Maine is known for its nautical feel and maritime heritage, but don’t focus only on the coast. The lakes of Maine are a great place to spend the summer. Whether you have your own camp at one of our lakes or you head there for the day, these are all great options for cooling off and remembering that Maine’s inland beauty is not to be forgotten. If you’re looking for things to do in the summer in Maine, you’ve found the right list!

  1. Sabattus Pond, Androscoggin County

InAweofGod’sCreation / Flickr The largest lake on the Sabattus River, the pond runs northward from a dam in the northwest corner of Sabattus along the town line between Greene to the west and Wales to the east. It was once lovely for fishing, but development along the shore has changed that. For now, largemouth bass have been introduced to the lake.

Read more about Sabattus Pond. Sabattus Pond, Maine, USA

  1. Sebago Lake, Cumberland County

Christi / Flickr Sebago is the deepest lake in Maine and we think it’s one of the best lakes in Maine, too. Enjoy boating, swimming and exploring unexepected inland islands. Frye Island is located in the center of the lake and is accessible only by boat during the summer months. Alternately, you can re-enact “Frye’s Leap” based on the legend of Captain Frye. While trying to escape a Native American tribe in Portland, he came to a rock that he was unable to go around. Instead, he decided to leap into the waters of the lake and swim across.

Read more about Sebago Lake. Sebago Lake, Maine, USA

  1. Saddleback Lake, Rangeley

Neil Hunt / Flickr A smaller lake at 378 acres, you’ll find primarily Brook Trout here. There’s tons to say about this region, so learn more about Saddleback Lake. Saddleback Lake, Maine 04970, USA

  1. Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park

Paul Geffen / Flickr You can’t swim in Jordan Pond, but it’s a part of one of the best outdoor areas in Maine. Do the South Bubble hike to see the precariously perched rock and take in all of Jordan Pond beneath.

Check out more about Jordan Pond. Jordan Pond, Mt Desert, ME, USA

  1. Cobbosseecontee Lake, Kennebec County

Chris Goldberg / Flickr What it lacks in pronounce-ability, it makes up for in beauty and fun. It is known for many coves, inlets, and more than 20 islands. It also has Ladies Delight Light, the only active inland waters lighthouse in the state. The lighthouse marks the northern part of the underwater reef running through the lake. If you love fishing this it the lake you’ll want to check out. With a hearty population of largemouth bass, it is recognized as one of the best bass-fishing lakes in Maine.

Read more about Cobbosseecontee Lake. Cobbosseecontee Lake, Maine, USA

  1. Moosehead Lake, Piscataquis County

Mike Hoff / Flickr The Moosehead Lakes region is named for its visual similarity to the head of a moose when looking at it on a map. The lake is the largest in Maine and offers plenty of recreational activities. With over 80 islands located within the lake, it has lots of exploration possibilities. Hopefully, commercial development will not encroach too much, but in the meantime enjoy your time here all-year-round.

HERE Moosehead Lake, Maine, USA

  1. Megunticook Lake, Knox County

Fyn Kynd Photography / Flickr Megunticook is a great option year-round. In the summer, hike up Maiden’s Cliff and then come down to enjoy a dip in the warm waters. In the fall, enjoy the foliage as well as boating.

HERE Megunticook Lake, Maine, USA

  1. Flagstaff Lake, Somerset and Franklin Counties

Graham Baker / Flickr While beautiful, Flagstaff Lake has a sad story. Before its existence, the communities of Flagstaff Village and Dead River Plantation were living their lives as any normal Mainers would. That is, until the CMP ultimately flooded the area. See a more detailed account of what happened, as well as old photos and a lovely tribute song dedicated to Flagstaff Lake.. Flagstaff Lake, Maine, USA

  1. Thompson Lake, Oxford and Androscoggin Counties

Bob Travis / Flickr Thompson Lake offers more than 4,000 acres of recreational activities including fishing. You’ll find bigmouth and smallmouth bass, as well as landlocked salmon and lake trout. It’s also just beautiful, and considered one of the best lakes in Maine.

Learn about camping at Thompson Lake. Oxford, ME, USA

  1. Umbagog Lake, Oxford County

Christine and John Fournier / Flickr The word “Umbagog” comes from the Abenaki word for “shallow water.” While it’s not entirely located in Maine, it’s still a lovely one to visit if you’re in the area. Running about 11 miles north to south, it is the largest lake along the Maine/New Hampshire border.

