Travel + Discover Camden Maine: Vacation Like a Local

Somewhere between a Hallmark Movie and New England perfection sits the picturesque town of Camden, Maine. This MidCoast treasure’s slogan is “Where the mountains meet the sea.” 

Camden is a four-season treasure, offering either skiing or sailing as the months go by. Despite the small population of 5,200 full-time residents, this town attracts global attention without even trying too hard. 

Even the Peyton Place movie executives decided Camden was the quintessential New England town for the Oscar-nominated movie in 1957. 

When you want to experience the best Maine has to offer by almost every account, Camden is the place to be. 

Overview of Camden’s History

You’ll find that Camden and Rockport go hand in hand in many tourism brochures, which isn’t a surprise since they were once the same city. But let’s back up a bit. 

For time immemorial, the Penobscot (“puh-KNOB-skuht”) Nation of the Wabanaki people lived off the fertile land and generous sea. They named it Megunticook, meaning “big mountain harbor.” 

The same natural resources brought settlers in the 1760s. By 1791, a region that now spans from Rockport to Camden was called Camden. While just a few miles apart, tensions bubbled between “The Harbor,” in present-day Camden and “The Goose River” in what is now Rockport. 

The Hatfield and McCoy-type disputes formally split the cities after 100 years and a relentless argument over a 150-foot Goose River Bridge. Each city leaned into what it knew best. 

For Rockport, that was limestone and ice-making. Camden doubled down on tourism, shipbuilding, milling, and sailing. Camden was for the elite; Rockport was for the working class. 

Today, the cities offer unique attractions just two miles apart. It’s worth stopping at each one on a Route 1 road trip.

Rockport vs Rockland: It’s worth noting that seven miles south of Rockport is Rockland. Despite similar names and geography, Rockland is bigger and more tourism-driven, while Rockport is smaller and known for its art colony.

Camden’s Landscape: “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea”

It took millennia of geologic forces to create the Camden we know today. Once the site of an ancient granite mountain range, the Ice Age buried the Megunticook Range. 

As the glaciers retreated, the tough granite stayed intact while the ice carved around the peaks and valleys to create the Camden Harbor we know today. 

The remnants of Ice Age water filled Megunticook Lake, which then carved the Megunticook River from the lake to the harbor. 

This provided power for mills, fresh water for a growing community, and transportation routes. 

In what is truly a tale as old as time, that’s how Camden became the beautiful city by the sea. Even legendary explorer and settler John Smith wrote about Camden during his travels, penning, “the high mountains of Penobscot, against whose feet doth beat the sea.”

Top Things to Do in Camden

Camden is one of those endearing Maine towns where you don’t visit to do one specific thing. You visit Camden to be able to do an array of things, from shopping to sailing to skiing to mountain climbing. 

Stroll Through Camden’s History

Let’s start sightseeing in Camden with a look back at the past. The Camden-Rockport Historical Society’s museum and collection of buildings is a great place to start on the way to Camden. The entrance is right off Route 1, with six buildings, including the museum, 1770s homestead, sugar shack, barn, and blacksmith shop.

As Route 1 takes you into the center of town, you’ll enter the Camden Great Fire Historic District. A fire in 1892 tore through most of downtown, taking nearly two dozen buildings with it. The new town sprang up made of much more sturdy brick, with only the buildings on the Megunticook River spillway made of lighter wood.

Notable spots to visit downtown are the Camden Opera House and Camden Public Library. Movie fans might want to grab a list of the Peyton Place filming locations from the library.

Walk or drive to the High Street Historic District, north of the business district, or the Chestnut Street Historic District to the south. This is where you can meander through the neighborhoods that were built by the wealthy back when Camden became a “Rusticator” destination around the Gilded Age. 

There’s a flavor of architectural factories here —Federal, Greek Revival, Victorian, Gothic Revival and Italianate.

Walk Around Camden Harbor

Downtown Camden is walkable, with plenty of parking available. Try to score a spot at the lot where Commercial Street and Bay View Street meet. You’ll get a great view of Megunticook Falls and sweeping harbor scenery, as well as easy access to the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Meander through the shops and galleries around Camden, and don’t miss the enchanting landscaping around the Camden Amphitheater and Harbor Park with the best seabound views. Look for the Riverhouse Footbridge, a hidden gem over the river that also provides an easy shortcut on the wharf.

