What Happens If You Sleep On A Public Beach In Maine?

Every summer in Maine, somebody has the same brilliant idea: "what if we just stayed on the beach overnight?"

Honestly, you know those movies we watch, where the couple is on a blanket, the sunset is setting over the water and they just sleep on the beach all night?

It sounds magical right? Just sleep to the sound of the waves. But before you drag a blanket or tent out there, it's worth knowing this: In many cases, camping overnight at Maine public beaches is in fact illegal, as per Maine law. 

Is it Illegal to Sleep on Maine Beaches in the Summer?

Most public beaches in Maine close at night, and sleeping there is usually not allowed unless that specific town or landowners specifically allows it.

That means, setting up those tents, sleeping in your car, or even having a last minute "We live here now moment" can get you fined and asked to leave. Not very romantic.

Part of the reason is due to safety. Tides changes quickly right and all emergency access must stay open.

We all must also continue to protect the environment, so if folks are setting up tents all summer on the beach, let's take a wild guess and say not everyone is going to depose of their trash correctly.

Towns in Maine have learned through the years that is you let one person camp, they all will come.

Read More: Maine Named One of the Best States in America for Working Moms

But there are exceptions for specially occasions and in those cases a permit will be obtained.

So before you pitch your tent at OOB, check the local town rules first.