Maine State Park Fees
Maine does not have a statewide annual pass. Each park charges individual day-use fees.
| Fee Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Use (Maine resident) | $4–$6 | Varies by park |
| Adult Day Use (Non-resident) | $6–$8 | Higher at popular parks |
| Children (5–11) | $1–$2 | Under 5 free |
| Seniors (65+ Maine resident) | Free | On weekdays |
| Camping | $25–$45/night | Tent and RV sites |
| Baxter State Park | Separate fees | Managed independently |
Parks by Region
Downeast & Acadia
Rugged granite coast, blueberry barrens, and tidal pools.
- Camden Hills State Park — Mount Battie summit with panoramic Penobscot Bay views
- Lamoine State Park — Quiet camping across from Acadia
- Roque Bluffs State Park — Remote beach with both saltwater and freshwater swimming
- Quoddy Head State Park — Easternmost point in the US with iconic striped lighthouse
- Cobscook Bay State Park — 24-foot tides and wildlife watching
Midcoast & Lakes Region
Classic Maine: lighthouses, lakes, and lobster country.
- Reid State Park — One of Maine’s few sandy ocean beaches
- Popham Beach State Park — Tidal pools, sand bars, and Fort Popham
- Sebago Lake State Park — Swimming and camping on Maine’s deepest lake
- Range Ponds State Park — Family swimming on spring-fed ponds
- Lake St. George State Park — Quiet lake camping in Waldo County
Western Mountains
Alpine terrain, waterfalls, and river valleys.
- Grafton Notch State Park — Spectacular waterfalls including Screw Auger Falls
- Rangeley Lake State Park — Mountain lake camping in the western highlands
- Mount Blue State Park — Centerpiece of the western mountains with Webb Lake
- Lily Bay State Park — Remote Moosehead Lake camping with moose sightings
Southern Coast
Sandy beaches and accessible parks near Portland.
- Crescent Beach State Park — Classic sandy beach near Portland
- Scarborough Beach State Park — Popular surfing and swimming spot
- Ferry Beach State Park — Dune ecosystem with tupelo trees
- Two Lights State Park — Rocky headlands with lighthouse views
North Woods
Wilderness parks in Maine’s vast interior forests.
- Baxter State Park — Maine’s crown jewel with Mount Katahdin (5,267 ft), AT terminus
- Aroostook State Park — Maine’s first state park in potato country
- Peaks-Kenny State Park — Sebec Lake swimming and camping
Best Parks by Activity
Best for Hiking
- Baxter State Park — 200+ miles including Knife Edge and Mount Katahdin
- Camden Hills — Mount Battie and Maiden Cliff oceanside trails
- Grafton Notch — Waterfall trails and Appalachian Trail access
Best for Camping
- Sebago Lake — Family camping on Maine’s second-largest lake
- Lily Bay — Remote Moosehead Lake wilderness camping
- Lamoine — Affordable camping with Acadia access
Best for Beaches
- Popham Beach — Sand bars, tidal pools, and ocean swimming
- Reid — Maine’s rarest commodity: sandy ocean beach
- Crescent Beach — Reliable sand beach near Portland
Best for Families
- Sebago Lake — Beach, camping, and shallow swimming
- Range Ponds — Calm spring-fed swimming ponds
- Camden Hills — Drive-up summit with easy nature trails
When to Visit
| Season | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Mud season fading, wildflowers, returning birds | Low |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Prime season, warm swimming, all parks open | High |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Peak foliage, Katahdin golden, cool hiking | Moderate |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, most parks closed | Very Low |
FAQs
Does Maine have a state parks annual pass?
Maine does not currently offer a statewide annual pass. Each park has its own day-use fee, typically $4–$8 per person.
Is Baxter State Park a Maine state park?
Baxter is independently managed by the Baxter State Park Authority, not the Bureau of Parks and Lands. It has separate rules, fees, and reservation systems.
When do Maine campground reservations open?
Reservations typically open in early February for the upcoming season. Popular locations fill within hours, so book early.
Are dogs allowed in Maine state parks?
Dogs on leash are welcome in most parks. They are not allowed on swimming beaches. Baxter State Park has very limited dog access.
Rocky shores, alpine peaks, and pristine lakes — discover Maine’s 42 state parks.