Read more about Umbagog Lake. Umbagog Lake, United States

  1. Big Lake, Washington County

Martin Cathrae / Flickr Big Lake is a bit off the beaten path, but those of you who love Washington County have surely enjoyed it. It has a hefty smallmouth bass population and is well-known among freshwater fishermen.

Check out more about Big Lake. Big Lake, Maine 04668, USA

And, for those who just can’t tear themselves away from the Maine coast, check out some of our favorite beaches.

InAweofGod’sCreation / Flickr

The largest lake on the Sabattus River, the pond runs northward from a dam in the northwest corner of Sabattus along the town line between Greene to the west and Wales to the east. It was once lovely for fishing, but development along the shore has changed that. For now, largemouth bass have been introduced to the lake.

Read more about Sabattus Pond.

Sabattus Pond, Maine, USA

Christi / Flickr

Sebago is the deepest lake in Maine and we think it’s one of the best lakes in Maine, too. Enjoy boating, swimming and exploring unexepected inland islands. Frye Island is located in the center of the lake and is accessible only by boat during the summer months. Alternately, you can re-enact “Frye’s Leap” based on the legend of Captain Frye. While trying to escape a Native American tribe in Portland, he came to a rock that he was unable to go around. Instead, he decided to leap into the waters of the lake and swim across.

Read more about Sebago Lake.

Sebago Lake, Maine, USA

Neil Hunt / Flickr

A smaller lake at 378 acres, you’ll find primarily Brook Trout here. There’s tons to say about this region, so learn more about Saddleback Lake.

Saddleback Lake, Maine 04970, USA

Paul Geffen / Flickr

You can’t swim in Jordan Pond, but it’s a part of one of the best outdoor areas in Maine. Do the South Bubble hike to see the precariously perched rock and take in all of Jordan Pond beneath.

Check out more about Jordan Pond.

Jordan Pond, Mt Desert, ME, USA

Chris Goldberg / Flickr

What it lacks in pronounce-ability, it makes up for in beauty and fun. It is known for many coves, inlets, and more than 20 islands. It also has Ladies Delight Light, the only active inland waters lighthouse in the state. The lighthouse marks the northern part of the underwater reef running through the lake. If you love fishing this it the lake you’ll want to check out. With a hearty population of largemouth bass, it is recognized as one of the best bass-fishing lakes in Maine.

Read more about Cobbosseecontee Lake.

Cobbosseecontee Lake, Maine, USA

Mike Hoff / Flickr

The Moosehead Lakes region is named for its visual similarity to the head of a moose when looking at it on a map. The lake is the largest in Maine and offers plenty of recreational activities. With over 80 islands located within the lake, it has lots of exploration possibilities. Hopefully, commercial development will not encroach too much, but in the meantime enjoy your time here all-year-round.

HERE

Moosehead Lake, Maine, USA

Fyn Kynd Photography / Flickr

Megunticook is a great option year-round. In the summer, hike up Maiden’s Cliff and then come down to enjoy a dip in the warm waters. In the fall, enjoy the foliage as well as boating.

HERE

Megunticook Lake, Maine, USA

Graham Baker / Flickr

While beautiful, Flagstaff Lake has a sad story. Before its existence, the communities of Flagstaff Village and Dead River Plantation were living their lives as any normal Mainers would. That is, until the CMP ultimately flooded the area. See a more detailed account of what happened, as well as old photos and a lovely tribute song dedicated to Flagstaff Lake..

Flagstaff Lake, Maine, USA

Bob Travis / Flickr

Thompson Lake offers more than 4,000 acres of recreational activities including fishing. You’ll find bigmouth and smallmouth bass, as well as landlocked salmon and lake trout. It’s also just beautiful, and considered one of the best lakes in Maine.

Learn about camping at Thompson Lake.

Oxford, ME, USA

Christine and John Fournier / Flickr

The word “Umbagog” comes from the Abenaki word for “shallow water.” While it’s not entirely located in Maine, it’s still a lovely one to visit if you’re in the area. Running about 11 miles north to south, it is the largest lake along the Maine/New Hampshire border.

