Best Things to Do in Camden, Maine

In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Camden plus optional places to visit nearby.

Best Things to Do in Camden

Camden Hills State Park

Located just outside the town lies Camden Hills State Park, an excellent location for activities like hiking, biking, picnicking, and skiing in the winter months.

Within the park, two of the most renowned hiking trails are Mount Battie and Mount Megunticook. These relatively short hikes offer captivating panoramic vistas that overlook the Camden area. Find more about Camden Hills State Park here.

Hike Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park

Mount Battie is the most popular summit in the Camden area. Its location just outside of town makes it easy to access, and its summit provides stunning views over the town and harbor.

There are three routes to reach the peak. The most popular option is the 1.1-mile out-and-back Mount Battie Trail. This trail starts inside Camden town, so you won’t have to pay an entrance fee for park access. You’ll find the trailhead on Megunticook Street. While the trail is relatively short, be prepared for a steep ascent.

Another way to get to Mount Battie is from within Camden Hills State Park. If you’ve parked at the campground, you can take the Nature Trail to the Tablelands Trail to reach the peak. This particular route covers a longer distance of 2.8 miles for the round trip, but the trail itself is less steep compared to the other option.

For those who do not wish to hike, you can drive Mount Battie Road within Camden Hills State Park to reach the peak of Mount Battie.

Hike Mount Megunticook in Camden Hills State Park

Mount Megunticook is the tallest mountain in Camden, at an elevation of 1,385 feet. The Mount Megunticook Trail is a 3 mile out-and-back path with 960 feet of elevation gain. The trail is an uphill climb through the woods but is easy to follow and achievable by hikers of all skill levels.

Schooner Sunset Sail

For those who want to experience sailing on a decades-old schooner, Schooner Appledore hosts a relaxing and interactive sunset sail. The crew does an amazing job entertaining the passengers, allowing them to help hoist the sails, constantly keeping the drinks flowing, and walking around chatting with everyone on board. Each sunset sail hosts around 25 people so prepare for a bit of a crowd. Long pants and lots of layers are also highly recommended, as it gets chilly as the cruise goes on.

Schooner offers both day sails and sunset sails, each lasting 2 hours. Find more information about timing and prices here.

Camden Harbor Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise around Maine’s Penobscot Bay aboard a traditional wooden lobster boat with Camden Harbor Cruise. The journey takes you past lighthouses, seaside mansions, windjammers, and curious marine life. As you sail, the captain will have you help to haul lobster traps and will share fascinating stories about the bay’s history.

These cruises are great for families with kids and for anyone who loves to be out on the water.

Learn more about the various cruise options offered by Camden Harbor Cruise here. While we couldn’t fit a harbor cruise into our schedule, but many travelers rave about their experiences on these scenic trips.

Paddleboard or Kayak on Megunticook Lake

There are many great spots to paddleboard and kayak in and around Camden. One that we would highly recommend is Barrett’s Cove on Megunticook Lake. The lake is gorgeous and very popular, as it is set amongst Camden’s low mountains. Small islands can be found throughout the lake which provide a fun location to explore. For those with extra time on their hands, paddleboarding or kayaking here is a great way to get outside and explore more of the local area.

Quick Tip: Maine Sports Outfitters is a great spot to rent all sorts of gear from bikes, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and camping and fishing equipment. The staff there are very friendly and helpful and will teach how to properly mount the equipment to your vehicle if necessary. Equipment can be rented for anywhere from 24 hours to a week.

Day Trips from Camden

Take a Cruise from Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor, a charming coastal town just an hour’s drive from Camden, offers plenty of souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. With cheap public parking lots, visiting the town is convenient and hassle-free.

Plan to spend at least 4-5 hours here if you plan on going on a cruise, which is the highlight of Boothbay Harbor.

A tour we’d highly recommend is Cap’n Fish’s Cruises, a local company offering a variety of boating excursions around the bay. From a one-hour harbor cruise to a four-hour marine-sighting tour, they have something for everyone. We particularly enjoyed the Whale and Puffin Combo Cruise, which provided an unforgettable experience.

Explore Isle Au Haut

Isle au Haut is a secluded island in Maine’s Penobscot Bay, offering coastal hiking trails, scenic bike routes, and a peaceful fishing village. A significant part of the island is home to Acadia National Park with its dramatic cliffs and blue waters mirroring the park’s beauty. However, Isle au Haut’s isolation from Bar Harbor keeps the crowds at bay, making it a dream escape for outdoor enthusiasts. With so few people on the island we felt like adventurers exploring a wild destination.

