to check out the stars at night as well.
2. Cobscook Bay State Park
Location: 40 S Edmunds Rd, Dennysville, ME 04628
At 2 hours , and 95 miles north east of the town, this is one of the furthest state parks from Bar Harbor on this list. But it is well worth the drive on the U.S. Route 1 to get there.
Occupying 888 acres along the western shoreline of Cobscook Bay, this park is notable for the dramatic changes in tide which can rise on average to around 24 feet.
It is a fantastic base for families to camp, as many of its 106 tents and RV campsites border the spectacular Whiting Bay. If you are into boating, it also has a boat launch, while those who love birdlife can try and recognise some of the 200 bird species that reside here.
Part of Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, this state park features gorgeous beaches. It is also a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing, while there are plenty of walking paths to explore too.
3. Duck Lake Public Land
Location: East Hancock, ME
About a 90 minute and 62 mile drive north of Bar Harbor you’ll find the Duck Lake Public Land.
Situated in Hancock County, this public recreational space incorporates over 27,000 acres of forested land. It features a beautiful landscape of shimmering lakes, undulating hills, trickling streams and scenic waterways.
Between them the Duck Lake, Gassabias Lake and Unknown Lake are very popular spots for swimming, boating, canoeing and fishing. While the park accommodates good cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Other activities you can do in the park include ATV riding, hunting, hiking and wildlife watching.
Camping options and facilities are fairly basic and limited. However if you want to immerse yourself in the serenity of nature this is a fabulous spot to do it.
It is also another terrific place to take in the magic of the stars at night.
4. Lake St. George State Park
Location: 278 Belfast Augusta Rd, Liberty, ME 04949
Situated 100 miles west of the town, Lake St. George State Park is the furthest park in terms of distance from Bar Harbor.
It will take you about 75 minutes to drive there, but once you arrive at the 358 acre public recreational area, you will be able to relax by the spectacular northwest shore of Lake St. George.
A haven for boating, canoeing and fishing (for salmon and brook trout), you can swim here too with the peace of mind that lifeguards are supervising the area.
Hiking and hunting opportunities abound as well, while snowmobilers and cross-country skiers descend upon the area in winter.
The campground has several sites as well as showers, an RV dumping station and a group picnic shelter. There is also a playground here for the kids as well.
If you are awake early enough you may also be treated to the gorgeous site of the sun rising over the water.
5. Lamoine State Park
Location: 23 State Park Rd, Lamoine, ME 04605
Just a quick 35 minute drive north east of Bar Harbor lies the oceanfront Lamoine State Park.
One of the most popular of all state parks in Maine, it offers a convenient central base to easily visit both Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. As well as several rockbound islands and lighthouses that are dotted around the area.
Those who come here can enjoy boating, fishing and camping and some tremendous views of neighboring Frenchman’s Bay.
If you are looking to stay overnight the campground has good showers, while there is also a picnic area and playground for the children to enjoy.
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