Every state in the country has state parks. But, there are state parks and then there are Maine state parks! Ours can be used throughout the year for activities as widely varied as snowshoeing to swimming and they come with scenery that you just can’t find anywhere else. Baxter State Park, home to Katahdin, might be our most well-known, but there are plenty of others worth exploring. This one just might be the best state park in Maine, so be sure to put it on your summer bucket list!
There’s a reason why the L.L. Bean company camps are located on the pristine shores of Rangeley Lake.
travelingotter / Flickr
Rangeley Lake is one of the most impressive in Maine, offering nearly 10 miles of recreational area for swimming, boating and fishing.
John Lillis / Flickr
Situated around this gorgeous lake is Rangeley Lake State Park, one of the best in the state.
pasfam / Flickr
The park is comprised of 869 acres with 50 campsites located within the forested areas of spruce and fir trees, along with a few that have water access.
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With some of the best salmon and trout fishing in the state, fishing is a major attraction to the park.
pasfam / Flickr
With picnic tables, fire pits, boat launches and trails, this park is great for day use if you’re not the camping type.
pasfam / Flickr
While the summer months feature the greens and blues that are so typical of Maine, winter views of the western mountains (including Saddleback, pictured here!) are beautiful.
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There’s plenty of wildlife and if you’re there from May to July or October to November, you’re likely to spot one of Maine’s 70,000 moose!
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With its location halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, Rangeley also carries some mystical vibes.
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But, most people simply report feeling summer fun vibes when they’re at Rangeley Lake State Park!
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Whether you’re a morning person who loves that lake mist…
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…or a lake sunset lover, you’ll appreciate the beauty Rangeley Lake State Park.
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We’re heading up to Rangeley this weekend and while the weather might still be a tad cold, we’ll be scoping out the best places to explore this summer. Follow the Only in Maine Instagram account for live updates and views from the park. For driving directions from your home to Rangeley Lake State Park, click here.
travelingotter / Flickr
John Lillis / Flickr
pasfam / Flickr
dennisredfield / Flickr
sababa-dan / Flickr
christine4nier / Flickr
dabdiputs / Flickr
juliemelton / Flickr
Paul / Flickr
If you’re searching for lesser-known gems in Maine, check out these 11 underrated places to visit here in Vacationland.
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