Read our. The kids played in the cold water, sand and driftwood forts. Pretty beach, but quite crowded. Wind SSW 4 mph. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Popham Beach State Park - BringFido There are placards all around with information about the fort and its construction. Perfect for riders of all ages and skill levels. There are multigenerational families that spend summers here, surfers, and lots of sweet dogs, when they are allowed, Caramente says. Popham Beach State Park Bordering the south side of the mouth of the Kennebec River, Popham Beach State Park is truly one of Maine's rare geologic landforms. It's worth the very short drive from Popham Beach State Park. The cannon is still there. We sit in a protected cove, so the waves and surf arent too strong, making it perfect for families and children, says Jana Bissonnette, general manager of Kennebunk Resort Collection's Hidden Pond, The Tides Beach Club, and Cape Arundel Inn & Resort. Where is the best place to hike in Popham Beach State Park? We enjoyed our day here, but coming from California, I'm unaccustomed to having to pay for beach access (we did NOT park in the State Park parking lot). There is a lot of information about this fort, as well as other forts in Maine. Camping - California State Parks Additionally, camping is restricted to a limit of 30 days bythe person(s), equipment, and/or vehicle(s).Vehicles must be parked within a designated campsite or in overflow lots on pavement. The grounds are nice with available picnic tables and benches. It is 600 protected acres with year round access. Its moderate, over 5 miles long, has a waterfall, and is open for snowshoeing. [1] It is the state's highest volume day use State Park. These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine! Read more Rules for State Parks and Historic Sites. Visit this stunning Maine peninsula to relax on the sands of Popham Beach, picnic in the ocean breeze, explore an offshore island or discover two historical sites. GPS: 43.735848, -69.798589 . Pretty beach, but quite crowded. No pets are allowed on State Park beaches between April 1 and September 30. This place is one to visit any time of year, especially on a bright, sunny day. The areas in and near the beach are home to deer, beaver, otter, fox, and seals. Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area. Parking is available via seasonal permit for both residents and non-residents, or a $35 daily pass. Once the lots full, beach goers park roadside and walk in. The 11 Best Beaches in Maine - Travel Horses are allowed on the beach during this same time frame, but riders must have a state of Maine horse beach permit. Just a 20-minute walk from town, Main Beach offers ample space for visitors to spread out and enjoy the sun and sea. Popham Beach State Park - Maine Tourism The fluxuating tide created shallow channels and pools the kids enjoyed splashing and running in. The wildlife views were abundant as were the lighthouses. Both Popham State Park and the adjacent sites at the early Popham settlement and Fort Baldwin are well worth your time. PARK FEES are due and payable upon entry into the park. It was interesting to see firsthand, but nothing spectacular. Visit Maine Bureau of Parks and Landsonline atPopham Beach State Park,Fort Baldwin State Historic Site, andFort Popham State Historic Sitefor more information or contact: From US Route 1 in Bath, take ME Route 209 south through downtown Phippsburg, approximately 14 miles to Popham Beach State Park. Popham Beach State Park 5 413 reviews #1 of 14 things to do in Phippsburg State Parks Beaches Visit website Call Write a review About State park and beach area that is located on a peninsula near Bath, Maine. This is notable as the ships departing from Bath Iron Works head out to sea at this point. 78. It was home to the Fort for coast line defense and 1969 it was added to the Register of Historical Places. How many trails are in Popham Beach State Park? You can walk through the water to an island that is really fun to explore. DRONES are only allowed above the field on the southern end of the primary day use parking lot. 10 Perkins Farm Ln, Phippsburg, ME 04562-4731, $$ - $$$ American Seafood Gluten Free Options, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Worth the cost to see and experience. Horseback Riding in Popham Beach: Stables and Things to Know Cloudy More Details. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 22 to 226 feet in elevation gain. Leashes - Pets must be on a leash under the physical control of the pet handler and must not be left unattended. Air Quality Fair. Fort Popham State Historic Site - Tripadvisor Water was cold but clear. 35 Popham Beach State Park Stock Photos & High-Res Pictures The rolling Atlantic surf draws thousands of swimmers and surfers alike, and shell collecting is a pasttime of many a sea side stroller. If coming to the park to just use the dump station, visitors will have to pay a day use fee and a separate dump fee. This trail begins near the battery at Fort Baldwin Memorial Park. Nestled in a quiet coastal community, Higgins Beach is a favorite among locals, and popular for surfing, swimming, and fishing. This access point brings visitors directly to the archaeological site of Fort Saint George the 1607 English settlement site, a great place to picnic, with a view overlooking the bay and Fort Popham. When the maximum stay is over, the person(s), equipment, and/or vehicle(s) must vacate the campground for a period of 48 hours before returning. Phone: 207-371-2303. 