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Aroostook
Overview
Established in 1939, Aroostook State Park holds the distinction of being Maine’s very first state park. Spanning over 800 acres in the heart of the state’s northern wilderness, it offers a serene escape for travelers who appreciate the quiet majesty of the North Woods. The park was born from a generous land donation by local citizens, preserving a landscape defined by the twin peaks of Quoggy Jo Mountain and the crystal-clear waters of Echo Lake. It serves as a historic gateway to the rugged beauty and deep-rooted heritage of the Crown of Maine.
Location & Surroundings
Located just south of the city center in Presque Isle, ME, the park is surrounded by the vast agricultural landscapes and rolling hills of Aroostook County. The terrain is characterized by a mix of dense hardwood forests and evergreen stands that provide a colorful display throughout the changing seasons. The most prominent feature is Quoggy Jo Mountain, which rises sharply from the forest floor, offering a dramatic backdrop for the tranquil Echo Lake. This location feels remote and untouched, despite being a short drive from the conveniences of the city.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features a rustic campground with approximately 30 sites tucked deep into the trees. While it leans toward a primitive experience, RVers will find well-maintained bathhouses with hot showers and a convenient kitchen shelter for group gatherings. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of Echo Lake boat rentals, including canoes and kayaks, or spend the afternoon at the dedicated swimming area. The park also maintains a network of groomed hiking trails and picnic areas, ensuring that guests have comfortable access to the great outdoors while enjoying the peaceful forest canopy.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure seekers can hike the South Peak Trail for panoramic views of the surrounding potato fields and the distant Canadian border. Fishing is a popular pastime on Echo Lake, which is regularly stocked with brook trout for anglers of all levels. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the Maine Solar System Model, the world’s largest scale model of our planetary system, stretching along Route 1. The nearby city of Presque Isle provides additional cultural opportunities, including the Northern Maine Museum of Science and various local eateries.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature photographers and birdwatchers looking to capture the diverse wildlife and scenic vistas of Northern Maine. Because the campsites are smaller and more wooded, it is best suited for Class B camper vans, truck campers, or smaller travel trailers rather than massive luxury coaches. If your travel style prioritizes silence, starlit skies, and immediate access to hiking and paddling over high-speed internet and resort-style amenities, this historic destination will feel like a hidden gem in your itinerary.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
marge kelleher
Great place to spend and afternoon, stopped for picnic and walk on the trail
Jack Reerink
Beautiful state park with spacious sites. Sites with electricity and water are few so book early! Two nice hiking trails right off the camp ground. Friendly staff with detailed info on the park and surroundings. First picture is north peak, second south. One drawback for RVers: no dump station. Supposedly in the works, but for now RVers need to hold their tanks!
Chris Pine
This park is a really nice place to unwind and get into nature again. The camp sites are clean and well spaced for both privacy and comfort. The eating area is huge, very clean, and features a sink. There are showers and flushable toilets, as well as your typical out house type bathrooms in between camp sites. I really can’t stress enough how clean everything is! There are also canoes and kayak rentals for folks who want to head out on the water, and an abundance of picnic tables with grilling areas. The best part is it’s quiet. Everyone seems to respect the quiet hours, but generally it’s a very chill and relaxing place.
Ryan G
Loved the hike at this park. Cost was very reasonable, $4.00 per adult for a non resident. We took the rangers recommendation and went up the notch trail to get to the south peak since the trail to the south peak is very steep. Once visiting the south peak we headed to the north peak. It is definitely steep coming down the north peak trail but definitely doable. All in all we liked the view from the south peak the best. Overall a really great hike and beautiful location!
Cember F
A very pretty state park! We hiked the north peak trail - definitely recommend bringing poles. It is doable without, but it is steep. Very nice views and it is always fun to look across the way and see bits of Canada! The lake is also very pretty.
Zac Cornish
This was a superlative state park on many levels, worthy of an overnight stay or day hike. Recent improvements include updates to allthe pit toilets, the addition of a covered pavilion that had a wood stove and a sink, and flush toilets and showers. It is very nice! This state park is small, I'm not going to argue you that. Pretty easy to see it all in a day if you rush, two days if you take it easy. There is a trail system that marches up a two peaks connected by a ridge. The park pamphlet suggests that if you take the southern trail, to take it up rather than down. That is great advice! The southern trail goes up very steep, and there are several points where you must scramble up cliffs. Quite strenuous, moderately technical. I made it just fine with three kids aged 6, 8, 10. But then...This was not our first hike off the season either. If you are out of shape, don't take this route. Towards the top of the southern peak, the trail is not clearly marked and it's easy to lose so beware. There's a turn up the cliff face commonly missed. No worries, lots of people muss it and an new trail has been cut by hikers. At the top of the southern peak is a cell tower installation. Look northeast from the tower for a sign that reads south peak. The short trail from there will take you to an observation deck. Most of my pictures are from there. It's a good reward for the hard work.