Swan Island is a 1,775-acre wildlife management area in the Kennebec River situated between Richmond and Dresden and managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Sitting at the head of Merrymeeting Bay, Swan Island is one of the crown jewels of the Kennebec River Valley and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Other than the tour truck, there are no motorized vehicles on this island. Inland Fisheries & Wildlife offers a guided tour of the island but visitors are encouraged to hike along the gravel road and side trails. You will be rewarded with picturesque views, deer, and an occasional eagle sighting. This is a perfect place to bring a picnic, and day users may use the fire pits and grills in the campground. Hiking is allowed on all of the trails and the road, and mountain biking is allowed on the central dirt road only. While winter activities are allowed, safety and soundness of tidal ricer ice is always a concern when accessing this island in the winter.
Reservations are required for both day use and overnight camping in the Appalachian-style huts. The island campground offers full-service bathroom facilities.
For reservations call 207.547.5322 or email swan.island@maine.gov.
Visit Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife online for more information or contact:
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and WildlifeTo get to Swan Island, take Route I-295 to Exit 43 (Richmond/Litchfield). From the exit, follow Route 197 East for approximately 3 miles to Richmond Village. Turn left at the intersection of Routes 197 and 24. The Swan Island parking lot, marked with a brown State of Maine sign, is immediately on your right, next to the brick Richmond Utilities District building. A seasonal ferry running from May 1st through Labor Day provides access to the island from Richmond.
Success! A new password has been emailed to you.