To get to Isle Au Haut, you’ll need to take the Isle au Haut Boat Service from Stonington, a small fishing village located about a 2-hour drive from Camden. Although this makes for a long day, this journey became the highlight of our Northeast Trip. The scenic drive, the calm ferry ride, and stunning island scenery made it all worth it.

Due to this island’s isolation, we recommend this trip only for experienced hikers, bikers, and campers. For more information, check out our full article on Isle Au Haut.

Visit Monhegan Island

This tiny island is another great day trip option, especially for those that love art and all things handmade.

The only way to access Monhegan Island is via one of these three ferries: the Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde, Hardy Boat Cruises from New Harbor, and the Balmy Days II from Boothbay Harbor. Each ferry has multiple departure times to and from the island. The ferry rides can last anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half.

Some of the island’s main attractions are the artists’ colony, the Monhegan Museum of Art and History, the Monhegan Lighthouse, and the network of hiking trails that run through the island. One of the most popular hikes is the Monhegan Island Cliff Trail, a 4.5-mile hiking trail that runs around the perimeter of the island.

Best Places to Eat in Camden

Peter Ott’s on the Water

Peter Ott’s on the Water is a great seafood restaurant with scenic views of historic Schooner boats and the marina. This restaurant had a comfortable, friendly vibe with amazing service, and a wide variety of delicious seafood.

Camden Deli

Camden Deli is a hotspot in town, as visitors are constantly coming in and out of this shop and are seen enjoying their sandwiches. I had to see what all the excitement was and ordered a Fantastic Focaccia. The sandwich was absolutely delicious! This is a great stop, especially if you are looking for a quick meal.

Long Grain

This upscale restaurant has been featured in numerous publications for its variety of amazing Asian cuisine. From Thai favorites to Vietnamese street food, as well as a blend of Chinese, Indian, and Singaporean cuisine, Long Grain is sure to have something for everyone. Reservations are highly recommended.

40 Paper

This fine Italian bistro and bar is located in the Knox Woolen Mill, a mill that was in operation from the mid 1800’s to the late 1900’s. With a menu that is frequently changing there is always something new to try throughout the year.

Natalie’s Restaurant

If you’re seeking a fine-dining experience, look no further than to Natalie’s. With the interior of a Parisian bistro and a view of the harbor, this culinary journey will give you a fresh taste of Maine’s fish, farms, and gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Days Do You Need In Camden?

Camden is a perfect place to spend one day walking around town, partaking in a small hike, and enjoying a sunset sail. It is a peaceful spot to unwind during a road trip or more extensive adventure. You can easily experience Camden’s top attractions in a day, depending on how much downtime you prefer.

If you are looking to do day trips around Camden, consider adding an extra day for each day trip you want to take.

Is it Worth Staying in Camden?

Yes! Camden is a charming and relaxing town that caters to a variety of interests, making it a great place to stay. For adventure seekers, there are plenty of outdoor activities available like hiking on Isle Au Haut, exploring Camden Hills State Park, and paddleboarding on Megunticook Lake. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, you can enjoy a scenic harbor tour or stroll through the town’s picturesque streets. Camden has something to offer every type of traveler.

Where to Stay in Camden?

We loved our stay in the Lord Camden Inn which is located right on Camden’s main street. The traditional-style rooms are spacious and comfortable, with good furniture, multiple rooms, and a balcony that overlooks the town. The hotel service is helpful and friendly.

Parking is the only challenge at this hotel, but it hasn’t been much of an issue. They have a private gated parking lot that requires a key to enter. Hotel guests cannot keep this key, and have to go to the hotel desk to get it before parking the car.

If you have any questions about the best things to do in Camden, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Maine

NEW ENGLAND ROAD TRIP: Visit Cape Cod, coastal Maine, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and more in this 12 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary.

MAINE: Don’t miss our article about the best things to do in Cape Elizabeth and our guide to Portland.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Acadia National Park Travel Guide for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. For a list of must-have experiences, read our article Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park. Go off the beaten path and explore Isle au Haut.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Don’t miss our article about the best things to do in Franconia Notch State Park and how to hike the Franconia Ridge Loop. We also have a guide to 10 great stops along the Kancamagus Highway.

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