A Guide to Cobscook Bay State Park: Hiking, Camping, and Outdoor Adventure in DownEast Maine
Name: Cobscook Bay State Park
Location: 40 South Edmunds Rd, Dennysville, ME 04628
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hours: 9:00a.m.-sunset daily
Season: May 15th-October 1st
Campground: Yes
Fees: Yes, self-service collection station
Cobscook Bay State Park offers a unique camping experience along the beautiful shores of Cobscook Bay. Visitors can enjoy views of the bay, explore tidal pools, and discover wildlife, making it perfect for nature lovers. The park also has hiking trails, a playground, and ample green space for a family game of kickball.
In this blog post, I will be sharing everything you need to know before visiting Cobscook Bay State Park—including preparation tips, campground information, directions, park activities, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips for visiting the park.
History
Cobscook Bay State Park is part of the 30,000 acre Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, which is made up of federally protected lands in DownEast Maine that were purchased in the 1930s. In 1964, management of the land was transferred to the State of Maine and Cobscook Bay State Park was created using funding from the Land for Maine’s Future program as well as the Water Conversation Fund.
Preparation
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Pack all the necessary supplies, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the season and activities
Click here to view my hiking and camping essentials
Directions + Parking
To get to Cobscook Bay State Park from Route 1, follow these directions:
If you are coming from the south, make sure you are traveling north on Route 1 towards Whiting. If you are coming from the north, head south toward Whiting. Look for the sign for Route 189. This is approximately 14 miles south of Calais or 12 miles north of Eastport. Turn onto this road heading east. Follow Route 189 for about 8 miles. You will pass through a mix of rural landscape and small communities, including the village of Whiting. The state park entrance will be on your left. Look for the signs indicating Cobscook Bay State Park.
Day visitors can park in the day use area, as there are plenty of parking spots. Those looking to walk the nature trail can park in the parking lot next to the ranger station. Campers can park their car at their campsite.
Camping
The park is home to a beautiful campground with over 100 campsites that can accommodate tents, pop-ups, and large campers. Some sites even have an Adirondack shelter. A large portion of the sites are waterfront or offer waterfront views of the bay, which allows visitors to walk the shore during low tide. Every site is large, private, and quiet—qualities that are hard to find in a large, family-friendly campground. They also have a picnic table, fire ring, and are close to a privy and drinking water spigot. There is also a designated area for small and large group camping near the day use area.
Day Use Area
The day use area is home to several picnic areas scattered along the coastline, all complete with picnic tables, grills, and scenic views. There are also Adirondack picnic shelters—perfect for hot summer days or rainy summer days. While we were visiting, there was a couple having a lobster bake near the shoreline—I was extremely jealous.
Activities
Hiking
The park has two family-friendly walking trails:
Nature Trail (1 mile, easy)
Begins near the park office, winds through the forest and ends overlooking Burnt Cove.
Anthony’s Beach Trail (0.75 mile, easy)
Loop trail that starts between sites 18 and 20, follows the shore, and then ends after site 17 near the boat launch.
Nearby hiking trails:
Renowned for its stunning coastal views, the park features rugged cliffs, scenic hiking trails, and the iconic West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.
Scenic, rugged hiking trails await visitors in this quiet state park.
Home to rugged cliffs and beautiful, rocky beaches along the Bold Coast.
Insider Tips
Best nearby restaurants
Sue’s Cobscook Bay Cafe: homemade food with a cozy, local atmosphere
Coastal Subs: a local sandwich shop known for their steak and cheese and dagwoods
The best time to visit is June through August, when the weather is perfect for hiking and swimming
There is unreliable cell phone service in the Park, so be prepared to go without or bring a satellite communication device with you
You may want to invest in a portable power station to keep your devices charged
There are several secret swimming spots in the Park—two of my favorites are to the left of campsite 44T and to the left of the parking lot for 33-38T
First time camping? Click here to access a free tent camping packing list
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine State Park information and tips? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
