Aroostook State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located just south of Presque Isle in Northeast Maine, Aroostook State Park was Maine’s first ever state park! Sitting on a whopping 898 acres of land, there isn’t a shortage of things to do in the great outdoors at Aroostook.
You’ll be able to explore the lush North Maine Woods while you’re taking a hike or canoe down the scenic Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, the views at Aroostook are a reason to visit in and of itself.
Aroostook, tucked into the largest county in all of Maine, gives you plenty of opportunity for fun activities. You’ll be able to hike the trails of Quaggy Jo Mountain, go fishing, take a bike ride and even go bird watching. Of course you’ll be able to camp in one of their 30 campsites, but more about that in a bit.
A rare thing about exploring Aroostook is the geological history of the mountains. You can find limestone formations that show the history of the sea that used to reach the area. There is also a layer of volcanic rock that covers the mountain that may interest you.
RV Rentals in Aroostook State Park
Transportation
Driving
To get onto the trailhead, start out by turning off of U.S. Route 1 roughly three miles South of Presque Isle. Next you want to turn on Spragueville road and drive for about a mile and a half. Take a left onto State Park Road and drive about one mile to the park entrance. The trailhead is 300 years past the fee building. It will be on your right, maps and parking are provided.
The above directions bring you to the park as well as the trailhead. No matter if you’re coming from Canada or the U.S., Route 1 will take you there. Since the park is in the mountains, the roads leading to the park can get a bit windy.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Aroostook State Park
Campsites in Aroostook State Park
Reservations camping
RV Camping
RV Camping is allowed year round, though there is not a water supply or access to electricity hookups. With a maximum length of 50 feet, just about any RV will fit. You may want to know that Aroostook doesn’t have a dumping ground for RVs. You can make reservations online to guarantee a campsite. RV sites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, like tent campsites, and are close to the restrooms.
Seasonal activities in Aroostook State Park
In-Season
Nature
Saying you’ll see nature in a state park seems sort of redundant but that different plants are trees found at Aroostook State Park are worth exploring. You’ll find the normal scenery for northern Maine but this can be pretty breathtaking if you’re from out of state.
There is a mixture of fir, beech, maple and spruce trees surrounding the park. You can also find hardwoods like birch and poplar. There are swampy areas in the lower elevations of the park where you will find plenty of cedar.
Other than the different kinds of trees you may find, you may be interested in bringing a pair of binoculars and checking out the wildlife. Spring to mid June is the time you can see a lot of animals running about. It is advised to stay alert when observing the wildlife there.
You just might find yourself spotting things that are more common like squirrels and chipmunks but there are also fox, moose, bears and deer seen here as well. If you do end up bringing your binoculars, keep your eye out for woodpeckers, hawks and owls!
When you’re driving around the park, please adhere to the posted speed limits. This park is known for the wildlife jumping out and walking across the road as they please. This is their area and they don’t know any better. Be kind and drive safely.
Hiking
Whether you decide to visit Aroostook State Park in the freezing cold of December or in the scorching heat of August, there are plenty of hiking trails open to walk on. You will see beautiful views of trees, water, wildlife and more.
There are trails for beginners and trails for the more advanced folk. The longest trail is around two miles long and the shortest is just under a mile. Make sure to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, a good pair of hiking boots and maybe even a camera to get some shots of the scenic vistas.
Biking
If you like to spend the summer months on two wheels, Aroostook offers plenty of space to do so. You can bike on the same trails used for hiking or in the more open spaces around the park. Either way, you will be able to see a lot of wildlife, cute villages and amazing scenery. These views get even better when you bike along the river or scenic highways.
You don’t have to be worried about cars since it’s such a low traffic area. Maine is in the top 10 most bike-friendly states in the nation and biking at Aroostook can make your Summer a little bit better more fun!
Off-Season
Cross-country Skiing
There are trails marked specifically for the skill level you have as a skier. The blue trails are easiest and for beginners, the yellow marked trails are a little tougher and for more advanced people and lastly the red trails are known for how challenging they are and are for the most advanced skiers. You will find strenuous uphill climbs alongside steep slopes that make for some fast skiing. There are maps available if you’re unsure where the trails are.
Skis are not provided by the state park, please bring all of your own equipment and gear.
Sledding
One of the oldest and best winter activities is sledding. You can bring your own sled but do know that they provide plastic ones. If you wanted, you could even bring a snowboard. There aren’t crazy hills to do a lot of tricks but it could be an alternative to sledding for some. Near the entrance of the park you will find a sledding hill that is perfect to bring out your inner child, all you need is a cup of hot cocoa after.
Ice Skating
When the ice is thick enough on the lake, there is also ice skating allowed at Aroostook State Park. Please bring your own skates, as there are no rentals available. Feel free to check with the state or county in the winter to see if the ice is thick enough to skate on at the time of your visit.
