A Quiet Lake in the Midcoast Hills
Lake St. George State Park is the kind of place that does not make the highlight reels. It is not dramatic, not famous, and not crowded. It is a 360-acre park on the northwest shore of a clear, deep lake in the town of Liberty, Waldo County, set in the rolling hills between the coast and the mountains. For people who want a simple Maine lake experience without driving to the remote interior, this is one of the best options in the state.
The park sits on Route 3, about 16 miles west of Belfast and 25 miles east of Augusta. Lake St. George itself covers just over 1,000 acres and reaches depths of 60 feet. The water is clean, the fishing is legitimate, and on a weekday in June you might have the entire swimming area to yourself.
The Campground
Lake St. George has 38 campsites spread between wooded areas with privacy and open sites around a grassy field or along the waterfront. Some of the lakeside sites are among the best-positioned campsites in the Maine state park system. You can sit in your camp chair with coffee and watch the sun rise over the water.
The campground has a bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. There are no hookups, so this is tent camping and self-contained RV territory. The atmosphere is quiet and family-oriented, nothing like the busier coastal campgrounds.
Reservations are available through the state park system and are recommended for weekends in July and August. Midweek in June or September, you can often show up and find a site.
Sites along the lake shore are the ones to get. They have direct water access, morning sun, and evening breezes off the lake that keep the bugs down. When making a reservation, ask for a waterfront site. They go first, so book early.
Swimming and the Beach
The swimming area at Lake St. George is unusual for a Maine state park. The shoreline transitions from grass directly into water without a sandy beach. It gives the swimming area a different feel, more like swimming off a lawn than a beach. The water is clear and the entry is gradual.
Lifeguards are on duty from mid-June to mid-August. Outside of those dates, swimming is at your own risk. The water temperature is comfortable by Maine lake standards, reaching the upper 60s to low 70s by midsummer.
The day use area has picnic tables, grills, and plenty of space to spread out. It is a good spot for a family picnic and swim without the full commitment of camping.
Fishing
Lake St. George supports populations of landlocked salmon and brook trout, which is a strong combination for a lake this accessible. The state stocks salmon, and natural reproduction maintains the brook trout population. Smallmouth bass, white perch, and chain pickerel are also present.
Trolling for salmon is the most popular technique, especially in spring and fall when the fish are in the upper water column. Fly fishing for brook trout works in the tributary streams and around the lake’s shallower areas. A boat is helpful but not required. You can fish effectively from shore, especially in the camping area.
Spring is the best fishing season at Lake St. George. Right after ice-out, usually in mid-April, the landlocked salmon feed aggressively near the surface. If you can time your visit for the first two weeks after ice-out, the fishing can be excellent. The campground is not open yet, but you can day-fish from shore or launch a boat.
Hiking
Three to five miles of hiking trails wind through the park and surrounding woods. The trails are easy, following gentle terrain through mixed hardwood and softwood forest. They are good for a morning walk, a run, or a post-dinner stroll from the campground. Nothing technical, nothing strenuous, just pleasant woods walking.
The trails connect to the campground and day use area, so you can hike directly from your site. In fall, the hardwood foliage along the trails turns orange and gold, and the reflection of the colored hillsides in the still lake is striking.
When to Go
Spring
Best fishing right after ice-out. Campground opens mid-May. Cool weather, few bugs early.
Summer
Warmest water, lifeguards on duty, full facilities. Busiest weekends in July-August.
Fall
Foliage reflected in the lake. Cool camping weather. Fewer visitors. Park open through mid-October.
Winter
Park facilities closed. Ice fishing is popular on the lake. Access roads maintained.
July and August are the peak swimming months. June and September are excellent for camping with fewer people and cooler weather. The lake is popular for ice fishing in winter, particularly for salmon and trout through the ice.
Getting There
Lake St. George State Park is on Route 3 in Liberty, about 16 miles west of Belfast and 25 miles east of Augusta. From Portland, take I-95 to Augusta and then Route 3 east (about 110 minutes total). From Bangor, take Route 3 west (about 60 minutes).
The park entrance is clearly signed on Route 3. Day use and campground areas are a short drive from the gate.
Packing List
Lake St. George State Park Visit
- Sunscreen and swimsuit
- Fishing gear (license required for ages 16+)
- Canoe or kayak (or fish from shore)
- Camping gear if staying overnight
- Picnic food and cooler
- Bug spray (June especially)
- Camera (sunset over the lake)
- Cash for entrance fee
FAQ
How many campsites does Lake St. George State Park have?
The park has 38 campsites, including wooded sites, open field sites, and waterfront sites. All have picnic tables and fire rings. The campground has flush toilets and hot showers.
Is there a sandy beach at Lake St. George?
The swimming area does not have a traditional sand beach. The shoreline transitions from grass directly into the water. The entry is gradual and the water is clear.
What fish are in Lake St. George?
The lake supports landlocked salmon, brook trout, smallmouth bass, white perch, and chain pickerel. Landlocked salmon are the primary draw for anglers.
Are dogs allowed at Lake St. George State Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the campground and on trails on leash. They are typically not allowed in the swimming area when lifeguards are on duty.
Can I launch a boat at Lake St. George?
Yes, the park has a boat launch suitable for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized boats. Larger trailered boats can launch at the park ramp.
