10 of Maine’s best lakes to visit

Jul 16

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

Poland, 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

Presque Isle, 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

Sebago, Casco, Raymond, Naples, Standish and Windham | 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

Near Stratton-Eustis, 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. Flagstaff Lake has Appalachian Trail access and is part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a historic 700+ mile water trail that winds through Maine, New Hampshire, Quebec, Vermont and New York.

5. Echo Lake

Southwest Harbor, 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. Pets are permitted, and reservations are not required. Watercraft can be launched from Ikes Point along Route 102.

6. Lake St. George

Liberty, 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

Northeast of Baxter State Park, Penobscot County

Paddle to one of the remote tent sites at Scraggly Lake Public Reserved 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. Moosehead Lake has over 80 islands and is named for its cartographical resemblance to a moose’s head. Greenville is the largest town on Moosehead Lake.

9. Upper and Lower 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

Near East Machias, Washington County

If you’re looking for peace, solitude and wildlife, look no further than Rocky Lake Public Reserved Land, 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 from the Clean Water Act series

On October 18, 1972, the Clean Water Act was signed into law. With water and wetlands making up around 17% of Maine’s area, it’s no wonder a statesman from Maine took the lead in crafting the Clean Water Act to protect and preserve our liquid legacy. Rivers across the country have seen vast improvements in water quality as a result. Read on for this special series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act.