Peaks-Kenny State Park Camping Guide 2025

Want a peaceful, scenic camping spot in Maine that’s blissfully crowd-free? We’d absolutely recommend checking out Peaks-Kenny State Park. Tucked along the southeastern shore of Sebec Lake in the town of Dover-Foxcroft, this lesser-known gem offers a peaceful mix of forest, shoreline, and family-friendly space. Whether you’re hoping for a weekend getaway with your tent or a full week of unplugging by the water, this park strikes that rare balance of simplicity and natural beauty.

We like Peaks-Kenny because it feels like Maine camping used to feel—no noisy tourist traffic, no overdeveloped RV scene, just a forested campground, clean facilities, and a crystal-clear lake to swim in. Wildlife is often seen in the early mornings (loons, deer, and the occasional moose), and there are miles of trails that start right from your campsite.

It’s also manageable if you’re newer to camping. The park staff is helpful, the amenities are clean, and you still get to feel far from the hustle without needing a 4WD or a satellite phone.

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How to Get There

Peaks-Kenny is located just west of Dover-Foxcroft, which is about 35 miles north of Bangor. If you’re driving up from southern Maine, the most common route is via I-95 to Route 15, which takes you directly into Dover-Foxcroft. From there, it’s a short drive west on East Main Street (Route 6), then a left turn onto Peaks-Kenny Road, which ends at the park entrance.

Once you arrive, there’s a designated parking area near the campground check-in station and day-use beach area. If you’re camping, you’ll be able to drive up to your assigned campsite to unload gear. The access road is paved and well-maintained, so getting there is easy even for small cars or trailers.

Cell service tends to fade as you near the park, especially once you’re inside the forested area. We suggest downloading your directions ahead of time just in case your GPS cuts out before arrival.

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Permits and Fees

Camping at Peaks-Kenny doesn’t require anything complicated in terms of permits, but there are some fees to plan for.

• Entrance Fee: Day-use visitors pay a small entrance fee (around $4–$6 per adult for Maine residents, slightly more for out-of-state). If you’re camping, this is typically included in your site fee.
• Camping Fees: As of this year, standard campsites cost around $25–$35 per night depending on the season and whether you’re a Maine resident. Rates for out-of-state visitors are higher. You can reserve sites online or by calling ahead, which we recommend in summer.
• No Special Permits Needed: Unlike some backcountry parks, Peaks-Kenny does not require any additional camping permits unless you’re planning a large group trip (more than six people per site).
• Season Passes: Frequent visitors might consider a Maine State Parks Season Pass if they plan to visit multiple parks during the season—it can help offset the entrance fees.

We’d recommend checking the Maine State Parks system for exact prices before heading out, as they update each year and may adjust depending on holiday weekends or peak season demand.

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Camping Rules and Regulations

Peaks-Kenny has a more relaxed vibe compared to some of the more regulated state or national parks, but there are still a few important rules to know:

• Designated Camping Only: Dispersed or “off-trail” camping is not allowed within the park boundaries. You must stay at one of the designated campsites.
• Group Size: Most campsites are designed for up to six people and two vehicles. Larger groups will need to split into multiple sites.
• Quiet Hours: Official quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and they are generally respected. This isn’t the place for late-night parties.
• Fires: Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings at each site. Firewood should be purchased locally to avoid transporting invasive pests. Outside firewood is strongly discouraged and may be confiscated.
• Pets: Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. There’s a lot of wildlife, so this helps keep both your dog and the animals safe.
• Leave No Trace: Trash must be packed out or disposed of in the park’s dumpsters. There are no dishwashing stations, so bring a collapsible basin and dispose of greywater responsibly.

We really encourage following Leave No Trace principles here—it’s one of those places where even a little extra care goes a long way in keeping the park pristine.

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Best Camping Spots and Recommendations

Peaks-Kenny has about 56 campsites, all nestled within a quiet, wooded area. Most are tent-friendly, though several can accommodate small trailers or pop-ups. There are no electric hookups, so if you’re bringing a camper, plan to go off-grid.

Here are a few tips on choosing a site:

• For privacy, we’d recommend campsites #16 to #25. They’re a bit more tucked away and feel quieter, even on busy weekends.
• If you want easy beach access, look for sites #4 to #12. You’ll be just a short walk from Sebec Lake and the bathhouse, which is convenient for families with young kids.
• For shade and hammock spots, almost every site has enough tree cover. But sites in the #30–40 range have a good balance of sun and shade throughout the day.
• Crowd levels stay fairly manageable compared to bigger parks, but holiday weekends do fill up. Weekdays in June and late August are usually peaceful.

