Maine State Parks set all-time camping record!

October 10, 2018

For more information contact: John Bott at: (207) 287-3156, john.c.bott@maine.gov

Attendance records have been broken 8 times since 2010

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands announced that a record number of visitors camped in Maine State Parks in 2018. Through September, 255,553 campers have been recorded, breaking the previous all-time camping record of 254,789 set in 2016. A final camping total will not be complete until after December 31.

Since 2010, attendance records (Day-Use, Camping and Total Attendance) have been broken and re-broken eight (8) times amidst a surge in State Park popularity. Total 2018 Maine State Park attendance through September is 11 percent higher than the same period last year, due to favorable weather, increased publicity and Governor Paul R. LePage’s Resident Fee Holiday (August 11-September 3).

"Maine State Parks’ attendance continues to grow at a record pace and just set the all-time camping record,” said Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “This is a healthy trend for Maine and the people and families who are enjoying the Maine outdoors. The growing success and popularity of year-round Maine State Park offerings and programs, favorable weather conditions, and our efforts to generate greater public awareness about Maine’s outdoor recreational opportunities are all contributing factors.”