Sail on a Schooner

You’ll spot plenty of boats in Camden Harbor, but the ones that really stand out are the schooners—it’s kind of what Camden is known for. 

So, what’s a schooner? Picture a classic sailing vessel with tall masts built for smooth, scenic cruising. Taking a tour is easy, and you’ve got options—anything from a quick sail to a multi-day adventure. 

As you glide across Penobscot Bay, you’ll soak in views of rocky islands and abundant seabirds, marine life, and lighthouses around you. The crew takes care of the hard work while you kick back and enjoy the ride. Of course, you’re always welcome to help “hoist the sales” if you want that experience.

It’s pure Maine magic.

Head for the Camden Hills

It doesn’t take much to make a mountain in a seaside community, and the options throughout Camden and Knox County won’t give you vertigo but will give you epic views of the harbor and the 360° views in all directions. 

The best vantage points are throughout Camden Hills State Park. The most notable, listed with elevation and difficulty of access, include: 

• Mount Megunticook – 1,385 feet (moderate): The tallest mountain in Camden and along Maine’s coast. Its Ocean Lookout offers stunning views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.
• Cameron Mountain – 1,234 feet (easy): This less-visited peak offers quieter trails and views of the surrounding hills.
• Bald Rock Mountain – 1,200 feet (easy to moderate): Known for its incredible summit views of Penobscot Bay, accessible via a relatively short and scenic hike.
• Maiden Cliff – 800 feet (moderate): While not as high as the others, it’s a prominent landmark overlooking Megunticook Lake, with a dramatic drop and a white cross marking the spot.
• Mount Battie – 780 feet (easy if you drive, moderate to hard if hiking): Famous for its sweeping views of Camden Harbor, the bay, and the islands, and home to a historic stone tower at its summit. Inspired Edna St. Vincent Millay’s Renascence poem.

Camden Hills State Park stays open for day use in the winter, but the trek to Mount Battie is hike-only. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing trails span nearly eight miles in the winter. 

TRAVEL TIP: If you want a truly special experience in Camden Hills State Park, rent the Megunticook Cabin. 

Ski or See the Camden Snow Bowl

The Camden Snow Bowl is a spot you’ve got to check out, especially in the winter. Where else can you ski with an ocean view? 

It’s got something for everyone—easy runs for beginners and tougher trails for experienced skiers. Not into skiing? No problem. The toboggan chute is a blast and a local favorite. Try to pair a winter visit to Maine with the U.S. National Toboggan Championships. 

When the snow melts, the mountain turns into a hub for hiking and mountain biking. Plus, the challenging Ragged Mountain Trail connects to the Snow Bowl.

Hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing make this another versatile place to explore throughout the seasons. 

Head to the Beach

Whether you want freshwater or saltwater, Camden has beachfront places to explore on gorgeous bodies of water. 

The two most popular spots are Laite Memorial Beach on Camden Harbor and Barrett’s Cove Beach on Lake Megunticook. The town monitors the water quality in the summer at both locations.

Laite Memorial Beach is a short 10-minute walk from downtown Camden, with a park, picnic tables, playground, and more than 600 feet of shoreline overlooking the ships in the harbor. Keep an eye out for sea glass as you walk the beach. 

For the freshwater beach, head three miles inland to Barrett’s Cove at the southern edge of Megunticook Lake. Hikers might want to pair a beach visit with the Maidens Cliff Trail, which starts just across the street. 

The beach at Barrett’s Cove includes a large area sectioned off for swimmers in the summer.

Visit Megunticook Lake

Covering more than 1,300 acres, Megunticook Lake offers a midcoast experience to rival Moosehead Lake near in the Highlands near Greenville and Jordan Pond of Acadia National Park in the Downeast region. 

Beyond the beach, you’ll find boat access points and fishing options. Look for charter trips through outlets like Maine Outdoor Guides to find the fishing holes.

One of the must-see spots at Megunticook Lake is Fernalds Neck Preserve. All three of the trails here are less than two miles long, with either an easy or moderate rating. The Orange Trail takes hikers by Balance Rock, a glacier erratic that looks similar to Bubble Rock at Acadia’s popular Bubbles trails. A short path winds its way to the coastline, where you can see Mount Megunticook in the distance.  