6. Photo: Jules Verne Times Two / CC-BY-SA-4.. Aerial view of Fox Islands Popham Beach State Park Maine, US. The removal began on March 20, 2023 and was completed May 2023. It is vast at low A 100-pounder (6.4-inch) Parrott rifle sits near the fort grounds; it was listed as being at the fort in 1903. For a list of locations you can take your dog inSanta Cruz County, please click here. Palace Playland is also easily reached on foot and offers carnival-style rides and games, plus an arcade. As a result, in 1869 construction at Fort Popham stopped before the fortification was completed. This was a brick fort with barracks for 105 men.[6]. Horseback Riding locations at State Parks: If you have questions about any other State Parks please call the. One of the best Maine state parks we visited. Another point while on the island is to watch for tripping and slipping hazards. If you are travelling from Portland, it takes about an hour to get here. Only one RV and a maximum of eight persons allowed per campsite. There is small Place to eat ,name of Spinneys nearby. There's a large parking lot with metered parking, as well as a public restroom facility. You might want to look into going out with Abkenoc Guiding to learn about this coastal setting and water conditions. Fortunately there are some welcoming campgrounds right around the corner! Other birds youll see are black ducks, gulls, and osprey. From the Park: Starting today October 1st, Dogs and horseback riding are welcome on the beach, provided they are leashed and cleaned up after. Keep an eye on those food-stealing gulls! The Civil War fortifications site had a dirt parking lot, several picnic tables, seasonal toilets, and several interpretive panels. Popham Beach | One of the Best Beaches in Maine - TripSavvy This beach is ever changing and at low tide seems like your on another planet. Beach is unspoiled. There was an issue with your submission. Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry The 605-acre park in Phippsburg is just under a -hour from Bath and just over one hour from Augusta. The fort was built between 1905 and 1912 and named for Jeduthan Baldwin, an engineer for the Colonial army during the Revolutionary War. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date based on availability and the parks maximum stay rules. Here are our picks for the best 11 beaches in Maine. Nice way to spend an hour, especially with the water views. [8] The battery remained manned until 1815 and saw minor action during the War of 1812. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. One of the Rodman guns was donated to the town of Bowdoinham to remember its soldiers who died in the Civil War. This beautiful piping plover demonstrated some protective behavior while sharing the sand at Reid State Park with its chick and human beach goers. California State Parks staff, contractors, and volunteers have workd diligently to clean up debris, remove the damaged pier . Sunbathers relaxing on Pophams sands can see Fox and Wood islands offshore, and the Kennebec and Morse rivers border each end of the beach. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Her maiden voyage was made under tow to Seacliff State Beach. Bordering the south side of the mouth of the Kennebec River, Popham Beach State Park is truly one of Maines rare geologic landforms that features a long stretch of sand beach. Popham Beach State Park is Maine's busiest state park beach. Generators may be operated only between the hours of 10am-8pm. Even then, there are points of caution. About Americas State Parks | Contact Us | Americas State Parks Blog. It is where the mighty Kennebec River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Biddeford has three public beaches that span two miles, and while Fortunes Rocks Beach is popular for surfing, Biddeford Pool is good for picnicking, sunbathing, and simply playing on the sand. State Parks Beaches. Can you visit the fort at night? When is Fort Popham State Historic Site open? Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Once positioned at the beach, the sea cocks were opened and the Palo Alto settled to the ocean bottom. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. With the Covid-19 going on you can not access the fort itself but you can walk around the grounds, the beach and take a peek inside. United States. $8 per person (discounts for children, Maine residents, and seniors). Located just a stones throw away from Crescent Beach State Park, Ferry Beach is a sandy beach along the Scarborough River. What hotels are near Fort Popham State Historic Site? THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Popham Beach State Park - Tripadvisor A maximum of 2 extra vehicles are allowed at each site. Burr Pond . The beach is a popular swimming spot. Millers Pond State Park, Haddam. [17] Although Fort Baldwin was disarmed in 1924, the mine facilities at Fort Popham may have remained operational through World War II, during which Fort Baldwin was rearmed with towed artillery.