From Skiing, to Skating, Camden Maine has all things Winter!

Stay where the locals LOVE winter.

Winter Activities in Camden Maine

Good News – Camden Maine and Midcoast Maine are year-round communities. In the summer and fall, the locals enjoy being on the water, but in the colder months, the mainland is a winter wonderland. Whether you’re a winter sportsman and enjoy cross country or downhill, skating on a pond or a rink, hiking or climbing on the ice, Camden Maine has many outdoor adventures for you. For those that choose to be warm inside, there are art museums, shopping in boutique shops, playing a game of old fashion candle pin bowling or just relaxing by a fire. Here is our list of GREAT THINGS to do this winter in Camden Maine and the MidCoast Area.

The Camden Snow Bowl

The Camden Snow Bowl is a Town owned ski area and recreation park. What makes this northeast ski area extra special is that you can see the ocean from the top of Ragged Mountain. It is the only ski area that has ocean views. Experienced skiiers can choose from a dozen different trails, while the beginners can stay close to the bottom with the magic carpet. You can bring your own ski equipment, or rent it on sight. If you want to experience the downhill excitement, but don’t want to put a snowboard or skiis on your feet, try their one of kind toboggan chute that empties into Hosmer Pond. The chute is typically open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is also open during school vacation week in February. Cost is $5/person/hour, toboggans provided. ** Great event: Toboggan Nationals Held Every February! Come see teams compete for the title and dance on the ice!

Cross Country & Nordic Skiing & Snow Shoeing in Camden Maine

Camden Hills State Park is accessible all year long. In the summer tourists come to hike to the top and look out on the Ocean, but in the winter, the lower trails, like the multi-use trail, are popular with cross country skiiers. Another popular spot with cross country skiiers is Tanglewood situated on the Duck Trap River in a beautiful, forested 940 acre section of the Camden Hills State Park in the Waldo County town of Lincolnville. For Nodic Skiers: The Camden Snow Bowl recently opened the 22 Tracks Lop Tail, a 1.8 mile loop to the left of the downhill ski area, near the toboggan chute.  You can bring your own equipment or rent at Maine Sport, located in nearby Rockport Maine.

Ice Skating

Believe it or not, some people actually skate on ponds and lakes. Skating outside needs to planned and conditions need to be perfect. Make sure the ice is solid and at least 8-10 inches. Consult local town offices for area lake and pond conditions. But, if the thought of ice skating outside is too traumatic, don’t worry, MidCoast Maine has a fantastic indoor skating rink. The Mid Coast Recreational Center is open year round and offers hockey and ice skating in the winter. Their public skate is popular and a lot of fun.

Hiking in the Winter/ Ice Climbing

The trails to Camden Hills State Park are open year round. Hiking in the State Park in winter is a delight. The leaves are off the trees making the views easier to see. There are also less visitors, making the trails very quiet. Of course all those that hike in the winter know that an enjoyable hike is depended on how you prepare. You need ice trackers for your shoes, proper down jacket, gloves, hat, long jones and plentiful snacks and hot chocolate. Many also use ski poles and hiking sticks. The ice climbing is a different story. It is recommended that you go with an experienced guide. In the area, Equinox climbing is the expert. It is exciting to look up into the Camden Hills and see people hanging from the mountain.

Want To Stay Inside This Winter?

We know outdoor adventure is not for everyone. Don’t worry, there is still lots to do inside.

Shopping

Camden and Rockland Maine have several boutique shops. Mixed amongst the many charming gift shops and art galleries, there are candy shops! In Camden there is Uncle Willies, and in Rockland, there is Bixby Bars. Both are unique Maine experiences. Some of the other unique shops are Maine Sail Bags, Glendarragh Lavender Farm, and Swan Island Blankets.

Bowling

Nothing beats a night out bowling. The Oakland Park Bowling Lanes, in Rockport Maine, is like stepping back in time. This old-fashioned bowling alley is a favorite of locals and tourists. This unique New England style form of bowling, Candlepin, is fun and competitive. If you have never playes Candlepin, your in for a treat.

Sit by the Fireplace and Enjoy a Drink

The Vintage Room in Downtown Camden Maine is a special night out. Enjoy drinks by the fireplace before dinner in a nearby restaurant. Many of the local restaurants stay open year-round. For a list of restaurants click here: Camden Maine Restaurants.

The Camden Riverhouse Hotel also offers a nightly real wood fire pit experience with s’mores!

Musuems

The Farnsworth Art Museum located in Rockland stays open year round. With more than 20,000 square feet of gallery space and more than 15,000 works in the collection, there is always something new on view at the Farnsworth. Another great musuem in Rockland is the Center for Maine Contemporary Art.

Great Place to Stay in Camden Maine

The Camden Riverhouse Hotel and it’s many lodging options is ideal anytime of year. The Camden Riverhouse has a hotel, suites, a cottage, a rental apartment and extended stay inn rooms. So, depending on how much room and how long you would like to stay, the Camden Riverhouse has you covered. They also have handicap and dog friendly Maine Hotel options. The Camden Riverhouse was designed to accommodate many travelers needs. The suites at nearby Tannery Lane are perfect for couples wanting a little extra privacy and the rental apartment is ideal with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms for families. For traveling business people, the extended stay inn rooms, that have full kitchenettes are perfect. Did we mention that all of the properties have blazing fast fiber optic internet? The Riverhouse Hotel has also been recognized as an environmental leader in the State of Maine. Stand back and look at the roof, you will be amazed how many solar panels there are. Your hot water in the hotel is heated by the panels.

During ordinary times, the hotel has a wicked good breakfast and fun hotel pool, but due to Covid-19, these amenities have been curbed. There are grab and go options for breakfast, but the pool has been shut down for the season. The staff looks forward to the day they can offer all the hotel amenities again. In respect to Covid during the winter, please see here:

https://www.camdenmaine.com/2020/04/05/covid-19-update/

Stay at the best location hotel in Camden Maine, the Camden Riverhouse Hotel. Walking distance to everything! No need to enjoy MidCoast Maine from Home anymore!

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