COVID-19 Related Camping and Day-use Information for Maine State Parks and Public Lands

6/1/2020 Updates

How might Maine State Park experiences be different because of COVID-19?

With schools and businesses closed, our State Parks are seeing above-average use for this time year. With increased numbers comes the need to be extra vigilant and follow precautions advised by Maine CDC Director, Dr. Nirav Shah. Dr. Shah's guidance includes frequent washing of hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and hot water, coughing and sneezing into tissues, and promptly disposing of the tissue, and avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth. Perhaps most important is to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people and practicing physical distancing of at least six feet, from person to person. For the latest MCDC guidance, visit their website.

Maine State Parks Curtailed Services Advisory

Maine State Park day-use areas are open to the public, hours of operation are 9 a.m. to sunset, unless otherwise posted.
Park events and programs are canceled – BPL planning personnel will reconvene in the coming months to assess the opportunity of rescheduling for 2020.
Park fees: Please place the entrance fee in the pay station.
Playgrounds are closed until further notice.
Park access may change without notice.

News

2020 Camping Reservations

Untold Secret: Maine Public Lands

Explore the unbelievably beautiful Maine Public Lands. These are magical places in Maine—and they belong to all of us. Watch the new 21-minute short film, or in segments, to begin your virtual journey and plan for your visit to Maine Public Lands.

Look to the Stars - Telescopes and Star Gazing at Maine State Parks

In this Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund supported project, the Bureau of Parks and Lands is partnering with Cornerstones of Science, U-Maine's Emera Astronomy Center and Maine astronomers and trained naturalists to develop and offer star gazing programs at 12 Maine State Parks for campground guests and park visitors. The grant will be used to purchase twelve telescopes and star kits, two iPads with star apps, and astronomy books, plus hold a night sky training session and practical for park staff and program presenters at the Emera Astronomy Center.

These star gazing programs will connect visitors to Maine's natural heritage during a time when many fear to be outside, the nighttime. And, viewing the stars has the inherent ability to make people think outside themselves, to wonder about their place in the universe. The experience through this project will connect star gazers with the importance of the stars for navigation by humans and animals, and the importance of natural places, such as State parks, in helping preserve starscapes.

Look for these star gazing programs during the summer of Maine's bicentennial, 2020. They will be announced in the bureau newsletter and program calendar.

So Rememeber to Give When You Play!

When you choose to play the Maine Lottery, choose the ticket that gives back to Maine's natural heritage through the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund. Ask for it by name. The current ticket is Big Bucks. Thank you!

Parks & Historic Sites: Days & Hours

Parks may be visited year-round, from 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily unless otherwise posted. Fees are collected at the booth by staff or through self-service stations.

For current status:
Please call the park or historic site directly.

Park Amenities, such as water, restrooms and buildings, are shut down for the winter season as dictated by weather. Primitive toilets may be available at some locations.

Parking - Most parks and historic sites are not plowed during the winter due to seasonal staffing. A few parks are only plowed when the manager is on duty.

ATV Trails Update

View and subscribe to our list of ATV Trail Notices and check in with local clubs for the most up to date trail condition information.

Drone, Unmanned Aircraft (UAS) Policy

The general use of drones (UAS) is prohibited in Maine State Parks, Historic Sites, or DACF Boat Launches without direct oversight and guidance of an approved law enforcement agency or by the issue of a Special Activity Permit.