[15]. Ocean View Park Campground & Cottages - CampRate.com This small island provides a jungle gym or dunes, rocks, and outcroppings to climb upon on the way to the sixty-foot summit. A maximum of 2 extra vehicles are allowed at each site. Image Credits This varied terrain setting provides year-round bird watching opportunities. 2 mi Nature & Wildlife Areas. Fox Island is accessible during low tide, but be mindful of the tide rising back up. Amy Caramente, culture and communications officer of Big Tree Hospitality, says the destination is "majestic, has great waves, and feels like a small beach town on any given day." Parking is limited so plan ahead. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Popham Beach State Park is Spirit Pond Preserve. Sunbathers relaxing on Popham's sands can see Fox and Wood islands offshore, and the Kennebec and Morse rivers border each end of the beach. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Popham Beach State Park is Spirit Pond Preserve, which has a 4.1 star rating from 87 reviews. Arrive early (before 10am?) Disabled Discount Pass (DDP) or Distinguished Veteran Pass (POW)must present discount card and picture ID at check-in time. War experience showed that masonry forts were vulnerable to modern rifled guns. There is a $6.00 fee for Maine residents and a $8.00 fee for non residents. There are private properties along this trail, so be careful to stay on path. Pets are welcome on State Park beaches, provided they are leashed (see #2 below), from October 1st through March 31st. Now a classic summer vacation destination, Long Sands Beach is a great option for travelers coming from the south, as the beach sits close to the New Hampshire border. Day use and annual passes are not valid in campground. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. No fires on the beach. Any of these are more likely seen early and late in the day before the crowds arrive. If this is the case, campers will have the option to receive a full refund from the day of evacuation or be relocated to another park in the Santa Cruz District based upon availability. The price per campsite does not include the use of a dump station. Cliff Trail. Other activities in the area include fishing, hunting, sea kayaking, and birdwatching. But still, can't complain about a day at the beach! Want to find the best trails in Popham Beach State Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? Pet owners may be assigned picnic or campsites in a less congested area of the park. Morse Mountain to Seawall Beach: 666 Reviews, Map - AllTrails Damage is extensive, with the remaining pier section in a state of imminent collapse. Success! 413 Reviews #1 of 14 things to do in Phippsburg. An 1857 lighthouse rests on Seguin Island. It would be regrettable for visitors of Popham Beach to leave the peninsula without taking in three nearby historic sites, Fort Baldwin, Fort Popham and the archaeological site of Fort Saint George the 1607 English settlement site. The maximum consecutive stay is seven days. There's also a public bathhouse (open for select hours during the day) and portable toilets. Excellent historic site on Kennebec River. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg, ME $25 Mountain Bike Lift Tickets at Mt. There are 3 trails in Popham Beach State Park. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Popham Beach State Park is. Ask colesays about Popham Beach State Park, Ask Russell W about Popham Beach State Park, Ask paula k about Popham Beach State Park, Ask wildbirdp1800 about Popham Beach State Park, Ask wildflower_luda about Popham Beach State Park, Ask Gherkin3 about Popham Beach State Park. Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account. Here is a short YouTube video showing some aerial footage of Popham Beach: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Portola Redwoods SP - California State Parks From April 1 through September 30, all pets (including dogs) and horses, bikes and kite flying are not allowed on Popham Beach in order to protect federally endangered nesting shore birds. The ship is unsafe and closed to the public. Sunbathers relaxing on Popham's sands can see Fox and Wood islands offshore, and the Kennebec and Morse rivers border each end of the beach. At New Brighton and Rio del Mar, fires must be confined to fire rings provided and attended at all times. All other campgrounds allow pets (see #2 & 3 below). Sand Beach has long been a cinematic destination, with scenes of the beach appearing in films such as "The Cider House Rules.". When checking out early, campers should inform entrance station staff to receive a refund for unused days. $8 per person (discounts for children, Maine residents, and seniors). The shore is lined with beach roses and lupines, and during low tide, you may just spot the remnants of an 1897 shipwreck. Home Bath Maine Area Attractions Popham Beach State Park. There are lifeguards on duty during peak season, and you can walk to nearby eateries if you work up an appetite. Youll can also enjoy wildlife and views from Seawall Beach. This iconic state park is usually teeming with people, and sometimes swimmers might spot . Heading out to the beach? Some state parks are closed today 9 Popham Beach State Park: Maine. Day was intermittent fog and some peeks of sun. By all means. Long Sands Beach is one mile long and between York Harbor and York Beach. