Maine’s rugged coastline and forests have long drawn nature lovers to Acadia National Park. But travelers seeking a similar experience with a bit more breathing room may find Camden Hills State Park a more preferable option. Located about 80 miles south of Acadia, this 5,700-acre destination dupe has many of the same coastal views and outdoor adventures, minus the traffic and crowded trails.
Like Acadia, Camden Hills has something for everyone, regardless of the season. In warmer months, visitors can hike, rock climb, birdwatch, or ride horseback along scenic trails. In autumn, the park becomes a prime spot for leaf-peeping, with hills of blazing reds, oranges, and golds. Snow transforms the park into a winter haven for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Ambitious hikers can tackle the 8.6-mile trail to Mount Megunticook, the park’s highest peak at 1,385 feet. At Mount Battie, the park’s second-highest peak, visitors can hike to the summit or drive the seasonal auto road, on clear days, even spotting Cadillac Mountain in Acadia. Families and casual hikers may prefer the gentler Tablelands or Nature Trail. Dogs on leashes are welcome throughout the park.
Just outside the property, the seaside town of Camden, Maine, has cozy shops, restaurants, art galleries, and craft breweries like Sea Dog Brewing Co. Don’t miss the historic Camden Opera House or the Curtis Island Lighthouse. This harbor town is easy to explore on foot, with opportunities to join lobster boat tours and whale or puffin-watching cruises, or simply stroll the picturesque waterfront.
For overnight stays, Camden Hills has more than 100 campsites, including park facilities with hot showers. Travelers seeking more comfort can choose from a range of charming bed-and-breakfasts and seaside inns. The Camden Harbour Inn, a restored 19th-century mansion, boasts stunning harbor views and award-winning cuisine at Natalie’s, one of Maine’s top fine-dining destinations. The Norumbega, a Victorian-era stone castle overlooking Penobscot Bay, was recently named the No. 1 inn in the continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers, with 11 unique Queen Anne–style rooms.
