There’s one reason why Maine is known as the Pine Tree State – it’s covered with more than 15 million acres of forest. If you like hiking and camping near the water, Maine is still an ideal location. After all, you can find almost 32,000 miles of streams and rivers, and nearly 6,000 lakes. Maine is also famous for its scenic rocky coastline.
#1 Lily Bay State Park
The Lily Bay State Park is located on one of the most beautiful regions in Maine – Moosehead Lake. And when you go to the Lily Bay State Park, you’ll get to access all the recreational activities that are available on the lake. So, if you like swimming, fishing, or boating, this is a great campground. If you want to hike, you will find an abundance of scenic trails from extremely difficult, where your choice of footwear and using trekking poles is important to leisurely hikes suitable for anyone.
The highlight of the park is a 2-mile shoreline trail that has excellent views of Moosehead Lake. This is a year round park, so you are not limited to the summer. Make sure to check the availability as you might need a reservation.
#2 Baxter State Park
If you prefer to go camping and hiking to a backcountry playground, you’ll absolutely love the campground at Baxter State Park. It has spectacular views of Mount Katahdin. Baxter State Park is primarily primitive camping, meaning tents only, although camping hammocks are also popular here. The park is open year round and is a popular destination for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
#3 Cobscook State Park
If you’re a fan bird watching, you’ll love the Cobscook State Park. It has one of the biggest populations of bald eagles. But you don’t need to stay only in the campsite, there are two very popular hiking trails here that are both easy hikes that have views of Whiting Bay and Burnt Cove.
There’s a lot to explore with some streams and rivers all over the place as well as along the craggy shoreline. Many of the campsites available on the Cobscook State Park are on the shoreline. So, if you want to take a deep breathe and wake up with this amazing landscape, Cobscook State Park is the place to go.
#4 Hermit Island Campground
The Hermit Island Campground is just about the perfect place when you’re a beach lover. You’ll have access to 6 amazing beaches (only campers can access them), so you will have the beach almost to yourself.
Despite the fact that the Hermit Island Campground is not actually an island, it will feel that way. This is one of the main attractions in Maine so you should definitely book it earlier, especially if you want to camp on an ocean-view space.
#5 Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area
On the shadow of the Mount Katahdin, you’ll find the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area. This area is only accessible by paddling in or hiking. When you finally get to the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area, you’ll be able to enjoy spacious lakeside campsites with big firepits, picnic tables, and shower areas. There are no reservations and it’s based on the first come, first served basis.