Magazine Suggests Visitors Skip Acadia and Visit This Maine State Park Instead

For visitors to Maine, there seems to be a checklist of things that have to be accomplished in order to officially declare that you've explored the state.

Naturally, eating a lobster roll is involved. So is taking a picture next to a lighthouse. And for a lot of people, you've haven't visited Maine unless you spend some time at Acadia National Park.

There's just been one problem in recent years, Acadia has been packed. Like to the point where it starts to feel less like a national park and more like a trip to Disney World.

Which is why one of the most popular travel magazines in the world is offering an alternative to avoid crowds.

Travel + Leisure Says Camden Hills State Park in Maine is an Acadia Alternative

If the overcrowding of Acadia just isn't what you came to Maine for, Travel + Leisure is suggesting visitors consider an underrated Maine state park as an alternative.

Travel + Leisure refers to Camden Hills State Park as a mini-Acadia. There's plenty of hiking trails, rock climbing positions and even an auto road to mimic some of the appeal that Acadia has.

Camden Hills is also home to an expansive campground that allows visitors to take advantage and spend some extra time at the park. And if you're desperate for a piece of Acadia, on clear days you can spot Cadillac Mountain from Camden Hills State Park.

There's Also The Town of Camden, Maine, to Explore Right Outside The Park

Some of Acadia National Park's appeal for visitors is the town of Bar Harbor. After a full day of exploration, Bar Harbor offers plenty of restaurants, bars and experiences to round out the trip.

Camden Hills State Park has the same thing right outside its gate. Camden, Maine, has long been known as one of the best small towns in Maine for visitors, offering historical inns, world-class restaurants and a handful of experiences for enthusiastic visitors.