Natural swimming hole
Popham Beach State Park
Ocean cove · Maine
About this swimming hole
Maine's busiest state park beach, a long stretch of sand at the mouth of the Kennebec River in Phippsburg. Facilities include bathhouses, fresh-water solar rinse-off showers and charcoal grills, and lifeguards are on duty mid-June to mid-August. At low tide visitors can walk toward Fox Island, but the park warns that all islands and sandbars are tidal and become inaccessible within 1-2 hours after low tide.
Good to know
| Water type | Ocean cove |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-September |
| Fees | State park day-use fee |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | Park lot on Route 209 (711 Popham Road), 14 miles south of Bath |
| Amenities | bathhouses, showers, grills, lifeguards |
| County | Sagadahoc County |
| Nearest town | Phippsburg |
| Safety notes | Strong surf with undertows and occasional rip tides — swim near lifeguards and follow flags/signs; do not get marooned on tidal islands or sandbars as the tide rises; lifeguard season ended Aug 30, 2026, after which the park is swim at your own risk |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Popham Beach State Park?
Yes — Popham Beach State Park is listed as a natural swimming spot in Maine. Heads-up: Strong surf with undertows and occasional rip tides — swim near lifeguards and follow flags/signs; do not get marooned on tidal islands or sandbars as the tide rises; lifeguard season ended Aug 30, 2026, after which the park is swim at your own risk. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Popham Beach State Park require reservations?
No reservations are required at Popham Beach State Park based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Popham Beach State Park?
Reported fee info: State park day-use fee. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Popham Beach State Park?
The best season is typically June-September.