https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/grants/land_water_conservation_fund.htmlLand and Water Conservation Fund http://www.mainebirdingtrail.comMaine Birding Trail http://mainetrailfinder.comMaine Trail Finder


BeachesBeaches BirdwatchingBirdwatching FishingFishing HuntingHunting Sea kayakingSea kayaking SwimmingSwimming Watchable wildlifeWatchable wildlife Picnic areaPicnic area

property guide photo

Description

Please check for access and COVID-19 updates by using this link and text POPHAM to 888-514-7527 to subscribe to the park's Condition Alerts. Be Shark Smart.

Stairs Removed from East Beach Path Notice - May 26, 2022 - The stairs on the east side of the beach (left side of parking lot when you pull in) have been removed due to beach erosion. The East Beach path is now a picnic area only.

Location: Lat 43.738436 / Lon -69.798309; Maine Route 209 in Phippsburg, 14 miles south of Bath.

Park Hours: Open all year; 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily unless otherwise posted at the gate.

Fee collected year-round at entry booth by staff or self-service station.

Current Park & Beach Conditions.

A DYNAMIC AND CHANGING LANDSCAPE - Sand movement and beach dynamics have had a dramatic effect on Popham Beach, causing extreme shoreline change and dune erosion.

Bordering the south side of the mouth of the Kennebec River, Popham Beach State Park is truly one of Maine's rare geologic landforms that features a long stretch of sand beach. Sunbathers relaxing on Popham's sands can see Fox and Wood islands offshore, and the Kennebec and Morse rivers border each end of the beach. Visitors can walk to Fox Island at low tide, but are warned to pay attention to the rising tides not to get marooned.

Current Tide Information

The rolling Atlantic surf draws thousands of swimmers and surfers alike, and shell collecting is a pastime of many a sea side stroller. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, but beachgoers should note that this is a strong surf beach with undertows and occasional rip tides. Swimmers should swim within their abilities and near the lifeguard.

Call the Popham Beach State Park's Hotline during the summer for current tide and parking information: (207) 389-9125. Surfers can visit www.maineharbors.com for tide information and should add 9 minutes to the Portland chart for Popham Beach high and low tide data.

Popham's cultural and social history is still being uncovered. Excavations of the Popham settlement of 1607 and Fort George continue each summer.

Read the June 26, 2019 Rubys on the Road review of the park.

Pets on the Beach

Horses on the Beach

For a geologic tour of the beach visit Seawall and Popham Beach Dynamics. Learn about the geology of the area on the interactive Maine Geologic Facts and Localities map.

Popham Beach State Park Garners Mention in July/August 2016 Yankee Magazine. View cover; article on page 82 of this issue. Read Yankee article online.

Activity Pages

Seashore Journal Page (PDF 162 KB)

Seashore Crossword (PDF 197KB)

Seashore Bingo (PDF 324KB)

The Land and Water Conservation Fund contributed to this State Park.Learn more about LWCF.

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Activities

  • Beaches
  • Birdwatching
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Sea kayaking
  • Swimming
  • Watchable wildlife

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Rules

Consider lending a hand. Contact us if you would like to help with stewardship or maintenance work.

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Tours and Programs

View the Maine Parks and Lands EVENT CALENDAR

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Services and Facilities

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