Best Camping in and near Lily Bay State Park

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Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Lily Bay State Park.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lily Bay State Park

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Lily Bay Campground

91 sites · RVs, Tents In Lily Bay State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lily Bay State Park

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Evergreen Conservation Area

3 sites · Lodging80 acres · West Forks, ME

The Evergreen Conservation Area was recognized as a federal conservation area starting in 2020. There are several miles of well maintained trails through the deep forest and along the pristine waterfront. This is a secluded conservation area with two remote cabins. This is a unique opportunity: you will have the entire conservation area and the two mini cabins just for your group. (Even if you only have one person or a small group you are still welcome to reserve the site.)

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100 Mile Wilderness Cabin

1 site · Lodging28 acres · Greenville, ME

This is a quaint cabin nestled in the woods adjacent to the Appalachian Trail. Weeks could be spent exploring nearby hiking, fishing, atv'ing, canoeing or mountain climbing. It is smallish on inside but can easily accommodate 5 people. Queen bed with bunk beds on 1st floor bedroom and full size bed and single in loft bedroom. Propane lights and cookstove. Wood Stove for heat. Close to Moosehead Lake, Lake Onawa and many other lakes and ponds. Great place to truly escape.

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Stony Ridge

4 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Dover Foxcroft, ME

Our property is 70 acres of peaceful woods and fields with trails to enjoy. Just 15 minutes from Sebec Lake and Peaks Kenny State Park, where you can enjoy swimming, boating and fishing. Venture a little farther and you’ll be at Moosehead Lake in about 45 minutes. Outhouse on site and showers available seasonally.

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Off-Grid Mtn-View Private Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Greenville, ME

Learn more about this land:Watch the moonrise over the lake, fall asleep to the call of the loons and wake to the picturesque sunrise over Mount Kathadin. Off-the-grid, private camping on Caribou Lake, part of the Chesuncook chain of lakes, with majestic panoramic views of mile-high Mount Katahdin range. Assessible via Maine's historic Golden Road in the North Maine Woods. Wildlife abounds including Moose, Deer, Bald Eagles, and the cry of loons. Boating access from Caribou Lake to Chesuncook and Ripogenous Lakes. Excellent salmon, brook trout, and lake trout fishing. Small-boat carry-in access from the property for smaller motor boats, canoes and kayaks. Rocky beach great for walking and crystal clear water perfect for swimming. Situated near two of Maine's famed waterways the Penobscot River, known for fishing and rafting, as well as the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, known for fishing, canoeing and wildlife viewing. For the adventurous soul, take a trek to the historic ghost trains of the Allagash. Campsite includes tent, fire pit, propane grill, clean outhouse, camp chairs, picnic table and kayaks available for use. Firewood supplied. No cell phone reception here.

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Flashing Moose river camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Caratunk, ME

Learn more about this land: We are set high on the piney east bank of the Kennebec River. The view is of the setting sun over the untouched hillsides on the opposite bank or the rising sun illuminating and bringing to life that same hillside while you take your first peak of morning. The river rushes by, not a house to be seen. In the distance a loon frolics and sings out it's soulful call. Bald eagles soar over head, fishing, scanning the river valley. Owls hooting in the valley, come closer in the night to see who is still up. There is an echo in the darkness, works during the day too. The stars blaze overhead in the night sky, watch "satellites" track across heavens and the Aurora Borealis, if you are lucky and still up around the camp fire. It is here in front of our camp, where The Kennebec River continues to flow but begins slowing down, stacking up depth behind the Moscow Dam and turning into Wyman Lake, 14 miles of the most scenic boating or paddling you can imagine. 200 yards north of the camp, The Appalachian Trail crosses the river, watch hikers waiting for the famous canoe ferry crossing. Or, hike a section of the trail, Pierce Pond is a healthy 2 hr hike from the camp, to a pristine pond for a remote dip or some fishing. Bring that kayak or stand up paddle board you bought way back when. The river is fun right here, explore for an hour, a day or days. Whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing are huge in West Forks, (10 minutes North up 201, watch out for deer and moose) you'll paddle The Dead, The Kennebec and the Penobscot rivers, all the major tour companies are very local and there are cool bars and restaurants. You can tube down from the Forks right to the cabin in a couple of hours. We have a big Glamping tent on the property too, that is listed separately, rent it too if you want the space for friends or the place all to yourselves.

