Downtown Camden is a busy place from May to October, when people from around the world arrive to visit for a day, a week, or an hour. Camden has valued its land for commercial and residential uses over parking lots and garages, which means finding a parking space downtown can be a challenge.
In an effort to keep parking at the public landing open and available for more people, the town a few years ago converted the lot to paid, with two hour limits. And voila! - If you cannot find an open space at Camden's beautiful waterfront, wait a few minutes and there will be. Expanded paid parking in Camden kicks off Oct. 1 to turn over parking spaces on-street and in other small lotsin the immediate downtown. There is also plenty of free parking around town, either in two-hour spaces or in the parking lot behind the Knox Mill, which the town recently purchased. It's just a short walk down the street, because Camden is a small town, with a smaller downtown - one of Maine's brightest coastal town jewels.
Free Parking - All Day
Available behind the Knox Mill (see map) at 40 Washington St., across from the Public Safety Building housing the police and fire departments. The entrance is at the northe end of the long mill building, and also off Knowlton Street. Overnight parking is not permitted.
Available in the upper parking lot beside the Public Safety Building at 31 Washington St. Space is limited and the lot fills early with downtown business employee's vehicles. Ovenight parking is not permitted.
Free Parking - Two Hour Limit
Available in parking spaces marked with blue lines (see map). Can be found on Mechanic Street, west of Washington Street, on the east half of Atlantic Avenue, on Chestnut Street south of Frye Street, Bay View Street south of Wilson Avenue and on lower Mountain Street.
Free Parking - 15-Minutes
Available in parking spaces marked with "15-minutes" on the pavement. Located in several handy locations downtown, free 15-minute parking spots can be used by anyone for quick trips in and out.
Paid Parking - Enforcement for the remainder of the 2025 season begins Oct. 1 and runs through Oct. 15
Available on-street and in lots, paid parking is marked with green lines (see map). Paid parking is $2/hour, minimum 30 minutes ($1) then 15-minute increments up to two hours. Paid parking sessions can be extended for two hours, with no limits. The maximum parking session at the Public Landing (accessible at the corner of Main/Elm and Bay View streets in the center of downtown) is four hours for those who wish to go for a sail or boat ride. Public restrooms are available at the Public Landing and the Harbormaster's office is located along the waterfront.
Quick Details:
Green lines indicate paid parking spaces.
Blue lines indicate spaces that are free for two hours.
White parking spaces, the lot behind the Knox Mill and the upper lot next to the fire station are free all day.
$2/hour, minimum is 30 minutes ($1) with 15-minute increments.
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Pay-by-Text (text PARKCAM to 727563)
Pay at a kiosk (Flowbird kiosks are located on all streets/lots where you find paid parking)
Pay with ParkMobile app
Camden residents and property owners who register a vehicle(s) in Camden are eligible for a Resident Permit, which provides two hours of free parking daily. Permit holders start their two-hour session at a kiosk or via text, and can park in any green space during that two hours. Sign up for a resident permit at ParkCamden.com and upload a photo of your vehicle registration (yellow) or visit the town office in person for assistance (bring your vehicle registration with you).
