Cobscook Bay State Park

If you ever visit Maine and like camping, travel to Cobscook Bay State Park. Surrounded by ocean on three sides, these 888 acres give you the feel of an island camping experience while still on the mainland. The dramatic shifts in tides are the main attraction here.

Tides

Cobscook is a Maliseet-Passamaquoddy word for boiling tides. On average, high tides come up 24 to 28 feet, resulting in dramatically different landscapes just footsteps away from waterfront campsites reserved for tenters. This phenomenon fascinates many of the park's visitors.

Clamming

When the tides are low, campers venture out into the mud flats. Maine is famous for clamming, and Cobscook Bay is the only state park where it is legal for visitors to participate in this activity. Remember to pack a bucket and fork, and your clam bake base is waiting seaside. Cobscook Point, Broad Cove and Harbor Point all have tent-only spots waiting.

More Than Just Clams and Tides

Cobscook Bay State Park also has inland camping areas which offer just as much fun. During high tides, take advantage of the park's other features. Bird enthusiasts consider this park a bird paradise. Over 200 species of birds call the park home and are available to watch, including the American Bald Eagle. Hikers are sure to enjoy Cunningham Mountain and its prime vantage point for watching the sun rise in the morning. The park also offers the rare chance to hike undeveloped coastline from Cobscook Bay to Passamaquody Bay to the Atlantic Ocean.

The tides roll in and out with authority in Cobscook Bay State Park, so enjoy the camping season between May and October. Your leashed friends are also welcome where the views are as delicious as the clams.