There’s also a small group site near the main loop that’s great for two families camping together—but call ahead to confirm availability.

The bathhouse has clean restrooms and coin-operated showers. Water spigots are located along the main loop, and every site has a picnic table and fire ring. While it’s not a luxury campground, it’s well-kept and simple—the kind of place you go to actually enjoy being outdoors.

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Hiking Trails and Routes

While Peaks-Kenny isn’t packed with long backcountry trails, the few it has are perfect for easygoing day hikes that let you explore the forest and enjoy the quiet surroundings. The terrain is mostly wooded, moderately hilly, and the trails are well-marked—great for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxing walk rather than a strenuous climb.

The most popular hike in the park is the Bear Hill Trail, a 1.6-mile loop that takes you up to a small scenic overlook. It’s not a tough hike, but it does gain a little elevation, so be ready for a gentle uphill section. The view at the top gives you a nice peek through the trees across Sebec Lake and beyond. We’d suggest heading up in the morning when the light is best and temps are cooler.

Other trails include:

• Shore Trail – A short, easy trail that runs along part of Sebec Lake. Great for a sunset walk or morning stroll with coffee.
• Park Loop Trails – There are a few interconnected trails that run near the campground and picnic area. These are ideal for families or a quick post-dinner leg stretch.
• Unmarked Paths – A few unofficial game trails lead off deeper into the woods. While these can be fun to explore, we’d only recommend wandering off-trail if you’re confident with navigation and have a good map or GPS.

Trail maps are usually available at the entrance station or can be downloaded in advance. Trail signage is decent, though we’d still recommend bringing a printed map or saving a digital copy offline since cell service drops in and out throughout the park.

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Packing List and Gear Guide

Peaks-Kenny isn’t a deep wilderness camping experience, but being prepared still makes a big difference in how comfortable your stay is. Here’s what we’d suggest packing:

• Tent and Sleeping Gear: A basic three-season tent with a rainfly is usually enough. Stakes are a must since summer storms can blow in quickly. A sleeping pad and good sleeping bag (rated 30°F or lower) should cover most conditions.
• Tarp or Groundsheet: The forest floor can get damp after rain, so having a barrier under your tent helps keep things dry.
• Bug Protection: You’ll want bug spray, citronella candles, and maybe even a bug net for your hat—mosquitoes and black flies can be relentless in June and early July.
• Water Filtration: There are faucets with potable water in the campground, but we always bring a small filter or purification tablets as backup—especially if you’re taking water directly from Sebec Lake or streams.
• Cooler or Food Bin: You don’t need a bear canister here, but a tight-sealing cooler or latchable tote is essential for keeping squirrels, raccoons, and bugs out of your food.
• Clothing Layers: Temps can drop quickly at night, even in summer. Pack light layers, a rain jacket, and dry socks—you’ll thank yourself later.
• Flashlight/Headlamp: The campground doesn’t have lighting, so bring extra batteries for whatever you’re using.
• Camp Kitchen: A camp stove, utensils, and a wash basin should do the trick. Fires are allowed, but don’t rely on them for every meal in case of fire bans or wet wood.

We’d also recommend a small folding chair and hammock if you’re planning to spend long afternoons relaxing by the lake or around your site.

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Water and Food Tips

The park does have drinkable water available from faucets in the campground area, but it’s always smart to plan a backup. Spigots can sometimes be turned off for maintenance, or you might be away from the source when hiking or swimming.

• Bring a Refillable Jug (at least 3–5 gallons) for group use at camp.
• Use a Water Filter or purifier if you’re getting water from Sebec Lake or streams.
• Keep Hydrated – Even if it’s cool out, the dry air and exercise can sneak up on you.

For food, treat storage seriously even though there are no bears in this part of the park. Squirrels, raccoons, and chipmunks are sneaky and persistent.

• Store all food in coolers with tight latches or in the car at night.
• Never leave trash out—not even paper towels or wrappers.
• Use the designated dumpsters for garbage and recycling.

Cooking should be done either on your stove or using the provided fire ring. Always put your fire out completely before bed or leaving the site.

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Best Time to Visit and Weather Tips

The park is open from mid-May through mid-October, but the experience varies depending on when you go.

