Maine is known for its nautical feel and maritime heritage, but be sure you don’t focus only on the coast. The best lakes in Maine are a great place to spend the summer. Whether you have your own lakeside camp in the state 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
Sabattus Pond, Maine, USA
Azio Sky / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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.
2. Sebago Lake, Cumberland County
Sebago Lake, Maine, USA
Christi / Flickr
Sebago Lake is the deepest lake in Maine and we think it's one of the best lakes in Maine, too. Enjoy boating, swimming, and exploring unexpected inland islands. Frye Island is located in the center of the lake and is accessible only by boat during the summer months. Alternatively, 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.
3. Saddleback Lake, Rangeley
Saddleback Lake, Maine 04970, USA
Neil Hunt / Flickr
A smaller lake at 378 acres, you'll find primarily Brook Trout here. There are tons to say about this region, so learn more about Saddleback Lake.
4. Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park
Jordan Pond, Mt Desert, ME, 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.
5. Cobbosseecontee Lake, Kennebec County
Cobbosseecontee Lake, Maine, USA
Chris Goldberg / Flickr
What Cobbosseecontee Lake 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 is 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.

Related Stories

These 6 Lakes In Maine Are At Highest Risk For Toxic Blue-Green Algae

These 6 Lakes In Maine Are At Highest Risk For Toxic Blue-Green Algae

 9 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Maine To Start Planning Now

9 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Maine To Start Planning Now

 This Hidden Beach Along The Maine Coast Is The Best Place To Find Seashells

This Hidden Beach Along The Maine Coast Is The Best Place To Find Seashells
6. Moosehead Lake, Piscataquis County
Moosehead 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.
8. Flagstaff Lake, Somerset and Franklin Counties
Flagstaff Lake, Maine, USA
Cavan Images / Chris Bennett / Cavan via Getty Images
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.
9. Thompson Lake, Oxford and Androscoggin Counties
Oxford, ME, 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.
10. Umbagog Lake, Oxford County
Umbagog Lake, United States
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, Umbagog Lake is the largest lake along the Maine/New Hampshire border.
11. Big Lake, Washington County
Big Lake, Maine 04668, USA
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.
7. Megunticook Lake, Knox County
Megunticook 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.

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

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Lakes of Maine

Michelle S. | June 19, 2023

What are the best beaches in Maine?

The best beaches in Maine can be found all along the gorgeous coastline. Here are a few to visit first:

  • Birch Point State Beach, Owls Head: This underrated little beach sits right on Penobscot Bay and it's part of a 62-acre state park. It's a perfect spot to spend the day.
  • Jasper Beach, Machiasport: While the beach here is gorgeous, it also offers something extra special. Visit and you'll have the chance to listen to the musical sound made by the waves coming up over the beach rocks.
  • Barred Island Preserve, Deer Island: While this is a beautiful coastal area, it's perhaps best to visit if you love to hike. The trail leading to the island appears based on the tidal schedule, making it something a bit more unique.

 

Remember that 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.

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 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?

There are at least 32 state parks in Maine. But I think a few are among the best. Some others to explore are:

  • Reid State Park, Georgetown: This 770-acre state park offers both a beach and rocky headlands to explore. It's great for those who want their beach visit to include some active fun.
  • Peaks-Kenny State Park, Dover-Foxtrot: A beautiful inland park to explore, this lovely spot is perfect for those who enjoy being immersed in nature.
  • Moose Point State Park, Searsport: This small state park can be found right off Route 1. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy along the water or spend some time hunting for sea glass under the many beach rocks.

 

Whether your favorite thing to do is hike, swim, camp, or simply sit by a lake and 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.

Related Articles

Explore Maine