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Piscataquis Point

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Howland, ME

Welcome to Piscataquis Point Campsites, a multi-use, off grid camp spot located in Medford Maine. Situated in central Maine on the Piscataquis river, this is a beautiful spot to unplug, relax and enjoy the area while still being close enough to in-town amenities. There are several off grid tent pads that can accommodate large groups and ample parking for a camper and vehicles if you desire some extra comforts. A common sitting area, firepit with cooking grate and picnic table are provided for your convenience as well as a beautifully constructed outhouse for when nature calls. Minutes to I-95, family and pet friendly, ATV trail access and lakes nearby, if you're looking to get away Piscataquis Point may be just the place!

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Soul Retrieve-Hill LLC

12 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Sebec, ME

My husband and I bought this property in January of 2020. The main house was just a shell but, we had a vision for it. We were so excited about the history of the home and land. Bill Irwin, his family, and his dog “Orient” owned the property and stayed in the “camp house” located below while building the main house. Bill was legally blind and Orient was his guide dog. Bill and orient hiked the Appalachian trail and received awards as well as a book written called "Blind Courage.” Bill passed away before he could finish the home. We felt it would be nice to fix up the house below and make it a tribute to Bill and Orient being we had been left quite a few artifacts of theirs. Unfortunately after looking into fixing it up, it was suggested to tear it down. Then we made the decision to clean up the land for campers. We hope people can come enjoy the peacefulness that we have so much enjoyed for the past 3 years. We have fiber wifi access throughout the property and a full community kitchen, shower room, and sitting area that is close to all of our cabins and tent sites.

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Magic Falls Campground

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · West Forks, ME

Welcome to Magic Falls Campground! Our bunkhouses are built on platforms and are fully enclosed. Beds and mattresses are provided. There is a bathhouse with toilets and showers for all guests. (Note - showerhouse closed October 7 - May 1. Bunkhouses are unheated - so please pack appropriately for early and late season.) Bunkhouses 1-7 are wooden structures with a metal roof and 4 bunkbeds (sleep 8), Cabin tents 8-11 are classic large canvas tents ona wooden platform with a metal roof and 8 bunkbeds (sleep 16), The property has access to many outdoor activities: -Magic Falls Rafting is located on the same property: whitewater rafting, tubing, and inflatable kayak trips are all available -Fishing. Contact us for a referral to local expert guides -Many hiking trails in the area and a major hiking trail departs from the property -Biking and ATV trail access right from the property. The property is adjacent to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS)

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Maine Outdoor Adventures

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Monson, ME

Once Owned by the Delano’s the gifted all the surrounding land 500 acres to Inland Fisheries and wildlife. To be protected forever. Only 1 mile from the Appalachian trail, entering the 100 mile wilderness. The last supply stop before reaching Katahdin. Learn more about this land: Stay in this cozy yurt style canvas bell tent nestled between two ponds, surrounded by 550+ acres of wildlife conservation land, where you can paddle to the trail head of the 100 mile wilderness. Wake to the call of the loons and go for a sunrise paddle, kayaks provided! Spend the day adventuring the woods and waters near by. Hike Borestone, Barren, Little Moose, Big Moose, Eagle Rock, Number 4, White Cap, or Jump on the Appalachian trail, located 1.1 miles from your yurt. Go fishing or paddling right from your camp site on spectacle pond or near by water ways, Lake Herbron, Onawa, and Moosehead Lake. Go on a triple waterfall tour, book a white water rafting trip , Moose tour, or spend the days shopping local in near by towns. This Area of Maine is an adventurers dream. Only minutes away from the mountains, lakes and rivers near by. Monson center is 5 miles away. Where you will find the sweetest Maine town. A General Store, Art gallery, pottery shop, several eatery’s, from fine dinning to finger licking good BBQ, to lake side dining. Greenville is 5 miles away where you’ll find shopping, dining and the famous Moosehead Lake. In your cabin you will find maps to all the best hiking, paddling, exploring, white water rafting, waterfall chasing, and menus to the local eateries. Homemade gourmet breakfast by host available for additional charge upon request between 6am & 8am. Not always available. Please ask host in advance. Menu will vary depending on availability of locally grown and foraged ingredients.

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A River Runs Through It

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Guilford, ME

This is a two-acre parcel of land with 700 feet of water frontage on the Piscataquis River. It is on the ITS trail. Bring your RV and your toys and take off right from the site. The sound of the river is amazing, and you have no neighbors for complete privacy. The Appalachian trail is just a few miles away. The beautiful village of Monson is just down the road for great food and essentials at the Monson General Store.

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Loon Point Cabin and Camp Site

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Millinocket, ME

This cabin was built by the original owners in the 1960's as a temporary shelter. They never got around to building a more permanent dwelling and instead used it for many years as a rustic camp site. We purchased the land and the cabin 10 years ago. Rather than tear down the old cabin we began rehabbing it 2020 to enjoy ourselves and share with others. We were in the process of building a new modern camp on the property but had a major fire there in the fall of 2022 totally burning the new house and the surrounding trees. We are in the process of cleaning that up but you will se the evidence of the fire when you arrive. Fortunately it will not affect your experience at the cabin. We love this location and we think you will too. Learn more about this land: Enjoy the privacy of a rustic cabin 10 feet from the shore of Amabjejus Lake. Take in gorgeous sunsets on this west facing waterfront looking across the lake to the historic Ambajejus Boom House. Listen to loons at night and see bald eagles flying overhead during the day. The cabin is furnished with a full size bed and a toddler bed, a table and 4 chairs. A mattress pad and fitted sheet will be provided but you will need to bring your own linens or sleeping bags and pillows. There is a picnic table, fire ring and a tent site for up to a 4 person tent. There is an outhouse which you will share with the owner if present. This cabin was built in the 1960's by the original landowner to be a temporary shelter. We purchased the land 10 years ago and are in the process of building a larger camp on this 1 acre property. You will have your own private waterfront area. There is a also a small sandy beach and a swim dock that you are welcome to use but may share with owners if they are on the property. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are available to use. The southern entrance to Baxter State Park is only 10 miles away. The owners will be sensitive to your privacy but may be working on the property nearby during your stay. Guests are limited to 4 people. We love children and have 5 of our own. If you are a couple with more than 2 children (or a single parent with more than 3) please contact us. We would love to accomodate you if possible. One final note. In November 2022 we suffered a fire to the main structure that we were building on the property. As a result campers who come in 2023 will see a foundation and evidence of burned trees around the location of the burned building. The cabin and surrounding area suffered no damage and there will be no change to the appearance and view of your stay except going to and from your vehicle. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Booked 1 time

