
Curtis Island Light Camden Maine
A picturesque lighthouse guarding Camden Harbor, offering stunning coastal views accessible by boat or a short walk from shore.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, soft light

Curtis Island Light Camden Maine
Best Time
Calm waters, soft light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque lighthouse guarding Camden Harbor, offering stunning coastal views accessible by boat or a short walk from shore.
"Beautiful view! Only lighthouse I saw on the trip. Easy to view from shore."

Boat Access is Key
For up-close views, book a boat tour or kayak trip from Camden Harbor.
Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce; look for roadside pullovers and a green sign.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Curtis Island Light
Curtis Island, Camden Harbor
A picturesque lighthouse offering stunning views of Camden Harbor and the surrounding coastline. Accessible by boat or viewed from shore.

Camden Harbor Views
Camden Waterfront
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the harbor, sailboats, and the iconic Curtis Island Light from the charming town of Camden.

Island Overlook Path
Roadside near Curtis Island Light
A short, easy walk from the roadside parking leads to a prime viewing spot of the lighthouse and keeper's house.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Curtis Island Light
Best Viewing Spots & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Access is Key
For up-close views, book a boat tour or kayak trip from Camden Harbor.
Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce; look for roadside pullovers and a green sign.
Short Walk to View
A brief, easy path leads to the best shore-based vantage point. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Sunset
Golden hour offers magical light for photography. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Access is Key
For up-close views, book a boat tour or kayak trip from Camden Harbor.
Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce; look for roadside pullovers and a green sign.
Short Walk to View
A brief, easy path leads to the best shore-based vantage point. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Sunset
Golden hour offers magical light for photography. :camerawithflash:
Camden Charm
Explore the quaint town of Camden before or after your lighthouse visit. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Curtis Island Light to be a beautiful and quaint attraction, offering lovely views of the lighthouse and Camden Harbor. While direct access to the island is limited, the easily accessible viewing path provides a rewarding experience. Parking is a common challenge, but the scenic beauty makes the visit worthwhile for most.
"Beautiful view! Only lighthouse I saw on the trip. Easy to view from shore"
Diane Runde
"Follow the directions to this lighthouse in a neighborhood. Take the 1 min walk off road to see it. Very quaint and worth the time in Camden, one of our favorite New England towns!"
Debra Stierwalt
"Definitely worth the drive over. The only parking is 2 single car areas on side of the road. The small path is a short easy walk to the overlook, but very well worth it. Place the this spot on your to do list."
Charlie Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Curtis Island Light is located on an island in Camden Harbor. Direct access to the island is typically by boat. Many visitors view the lighthouse from the Camden waterfront or a designated viewing path on the mainland. Boat tours and kayak rentals are available from Camden Harbor for a closer perspective.
Parking is very limited, usually consisting of a few roadside pullovers. Look for a green sign indicating the path to the viewing area. Arriving early, especially during peak season, is recommended.
Public transportation does not directly serve Curtis Island Light. Access is primarily via personal vehicle to the viewing area or by boat tours departing from Camden.
You cannot walk directly to Curtis Island Light as it is on an island. However, there is a short, easy walking path from the roadside parking area to a viewing point across the channel.
For the most immersive experience, consider a boat tour or kayaking trip from Camden Harbor. Alternatively, the roadside viewing path offers excellent photo opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to view Curtis Island Light from the designated shore-based viewing area. If you opt for a boat tour, separate ticket prices will apply.
Curtis Island Light itself does not have set opening hours as it is an active aid to navigation. The viewing path is accessible during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee for the public viewing area of Curtis Island Light. Parking is also free, though spots are limited.
The lighthouse keeper's house is part of the view from the mainland, but it is not typically open for public tours as it is on the island.
Visiting on a weekday during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) will generally result in fewer crowds. Summer mornings can also be less crowded than afternoons.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset provides beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the lighthouse. Sunrise can also offer stunning, serene views. Drone photography is popular here.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse with its harbor surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for details if viewing from a distance. A drone offers unique aerial perspectives.
Drone usage is permitted, and many photographers capture aerial shots of the lighthouse and harbor. Always be mindful of local regulations and privacy.
The classic view from the designated path across the channel is very popular. Boat tours offer unique perspectives from the water, and aerial shots provide a comprehensive view.
While the lighthouse is an active aid to navigation and will be lit, the viewing path may not be ideal or safe for night photography due to limited lighting and accessibility.
🎫 ⛵ Activities & Experiences
Besides viewing the lighthouse, you can enjoy sailing, kayaking, and exploring the charming town of Camden. Boat tours often pass by the lighthouse.
Yes, several boat tours operate from Camden Harbor and often include views of Curtis Island Light. Some may even circle the island.
Kayaking offers a more intimate experience and allows you to get closer to the island. Ensure you have experience with open water and check weather conditions.
Camden offers a picturesque harbor, boutique shops, art galleries, and access to hiking trails, including Mount Battie for panoramic views.
Curtis Island Light offers a beautiful and romantic setting for a proposal, especially with the harbor views. Consider a private boat trip for a more intimate moment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a boat tour as a family activity; many offer scenic harbor cruises that pass by the lighthouse, providing entertainment and educational opportunities about local maritime history. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited at the viewing site.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
For a truly special occasion, consider a sunset boat tour that circles the island or a private sailing trip. The quiet beauty of the location is perfect for proposals or simply enjoying a romantic moment together.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
Experiment with different times of day, especially sunrise and sunset, for optimal lighting. Drone photography is popular here for unique aerial shots. Many artists, like Diane Beem, have been inspired by its beauty, creating pointillist and Fauvist-inspired paintings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Curtis Island Light
Curtis Island Light, also known as the Camden Harbor Light, has a rich maritime history tied to the bustling port of Camden. Its presence ensured safe passage for vessels navigating the often-foggy Maine coast. The lighthouse and its keeper's house are iconic symbols of Maine's coastal heritage.
While the island itself is not accessible for public exploration without a boat, the lighthouse remains a beloved landmark. Its picturesque setting and historical significance make it a popular subject for artists and photographers alike.
Experiencing Curtis Island Light from the Water
Kayaking is another excellent option for those seeking a more personal encounter with the lighthouse. Paddling around Curtis Island allows for intimate views and a sense of adventure. It's important to be aware of tidal conditions and weather forecasts if you choose this method of exploration.
Sailing past Curtis Island Light, as experienced by some travelers, offers a serene and classic Maine coastal experience. Whether on a chartered sailboat or a private vessel, the sight of the lighthouse from the water is a quintessential part of a Maine maritime adventure.
Photography Tips for Curtis Island Light
When shooting from the shore, utilize the designated viewing path for the classic postcard view. Experiment with different focal lengths; a wide-angle lens can capture the lighthouse in its environment, while a telephoto lens can isolate details. Drone photography offers a unique aerial perspective, showcasing the island's layout and its relationship to Camden Harbor.
Consider the weather; a slightly overcast day can provide soft, diffused light, while a clear day offers sharp contrasts. Capturing the lighthouse with sailboats in the foreground or background adds to the maritime charm of the scene.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit