10 of Maine’s best lakes to visit
Clean Water Act 50ᵗʰ anniversary
Moosehead Lake, Piscataquis County
By Andrea Lani
You don’t have to inherit a family camp to enjoy Maine’s beautiful lakes. Public lands provide wonderful opportunities for everyone to camp, boat, swim, fish and enjoy the splendor of a day on a Maine lake. Whether you crave the solitude of a paddle-in tent site on a remote pond or love the lively atmosphere of a busy beach near town, there’s a lake for you. Here are some of our favorites.
1. Lower Range Pond, Androscoggin County
If a relaxing day on the sand beside crystal-clear water is your cup of tea, then Range Pond State Park is your destination. The park boasts a beach, picnic facilities and a boat launch on the shore of Lower Range Pond.
2. Echo Lake, Aroostook County
Head north to visit Maine’s first state park, Aroostook State Park, where Quaggy Jo Mountain rises from the shore of Echo Lake. Enjoy swimming in the lake’s pure water or rent a kayak or canoe from the park to explore farther afield.
3 Sebago Lake, Cumberland County
At Sebago Lake State Park, swim, fish, camp or take your boat out to marvel at Maine’s deepest lake, whose lowest point lies 316 feet below the surface.
4. Flagstaff Lake, Somerset and Franklin Counties
Visit the Bigelow Preserve and Flagstaff Lake Public Lands to camp on the shores of Flagstaff Lake nestled at the base of the Bigelow Range, where you can enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in the sparkling waters.
5. Echo Lake, Hancock County
Cool off after a day of adventuring in Acadia National Park at the family-friendly sand beach on Echo Lake and take in the spectacular views of the Beech Mountain cliffs rising from the lake’s western shore.
6. Lake St. George, Waldo County
Listen to the haunting calls of loons from a lakeside campsite in Lake St. George State Park, picnic and swim in the day use area, or rent a canoe or kayak from the park to visit one of the lake’s many islands.
7. Scraggly Lake, Penobscot County
Paddle to one of the remote tent sites at Scraggly Lake Public Land, where you can cast a line, watch wildlife and swim in the secluded waters of the lake.
8. Moosehead Lake, Piscataquis County
Make your way to Maine’s largest lake, at more than 75,000 acres, where you can camp lakeside at Lily Bay State Park and take advantage of the abundant canoeing, fishing and swimming opportunities.
9. South Branch Ponds, Piscataquis County
For a family-friendly camping experience, head to the South Branch Pond campground in Baxter State Park. Have fun fishing, splashing in the shallows on the lakefront and canoeing across Lower and Upper South Branch Pond.
10. Rocky Lake, Washington County
If you’re looking for peace, solitude and wildlife, look no further than Rocky Lake Public Lands, where you can paddle to a remote campsite and revel in the best of Maine’s wilderness.
For more information about state parks and public lands, as well as a list of public boat launches on lakes around the state, visit maine.gov/DACF.
More in the Clean Water Act 50th anniversary series
After 50 years of cleanup, Maine cities turn to face the water.