Big Moose Inn Cabins & Campground

63 sites · Lodging, Tents34 acres · Millinocket, ME

Big Moose Inn Cabins & CampgroundIrving O. Hunt and his brother Lyman built some rough camps on Millinocket Lake before they became interested in the Nesowadnehunk Stream region. Whether or not their old camps were at the same site as the present camps on Millinocket Lake we do not know.The Millinocket Lake Camps, known today as Big Moose Inn, are located on a narrow spit of land separating Ambejejus Lake and Millinocket Lake. Before a dam controlled Ambajejus’ water level, it was possible to pole up the short stream from Millinocket Lake into Ambejejus.Fred Spencer build the camps, originally named Camp Eureka, in 1899 or 1900 and ran them with his brother. With the founding of Millinocket only a few years earlier and lumbering roads nearing Katahdin, the two lakes became more easily accessible. Camp Eureka was advertised as the only camp reachable by both boat (from Norcross) and road (from Millinocket). In 1905, the rate was $1.50 per day, meals included. Spencer also claimed the lakes had no flies or mosquitoes during spring and summer- a phenomenon caused by the way winds blow across the lakes, which makes it difficult for insects to gain a foothold.The camps’ name changed to Camp Spencer and later to Spencer’s Camps. Around 1929 the lease was transferred to Elmer Woodworth, who lived with his wife on a nearby island while they operated the camps. Elmer, a well-known guide, trapped over the winter, and his wife served as the camp cook. The couple soon renamed the camps Millinocket Lake Camps and Trading Post. They also maintained an outlying camp on Sandy Stream for their guests. In 1941, a major fire broke out in the area. The Woodworths saved the camps by wetting them down, but lost their island home when a stray spark jumped the cove. There is some evidence that, for a short time, a gentleman named Johnny Given either held the lease or managed the camps for the Woodworths. Except for that brief change the Woodworths operated the camps for many years until they passed the lease on to their son Ray, who ran them with his wife Muriel.In 1977, the lease was transferred to Bob and Frederica (“Teddy”) Boynton, who in 1981 sold the trading post to Erwin and Maureen Bacon. The Boyntons retained the sporting camp operation and later added a public restaurant. Teddy renamed the camps Big Moose Inn. Bob and his son Bruce made many renovations to the camps, while Teddy decorated and furnished them. The Boynton Family has remained involved in the success of the inn and restaurant. After Teddy’s death in 1991, management passed to Bruce and his sister Laurie, but Bob and other family members are still very involved.The dam separates the flowages of the two lakes. Millinocket Lake is about eight feet above its original level, and Ambajejus is now some 21 feet above its original level. Today several West Branch rafting companies make the inn their seasonal center of operations.At Big Moose, we bring you a rare blend of friendly service and lovely surroundings that successfully reflects our unique personality. Located on Millinocket Lake, Big Moose is the closest full service accommodations to Baxter State Park. Our central Katahdin Region lodging offers easy access to many of Baxter State Park's magnificent natural resources.Our Katahdin lodging packages consist of inn rooms, suites, lakefront and trailside cabins, and campgrounds. Fredericka's restaurant offers casual fine dining between two lakes while the Loose Moose Bar & Grille offers comfort food after a long day outdoors.-Dine in our newly remodeled dining room with friends and family. Our authentic solid oak tables and chairs make this room adaptable to any decor you choose when hosting weddings, reunions or anniversaries. A great place for corporate retreats and workshops. Our new side dining room offers intimacy and privacy for gatherings of 25 or less. Call to reserve it for your special celebration.•Big Moose Vacation Packages-Big Moose selects the best businesses to deliver a complete vacation package to you. We team with local and regional experts to offer guided tours, photography workshops, guided fishing trips and more. Choose one of the complete all inclusive packages from the list on the left and you will be assured a wilderness outdoor vacation that you won't soon forget. Want a weekend trip to Maine all your own, checkout the "Guides & Tours" section under Maine Adventures. Find great outdoor activities to do or take a guided excursion from one of the many knowledgeable tour guides who cater to Big Moose guests. The Big Moose Inn's location affords our guest many opportunities to enjoy the Maine outdoors. It is only a short distance from Baxter State Park and the North Maine Woods, where our guests enjoy the recreational adventures they come to the Katahdin region for. Explore the area by yourself or join a guided tour looking for wildlife or hike into remote wilderness areas with a Registered Maine Guide. The Penobscot River offers many recreational opportunities from fishing, canoeing to whitewater rafting.Our PoliciesPets: Dogs are welcome in our campground. However, we do not have any pet-friendly cabins. Pets are not permitted inside the Inn. Please follow these rules and expectations:• Pet must be on a leash at all times• Pet must not be left unattended because of the summer heat, barking, and possible damage.• Must pick up after your pet.If you would rather board your pet contact Katahdin Kritters Pet Resort - 207-746-8040Tax: All rates are subject to 9% Maine sales tax.PLEASE NO SMOKING IN CABINS OR INN ROOMS/SUITES, FINES MAY OCCUR.Cancellations: As an independently owned and operated inn, we do not overbook our accommodations - each reservation is made for a specfic date, accomdation, number of guests and we are expecting you! Cancellations and changes made with short notice impact us significally. We do sympathize, however, we must maintain our business policy due to limited season and accommodation demands.Prior to 30 days of arrival, full refund; cancellation within 30 days, no refund/forfeiture of deposit. No adjustments or refunds for early departures. Please note: There are no exceptions to our cancellation policy whether it be for reasons of sickness, family emergency or weather. Check-in: 4pm-10pmCheck-out: 10am.Cabin guests must bring their own towels, or they may call in advance to arrange for towels to be rented.

The best camping near Lily Bay State Park guide

Overview

About

You might find moose at Moosehead Lake, but you’ll also find yourself, at least according to Henry David Thoreau. Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, and the humble Lily Bay State Park is perched on Moosehead’s eastern shore. The locals call this “God’s Country” for its pristine wilderness and incredible beauty. Lily Bay is an awesome spot to explore the lake in any season. Fish for salmon and trout in the early spring, cruise around the lake on your floater in the summer, and strap on your skis in the winter and slide along the miles of groomed trails. Head out to God’s Country on your next vacation, a slice of heaven on earth.

Notable campgrounds

Rowell Cove campground offers a tranquil setting for campers seeking a peaceful retreat by the lakeside.
Dunn Point campground provides easy access to the water, ideal for boating enthusiasts and anglers alike.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as campgrounds fill up quickly during peak season.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies for last-minute openings.
Explore nearby camping options if your preferred site is unavailable.

When to go

The best time to visit Lily Bay State Park is from May to September when the weather is warm and the park is fully accessible. Winter offers a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, though facilities are limited. Avoid stormy periods when the park may close for clean-up.

Know before you go

Check for any park closures or safety updates before your visit, especially during storm clean-up periods.
Remember that facilities are closed during the off-season, so plan accordingly.
Accessibility is a priority, with ADA-compliant amenities available for visitors.
Always wear a PFD while boating on Moosehead Lake, as conditions can change rapidly.
Local firewood policies are in place to protect the forest; buy it where you burn it.