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PHOTO: Fun at Maine state parks doesn’t stop in the winter, including skating at Mount Blue State Park, in Weld. (Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands photo)
AUGUSTA – Attendance at Maine state parks was up 8% from 2020’s previous record year.
In 2021, state parks had more than 3.3 million visitors, compared to 3 million in 2020.
There has also been record-breaking visitation across Maine’s 12 state park campgrounds and 48 state parks and historic sites collectively.
Sebago Lake State Park had the most visitors of any in the state, with 189,959.
Camping reservations for Sebago Lake State Park, as well as group sites and picnic areas at all parks, open 9 a.m. Feb. 1, and reservations at the state’s other state park campgrounds open 9 a.m. Feb. 4. If state offices are closed because of snow, reservations open the next day. To reserve camping spots, visit CampWithME.com or call 800-332-1501 or 207-624-9950. Group and shelter spots are by telephone only.
State parks surpassed the 2020 record by November. In 2021, there was incredible turnout for the annual First Day Hikes and regular visitation for winter park use, including hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, record-breaking camping and day-use visitation continued straight through summer and fall, according to Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
“It is great to see more people than ever enjoying our trails, campgrounds, beaches, and ponds,” Beal said. “Our beautiful state parks are go-to destinations for Maine residents and visitors as they look to find accessible and welcoming outdoor recreation opportunities.”
Beal, who first summited Bradbury Mountain in Pownal at age 5, said that state park staff have also received a record number of compliments, despite the challenges of increased visitation and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Bureau of Public Lands Director Andy Cutko said, “Many of us have realized that the safest, healthiest, and most enjoyable place to be in the pandemic is outside.” He also said that many visitors to Maine’s state parks were from out of state.
In 2021, best practices and key learning from 2020 ensured BPL staff were prepared to protect the health of coworkers and park visitors, state officials said.
