The Best State Parks to Visit in Maine This Summer

There is so much to love about Maine from its beautiful coast starting in the southern half of the state and running to the north on the Canadian border. You will also find spectacular mountains in the western half of the state that connect with New Hampshire's White Mountains. You can also travel "Downeast" to the mid coast region if visiting Portland is more of your thing. Maine is a beautiful state for young and old alike to enjoy. The following are a group of state parks I have enjoyed, and hopefully you will too this summer.

Swan's Falls Campground

This was always one of my favorite parks to visit when I was a child. The park is situated along the Saco River and adjacent to the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. It is also starting point in the Northern Appalachian Mountains region and if you want to hike in the Appalachian's you have the choice of continuing on northward towards Canada or continuing on the mountains towards the southern half of the US.

The campground itself offers 20 sites to set up tents and 1 lean to with 3 walls. There are also areas in the parking lot if you have an RV. The camp sites each have a fire ring in them and it is recommended you bring your own portable stove for any type of cooking. The sites are pretty primitive, but there are bathroom areas throughout the park and picnic tables at each site. There are also snack and soda machines at the ranger station along with an ice machine. Rangers are on site 24 hours incase of an emergency.

You can also take advantage of the canoes and kayaks available for rent to take a nice trip along the Saco River. The park rangers can also help you set up multi day trips if you want to use the river longer.

Location - North of Fryeburg off of Route 5 on the Swan's Falls Road
Hours of Operation - Camping - May 26th- October 9th. River Access - May 1st - October 31st (Unless early snow falls in the area)
For more information - Call (207) 935-3395

Birch Haven Campground