Two paths diverge at Owls Head State Park, one is dog friendly and the other is not. Yet Owls Head State Park is worth a quick visit if you are exploring the Camden, Maine area with your pup. From the parking lot if you follow the dog friendly path that veers toward the left, it is a short walk that leads to ocean views, rugged cliffs, and a small rocky beach. The main path that leads to the lighthouse does NOT allow dogs.

However, on the fall day that we visited, there weren’t many people there. So we received special permission to take a sneak peek at the lighthouse, and pay tribute to the grave of Spot the Lighthouse Dog. During a snowstorm in 1931 it was Spot’s barking that saved a ship from wrecking on the rocky shore. If you’re traveling in a group with your dog, we recommend taking turns visiting the lighthouse which is open to visitors to climb when volunteers are available as guides. However, we do NOT recommend leaving your dog unattended, especially in the car, nor is that allowed at the park.

In the designated areas away from the lighthouse, dogs are allowed on-leash. Owls Head Park is located on Lighthouse Road in Owls Head, Maine. The park is free, but donations are appreciated. For lighthouses that welcome pups and parks with views of Maine’s lighthouses, please visit our Scenic Walks and Trails recommendations on our Dog Friendly Places page.