Barrett's Cove Beach
A charming freshwater beach on Lake Megunticook, perfect for family fun with clear, warm waters and scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmest water for swimming
Barrett's Cove Beach
Best Time
Warmest water for swimming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming freshwater beach on Lake Megunticook, perfect for family fun with clear, warm waters and scenic views.
"Warm water, shallow far out, great for kids and has a playground!"
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Bring water shoes to navigate mucky and rocky spots in the water for a more comfortable swim.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Feast
Utilize the picnic tables and grills for a delightful meal with beautiful cove views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandy Shores & Clear Waters
Main Beach Area
Enjoy a modest-sized sandy beach with surprisingly clear, warm water perfect for wading and swimming.
Picnic & Play Paradise
Picnic Area & Playground
Spacious grassy areas, picnic tables, grills, and a small playground make it ideal for family outings.
Scenic Views of Mount Battie
Overlooking the Cove
Take in picturesque views of Mount Battie from the beach, offering a beautiful backdrop to your day.
Stargazing Potential
Open areas at night
With minimal light pollution, this spot can offer incredible opportunities for night sky photography .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack Smart for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Bring water shoes to navigate mucky and rocky spots in the water for a more comfortable swim.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Feast
Utilize the picnic tables and grills for a delightful meal with beautiful cove views.
Took my camera down to Barrets cove on lake megunticook in Camden it was my first time playing around with star photography. got lucky and caught a meteor in one of the shots, I was hoping to get more shots before the moonrise overpowered the stars. Maine keeps reminding me how beautiful it is
🐶 Check Dog Policies
Dogs are allowed but have restrictions during peak summer hours; check local rules.
📸 Capture the Night Sky
Consider staying after dark for potential stargazing and astrophotography.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Bring water shoes to navigate mucky and rocky spots in the water for a more comfortable swim.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Feast
Utilize the picnic tables and grills for a delightful meal with beautiful cove views.
🐶 Check Dog Policies
Dogs are allowed but have restrictions during peak summer hours; check local rules.
📸 Capture the Night Sky
Consider staying after dark for potential stargazing and astrophotography.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
You'll find plenty of parking, making it easy to access the beach and facilities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Barrett's Cove Beach is a beloved local spot praised for its clear, warm, and shallow waters, making it ideal for families. Visitors appreciate the ample parking, picnic facilities, and scenic views of Mount Battie. While generally sandy, some mucky and rocky areas in the water are noted, and dog restrictions apply during peak summer hours.
"Fun little sandy beach. Lots of parking. Porty potties are available as well as picnic tables and charcoal grills. The water was warm. A bit mucky and rocky in spots in the water but very clear water. I recommend if u have sensitive feet bring some water shoes. Beautiful views around the beach!"
Holly Young
"Clean beach. Warm water and you can see to the bottom. Mostly sand, some rocks and leaves. It was shallow pretty far out so it's a great place for kids. Some restrictions on dogs but they do allow them in the early AM and in the evenings. I would recommend this place. I went twice during my vacation."
Tia Olivier
"Beautiful. Very spacious with lots of grass, small wooden play set for children up to 5 or so, hiking trail, creek and swimming, dogs allowed but not all hours during the summer."
Jasmine McClure
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barrett's Cove Beach is located in Camden, Maine. It's accessible by car and has ample parking available. The cove is part of Lake Megunticook, offering a freshwater experience.
Yes, it's a public beach with clear signage. It's a well-known spot within Camden, making it relatively easy to locate for visitors.
There is a dedicated parking area for the beach, and reviewers consistently mention that there is 'lots of parking,' making it convenient for visitors.
Public transport options to Barrett's Cove Beach are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if you are in the immediate Camden area.
Yes, Barrett's Cove Beach features a boat launch, making it a convenient spot for those looking to get their watercraft onto Lake Megunticook.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Barrett's Cove Beach is a public beach and typically does not have an entrance fee for general access. Parking is usually free as well.
The beach is generally open from dawn until dusk. However, specific hours for amenities like restrooms and dog access may vary seasonally.
No, reservations are not typically required for general access to Barrett's Cove Beach. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for parking and beach space.
Dogs are allowed at Barrett's Cove Beach, but there are restrictions. They are permitted in the early mornings and evenings during the summer season. Always check local signage for the most current rules.
You'll find port-a-potties, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and a small playground for children. There's also a boat launch.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The water is freshwater from Lake Megunticook. Reviewers describe it as clear and warm, though some mention mucky and rocky areas. It's shallow quite far out, making it great for kids.
Absolutely! The shallow water extending far out is perfect for little ones. There's also a small playground and plenty of grassy space for them to play.
You can swim, sunbathe, have a picnic, grill, launch a boat, and enjoy the scenic views. It's also a great spot for photography, especially at night.
Yes, there is a hiking trail that runs near the beach, offering opportunities to explore the surrounding natural beauty of Camden.
The beach offers beautiful views, including vistas of Mount Battie. It's a picturesque setting that many visitors enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful light for landscape shots. For astrophotography, visit on a clear night away from the moon.
Capture the sandy shores, clear water, the scenic backdrop of Mount Battie, families enjoying the beach, and potentially the night sky with stars.
Yes, the potential for stargazing and capturing meteors, as mentioned by a Reddit user, makes night photography a unique opportunity.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. For night photography, a tripod and a camera capable of good low-light performance are essential.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local FAA and park rules before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With plenty of parking and a generally relaxed atmosphere, it’s a stress-free destination. The nearby hiking trail also offers a bit of adventure for those who want to stretch their legs. It’s a place where kids can have a blast and parents can relax, enjoying the beautiful Camden scenery.
🐶 Dog Owners
Even when dogs are allowed, it's important to be mindful of other beachgoers and to always clean up after your pet. The beach itself can have some rocky and mucky areas, so consider if your dog is comfortable with that terrain. The early morning or late evening visits can offer a more peaceful experience for both you and your canine companion.
📸 Photographers & Stargazers
To maximize your photographic success, especially for night shots, bring a tripod and a camera with good low-light capabilities. A wide-angle lens will be beneficial for capturing the expansive night sky. While daytime offers classic beach scenes, the opportunity for celestial photography makes Barrett's Cove a destination worth considering for those seeking something a little different.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun at Barrett's Cove
Beyond the immediate beach area, the hiking trail nearby offers a chance for gentle exploration, suitable for families with slightly older children or those looking for a short nature walk. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to spend a full day here. Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and perhaps some sand toys to maximize the fun. The convenience of restrooms and the overall spaciousness contribute to a stress-free family outing.
While the beach is generally sandy, it's worth noting that some areas in the water can be mucky and rocky. To ensure maximum comfort for little feet, bringing water shoes is a highly recommended tip from visitors. This small preparation can make a big difference in a child's enjoyment of the water. The combination of safe swimming, play areas, and picnic facilities solidifies Barrett's Cove as a top choice for family days out in Camden.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Barrett's Cove
The real magic, however, might happen after dark. One Reddit user shared an incredible experience of stargazing and capturing a meteor at Barrett's Cove, highlighting its potential for astrophotography. This suggests that with minimal light pollution, the beach can transform into an amateur astronomer's or photographer's dream. To make the most of this, a tripod is essential for long exposures, and a camera with good low-light performance will be invaluable. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the expansive night sky.
When planning your photography session, consider the seasonal variations and dog restrictions. While the beach is beautiful year-round, the water temperature is warmest in late July and August. If you're aiming for clear shots without too many people, early mornings or late evenings (respecting dog hours) are your best bet. Remember to also check any local drone regulations if you plan on capturing aerial footage, as seen in some TikTok content.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit