Camping on Maine’s Largest Lake
Lily Bay State Park sits on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake, about 8 miles north of Greenville. The park has 90 campsites spread across two camping areas, a sand beach, a boat launch, and direct access to 75,000 acres of lake. This is deep northern Maine. Moose outnumber people in this region by roughly 3 to 1, and you are more likely to see one from your campsite than in any zoo.
The park is split into two distinct camping areas: Rowell Cove and Dunn Point. Each has its own character, and picking the right area and site makes a real difference in your experience.
Lily Bay is one of the first Maine state parks to open reservations each year, typically on February 2 at campwithme.com. Waterfront sites sell out in minutes. Set an alarm and have your dates ready before the window opens.
Rowell Cove: The Premium Sites
Rowell Cove is a peninsula that juts into Moosehead Lake. The exterior sites on this peninsula are the crown jewels of the entire park. Nearly every site on the outer edge has direct water access, with paths down to the rocky shoreline where you can fish, swim, or just sit and watch the lake.
Best sites at Rowell Cove: 200, 203, 208, 210, 211, 214, 221, 222. These are the outer-ring waterfront sites with the most space and best views. Sites 210 and 211 sit at the tip of the peninsula and feel almost completely isolated from the rest of the campground.
The interior sites at Rowell Cove are wooded and more sheltered from wind but lack the water views. They are still solid sites, just not the reason people fight for February reservations.
There are no hookups at any site in the park. All sites have fire rings and picnic tables.
Sites 210, 211, and 214 at the tip of Rowell Cove peninsula are the most private waterfront sites in the park. They are also the farthest walk from the restroom. If that trade-off works for you, these are the ones to target when reservations open.
Dunn Point: Better for Families
Dunn Point is closer to the beach, playground, and main day-use area. The sites here are slightly closer together than Rowell Cove, but they are well-suited for families with kids who want to walk to the beach without loading into a car.
Best sites at Dunn Point: 7, 17, 25, 27, 28, 33, 36, 37, 40, 41, 44. Sites on the outer loops have more tree cover and spacing. Sites 40, 41, and 44 are near the water with good views.
The 22 walk-in tent sites are scattered between both areas. These require carrying your gear a short distance from the parking area but reward you with more privacy and quieter surroundings. They are a good option if you are tent camping and want a buffer from RV neighbors.
Rowell Cove vs Dunn Point
| Feature | Rowell Cove | Dunn Point |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfront Sites | Many (peninsula perimeter) | Some (outer loop) |
| Privacy | High (especially peninsula tip) | Moderate |
| Walk to Beach | 10-15 min | 2-5 min |
| Walk to Playground | 15 min | 3 min |
| Best For | Couples, solitude seekers | Families with kids |
| Wind Exposure | Higher (open water) | Lower (more sheltered) |
| Restroom Access | Farther from tip sites | Closer to most sites |
Reservations and Fees
Maine residents pay $20 per night, non-residents pay $30. Day-use fees are separate ($4 resident, $6 non-resident).
Reservations go through campwithme.com. The February opening date is the earliest of any Maine state park, and Lily Bay waterfront sites are among the most competitive reservations in the system. Have multiple date ranges ready as backup.
Check-in is at 1 PM, check-out at 11 AM. The camp office is at the park entrance and is staffed during the season. Firewood is available for purchase at the office.
If you miss the initial reservation window, check campwithme.com on Sunday evenings. That is when people most often cancel upcoming reservations, and midweek openings appear more frequently than weekends.
Moose Watching
This is one of the best regions in New England for seeing moose. The area around Greenville and Lily Bay has an extremely dense moose population, and sightings are common both in the park and on the roads leading to it.
Best moose spots near Lily Bay:
- Lily Bay Road at dawn and dusk, especially near boggy areas
- DOT salt shed in Shirley (south of Greenville on Route 15), moose come for the mineral salts
- Lazy Tom Bog Road north of Kokadjo, one of the most reliable moose-watching roads in Maine
- Inside the park along the shoreline at dawn, moose wade into the shallows to feed on aquatic plants
May through June is peak moose activity near roads (they seek mineral licks), but sightings happen consistently through October. Drive slowly on Lily Bay Road, especially at dusk. A moose is hard to see against a dark tree line until you are very close.
Moose are most active at dawn and dusk and are nearly invisible on dark roads. A collision with a moose is often fatal for the driver. Drive under 45 mph on Lily Bay Road after sunset and scan the road edges constantly.
Things to Do from Lily Bay
The park is a base camp for some of the best outdoor experiences in northern Maine.
Gulf Hagas is called the “Grand Canyon of Maine.” It is a 3.5-mile slate gorge with waterfalls, carved by the West Branch of the Pleasant River. The rim trail is about 8 miles round trip. Access is through the KI checkpoint (North Maine Woods fee applies). Roughly 45 minutes from the park by car on logging roads.
Mount Kineo rises 800 feet straight out of Moosehead Lake. You cannot drive to it. Take the boat shuttle from Rockwood (about 30 minutes north of Greenville) and hike the Indian Trail to the summit. The views from the fire tower cover the entire lake. Plan about 4 hours for the round trip including the shuttle.
