Camden Hills State Park
Camden Hills State Park
4.5
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Thirty miles of hiking trails keep the staunchest hiker trekking along.
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See what other travelers are saying
- kthomasvaNorfolk, Virginia348 contributionsGreat views from top of Mount BattieI had hoped to do a short hike up to Mount Battie with my 9 year old granddaughter but my GPS, the maps on site and Google Maps failed me and the sun was starting to set so we paid the state park fee and drive to the top and parked. Castle turret closed due to COVID but the views are amazing nonetheless and we enjoyed the short half mile hike down amongst rocks. Will do some recon for another time...Visited November 2020Written November 26, 2020
- 119TAMCambridge, Massachusetts8 contributionsMajestic ViewThis state park is easily accessible near the town center of Camden and off a major thoroughfare. There are hiking trails of various degrees of steepness/difficulty, and some are characterized by dramatic boulders. Our kids (even our teens) found the hike interesting and worth the effort. We loved the view of Camden and Penobscot Bay from Mount Battie. The ranger and most visitors were taking precautions by wearing masks (or having them at the ready when people approached). The ranger was collecting entry fees with a smile and a fishing net, a quirky touch that brightened the outing.Visited November 2020Written November 29, 2020
- Wanda RPawling, New York157 contributionsGreat views, and an easy drive to the summitThis state park is right off Route 1 just before entering the charming town of Camden. The drive to the summit takes 5 munutes, with numerous hiking trail heads on the way for folks with more time, and plenty of parking at the summit. The walk up is said to take 30 minutes and has several steep sections. From the summit, views of Camden Harbor and beyond are stunning and there are helpful maps identifying islands and visible bays and inlets. Rustic restrooms are a short walk away, well stocked with hand sanitizer. Sadly, not everyone was socially distancing near the viewing areas or resisting the urge to touch the maps, despite written instructions by the maps to look, not touch. The steps to the top of the tower are closed due to COVID-19, as are the viewing binoculars. This park is well worth a stop en route to Camden or other picturesque spots by Penobscot Bay. I'll plan to return when time allows a walk/ hike.Visited August 2020Traveled soloWritten September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
788 reviews
Excellent
560
Very good
188
Average
30
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Kimberly C
Auburn, ME168 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
For a small fee you can make the quick drive up the the lower summit (10 min max) and leisurely take in breathtaking views of the town of Camden, the Harbor and the islands that line the coast. Wish we had brought a picnic lunch. With a WWI tower to gain a few extra feet and get you above the trees. The park also has camping/RV sites for overnight stays and bathrooms at top and bottom of drive. There are hiking paths for the novice and Davy hiker alike.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LovesPhotoOps
Hoover, AL1,044 contributions
Jun 2022
We had limited time so we drove up to the Mt. Battie WWI Memorial Tower and spent a while taking in the scenic views of Penobscot Bay, Camden and beyond. With binoculars you can see the Owls Head Lighthouse in Rockland to the south. There are pit toilets near the parking area at the tower. We did not have time to check out any of the hiking trails. The non-resident fee to enter the park was $6, or $2 for seniors.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott B
Wantagh, NY676 contributions
Sep 2020
The hiking trails were nice, but a little slippery when it rained. The view was ok, but nothing spectacular. For locals it is probably a good escape for a few hours, and seemed to be very popular given there wasn't much parking available throughout the park. While driving though it was a nice stop, but upon going back to Maine we probably would skip this activity.
Written February 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Talish A
42 contributions
Sep 2020
My husband & I really enjoyed this state park. There were several moderate level trails that could take you to the Ocean Overlook, Mt Battie, and Mt Megunticook. The only thing is that you can get easily lost since the signs along the trails are not numbered and do not coordinate with the map that the park ranger gives you upon entering the park. Non Maine resident fee = $6 per person, which is very reasonable. :)
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nkdp
Arlington, VA1,566 contributions
Aug 2020
This is a nice state park with low entrance fees, in Camden. We chose to drive in and up to the top of Mount Battie, then take short hikes from there.
The 1/2 mile path we took was well marked with blue dots, and at almost every turn we were rewarded with a stunning view of Penobscot Harbor.
Truly gorgeous views, and nice foliage and rocks/minerals, too.
There are some rigorous, vertical hikes, which we didn't do. You should wear good walking shoes.
This was one of our favorites during our 10 day Maine vacation.
The 1/2 mile path we took was well marked with blue dots, and at almost every turn we were rewarded with a stunning view of Penobscot Harbor.
Truly gorgeous views, and nice foliage and rocks/minerals, too.