Another shoreline spot is McPheters Preserve. The 2,000-foot expanse of shoreline doesn’t have a trail, but you can weave your way between the woods and the water’s edge.  

NAME NOTE: Don’t confuse Megunticook Lake on the MidCoast with Mooselookmeguntic in the Rangely region. 

Stop by a Scenic Overlook

Even if you’re just driving through, don’t miss a chance to see the views of Camden Harbor and the surrounding mountains. 

• Eaton Avenue Overlook – Follow Eaton until you reach the end of the road. A bench sits with sweeping views of the bay and Sherman’s Cove. 
• Harbor Road Overlook – One street over, a short path takes you to a similar but more secluded viewpoint.
• Marine Avenue Overlook – Yet another street north, this overlook includes a small, rocky beach with roses growing wild at the shoreline.
• Bay Road Overlook – Just north of Laite Memorial Beach, this is a quick scenic spot with harbor, city, and mountain views. 
• Curtis Island Overlook – The ultimate Camden scenic spot for lighthouse lovers. A wooded path leads right to a secluded bench with Curtis Island Lighthouse views.

Camden Restaurants

All that walking and sailing can work up an appetite, and Camden is one of the best foodie destinations in Maine. 

The Place

Carb up at one of the best bakeries nationwide. Don’t just take our word for it. The New York Times ranked The Place bakery in Camden as one of the best in the country in December 2024. 

Look for the small white, yellow, and orange building off Route 1 just south of downtown. Get there early because the recent ranking has caused business to soar, which means the locally-grown and made goods are only available until they sell out.

Consider a pre-order to avoid the rush. 

Waterfront

At the Waterfront in Camden, you’ll enjoy fresh, local seafood with some of the best harbor views in town. This long-time favorite serves up specialties like lobster rolls, Atlantic haddock, and crispy fried clams. 

Their seafood stew is a must-try on cooler days. Grab a seat on the deck to watch boats glide across the harbor while you sip a local craft beer. Winter guests can sit by the indoor fireplace with a cup of secret recipe chowder.

This is classic Maine dining at its finest without fine dining prices.

Camden Deli

For a meal to fit every budget while still giving killer views, visit Camden Deli above Megunticook Falls. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available, with fresh baked goods made on-site. All meals are available for take-out or dine-in. 

While standard sandwiches, salads, wraps, and paninis fill out the menu, look for the lobster roll, crab roll, or crabmelt specialties for afternoon meals. For breakfast, we love the crab melt omelet and wild Maine blueberry pancakes.

The Jack

An evening night at The Jack is a mix of a neighborhood bar, brewhouse, and entertainment center. Comfort dishes, casual fare, and street-food specialties round out the menu with creative cocktails and more than a dozen beers on tap. 

Play a few rounds of bocce ball while you’re here, or enjoy the creek view with a view of Camden Falls out back. 

Natalie’s at Camden Harbour Inn

Natalie’s at Camden Harbour Inn is where you go when you want a refined but relaxed dining experience. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between elegance and comfort, with beautiful views of the harbor. 

The menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients with standout dishes like butter-poached lobster and duck two ways. Choose a la carte dining or let the chef’s tasting menu whisk you away on a culinary journey full of inspired flavors, artful presentations, and perfectly paired wines. 

40 Paper

Whether you want a spot for happy hour specials or a date night dinner, 40 Paper brings Mediterranean vibes inside a historic Maine mill. The centerpiece is the lively bar, known for its creative cocktails and popular happy hour with small plate varieties. 

Dinner includes handmade pasta and an evolving menu matches the seasonal availability from local farms. Dine inside or outside with a view of Camden Falls.

Camden Places to Stay

From laid back to the lap of luxury, Camden is one of the most convenient locations for an overnight stay on the Maine coast. Be sure to explore our full list of recommended lodging in Camden here.

Is Visiting Camden Maine Worth It?

Absolutely. First-time Maine visitors will like it because it offers a sample of just about everything (mountains, sea, beaches, hiking, skiing) through four seasons of fun. Plus, the charming layout around the harbor, mixed with the architectural assortment, will make all your New England coastal dreams come true. 

You also can’t beat the centrally located spot on the MidCoast, as it’s less than two hours to Bar Harbor or Portland, depending on which way you turn on Route 1. Don’t be surprised if you fall in love and want to stay another day.