When to go
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Spring
Cool and clear, with the Midcoast ocean temperatures still in the 40s F. Piping plover and least tern nesting may restrict beach access south of Todd's Point through mid-summer.
Pack Wind jacket for the exposed headlands, waterproof footwear for tide pools, and awareness of nesting bird closures on the southern beach sections.
Summer
Cool ocean water (low 60s F in July), warm and sunny air temperatures, and long days. The parking lot can fill on hot weekends despite the out-of-the-way location.
Pack A wetsuit or water shoes if swimming (Maine ocean is cold), sun protection on the open beach, and food since there are no concessions inside the park.
Fall
The best season for hiking and headland walks: crisp air, empty beaches, low-angle light on the water, and views to the three offshore lighthouses.
Pack Layers for the exposed headlands, binoculars for fall shorebird and seabird migration, and waterproof footwear for tidal areas.
Winter
Cold, often windy, and extremely quiet. The park is open but facilities are minimal. The headlands offer raw winter coastal views and excellent sea duck observation.
Pack Heavy insulation, wind protection, and traction for any icy sections on the headland trails.
Top things to do
Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach
Two stretches of sandy beach, rare on Maine's largely rocky coastline, flanked by Todd's Point to the southwest and Griffith Head to the northeast. Mile Beach is the longer strand; both offer surf swimming with no lifeguards.
Griffith Head overlook and lighthouse views
From the northeast headland of Griffith Head, three lighthouses are visible simultaneously: Sequin Island Light, the Cuckolds, and Hendricks Head. The scramble to the top of the headland is short and the views are exceptional.
Little River Trail
A 1.4-mile trail from Todd's Point following the meandering Little River through tidal marsh, feeding habitat for herons, egrets, and shorebirds. One of the most rewarding wildlife corridors in the park.
Tide pools and dune habitat
The rocky edges of both headlands expose extensive tide pools at low tide with sea urchins, periwinkles, and hermit crabs. Protective dunes between the beaches hold nesting piping plovers and least terns in season.
Anchor the day around Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach
Put the access rule first: shuttle, parking, timed-entry, or reservation windows should decide the order of the day. For one day in Reid State Park, make Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach the non-negotiable, add Griffith Head overlook and lighthouse views only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Little River Trail as the flexible finish.
- 1Start with Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach: Two stretches of sandy beach, rare on Maine's largely rocky coastline, flanked by Todd's Point to the southwest and Griffith Head to the northeast. Mile Beach is the.
- 2Add Griffith Head overlook and lighthouse views: From the northeast headland of Griffith Head, three lighthouses are visible simultaneously: Sequin Island Light, the Cuckolds, and Hendricks Head. The scramble to.
- 3Use Little River Trail as the optional finish, not as a reason to rush the whole day.
Plan your trip
Turn Reid's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around conditions
Let season, elevation, and weather set the plan.
Plan your trip
2 quick tools, already seeded for Reid State Park. Tune the numbers around temperature swings, footing, layers, and how much margin the route needs.
What to pack
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Reid State Park packing list
0 of 15 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Decide what Reid State Park asks of your kit before you start checking boxes.
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
- First constraintHydration and exposureWater, Electrolyte mix, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, 4 more
- Route realityFooting and tractionHiking boots, Hiking socks, Trekking poles
- Load choicePack and carry systemDaypack
- Season checkLayers for conditionsMoisture-wicking base layers, Insulated jacket, Traction devices for ice
Checklist mode
15 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
- Dates and season are set.
- Primary route, campground, or lodge is chosen.
- Water, footwear, and overnight needs are sized.
One researched pick
The first gear decision for Reid
A stable daypack is the one purchase that organizes water, layers, food, first aid, and the small safety margin.
