A cabin is the classic Maine stay: a porch, a lake or the ocean in front of you, and nothing on the schedule. After three decades running Maine’s resource guide, these are the regions and types of cabin stays we recommend, from traditional sporting camps in the north woods to cottages on the coast.
The best cabin stays in Maine are lakeside sporting camps in the western mountains and the north woods, such as Attean Lake Lodge near Jackman and Lakewood Camps near Rangeley. For a self-catered cabin or cottage, see our Maine vacation rentals guide. Each region is covered below.
Quick Answers
- Best classic Maine cabin experience: a traditional sporting camp
- Best for moose and fishing: Moosehead Lake and Jackman
- Best for lake views and fly fishing: the Rangeley Lakes
- Best for Baxter State Park and Katahdin: Millinocket
- Best for a beach-and-cottage trip: the coast, from Wells to Bar Harbor
1. Traditional Sporting Camps
A Maine sporting camp is the best classic cabin experience in the state. These are collections of individual cabins around a central lodge on a remote lake or river, often with all meals included, and some reached only by floatplane, canoe or a long logging road. Attean Lake Lodge in Jackman has been family-run since 1900, Lakewood Camps on Mooselookmeguntic Lake in Rangeley has welcomed guests since 1853, and Nicatous Lodge is a fly-in camp in the Downeast interior. Our complete guide to Maine sporting camps and our sporting camps page cover how they work and what to bring.
2. Moosehead Lake and Jackman
Moosehead Lake and Jackman are the best cabin country for moose and fishing. Attean Lake Lodge sits on Attean Pond near Jackman and is the starting point for the Moose River Bow Trip. For the lake region, see our Moosehead Lake guide and Jackman guide, and for the best place to spot wildlife from a cabin porch, our guide to where to see moose in Maine.
3. Rangeley Lakes
The Rangeley Lakes are the best cabin region for lake views and fly fishing. The chain of lakes around Rangeley has traditional camps with a long history as well as inns, such as Loon Lodge Inn on Pickford Road. Weighing it against the other big lake region? See Moosehead versus Rangeley.
4. Millinocket, Baxter and the Allagash
Millinocket is the best base for cabins near Baxter State Park and Katahdin. Big Moose Inn Cabins offers lodging for individuals and groups visiting the Millinocket, Baxter State Park and Katahdin region. Farther into the woods, Loon Lodge describes its setting as being in the Allagash. See our Millinocket guide and Baxter State Park guide before you book.
5. Bingham and The Forks
Bingham and The Forks are the best cabin base for whitewater rafting and snowmobiling. Pine Grove Lodge and Cabins is listed in Bingham, on the Kennebec River side of the region. See our Bingham guide and our guide to snowmobiling the Forks.
6. Coastal Cottages
The coast is the best choice for a beach-and-cottage trip. Motel-and-cottage properties on our listings include Wells-Ogunquit Resort Motel & Cottages in Wells, Edgewater Motel and Cottages in Bar Harbor and Seascape Motel & Cottages in Belfast. For a whole cottage or house, our Maine vacation rentals guide explains where to look and what to expect.
What to Know Before You Book
- Book early: popular weeks at sporting camps, especially June, September and October, can fill a year or more ahead.
- Meals: many sporting camps run on the American Plan, with all meals in the central lodge. Rental cottages are usually self-catered.
- Cabin style varies: from primitive wood-stove cabins to comfortable cabins with electricity and private baths.
- Black flies: they can be severe in June, so bring repellent.
- Remote means remote: some camps are reached only by floatplane, boat or long logging roads.
Best Cabins in Maine: FAQ
Where are the best cabins in Maine?
The best cabin stays are on lakes in the western mountains and the north woods, around Moosehead Lake, Jackman, Rangeley and the Baxter and Allagash region. On the coast, cottages from Wells to Bar Harbor are the best for a beach trip.
What is a Maine sporting camp?
A traditional sporting camp is a group of individual cabins around a central lodge, usually on a remote lake or river, often with meals included. They began in the mid-1800s to serve visiting fishermen and hunters.
When should I book a cabin in Maine?
As early as you can. Popular weeks at sporting camps in June, September and October can book a year or more ahead.
What are the best cabins in Maine for seeing moose?
Cabins around Moosehead Lake and Jackman are the best for moose, and our guide to where to see moose in Maine explains the best times and places.
Can I rent a cabin on a lake in Maine?
Yes. Maine has thousands of lakeside cabins and cottages for rent. See our vacation rentals guide for where to look, and the best lakes in Maine for where to go.
More Maine guides: Best Lakes · Best Kayaking · Best Hikes · Best Waterfalls · Best Lighthouses · Best Wildlife Watching · Best Time to Visit · Best Things to Do