Famous route

Maine Coast: Route 1

US 1 links Maine's coastal towns from Kittery to Calais, then turns inland toward Fort Kent. For campers, campground choice and reservations matter most.

State: Maine
Length: US 1 in Maine: about 526 miles
Start / end: Kittery – Fort Kent (coast to Calais)
Suggested time: About 3–5 days for the coast
Best season: Summer to early fall

What should you know before visiting Maine Coast: Route 1?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $2 (NH $1, ME $1).

In Maine, US 1 is about 526 miles long, from the Memorial Bridge at Kittery to the bridge at Fort Kent. The coastal towns lie in the southern and middle parts.
Acadia National Park has four campgrounds for general visitors. Sites must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, and overnight parking and backcountry camping are not allowed.
On Maine's public lands run by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, camping is limited to 14 days in any 45-day period unless the Bureau gives written permission. Open fires need a designated site or a permit.

The drive

The coastal drive starts at Kittery and runs via Portland, Brunswick, Bath and Wiscasset to Rockland, Camden and Belfast. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge crosses the Penobscot River near Prospect. The road continues through Ellsworth and Machias to Calais on the New Brunswick border. In Rockland, Main Street and Union Street form a one-way pair, and US 1A runs alongside. Acadia National Park lies off the main road on Mount Desert Island.

Camping

Acadia has Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods and Duck Harbor campgrounds, the last reachable only by mailboat to Isle au Haut. Winter camping is not allowed in the park. Cadillac Summit Road needs a vehicle reservation in season, and RVs, trailers and vehicles over 21 feet are not allowed on it. On public lands run by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, the rule is 14 days in 45 without written permission, with fires only at designated sites or with a Bureau of Forestry permit.

FAQs

How long is US 1 in Maine?

About 526 miles (847 km) from Kittery to Fort Kent. The coastal part ends at Calais. Stops in towns and fishing villages take more time than the distance suggests.

Can I camp at Acadia without booking?

No. Reservations are made in advance on Recreation.gov, not at the campground. Same-day online booking is possible if sites are free. Overnight parking and camping outside the campgrounds are not allowed.

Is there free camping in Maine?

The sources used show no statewide rule for free camping. On public lands run by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, a 14-in-45-day limit and fire rules apply. On private land, always ask the owner first. Contact the Bureau for details.

How much are the tolls on Maine Coast: Route 1?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $2 (NH $1, ME $1). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.