There are some rigorous, vertical hikes, which we didn't do. You should wear good walking shoes.
This was one of our favorites during our 10 day Maine vacation.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelissaL0715
Tampa, FL796 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Just across the street from Mount Battie is Camden Hills State Park. If you have already paid for Mount Battie, the entrance fee is free. They are beautiful little walking paths and places to have a picnic. We enjoyed walking out on the rocks to see the ocean waves crashing against them.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NHjo
Saco, ME8,205 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
Took the road to the top of Mt. Battie and it was great! The foliage was past peak but there was still lots of leaf color left. The mid-morning sun was gleaming off the bay. You could easily spend all day here hiking, picnicking, and soaking up the many views.
Written October 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoadWarrier99999
Isle of Palms, SC519 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Easy to find, nice parking, cheap for day users, lots of trails. But, give us a little more info on the level of difficulty!
The trails have names and grade levels , but the trail map is a mess. Just lines, with no clear way to distinguish one trail from another or to gauge difficulty. We’re pretty hardy, but found ourselves scrambling up what looked like rocky creek beds and wondering what we’d bitten off.
Had a good time, but it would have been nice to know the black diamonds from the bunny slopes so we could have planned better.
The trails have names and grade levels , but the trail map is a mess. Just lines, with no clear way to distinguish one trail from another or to gauge difficulty. We’re pretty hardy, but found ourselves scrambling up what looked like rocky creek beds and wondering what we’d bitten off.
Had a good time, but it would have been nice to know the black diamonds from the bunny slopes so we could have planned better.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann W
Bethlehem, PA476 contributions
Sep 2021
After driving to the top of Mount Battie, we crossed the street to the other side of the park.
It was a perfect spot for a picnic lunch with a view of the water. There are restrooms, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.
Our visit to the park was brief but we really enjoyed it and would stop again.
It was a perfect spot for a picnic lunch with a view of the water. There are restrooms, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.
Our visit to the park was brief but we really enjoyed it and would stop again.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agolddog
Denver, co531 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Really nice park. Campsites nicely shaded and big enough to have privacy. Showers could use a little work, but functional.
Take the hike or drive to Mt. Battie.
Take the hike or drive to Mt. Battie.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a driving option to the top? As we have a baby with us.
Bill E
Bangor, ME123 contributions
Yes, there is a 1.5 mile long road to the summit of Mt. Battie. The road is open 7 days a week from May 1 to November 1. After November 1st the road is open when staffing and weather conditions permit. Call (207)236 3109 for daily updates.
How much does it cost to get in the park?
Forrest B
Springfield, MA171 contributions
Maine state parks charge by the person. Unfortunately Trip Advisor doesn't allow easy linking to the table.
Camden Hills $4.00 (resident) $6.00 (non-resident) $2.00 (Senior non-resident)
Children are $1.00
Amy
Boston, MA1 contribution
Is there a beach or swimming for campers at the Park?
tripgirlsTexas
Little Rock, AR146 contributions
No but they have great hiking trails and camping. Lake George State Park does have a beach and is not far away.
What are the best things to do/most accessible trails in the park if camping with kids? We will be going in a couple weeks with two young children (ages 3 and 1.5). Looking forward to it but would love some tips/suggestions!!
Bill E
Bangor, ME123 contributions
Hi Trail4442,
The Nature Trail runs parallel to the Mt. Battie Auto Road - it's far enough from the road that you wouldn't see traffic on the road. It's a gradual climb from 200' elevation to just under 800' at the summit of Mt. Battie, approximately 1 1/2 miles in length. Walking back down, if the kids are tired you could walk on the road to make it easier for them.
dittodittoditto
Hagerstown, MD29 contributions
Can you get a great view of Penobscot Bay without hiking? My husband is disabled...
Billie77077
Houston, TX229 contributions
The views are fabulous from this area. I use a cane and found it very easy to navigate around the area so I'm sure a walker or wheel chair won't have much problem.
I am looking for a bench donated in memory of Kimberly Sunderland Boyer.
Bill E
Bangor, ME123 contributions
There are no memorial benches at Camden Hills State Park.
Is it close to town. Can you ride a bike into town?
Bill E
Bangor, ME123 contributions
Hi,
It's an easy ride to town - 1.5 miles to the far end of town along Route 1 with fairly wide paved shoulders. A sidewalk is available too, but I believe bicyclists should use the shoulder instead.
Another positive, it's all downhill .... until you come back. But it's an easy ride either way.
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Claim your listingCamden Hills State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Camden Hills State Park
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Camden Hills State Park Information
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