Big Moose Mountain has a fire tower at the summit with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. The trailhead is about 20 minutes from the park. The hike is 3.5 miles round trip with 1,600 feet of gain.
SS Katahdin steamboat runs cruises on Moosehead Lake from Greenville. The boat is a restored 1914 steamship. Cruises run from late June through Columbus Day.
Seaplane rides from Greenville give you an aerial view of the lake, the mountains, and the endless forest. Currier’s Flying Service has been operating since 1946.
Fishing: Moosehead Lake has brook trout, lake trout (togue), and landlocked salmon. The boat launch at Lily Bay gives you direct access. A Maine fishing license is required.
Where to Eat
Greenville is 8 miles south and has a handful of solid restaurants:
- Kelly’s Landing - Lakeside dining, burgers to steak, the deck overlooking the water is the move
- Stress Free Moose Pub - Casual pub food, good beer selection, locals’ hangout
- Auntie M’s - Breakfast and bakery, get there before 9 AM on weekends or expect a wait
Stock up on groceries at the general store in Greenville before heading to camp. There is nothing between town and the park.
When to Go
Spring
Park opens mid-May. Water is frigid. Blackflies are brutal late May through mid-June.
Summer
Mid-July through early September is the sweet spot. Bugs die down, lake warms up, all activities running.
Fall
Foliage peaks late September to early October. Cooler nights, no bugs, fewer crowds.
Winter
Winter camping available Dec 15 - Mar 15. Limited access, no services. Snowmobile trails nearby.
The blackfly season from late May through mid-June is genuinely miserable in the Moosehead region. These are not minor annoyances. They will drive you back into your tent at 7 PM. If possible, plan your trip for mid-July or later. August and early September are ideal: warm enough to swim, bugs are manageable, and the lake is not as crowded as July.
Lily Bay offers winter camping from December 15 through March 15. Sites are plowed but services are shut down. Bring your own water and a sleeping bag rated to at least -10F. The lake freezes over and the solitude is absolute. Snowmobile trails connect to the ITS network.
Packing List
Lily Bay Packing List
- Tent with solid rain fly
- Sleeping bag (40F rated or warmer, 0F for winter)
- Sleeping pad (insulated for shoulder season)
- Camp stove and fuel
- Cooler with ice (nearest store is 8 miles)
- Fishing rod and Maine fishing license
- Kayak or canoe (boat launch on site)
- Binoculars for moose watching
- Bug spray (DEET or picaridin)
- Head net (essential May-June)
- Layers (lake weather changes fast)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Cash for firewood at camp office
Getting There
Lily Bay State Park is at 13 Myrle’s Way, Greenville, about 3.5 hours from Portland and 1.75 hours from Bangor. Greenville is the last real town before the park. From Bangor, take I-95 north to exit 157 (Newport) and pick up Route 7 north, which connects to Route 15/6 in Dexter. Stay on Route 15/6 all the way into Greenville (about 28 miles from Dexter). From Portland, the fastest route is I-95 north to Newport and the same Route 7/Route 15 approach.
In Greenville, Route 15 becomes Pritham Avenue along the lake. Turn right onto Lily Bay Road and head north 9 miles along the east shore of Moosehead Lake. The park entrance (North State Park Road) is on the left, clearly signed.
The park is open mid-May through mid-October, with limited winter camping from December 15 through March 15 (sites plowed, services shut down). Reservations typically open February 2 on campwithme.com, and waterfront sites fill within minutes. Greenville has a grocery store, gas, and restaurants, so stock up there before the 15-minute drive to the park. Lily Bay Road is paved the whole way. Cell service in the park is spotty, with the best signal near the entrance and higher points. Drive slowly on Lily Bay Road at dawn and dusk. Moose are common and collisions can be fatal.
FAQ
When do Lily Bay reservations open?
Reservations typically open on February 2 at campwithme.com. Waterfront sites sell out within minutes. Set an alarm, have your preferred dates and backup dates ready, and be logged in before the window opens.
Which are the best campsites at Lily Bay?
At Rowell Cove, sites 200, 203, 208, 210, 211, 214, 221, and 222 are the premium waterfront sites on the peninsula. At Dunn Point, sites 7, 17, 25, 27, 28, 33, 36, 37, 40, 41, and 44 are the best picks. Rowell Cove peninsula tip sites offer the most privacy.
Are there hookups at Lily Bay?
No. None of the 90 sites have electric, water, or sewer hookups. There is a dump station in the park for RVs. All sites have fire rings and picnic tables.
Can I see moose at Lily Bay?
Yes. Moose sightings are common both in the park and on the surrounding roads. Dawn and dusk are the best times. The Lily Bay Road, Lazy Tom Bog Road, and the DOT salt shed in Shirley are reliable spots. Moose also wade into the lake shallows to feed, especially in the early morning.
How far is Lily Bay from Greenville?
About 8 miles north of Greenville on Lily Bay Road. The drive takes roughly 15 minutes. Greenville has grocery stores, restaurants, gas, and basic gear shops.
Is there cell service at Lily Bay?
Spotty. You may get a weak signal at certain spots in the park, particularly at higher points near the entrance. Do not count on it for navigation or communication. Download maps offline before arriving.
