Cook Memorial State Park wilderness guide
State Park · Maine

Cook Memorial State Park

Cook Memorial State Park offers diverse outdoor recreation on the scenic northern shore of Moosehead Lake, featuring hiking trails, camping, boating, and access to pristine woodlands and shorelines.

State Park1,0004+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area1,000
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Cook Memorial State Park

Cook Memorial State Park offers diverse outdoor recreation on the scenic northern shore of Moosehead Lake, featuring hiking trails, camping, boating, and access to pristine woodlands and shorelines.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Cook Memorial State Park, located on the northern shore of Moosehead Lake in Maine, provides visitors with a rich outdoor experience amid the scenic landscapes of the region. The park spans varied terrain including forested areas, rocky shorelines, and wetlands, creating habitat for diverse wildlife such as loons, deer, and moose. Established to honor George W. Cook, a celebrated local outdoorsman and conservationist, the park has become a favored destination for families and nature lovers looking to explore the northern Maine wilderness. Recreational opportunities include hiking on well-maintained trails offering lake views, camping at a developed campground with access to the water, and boat launching for fishing and paddle sports. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, picnicking, and in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park features notable landmarks such as scenic overlooks of Moosehead Lake, quiet coves ideal for paddling, and forest stands dominated by spruce, pine, and hardwood species. The park’s proximity to the town of Greenville allows for convenient access to amenities while retaining a peaceful atmosphere. Whether seeking active outdoor pursuits or tranquil natural settings, Cook Memorial State Park provides a gateway into Maine’s vast wilderness and the iconic Moosehead Lake region.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cook Memorial State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Scenic overlook of Moosehead Lake providing panoramic views✦ Moosehead Lake shoreline with opportunities for fishing and paddling✦ Diverse forest habitat supporting native wildlife including loons and deer✦ Quiet backcountry trails ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cook Memorial State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cook Memorial State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee applies for day use; camping requires reservation and fee; no special permits required for entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Cook Memorial State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Cook Memorial Campground

Located within the park adjacent to Moosehead Lake; features tent and RV sites with water access and restroom facilities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cook Memorial State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Greenville, Maine
⌖ 5.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greenville, Maine

Greenville offers everything for the nature lover: from hiking lush trails and paddling tranquil waters, to thrilling snowmobile rides and serene moose watching.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Rockwood, Maine
⌖ 12.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rockwood, Maine

Rockwood, Maine offers an unspoiled wilderness playground where hiking, canoeing, fishing, and snowmobiling thrive year-round. This quaint town is the perfect base to embrace Moosehead Lake’s vast forests, rugged mountains, and serene waters.

Late Spring through Early Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snowmobiling and skiing
Explore Town
Monson, Maine
⌖ 17.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Monson, Maine

Monson, Maine is a remote outdoor hub on the edge of vast wilderness. It offers hikers, paddlers, fishermen, and winter adventurers access to rugged trails, pristine rivers, and quiet forests year-round.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Baxter State Park, Maine
⌖ 19.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Baxter State Park, Maine

Baxter State Park is Maine’s vast wilderness playground centered around Mount Katahdin. It offers rugged hiking, quiet backcountry camping, and pristine lakes for paddling, perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and stunning landscapes.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Baxter State Park Community, Maine
⌖ 19.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Baxter State Park Community, Maine

Baxter State Park Community is the gateway to Maine’s wildest landscapes, centered around Mount Katahdin. It offers hiking, paddling, and winter sports in a pristine, rugged setting perfect for adventure seekers craving solitude.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
The Forks Plantation, Maine
⌖ 23.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

The Forks Plantation, Maine

The Forks Plantation, Maine, is a rugged wilderness hub where whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and snowmobiling blend in a raw, natural setting. Ideal for adventure seekers looking for pristine rivers and vast forests year-round.

Late Spring through Fall for paddling and fishing; Winter for snowmobiling
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cook Memorial State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Kennebec River Ultimate Turbine Test Trip
ADVEXPEDITION
Bingham, Maine
RaftingADV Bookable

Kennebec River Ultimate Turbine Test Trip

Ride the fierce Class IV rapids of Maine’s Kennebec River Gorge with North Country Rivers. This six-hour rafting trip challenges and thrills with nonstop whitewater excitement amid striking northern landscapes.

RaftingAges 12+Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Tritoon 07
ADVEXPEDITION
Rockwood, Maine
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Tritoon 07

Cruise Maine’s expansive Moosehead Lake aboard Capt Roger’s Tritoon 07 pontoon, where towering cliffs and pristine waters create a day of swimming, fishing, and lakeside tranquility.

Boat RentalMax 10 Passengers • 22 ft Boat • 115 HP • Starting at $400Certified Outfitter
From$400
Book Trip
Pontoon 09
ADVEXPEDITION
Rockwood, Maine
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Pontoon 09

Set sail on Maine’s stunning 40-mile lake with Pontoon 09. Discover cliffs, pebble beaches, and hidden coves in a relaxing cruise guided by expert Captain Roger.

Boat RentalMax 11 Passengers • 22 ft Boat • 90 HP • Starting at $350Certified Outfitter
From$350
Book Trip
Tritoon 02
ADVEXPEDITION
Rockwood, Maine
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Tritoon 02

Discover the beauty of Maine’s lakes with a leisurely cruise on Capt Roger’s Pontoon. Perfect for swimming, fishing, and relaxing amid stunning cliffs and forested shores.

Boat RentalMax 13 Passengers • 24 ft Boat • 115 HP • Starting at $440Certified Outfitter
From$440
Book Trip
Tritoon 04
ADVEXPEDITION
Rockwood, Maine
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Tritoon 04

Set sail across Maine’s stunning lake with Capt Roger’s Pontoon Rental. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Kineo, swimming, fishing, and picnicking on a comfortable platform designed for fun and relaxation.

Boat RentalMax 13 Passengers • 24 ft Boat • 150 HP • Starting at $475Certified Outfitter
From$475
Book Trip
Monthly RV Sites
ADVEXPEDITION
Bingham, Maine
LodgingADV Bookable

Monthly RV Sites

Settle into riverside RV camping in Bingham, Maine, with North Country Rivers’ fully equipped Monthly RV Sites. Combine outdoor thrills like white water rafting and ATV rides with the comfort of spacious, no-length-limit camping hookups.

Lodging$1,700 per month • Seasonal Rate (4-6 Months) $5,000 • All ages • Up to 4 guestsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Kennebec River Turbine Test Trip
ADVEXPEDITION
Bingham, Maine
RaftingADV Bookable

Kennebec River Turbine Test Trip

Only four days a year does the Kennebec River roar with twice its usual force. Join North Country Rivers for an intense rafting adventure through the upper gorge and lower stretches, where raw waterpower meets expert guidance.

RaftingAges 12+Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip