Popham Beach State Park
Basic Information
Overview: Popham Beach State Park encompasses 529 acres at the mouth of the Kennebec River in Phippsburg, Maine. It features over three miles of sandy shoreline, shifting dunes, and tidal sandbars that connect to Wood and Fox Islands at low tide. Amenities include bathhouses with solar rinse showers, charcoal grills, and accessible boardwalks—please respect dune restoration areas.
Key Highlights:
- ✅ Three miles of sandy beach with seasonal lifeguards mid‑June through early September.
- ✅ Bathhouses, solar rinse showers, and charcoal grills near the entrance.
- ✅ Elevated boardwalks protecting fragile coastal dunes.
- ✅ Free, paved parking with ADA access points.
Activities:
- 🏖 Swimming and sunbathing in the roped‑off swim area.
- 🦀 Tide‑pooling among lobsters, sea stars, and hermit crabs at low tide.
- 🎣 Shore fishing for striped bass, bluefish, and flounder off the pier and beach.
- 🪁 Kite flying, beachcombing, and picnicking along the dunes.
Amenities:
- Pit toilets and bathhouses with rinse showers.
- Picnic tables and charcoal grills.
- Paved, free parking lot with ADA boardwalks.
- No potable water—bring your own beverages.
Trail Snapshot:
- Popham Beach Walk – 2.5 mi out‑and‑back, easy, flat beach stroll.
- Dune Boardwalk – 0.1 mi loop, easy, elevated over dunes.
- Pine Grove Path – 0.2 mi loop, easy, shaded forest approach to the shore.
Best Season: Mid‑May through early September for full services and warm water. Fall offers quieter beach walks and colorful dunes; winter remains open for serene shoreline strolls (no services).
Insider Tips:
- Arrive before 9 a.m. on summer weekends to secure parking close to the boardwalk.
- Check local tide tables—low tide reveals extensive sandbars ideal for exploring.
- Stay on designated boardwalks to protect dune vegetation.
- Pets are prohibited April 1 – September 30; allowed on leash October 1 – March 31.
- Don’t miss nearby Fort Popham for historic views and picnic overlooks.
Nearby Hotspots: Fort Popham State Historic Site (2 min), Bates‑Morse Mountain Conservation Area (8 min), Phippsburg Historic District (5 min), Christmas Cove Marina (10 min).
Average Reviews: Visitors consistently rate the park around 4.8 / 5, praising its expansive beach, clear water, and well‑maintained dunes.