Categories: TRAVEL

The Best State Parks to Visit in Maine This Summer

There is so much to love about Maine from its beautiful coast starting in the southern half of the state and running to the north on the Canadian border. You will also find spectacular mountains in the western half of the state that connect with New Hampshire’s White Mountains. You can also travel “Downeast” to the mid coast region if visiting Portland is more of your thing. Maine is a beautiful state for young and old alike to enjoy. The following are a group of state parks I have enjoyed, and hopefully you will too this summer.

Swan’s Falls Campground

This was always one of my favorite parks to visit when I was a child. The park is situated along the Saco River and adjacent to the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. It is also starting point in the Northern Appalachian Mountains region and if you want to hike in the Appalachian’s you have the choice of continuing on northward towards Canada or continuing on the mountains towards the southern half of the US.

The campground itself offers 20 sites to set up tents and 1 lean to with 3 walls. There are also areas in the parking lot if you have an RV. The camp sites each have a fire ring in them and it is recommended you bring your own portable stove for any type of cooking. The sites are pretty primitive, but there are bathroom areas throughout the park and picnic tables at each site. There are also snack and soda machines at the ranger station along with an ice machine. Rangers are on site 24 hours incase of an emergency.

You can also take advantage of the canoes and kayaks available for rent to take a nice trip along the Saco River. The park rangers can also help you set up multi day trips if you want to use the river longer.

Location – North of Fryeburg off of Route 5 on the Swan’s Falls Road
Hours of Operation – Camping – May 26th- October 9th. River Access – May 1st – October 31st (Unless early snow falls in the area)
For more information – Call (207) 935-3395

Birch Haven Campground

Birch Haven is a lovely campground in the far northern half of the state along the Canadian border in the small town of Eagle Lake. The area gets a good amount of rain annually, so this is something to keep in mind if you decide to travel there this summer.

Situated a short distance from the Machias River there are so many things for you to do while you are staying here. There are canoes and kayaks you can rent along the lake and roped off areas to swim in. The park has 80 sites to set up tents and private parking areas at each site for up to 2 cars. You also have full hook ups to electricity and water and there is a fire ring at each site. It is recommended you bring a portable stove for cooking. If you are traveling in an RV there are 30 sites for you to park at with a maximum length of 38′. Pets are allowed in the park but need to be kept on a leash.

If you are into Whitewater paddling I would recommend Fish River and for scenic hiking the Island Pond Trail is the best trail to use.

There is a store on site if you need to purchase any basic supplies and there is a laundry room off to the side of the store with 4 washers and dryers. There is always rangers and staff on hand if you have any questions or an emergency. The staff are really nice and very helpful.

Location – 960 Sly Brook Rd. Eagle Lake, ME.
Hours of Operation – May 1st – Labor Day
For more information –.Call (207) 444-5102

Grafton Notch State Park

Grafton Notch State Park is another park in the White Mountain National Forest that is a great place to visit if you want to take a hiking trip through the Appalachian Mountains. The park is located on Route 26 between Newry and Upton, Maine, and offers sightseeing, picnicking, and hiking on its 3,000 acres of beautiful natural terrain. You can park your cars, trucks and RVs here during the day or for short periods of time if you plan to hike for a certain amount of days.

While in the area I would recommend checking out the glacial sculpting of Screw Auger Falls and Mother Walker Falls. They are both awesome sights and really worth the visit to the area. There is also a quarter-mile loop trail that leads to Moose Cave with its famous narrow gorge and beautiful natural scenery. You can find bathrooms, grills and picnic tables throughout the park and around the falls. There is also a gift shop on site but they have limited supplies for hikers.

The summer months offer many activities for families and play areas for the kids. In the winter the park is mostly only accessible by snow mobile and hikers experienced in winter hiking conditions.

Location – 1941 Bear River Rd. Newry, ME
Hours of Operation – May 15th – October 15th. There is a fee to get into the park.
For more information – In season – (207) 824-2912 Off season – (207) 624-6080