Read more about Umbagog Lake.

Umbagog Lake, United States

Martin Cathrae / Flickr

Big Lake is a bit off the beaten path, but those of you who love Washington County have surely enjoyed it. It has a hefty smallmouth bass population and is well-known among freshwater fishermen.

Check out more about Big Lake.

Big Lake, Maine 04668, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Lakes of Maine May 21, 2022 Danielle Schwartz What are the best beaches in Maine? The best beaches in Maine are sometimes hidden at first glance. But if you search a little more, you’ll find some incredible beach gems that you will be thrilled to spend time exploring. The gorgeous Birch Point State Beach in Owls Head, Jasper Beach in Machiasport, and Barred Island Preserve in Deer Island are just three examples of the incredible beaches in our state. Start your summer list now, because you’re going to want to see as many of them as you can! Are there any natural lazy rivers in Maine? If you’re looking for natural lazy rivers in Maine, you will be thrilled! There are so many from which to choose that you just might decide to float down more than one of them during the warm months. Presumpscot River in Portland is great if you want to customize your day- you can decide how far down the river you want to float. And Saco River in Fryeburg is perfect if you like to feel like you’re at a party! Lots of fellow floaters will join you on this popular river. How many state parks are there in Maine? While there are 32 total, we think you will especially love these 12 beautiful state parks in Maine. From Reid State Park in Georgetown to Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxtrot, there is a lot of natural beauty to see in our state! Whether your favorite thing to do is hike, swim, camp, or simply sit by a lake an enjoy your tranquil surroundings, Maine is the perfect place to explore state parks. You’ll have endless opportunities for all of your favorite summer activities, and maybe even pick up some new ones.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Lakes of Maine

May 21, 2022

Danielle Schwartz

What are the best beaches in Maine? The best beaches in Maine are sometimes hidden at first glance. But if you search a little more, you’ll find some incredible beach gems that you will be thrilled to spend time exploring. The gorgeous Birch Point State Beach in Owls Head, Jasper Beach in Machiasport, and Barred Island Preserve in Deer Island are just three examples of the incredible beaches in our state. Start your summer list now, because you’re going to want to see as many of them as you can! Are there any natural lazy rivers in Maine? If you’re looking for natural lazy rivers in Maine, you will be thrilled! There are so many from which to choose that you just might decide to float down more than one of them during the warm months. Presumpscot River in Portland is great if you want to customize your day- you can decide how far down the river you want to float. And Saco River in Fryeburg is perfect if you like to feel like you’re at a party! Lots of fellow floaters will join you on this popular river. How many state parks are there in Maine? While there are 32 total, we think you will especially love these 12 beautiful state parks in Maine. From Reid State Park in Georgetown to Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxtrot, there is a lot of natural beauty to see in our state! Whether your favorite thing to do is hike, swim, camp, or simply sit by a lake an enjoy your tranquil surroundings, Maine is the perfect place to explore state parks. You’ll have endless opportunities for all of your favorite summer activities, and maybe even pick up some new ones.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The best beaches in Maine are sometimes hidden at first glance. But if you search a little more, you’ll find some incredible beach gems that you will be thrilled to spend time exploring. The gorgeous Birch Point State Beach in Owls Head, Jasper Beach in Machiasport, and Barred Island Preserve in Deer Island are just three examples of the incredible beaches in our state. Start your summer list now, because you’re going to want to see as many of them as you can!

Are there any natural lazy rivers in Maine?

If you’re looking for natural lazy rivers in Maine, you will be thrilled! There are so many from which to choose that you just might decide to float down more than one of them during the warm months. Presumpscot River in Portland is great if you want to customize your day- you can decide how far down the river you want to float. And Saco River in Fryeburg is perfect if you like to feel like you’re at a party! Lots of fellow floaters will join you on this popular river.

How many state parks are there in Maine?

While there are 32 total, we think you will especially love these 12 beautiful state parks in Maine. From Reid State Park in Georgetown to Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxtrot, there is a lot of natural beauty to see in our state! Whether your favorite thing to do is hike, swim, camp, or simply sit by a lake an enjoy your tranquil surroundings, Maine is the perfect place to explore state parks. You’ll have endless opportunities for all of your favorite summer activities, and maybe even pick up some new ones.