Curtis

Curtis Island is a town-owned park at the doorstep of picturesque Camden Harbor. It is home to Curtis Island Light Station, which consists of a lighthouse and several buildings on the southeast point of the island. The 25-foot tall lighthouse was built by George Galt of Massachusetts in 1836 and manned until the 1970s when it was automated. The U.S. Government acquired the island in 1835 and transferred it to the town of Camden in 1973 for use as a park. Once known as Mark Island and also Negro Island, Curtis was renamed in 1934 in honor of Cyrus H. K. Curtis, a notable publisher, philanthropist and sailor who was a seasonal Camden resident.

Curtis Island is open for low-impact recreational use from sunrise to sunset. Fires are not permitted and there are no restrooms or waste receptacles on the island. To maintain the wild character of the island and preserve a high quality experience for others, a maximum group size of 10 is suggested. A caretaker is in residence during the summer months. The light station buildings are generally closed to the public, however the lighthouse tower is often open to visitors when the caretaker is on the island. Inside the tower visitors can find photos, artifacts and information related to the history of Curtis Island.

A sand and gravel beach on the sheltered northwest side of the island provides the best access. Please do not disturb the caretaker skiff or outhaul line when you visit. From here, wooden steps lead to the interior and welcome kiosk. A wide, grassy path down the middle of the island is the quickest route to the light station. Alternatively, take the perimeter trail which winds through a spruce and fir forest underlain with moss and wild blueberries. Visitors are asked to stay on established paths, grassy areas and rocks as the island soil is shallow and prone to erosion and compaction.