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Adjacent to the beach is the seasonal Higgins Beach Inn, should you want to stay the night close by. No pets are allowed at Sebago Lake State Park Campground. Long expanses of different patterns of sand. This park is at the end of the road, so park near by, and walk to wherever you feel would be a good night-time shot of the fort. Bring bug spray! It was beautiful and pretty much empty. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Popham Beach State Park? Phone: 207.389.1335. Augusta, ME 04333 THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg - Tripadvisor Discount pass holder must be present when registering and while camping. 100% 6 Reviews. ALCOHOL and glass containers are not allowed beyond your campsite.INCLIMENT WEATHERduring the Fall/Winter season may infrequently cause the park to closeand park visitors to be relocated. Facilities include bathhouses, fresh-water solar rinse-off showers, and charcoal grills. The more wooded and shrub sections provide habit for warblers and sparrows. Horses are allowed on coastal beaches October 1 through March 31. If you are visiting Popham Beach ,you should take a quick drive to the Fort ,easy to walk through ,nice surrounding water views . There is a $6.00 fee for Maine residents and a $8.00 fee for non residents. Fort Popham is a Civil War-era coastal defense fortification at the mouth of the Kennebec River in Phippsburg, Maine. No two RVs may camp at the same time in a single campsite. Another hike to consider is the Bates Morse Mountain Conservation Area. Please try again. On the south side of the mouth of the Kennebec River, lies Popham Beach State Park. The pass will provide FREE entry to fourth graders and their families at 19 state parks. 263 Mountain Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079-2227. Naval Shipyard in Oakland, California while the third, the Faith, was built in a shipyard in Redwood City, California. ME. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Trail Activity Length 1.2 miles, One Way Difficulty Easy Town Phippsburg Surface Dirt/Forest Floor, Sand Pets Fees Details Comments (1) There is a beach wheelchair available on a first-come basis. Beach bonfires are permitted in state-provided fire rings seasonally placed at Rio del Mar and New Brighton State Beaches. Excavations of the Popham settlement of 1607 and Fort George continue each summer. Horses are allowed on the beach during this same time frame, but riders must have a state of Maine horse beach permit. Leashed pets are welcome year round at Popham Beach at the north end of this sandy stretch by Fort Popham. 10 Perkins Farm Ln . Additionally, camping is restricted to a limit of 30 days bythe person(s), equipment, and/or vehicle(s).Vehicles must be parked within a designated campsite or in overflow lots on pavement. Note that Popham Beach is Maines busiest state park beach, and parking frequently reaches capacity early in the day. DACF Home Maine's most popular state park beach had to close their gates early Wednesday . Not free, limited parking, but. They include electricity only. This 605-acre park borders the south side of the Kennebec River and is located on a peninsula. read more. If youre in the area for a while, you can head out on a lobster tour that leaves from Fort Popham. Popham Beach State Park 10 Perkins Farm Ln, Phippsburg, ME, US, 04562-4731 3 Reviews Website Directions Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg, ME is dog-friendly from October 1st through March 31st. One way to begin or end your day at the park is with a hike. The trail passes by the site of an old mill dam. Summer Across Maine - L.L.Bean The Saltwater Regulations and Tips page directs you to licensing and marine resources information. Fax: (207) 287-2400 A long, broad, sandy beach stretched down the Kennebec River below the forts two-level granite and brick ramparts. The sun started to set and the colors and scenery were incredible. United States ; Maine (ME) Mid Coast Maine ; Phippsburg ; Phippsburg - Things to Do ; Popham Beach State Park; Search. Leashed pets are allowed on the beach from October 1st to May 31st each year. Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks, Beaches, State Parks More. Best Camping in and Near Popham Beach State Park Perkins Farm Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 226 ft of total ascent. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Popham Beach State Park 10 Perkins Farm Lane Phippsburg, ME 04562. 3. We walked the beach and observed 5 or 6 seals enjoying the area. Because its a state park, the hours of operation are more limited than other beaches, but the soft sand and calmer waves make up for it. FREE PASS - California State Parks, the First Partner and the Natural Resources Agency are expanding youth access to state parks. The closest tentcamping is at neighboring New Brighton State Beach.