Maine has about 5,800 lakes, more lake acreage than any other New England state, and they are very different from one another: big mountain lakes, deep clear swimming lakes, quiet wilderness ponds and old summer-cottage chains. After three decades running Maine’s resource guide, these are the lakes worth the trip.
Want to get out on the water? See our guide to the best kayaking in Maine.
The best lakes in Maine are Moosehead Lake, Sebago Lake, the Rangeley Lakes, the Belgrade Lakes, Echo Lake and Long Lake. Moosehead is the biggest and wildest, Sebago the deepest and best for a beach day, Rangeley the best for mountain scenery and fishing, and Echo Lake the best scenic swim. Each is covered below.
1. Moosehead Lake (Greenville)
Moosehead Lake is the best lake in Maine for a big-water wilderness trip. At about 75,000 acres it is the largest lake in the state and the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States, with roughly 280 miles of shoreline and about 80 islands. It is ringed by forest and mountains, famous for its moose, and fished year-round for togue and landlocked salmon, including through the ice in winter. Greenville is the main base, with lodging, outfitters, seaplane tours and lake cruises. See our Moosehead Lake guide and things to do at Moosehead Lake, or compare it with Rangeley in Moosehead vs Rangeley.
2. Sebago Lake (Casco and Standish)
Sebago Lake is Maine’s deepest lake and the best for a summer beach day within reach of Portland. At about 29,000 acres it is Maine’s second-largest lake, and its maximum depth of 316 feet is the deepest in the state. Sebago Lake State Park on the northern shore has sandy swimming beaches and a campground, and the lake is a destination for boating, sailing and fishing for landlocked salmon. Sebago is also a classic ice fishing lake in winter; see our Maine ice fishing guide.
3. The Rangeley Lakes (Rangeley)
The Rangeley Lakes are the best lakes in Maine for mountain scenery and trout and salmon fishing. Rangeley Lake covers about 6,000 acres with views of Saddleback Mountain, and Rangeley Lake State Park sits on its south shore. Next door, Mooselookmeguntic Lake covers more than 16,000 acres, making it Maine’s fourth-largest lake, with moose habitat and the Appalachian Trail a few miles away. Paddlers and anglers have been coming here for more than a century. See our Rangeley guide, the Rangeley Lake State Park listing, and Moosehead vs Rangeley.
4. The Belgrade Lakes (Belgrade)
The Belgrade Lakes are the best chain of lakes for a classic Maine summer-cottage vacation. This chain of seven lakes and ponds in central Maine has a long-established summer community, and Great Pond, at about 8,200 acres, is one of the largest. Summers here are about boating, swimming and fishing, and in winter Messalonskee Lake in Belgrade is known for its bobhouse villages and smelt fishing, covered in our ice fishing guide.
5. Echo Lake (Acadia, Mount Desert Island)
Echo Lake is the best lake in Maine for a scenic swim. At about 240 acres it is small, but it sits on Mount Desert Island framed by Acadia and Beech Mountains, with a family-friendly beach and a freshwater alternative to the cold Atlantic. Motors over ten horsepower are not allowed, which keeps it quiet. Plan your visit with our Bar Harbor guide for the Acadia area.
6. Long Lake (Naples and Bridgton)
Long Lake is the best lake in southern Maine for boating and summer-town atmosphere. Stretching about 5,000 acres through Naples, Bridgton and Harrison in the Lakes Region, it is a favorite for boating and swimming, with beaches in both Naples and Bridgton. Nearby Highland Lake in Bridgton is a smaller, town-scale alternative.
Best Lakes for Swimming
- Sebago Lake State Park (Casco): the biggest beach day, with two sandy beaches. Expect cold early-season water and busy summer weekends.
- Echo Lake (Acadia): the most scenic swim, with the Acadia mountains as the backdrop.
- Lake Webb (Weld): a state park beach in the western mountains.
- Range Pond State Park (Poland): a clean, family-friendly state park beach.
- Lake St. George State Park (Liberty): a Midcoast state park beach with a campground, and an underrated option.
- Rangeley Lake State Park (Rangeley): a mountain-lake beach with cold, clear water.
State parks charge day-use fees and can fill up on summer weekends, so check hours and fees before you go. Our best state parks and best beaches guides cover more places to swim.
More Maine Lakes Worth a Stop
Thompson Lake (Oxford, Casco and Otisfield)
Often cited as one of the clearest lakes in southern Maine. See our Thompson Lake listing.
Cobbosseecontee Lake (Kennebec County)
Known for large bass and for Ladies Delight Light, often described as the only inland lighthouse in Maine.
Flagstaff Lake (Western Mountains)
A big, quiet lake in the western mountains. See our Flagstaff Lake listing.
Eagle Lake (Aroostook County)
In far northern Maine and known for fishing, with a historic sporting camp on its shore.
Nahmakanta Lake (North Maine Woods)
Almost entirely undeveloped, with wilderness camps that have operated since 1872 and the Appalachian Trail close by. This is the pick for true Maine wilderness.
Best Lakes in Maine: FAQ
What is the biggest lake in Maine?
Moosehead Lake, at about 75,000 acres, is the largest lake in Maine and the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States.
What is the deepest lake in Maine?
Sebago Lake, with a maximum depth of 316 feet, is the deepest lake in Maine.
What is the best lake in Maine for swimming?
Sebago Lake State Park is the best-known beach day, and Echo Lake in Acadia is the most scenic swim. Lake Webb, Range Pond and Lake St. George also have state park beaches.
How many lakes does Maine have?
Maine has about 5,800 lakes, covering roughly a million acres, which is more lake acreage than any other New England state.
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