• Late May to June: Beautiful green forest, but bug season is in full swing. Black flies and mosquitoes can be rough, especially near the water. Bring serious repellent or consider a head net.
• July and August: Warmest and most popular time. Sebec Lake is great for swimming, and the weather is usually sunny with occasional storms. Campsites do fill up more quickly during this window, especially on weekends.
• September to early October: Our favorite time. Fewer bugs, cooler nights, and peak fall colors in late September. The park begins closing services in mid-October, so plan your trip before then.

Rain showers pop up with little warning in this part of Maine, especially in the afternoon. We always pack a tarp and rain jacket even if the forecast looks clear.

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Safety and Navigation

While Peaks-Kenny feels peaceful and low-risk, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings.

• Cell Service is spotty throughout the park. You may get a bar or two at the beach or higher ground, but don’t count on it.
• Emergency Contact: The ranger station is staffed during the day, and there are emergency numbers posted at the information board near the check-in area.
• Avoid Getting Lost: Trails are marked, but bring a printed map or use an app like Gaia or AllTrails with offline mode enabled.
• Pack a First Aid Kit: Minor cuts, bug bites, and blisters are common.
• Let Someone Know your plans if you’re hiking beyond the campground.

Wildlife encounters are usually limited to deer, squirrels, birds, and the occasional moose. Still, it’s smart to give animals space, store food properly, and stay aware, especially around dawn and dusk.

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Leave No Trace Principles

We really believe that beautiful spots like Peaks-Kenny only stay beautiful if we all do our part. While this park is less trafficked than others, it’s still vulnerable to trash, trail erosion, and careless campfires. If you’re new to the Leave No Trace principles, here’s how we’d suggest applying them at Peaks-Kenny:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: The weather can shift quickly here, so check the forecast and pack extra layers and rain gear. Download trail maps offline, especially since cell signal is unreliable.
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to designated sites and trails. The undergrowth is fragile, especially in early spring when the ground’s soft.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: This includes food scraps, used wipes, and even toothpaste spit. There are dumpsters near the campground entrance—use them. For hiking, bring a small trash bag and pack everything out.
• Leave What You Find: Rocks, leaves, pinecones—they all serve a role in the ecosystem. We’d suggest taking photos, not souvenirs.
• Minimize Campfire Impact: Use the provided fire rings only. Don’t collect wood from around your site; buy it locally or bring your own. Fully extinguish fires with water and stir until cold.
• Respect Wildlife: Moose, foxes, raccoons, and birds all call this place home. Observe from a distance and keep your food securely stored.
• Be Considerate of Others: Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM. The sounds of nature are part of the experience—so keep music low, voices down, and leave space between campsites when possible.

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Nearby Attractions

If you’ve got a little extra time, there are some low-key but rewarding attractions within an hour’s drive of Peaks-Kenny:

• Sebec Lake: Right next to the campground—perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just a picnic by the shore. You don’t need to go far for some of the best views.
• Jo-Mary Lake and Katahdin Iron Works: About 45 minutes north, this area offers a deeper wilderness vibe and a peek at some of Maine’s old iron industry history.
• Moosehead Lake: Roughly an hour northwest in Greenville. It’s Maine’s largest lake, and the town has a few restaurants, outfitters, and shops if you need supplies.
• Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary: A little under an hour’s drive. This is a great hike with one of the best summit views in the region—ideal for a day trip.

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Suggested Itineraries

1-Night Quick Getaway

If you’ve only got one night to spare, we’d suggest this simple itinerary:

• Day 1 (Afternoon): Arrive at Peaks-Kenny, check in, and set up camp. Pick one of the lake-adjacent sites if available.
• Evening: Take a short walk along Shore Trail or down to the beach for sunset. Cook dinner, enjoy the fire, and relax.
• Packing Musts: Bug spray, headlamp, a warm layer for night, and food for one dinner and one breakfast.

2–3 Night Adventure

For a longer trip, you can slow down and explore more:

• Day 1: Arrive early and set up at one of the quieter forested campsites (sites in the back loops are generally quieter). Go for a hike on Bear Hill Trail after lunch.
• Day 2: Take a swim or paddle on Sebec Lake in the morning. Head out for a longer hike or explore one of the nearby attractions in the afternoon.
• Day 3: Pack up slowly, maybe squeeze in a sunrise lake walk or another short hike before you leave.
• Packing Musts: Extra clothing layers, games or books for downtime, water filtration gear if you plan to hike far, and campfire supplies for multiple nights.

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Frequently Asked Questions