Peaks-Kenny State Park — Attraction in Dover-Foxcroft

Big fan of a number of the Maine State Campgrounds. However this one did not meet the typical standards.

The Bad:

Beach- Covered in trash. Doubles as a day use area and it was very messy the entire time we were there. Maybe we just had bad luck with the fellow campers/day users while we were there.

Camp host picked up our kids shoes while we were swimming however the lawn area was still covered in trash. Yelled at my kids when they went to get the shoes back for biking across their site. Had to go get the shoes myself as the kids were too scared to ask after being yelled at.

Camping Area- sites were cleaning, hard packed gravel and shady. However my picnic tables was rotting and should be replaced. A not insignificant walk to and from the lake.

Bathrooms- mens room was missing toilets and badly in need of an overhaul although I was told the ladies room was in much better condition. One appeared under some repair and was leaking what appeared to be sewage water to the surface outside. Not marked/taped off.

Yellow Jackets- Late August the beach and camping area had a lot of bee activity. Couldn't leave tent/screen tent unzipped. Soda/fruit/trash/juice etc unattended for any period of time without drawing bees.

Overall park seemed like it could use some investment in infrastructure and enforcement of some unfortunate bad behavior of fellow campers/day users at the beach. Maybe like everywhere else they are struggling with short staff?

The Good:

Campsites themselves were a good size and well shaded.

Trails- lots of trails that lead to some neat places if you take the time to explore them.

Lake- The swimming area is removed from heavy boat traffic and there are a few other cool spots to swim/explore if you are willing to hike or paddle a...

Quiet and serene! Inexpensive camp sites well spaced and with good tree cover. About a dozen sites with utilities (power/water/sewer). This is a bare bones state park. No camp store, no amenities to speak of... They did have decent fire wood for sale at entrance. We stayed in an RV (no hook ups on our site) and unfortunately 2 of the three bath houses were closed. Most were there in tents, teardrops or smaller campers. We were told water was off for the whole place 2 days prior to our arrival. When we left, the dump station was closed due to a back up. It was pretty clear the septic systems were failing. The road in is long and poorly maintained. Word around camp was the state was not putting any money into the place. Too bad. Great potential! The place is set on a 12 mile lake with a medium size beach and play area. Has a couple of well marked, short hiking trails (under 4 miles). Boat rentals available about 3 miles away at Merrills marina. Overall an enjoyable place to be with friendly and respectful campers. Be prepared to be...

I like camping. Maine may be the best state in the United States for camping. IMHO, Peaks Kenny State Park is the best campsite in Maine. It's a drive. No doubt. However, the campsites are nestled in the Maine woods, they are comfortable, roomy and very clean. There's no curfew, you can sit around the campfire all night long. The public beach on Sebec Lake is the best I have ever been to. Ever. The beach is sandy, wide and comfortable. There are lots of BBQ sites in the woods to the right and left of the beach, bring charcoal and stuff to grill. The water is so clear you can see to the bottom at 100 feet out. There are trails for hiking. You can pan for gold. The local town is charming and feels small but still has everything. Seriously, Peaks Kenny State Park is the best campground I have ever been to and it's remote location makes it private and special. If you have the chance then do not miss out on this...