Bradbury Mountain State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located on the coast of southern Maine, Bradbury Mountain State Park offers stunning views of Casco Bay, as well as an extensive network of beautiful hiking trails. Acre upon acre of lush forests surround the mountain, giving you some of the finest natural wonders in the state.
Explore the park on foot and enjoy all the natural splendor that Maine has to offer. There are over 21 miles of trails available, so you’ll always have something new to explore. The trails are also open to mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling, so there are plenty of different ways for you to experience the park and its gorgeous forests. You’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of dozens of species of birds, as well as an annual migration of hawks in the spring.
With 35 campsites found within the park, you’ll be within walking distance of all of the park’s trails. Whether staying for a day or for a week, you’ll never run out of ways to explore Bradbury Mountain State Park.
RV Rentals in Bradbury Mountain State Park
Transportation
Driving
Located at the southern tip of Maine, Bradbury Mountain State Park is just a quick drive from Portland, and is also accessible from multiple major cities.
If you are driving from Portland, take I-295 out of the city and you will reach the park in just 25 minutes. From Augusta, it is less than an hour long drive. Head south on I-295 for 44 miles, get off at Elmwood Road, and take State Route 9 to arrive at the park. Bradbury Mountain State Park is also well within driving distance from Boston. Take I-95 to I-295, and you will be at the park in under three hours.
Once you reach the park, the campground is found directly off State Route 9. The roads in the campground are easy to navigate, so you’ll have no problems reaching your site.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Bradbury Mountain State Park
Campsites in Bradbury Mountain State Park
Reservations camping
Bradbury Mountain Campground
There is an onsite campground that features 35 campsites. Within the campground, you’ll find showers, bathrooms, a dishwashing station, as well as a picnic area. There is also access to drinking water.
The max RV length at the campground is fairly small, at only 35 feet. And, unfortunately, the sites do not feature hookups of any kind. But if you're up for this rustic experience you'll be within walking distance to the hiking trails found in the park. Plus, you can even stay with your furry friend.
Reservations can be made online from May to September. You can stay for a maximum of 14 consecutive days and reservations must be made at least one day before arriving. The campground gets crowded during summer and is often fully booked in the fall, so make sure to book early if you are planning on coming to the park during peak times.
First-come first-served
Bradbury Mountain Campground
In early September, all of the campsites switch to first-come, first-served. Reservations can be made again starting in May. There are also a few sites that are first-come, first-served year-round. Check the campground map to see which sites can be reserved in advance.
Seasonal activities in Bradbury Mountain State Park
In-Season
Hiking
Bradbury Mountain State Park offers an impressive network of hiking trails that weave their way around the mountain and surrounding areas.
Looking for some serious vertical hiking? Take the Summit Trail to reach the top of Bradbury Mountain and enjoy the stunning views from the lookout. Many of the trails throughout the park connect, so you can turn a three-mile hike into a ten mile one.
The hiking is excellent year round, but at its best from April through October. Fall in Maine is truly special and is the most popular time to visit the park.
Biking
The 21 miles of trails found throughout the park are also open to bikers. Take a high-speed spin around the park on a mountain bike and enjoy the beautiful forests any time of the year. The wide range of trails means there’s something for bikers of all experience levels.
Looking for a ride that will challenge even the most experienced rider? Then head to the summit lookup, and then wind your way back down. The trails are shared with hikers, so always take caution, especially when descending from the summit.
Birding
The forests of Maine are some of the most beautiful in the world. But you’ll find more than just plants and trees in Bradbury Mountain State Park.
There are dozens of species of birds that visit the park throughout the year, giving you something to see no matter when you visit the park in your RV.
Come in early spring to witness the annual migration of various hawk species. Climb to the summit lookout to watch the birds fly from on high. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see up to 1,000 hawks.
Off-Season
Jogging
The extensive trail network found at Bradbury Mountain State Park also makes it an excellent place for runners and joggers. Explore the scenic forests of the park any time of the year.
With 21 miles of trails, even the most in-shape runner will find plenty to challenge them. Run up the Summit Trail to get a scenic view of Casco Bay and the skyline of Portland.
If you do choose to run on the trails, always use caution, as you are sharing them with hikers.
Snowshoeing
If you are planning a trip to Bradbury Mountain State Park during the winter consider bringing along a pair of snowshoes in your rig. After a winter storm, the park transforms into an icy paradise and makes for perfect snowshoeing.
Explore the white forests and weave your way through the trees. There’s plenty of wildlife even during winter. Forgot to bring a pair with you? No problem at all. The park offers snowshoe rentals at the main office.
Snowmobiling
If you want a more adrenaline fueled tour around the park, bring a snowmobile and explore the trails at high speed. Most of the park’s 21 miles of trails are open to snowmobiling.
Want a longer ride? The park also connects to an extensive network of trails that will let you explore other areas throughout southern Maine.
If you plan on snowmobiling, due use extra caution, as the trails are shared with hikers, and there are many sharp turns. Rentals are not available from the park, so you will have to plan ahead and bring your own snowmobile.
