Camden Hills State Park — Attraction in Camden

I camped at Camden Hills State Park for 3 nights in late August 2023. This was my first visit to this campground/state park. I was at site 37S for the stay.

BOOKING RESERVATIONS: It was easy to book and adjust the reservation online which I needed to do before arriving.

CHECK IN: They have someone available for check-in until 9 pm which I think is really helpful. It was a very quick and easy process. The staff member checking me in was very helpful and pleasant. Their check-in/check-out times I thought were very reasonable.

SITE: My site had water and electrical hookups available. The water was under a boil water notice for the entire campground which I knew about prior to arriving since it was posted on their website under the alerts. This site is rated for a small camper/tent up to 20'. My popup camper is just a hair over 20' when open and I would have preferred a larger site. The sites along this section (sites 32S, 35S, 37S, 39S, 41U) were uphill a bit and at a very challenging angle to back into with a camper with drainage on either side of the driveway. Sites on the opposite side of the section (30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42) were much easier to back into and more level overall. Once I was in the site I got lucky that were I backed was pretty level but if I had wanted my camper over further towards the hookups (as is typical) it would have been pretty unlevel to try and set up. Because of where I set up my propane and front of the camper was pretty close to the fire pit so I ended up not using it which was fine. Overall, I would suggest unless you have a tent or extremely small camper to size up on the site size listed on the campground map. The site had a small fire pit with a grate and picnic table and was nicely surrounded by trees. I could see/hear other sites but it was comfortable distance away from other sites and nicely shaded/wooded in between. I will also mention that although the main road is a decent distance away (I wouldn't consider it close) that you can hear traffic from all the sites from about #27 through #54. The sites #55-#60 are in an open field for very large motorhome/campers.

CAMPGROUND FACILITIES: I have camped at a number of state parks in NH and overall I would say their restroom/shower facilities are generally newer and cleaner. The facilities here were acceptable and I had few complaints, except one of the showers I first tried would not get hot. It was a chilly, rainy day the first day I stayed so I wanted a warm shower. I went to the next shower over in the same building and the water got hot without issue. The check-in station has ice, firewood, and wifi passcodes. Note, that wifi is available at the entire campground, but it is a $3 fee per code and a code can only be used for one device. It was a bit spotty and did go out at my site briefly a couple of times during the one day I was using it to work. Cell reception for both AT&T and Verizon was spotty in the campground and at times I had trouble sending texts via Verizon. Overall my phone with AT&T seemed to get better reception.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: I would give it 4.5 stars if I could. I enjoyed my stay and would come back. It was fun exploring Camden area, Mt. Battie, and the surrounding area. I would pick a larger site next time on the opposite side of the loop from where I was. I saw lots of well behaved dogs and next time would love to bring mine, and I would absolutely come back again and recommend...

This is a tough review to write, do to the fact that I absolutely LOVE midcoast Maine, and have been visiting this area for over 40 years. I was excited and was looking forward to camping in this park, due to its location, as well as assuming it would meet my state park expectations. I’ve camped at state campgrounds in MA, NH, RI.

These are the things that were a let down and pretty disappointing: I used a campground photos site to pick my site: the picture used to show the site was definitely wrong. The picture showed our site with a long entrance “driveway”, with thick bushes, greenery along each side, providing privacy. Also our site was noted as an XL site. This was not the case at all! The site was nothing like the photo and it was not an XL site. We drive around the campground and saw sites that were marked as “S”, small, that were deeper and larger than the site we choose. That was disappointing. Also- the campground was pretty empty, and our site was right next to another occupied site. You would think, or hope, that when checking in-the people working there would let you know the park is pretty empty, and ask, “would you like to choose another more private site, as there’s someone next to your site, but we have a lot of other open sites to choose from.” That did not happen.

The bathrooms were great-no issues. But the showers are very outdated, dirty cement floors and walls, no kind of rubber mat(s) or anything in shower or on floor; just cement. Water is one temperature: Hot. Not great on a warm, summer day. They really should update the showers, put some kind of mats to step on that allow water to flow under them, and allow for temp control on water.

June into July is (we found out when we checked in, at the gate) brown tail moth caterpillar season. I had heard of this, but wasn’t too worried. Well…they informed us that it is VERY bad right now, and how contact from the hairs of this caterpillar, which is all over the campground, can cause a poison ivy like rash, skin, and/or respiratory issues. It was VERY disappointing to find this out at Check-in time, AFTER committing to and paying to camp here. Why was there no info on this situation, or an email sent to me BEFORE arriving, or on the website when making the reservation??? I received an email at 4:30 pm, on the day we checked out, about this toxic caterpillar situation?!?! Very wrong of the campground to not let me know before I checked in. Very disappointed in the way they handled this communication, and did not give me a choice to not come, given the risks. I unfortunately did get a rash, was irritated by the caterpillars. We saw them on our tent, on the ground, etc. We did our best to avoid them, but some how they gave me itchy bumps and rashes in different spots on my body.

I love mid coast Maine and the Camden area, but I won’t be camping here again, mainly due to the lack of communication regarding a situation that they should inform people of BEFORE making choice to camp here, not at the gate when checking in, and not sending an email after you’ve left-What?! Really...

Camden Hills State Park in Maine is a stunning destination that beautifully showcases the natural beauty of the region. Nestled along the picturesque coast, this state park offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities, breathtaking landscapes, and serene tranquility, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

One of the standout features of Camden Hills State Park is its impressive hiking trails. With over 30 miles of well-maintained paths, there are options for hikers of all skill levels. The most popular trail leads to the summit of Mount Battie, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay, and the surrounding islands. The ascent can be challenging, but the stunning vistas at the top make every step worth it. On a clear day, the sight is nothing short of spectacular.

The park is also home to a variety of ecosystems, including dense forests, rocky shorelines, and open fields. This diversity makes it a great spot for wildlife watching, and visitors may be lucky enough to see deer, birds, and other local fauna. For those interested in photography, the park provides countless opportunities to capture the beauty of nature, especially during the fall when the foliage transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors.

In addition to hiking, Camden Hills State Park offers other recreational activities, such as camping, picnicking, and cross-country skiing in the winter months. The campgrounds are well-equipped and provide a peaceful retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. The picnic areas are also inviting, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.

While the park is generally well-kept, it can get busy during peak tourist seasons, especially in the summer and fall. Parking can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advisable if you want to secure a spot and enjoy the trails without the crowds. Additionally, some trails can be steep, so proper footwear and preparation are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

In summary, Camden Hills State Park is a gem in Maine that offers a perfect escape into nature. With its beautiful hiking trails, stunning views, and diverse landscapes, it’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful day in nature, Camden Hills has something to offer everyone. Don’t miss the chance to explore this beautiful park—you’ll leave with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Maine’s...