Where the Rangeley Lakes Meet the Wilderness
South Arm Campground occupies a quiet stretch of shoreline on Lower Richardson Lake, one of the Rangeley Lakes chain that spans the western Maine highlands. The campground sits at the southern end of the lake, accessible by a gravel road that winds through miles of forest before reaching the water. With roughly 35 sites, a boat launch, and very little between you and the lake, this is camping for people who value fishing, paddling, and the kind of solitude that requires driving on dirt roads to find.
Lower Richardson Lake is a cold, deep lake at about 1,450 feet elevation, fed by cold streams and connected to Upper Richardson Lake and Mooselookmeguntic Lake through the Rangeley chain. The water clarity is excellent, and the fishing reputation is earned over more than a century. Brook trout, landlocked salmon, and lake trout inhabit these waters, and the lake has produced trophy fish that keep anglers coming back year after year.
The setting is about as remote as you can get while still having a marked campground with facilities. The nearest town, Andover, is a small community with basic services. Rangeley, the regional hub, is a longer drive to the north. The campground road passes through unorganized territory, the kind of land in Maine that is identified by township codes rather than town names. If you want to feel the scale of the Maine woods, this is a good place to start.
The Campground
South Arm has approximately 35 sites spread along the lakefront and in the woods just behind the shore. Lakefront sites are the prime spots, with direct views across the water to the forested hills on the opposite shore. Interior sites are shaded by spruce and birch and offer more privacy, though you trade the lake view for the forest canopy.
Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. Restrooms with vault toilets are available. There is potable water but no showers and no electric hookups. This is not a resort campground. The boat launch is the key piece of infrastructure, providing access to Lower Richardson Lake for fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks.
The campground accommodates tents and small RVs, though the gravel access road and modest site sizes favor tent camping and small trailers. Large motorhomes would find the road and the campground layout challenging.
Secure a lakefront site if at all possible. The sunsets over Lower Richardson Lake, with the surrounding hills silhouetted against the sky, are worth the extra effort of reserving early. Midweek visits in June or September give you the best chance at a waterfront spot.
Things to Do
Fishing is the primary draw. Lower Richardson Lake has been one of Maine’s top fishing destinations since the sporting camp era of the late 1800s. Landlocked salmon run in the spring, chasing smelt near the surface and providing excellent fly fishing and trolling opportunities. Brook trout hold in the feeder streams and along the rocky shoreline. Lake trout inhabit the deeper sections and require trolling with lead-core line or downriggers during summer.
The Rapid River, which connects Lower Richardson Lake to Umbagog Lake, is one of the most famous fly fishing rivers in Maine. It is catch-and-release only and holds enormous brook trout. Access is by foot trail from the campground area. The walk is worth it for anyone with a fly rod and a sense of adventure.
Paddling on Lower Richardson Lake is outstanding. The lake is large enough to explore for days, with a deeply indented shoreline of coves, points, and islands. Morning paddles in calm conditions reveal moose feeding in the shallows, eagles perched in lakeside pines, and loons diving for fish. The connection to Upper Richardson Lake allows for extended paddling trips through the chain.
Hiking options include nearby peaks in the Rangeley region and Grafton Notch State Park, about an hour’s drive east. Old Speck Mountain, Baldpate Mountain, and the Grafton Loop Trail are all within reach for day trips.
South Arm Campground is at the end of a long gravel road with no cell service. The nearest medical facility is in Rumford, over an hour away. Come prepared with a full tank of gas, adequate food supplies, a first aid kit, and a plan for emergencies that does not depend on a cell phone.
When to Go
Spring
Ice-out on Richardson Lake varies from late April to mid-May. Spring fishing is the best of the year. Blackflies emerge in late May.
Summer
Warmest weather, best swimming, good fishing early and late in the day. July and August are most popular but never crowded.
Fall
September foliage around the Rangeley lakes is stunning. Cool nights, no bugs, excellent fishing. Some of the best camping of the year.
Winter
Campground closes for the season. The road may not be maintained in winter.
Getting There
From Portland, take Route 26 north through Norway and Bethel, then Route 2 west to Rumford. From Rumford, take Route 120 north toward Andover, then follow signs for South Arm Road (a gravel road) to the campground on Lower Richardson Lake. The total drive is about two and a half hours, with the last 10-15 miles on gravel.
From Bangor, take I-95 south to Augusta, then Route 2 west through Farmington to Rumford, and follow the same directions. The drive is about three hours.
Walk the trail to the Rapid River for some of the best brook trout fishing in Maine. The river is catch-and-release with artificial lures only, and the fish are big for wild brook trout. Even if you do not fish, the river gorge is beautiful and the trail through the old-growth spruce forest is worth the walk.
Camping Packing List
- Tent with full rain fly (mountain weather is changeable)
- Sleeping bag rated to 30F (nights are cold at 1,450 feet elevation)
- Camp stove and all food (no camp store for miles)
- Cooler with block ice (it needs to last)
- Fishing gear, tackle, and Maine fishing license
- Canoe or kayak for lake access
- Water filter or purification
- Bug spray and head net (June blackflies are fierce)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Warm layers and rain gear for cool mountain evenings
FAQ
Is there cell service at South Arm Campground?
No. There is no cell service at the campground or along the access road. Plan accordingly and tell someone your itinerary before you go.
Can I bring a motorboat?
Yes. The boat launch handles small to medium motorboats. Horsepower restrictions may apply on Richardson Lake. Check current regulations before launching.
How is the road to the campground?
The access road is gravel and reasonably well-maintained in summer. It is passable in a regular car but a vehicle with higher clearance is more comfortable. Drive slowly and watch for potholes.
Is the fishing really that good?
Yes. The Richardson Lakes have been a premier fishing destination for over 150 years. Landlocked salmon, brook trout, and lake trout are all present. The nearby Rapid River is catch-and-release and holds trophy brook trout.
Are there bears?
Yes, black bears are present in the area. Store food properly, do not leave coolers out overnight, and keep a clean campsite. Bear encounters are uncommon but possible.
