Camden Hills State Park Camden Maine
Majestic state park with hiking trails and a campground, offering stunning panoramic views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies & fewer crowds
Camden Hills State Park Camden Maine
Best Time
Clear skies & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic state park with hiking trails and a campground, offering stunning panoramic views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.
"The view from the top of Mount Battie is absolutely gorgeous, a must-see for any visitor!"
🚗 Drive or Hike Mt. Battie
You can drive or hike to the summit of Mt. Battie for incredible views. Parking is limited at the trailhead.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails are available, from easy walks to more strenuous hikes. Good footwear is essential for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Battie Summit & Tower
Mount Battie
Climb the historic tower for unparalleled panoramic views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. A must-see!
Ocean Lookout Trail
Camden Hills State Park
A scenic 90-minute roundtrip hike offering stunning coastal scenery and ocean vistas. Perfect for a moderate adventure.
Maiden Cliffs Trail
Camden Hills State Park
Explore this 2-mile trail for dramatic cliffside views and a more challenging hiking experience with rewarding panoramas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Park Access and Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Hike Mt. Battie
You can drive or hike to the summit of Mt. Battie for incredible views. Parking is limited at the trailhead. 
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails are available, from easy walks to more strenuous hikes. Good footwear is essential for exploring.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic vistas from Mount Battie are postcard-perfect and a highlight for many visitors.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal with a view! Many spots offer scenic backdrops for a relaxing picnic lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Hike Mt. Battie
You can drive or hike to the summit of Mt. Battie for incredible views. Parking is limited at the trailhead.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails are available, from easy walks to more strenuous hikes. Good footwear is essential for exploring.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic vistas from Mount Battie are postcard-perfect and a highlight for many visitors.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal with a view! Many spots offer scenic backdrops for a relaxing picnic lunch.
🫐 Look for Wild Berries
In July, you might find wild blueberries and lingonberries growing along the trails near the tower.
💰 Check Park Fees
There's a day-use fee for the park. Keep cash or card handy for entry.
🏕️ Consider Camping
Camden Hills State Park offers a campground for overnight stays, praised for its quiet atmosphere and friendly campers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from Mount Battie, calling them 'gorgeous' and 'amazing.' The park's trails are praised for their beauty and variety, and the campground is noted for its quiet, friendly atmosphere. Some visitors mention the park fees, which are standard for state parks.
"The view from the top of Mount Battie is absolutely gorgeous. In the fall it must be amazing!! We’ve been there several times through the years. They’ve made some improvements including a lead up sidewalk from the parking area which is wheelchair accessible. It cost $12 and change to enter the parking area which for 2 out of state residents in a vehicle."
John Kelly
"We only had time for one hike and it was amazing!! Beautiful scenery and town. We went on Wednesday, Oct 1st at 10:30 am and there was plenty of parking."
Angela Mercer
"We camped here for a few nights and enjoyed the campground. When checking in the woman at check in was helpful and very nice. Site was great, park was quiet at night, and the other campers were friendly. Would camp here again.
Oh- and Mt Battie view is AMAZING."
Rose Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Camden Hills State Park is conveniently located just a short drive (about 2 minutes) from downtown Camden, Maine. You can easily access it by car.
Yes, there are parking areas within the park. However, parking at popular trailheads like Mount Battie can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, there is a road that leads to the top of Mount Battie, making the summit accessible even if you prefer not to hike the entire way.
The Mount Battie Trailhead parking lot is at the end of Megunticook Street, Camden ME 04843. If the small lot is full, street parking along Spring Street is an option.
Public transport options directly to Camden Hills State Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a day-use fee for Camden Hills State Park. It's typically around $4 for Maine residents and $12 for non-residents per vehicle.
Advance booking is generally not required for day-use entry to Camden Hills State Park. Fees are usually paid upon arrival.
Camden Hills State Park is typically open year-round, but specific facilities and services may have seasonal hours. It's best to check the official Maine State Parks website for the most current information.
Maine residents often receive a discounted rate for park entry. Check the official park website for any specific discount programs or passes.
The fee for Camden Hills State Park covers access to all areas, including the Mount Battie Tower. There is no separate fee to climb the tower itself.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Ocean Lookout Trail (90 minutes roundtrip), Maiden Cliffs Trail (2 miles), and the Mount Battie Trail. Many trails offer stunning views of the coast and bay.
Improvements have been made, including a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk leading from the parking area to the Mount Battie summit, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the views.
Mount Battie offers breathtaking panoramic views of Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay, and the surrounding midcoast region. The tower provides an elevated perspective.
Yes, Camden Hills State Park has a campground that offers a quiet and friendly atmosphere for overnight stays. It's a great option for a longer visit.
Yes, the park offers a variety of trails suitable for families, including shorter options and the accessible path to Mount Battie. The stunning views are also a hit with children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Camden Hills State Park. However, the charming town of Camden, located just minutes away, offers a wide array of dining options.
For excellent seafood, especially lobster, consider dining in downtown Camden. Many local restaurants pride themselves on fresh, locally sourced catches. The Reddit community suggests checking out places in Camden for the best lobster.
Absolutely! Camden Hills State Park offers beautiful spots for picnics. Bringing your own food and enjoying the scenic surroundings is highly recommended.
Typically, there are no dedicated cafes or snack bars within Camden Hills State Park itself. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks or plan to dine in nearby Camden.
Camden offers diverse culinary experiences, from casual cafes and seafood shacks to more upscale dining. You can find everything from fresh lobster rolls to international cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Mount Battie, especially from the tower, offers iconic panoramic shots of the harbor and bay. The Ocean Lookout Trail also provides stunning coastal photography opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for photography at Mount Battie, providing softer shadows and a more dramatic atmosphere. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
During autumn, the park transforms with vibrant fall foliage. The views from Mount Battie become even more spectacular with the colorful landscape.
While not guaranteed, the park's natural environment may offer opportunities to photograph local birds and other small wildlife. Always maintain a respectful distance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes from Mount Battie. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, and a tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Shorter, well-maintained trails like the Ocean Lookout Trail offer engaging hikes without being too strenuous for little legs. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic beauty, and keep an eye out for any wild berries you might find along the trails in season. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1 The park's diverse terrain offers a rewarding experience for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Maine's natural landscapes. Remember to check trail conditions and pack essentials like water and snacks for longer treks. 📸 Photographers & View Seekers
+1 Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The historic tower provides a unique foreground element for your shots. Beyond Mount Battie, coastal overlooks along trails like the Ocean Lookout Trail offer stunning opportunities to capture the rugged beauty of the Maine coast. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails for Every Level
If you're looking for a bit more challenge, the Maiden Cliffs Trail is a 2-mile loop that provides dramatic cliffside scenery and panoramic vistas. For those who prefer a less strenuous ascent to the summit, the Mount Battie Trail offers a direct route, and importantly, there's also a road that allows you to drive to the top, making the stunning views accessible to everyone.
+1 Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some trails can be rocky or steep. Checking trail conditions before you go is always a good idea, especially after inclement weather.The Iconic Mount Battie Experience
The views from Mount Battie are particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset, offering photographers a chance to capture the landscape in golden light.
During the summer months, you might even spot wild blueberries and lingonberries growing along the paths. The accessibility of the summit, whether by hike or drive, makes it a must-visit for nearly all visitors to the park.Camping Amidst Nature's Beauty
Campers often praise the peaceful atmosphere and the friendly nature of fellow visitors, making it a relaxing place to stay overnight. Being able to camp within the park allows for easy access to early morning hikes or late evening stargazing opportunities. It's an excellent way to immerse yourself in the serene environment of the Maine coast. Reservations are often recommended, especially during the peak summer and fall seasons, to secure your spot.
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