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THE DAY-HIKE PICK
Osprey Talon 22
- Volume
- 22 L
- Weight
- 2 lb 1 oz (945 g)
- Back Panel
- AirScape foam with ventilation channels
- Hipbelt Pockets
- 2 zippered
- Hydration
- Compatible up to 3 L reservoir (sold separately)
- Warranty
- All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime repair or replace)
The Talon 22 is the daypack you see on the trail more than any other for good reason: it packs in a padded hipbelt, adjustable torso harness, and dual hipbelt pockets into a 22-liter package that handles loads up to 20 lb without complaint. Owners across hundreds of Amazon ratings consistently cite its adjustability and durability as standouts.
- Adjustable torso fit covers a wide range of body sizes
- Padded hipbelt and dual hipbelt pockets at this size are rare
- At 2 lb 1 oz it runs heavier than ultralight rivals for the same volume
Best for
Hikers who want a proven all-around daypack with solid load support, plenty of adjustment, and a warranty they can actually use.
Gear for Reid
The buying guides that match what Reid asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
Where to stay
Reid State Park has no camping. Georgetown and Five Islands nearby have a handful of inns and rental cottages. Bath and Brunswick, about 15 to 20 miles north, offer a wider range of hotels and services. Hermit Island Campground in Phippsburg, about 15 miles south, is the nearest camping option.
Camping reservations
Camping reservations
Reid State Park is day-use only; no camping in the park.
The park has no campground. For an overnight base on Georgetown Island or nearby, look to rental cottages in Georgetown and Five Islands, or Hermit Island Campground in Phippsburg for tent camping on the Midcoast.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Maine State Park campground reservations open in February for the coming season through campwithme.com.
- Reid State Park itself is day-use only with no camping.
- The nearest Maine State Park campground is Popham Beach State Park, which is also day-use only.
- Hermit Island Campground in Phippsburg and private campgrounds in the Midcoast area are the best private camping options nearby.
Where to book or verify
Official Maine state park reservation system for campgrounds across the state.
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands page for Reid State Park with hours, fees, and trail information.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
No campground at Reid State Park (day-use only)
Details- Nearest camping is at Hermit Island Campground in Phippsburg or Maine State Park campgrounds further inland through campwithme.com.
Getting there and practical info
Treat the vehicle plan as part of the itinerary.
Road distance, road surface, fuel, and daylight can matter as much as the final trail or viewpoint.
Getting there
Get to Reid State Park, then make the road plan honest.
- Access rhythm
- Car required
- Region
- Maine
Arrival note
Reid State Park is at the southern tip of Georgetown Island, about 14 miles south of Bath, Maine, via Route 127 south.
Access note
From I-95, take the Brunswick exit and follow Route 1 to Bath, then Route 127 south through Georgetown.
Car strategy
The drive from Portland is about 55 miles and takes just under an hour.
Pair this with lodging: the closest bed is not always the simplest one if road time, road quality, or fuel stops dominate.
Can you photograph here? Permit and drone rules
Maine has no general filming permit, just a registration form with the Maine Film Office; state parks go through the Bureau of Parks and Lands, which also bans drones.
- Permit
- Usually fine for personal shoots; commercial or large productions can need a permit
- Drones
- Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; drones are prohibited in Maine State Parks without a Special Activity Permit
- Land
- Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US
From our photography sister site, Aperture Authority. Verified 2026-07-01.
Frequently asked questions
Is there camping at Reid State Park?
No. Reid State Park is a day-use facility with no campground. The nearest Maine state park camping is at Sebago Lake State Park to the west, bookable through campwithme.com. Hermit Island Campground in nearby Phippsburg is the closest private camping option.
Are the beaches at Reid State Park good for swimming?
Yes, with the Maine-coast caveat that ocean water temperatures rarely exceed the low 60s F even in July. There are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk. The beach is exposed to open ocean surf, which is part of the appeal.
Can you see lighthouses from Reid State Park?
Yes. From the top of Griffith Head on the northeast end of Mile Beach, three lighthouses are visible simultaneously: Sequin Island Light to the south, the Cuckolds to the east, and Hendricks Head to the northeast.
Is the park worth the drive out to Georgetown Island?
Almost universally yes. The combination of two sandy beaches, tide pools, a marsh trail, headland views, and three lighthouses in one compact park makes Reid one of the most rewarding coastal day trips on the Maine coast.