Rangeley Lake State Park

Mountains Meet Water

Rangeley Lake State Park occupies the south shore of Rangeley Lake in the western Maine highlands, where the lake sits in a basin surrounded by mountains on all sides. The park is not large, but the setting is enormous. From the shoreline, the view sweeps across the lake to Saddleback Mountain and the peaks of the Rangeley Lakes region, a landscape of spruce-covered ridges, open summits, and water that stretches to the horizon.

The lake sits at roughly 1,500 feet above sea level, higher than most Maine lakes, and the elevation keeps summer temperatures comfortable even when the coast swelters. The air is clean, the nights are cool, and the stars come out in force.

The park covers about 870 acres along the south shore, with 50 campsites, a swimming area, a boat launch, and short trails through the surrounding forest.

The Shoreline

The Rangeley Lake State Park shoreline is rocky rather than sandy. Granite ledges and cobblestone beaches line the water’s edge, with spruce and birch trees growing right to the shore. The swimming area has a small cleared section with a gravel and sand beach, but this is not a wide sandy strand. The water is clear, cold, and deep not far from shore.

The shoreline rocks are part of the appeal. They provide natural seating with views across the lake, spots to fish from shore, and the kind of rugged beauty that makes Rangeley look different from the southern Maine lakes. On a still morning, the mountains reflect perfectly in the lake surface, and the only sound is loons calling from somewhere out on the water.

The water temperature in summer reaches the low to mid-60s, cooler than lower-elevation lakes. Swimming is refreshing rather than leisurely. Most people go in, cool off, and come out. Kids with higher cold tolerance stay in longer.

Camping

The park has 50 campsites spread through a wooded area near the lakeshore. Sites accommodate tents and small to medium RVs. Most sites are wooded and offer good privacy, separated by trees and undergrowth. A few sites are closer to the water with filtered lake views.

Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The campground has centralized restrooms with flush toilets and showers. There are no electric or water hookups.

The campground is popular in July and August but does not reach the competitive intensity of Sebago Lake or the coastal parks. Weekday availability in summer is usually good. Weekend reservations should be made in advance through the state park system, but last-minute openings are possible.

Fishing

Rangeley Lake is legendary for its fishing. The lake holds landlocked salmon, brook trout, and lake trout, and the Rangeley region was one of the birthplaces of sport fly fishing in America. The boat launch puts you on the lake with access to deep water, rocky shoals, and the river inlets where fish concentrate. Trolling for landlocked salmon is the most popular technique on the open lake, while brook trout fishing is best in the streams and smaller ponds in the surrounding area.

A Maine fishing license is required, and special regulations apply to Rangeley Lake, including slot limits on salmon.

Trails and Surroundings

The park has a few short nature trails through spruce, fir, and birch forest. These are not destination hikes but pleasant walks for campground visitors. The terrain is gently rolling with occasional lake views.

For more substantial hiking, Bald Mountain is a short, rewarding climb with panoramic views from a fire tower. Saddleback Mountain offers alpine ridge hiking above treeline. The Appalachian Trail passes through the area on its way between Saddleback and the Bigelow Range.

The town of Rangeley, about 10 minutes from the park, has restaurants, outfitters, and a small grocery store.

When to Go

Practical Notes

Day-use admission is $6 for Maine residents and $8 for non-residents per person, ages 12 and older. Children and Maine seniors are free. Camping fees are separate.

Dogs are allowed in the campground and on trails on leash. They are not allowed in the swimming area during summer.

Cell service is spotty in the Rangeley area. You will get a signal in the town of Rangeley and parts of the park, but coverage drops in the surrounding forest and on the lake.

The nearest gas and groceries are in Rangeley, about 10 minutes east on Route 4. For more extensive shopping, Farmington is about an hour south.

Getting There

From Portland, take the Maine Turnpike to Auburn (Exit 75), then Route 4 North through Farmington and Phillips to Rangeley. The park entrance is on South Shore Drive, off Route 4 on the south side of the lake. The drive from Portland takes about 3 hours. From Bangor, take Route 2 West to Farmington, then Route 4 North, roughly 3 hours. From the Sugarloaf area, it is about 45 minutes via Routes 27 and 4.

FAQ