A Guide to Lily Bay State Park: Camping, Hiking, and Paddling in the Maine Highlands
Name: Lily Bay State Park
Location: Beaver Cove, Maine
Dog-friendly: Yes
Hours: 9:00a.m. to sunset
Season: May-September
Campground: Yes
Fees: Yes, self-service collection station
Lily Bay State Park, located on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake, offers a quiet setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The park spans over 900 acres and features a diverse landscape, including lush forests, scenic waterfront views, and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation.
In this blog post, I will be sharing everything you need to know before visiting Lily Bay State Park—including preparation tips, campground information, directions, park activities, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips for visiting the park.
History
The park was established in 1961, when Scott Paper Company donated land to the great state of Maine to protect the natural beauty of the Moosehead Lake region and provide recreational opportunities for visitors. It is named after the abundant white water lilies that bloom in the park's wetland areas.
Preparation
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Pack any necessary supplies, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the season and activities
Click here to view my hiking and camping essentials
Directions + Parking
To get to the Park from I-95, take exit 200 for ME-6 N/ME-15 N toward Greenville. Merge onto ME-6 N/ME-15 N and continue for approximately 28 miles. Follow signs for Greenville. As you approach the town, stay on ME-15 N. After entering Greenville, continue straight as ME-15 N becomes Pritham Ave. Turn right onto Lily Bay Road (signs for Lily Bay State Park will be posted). Continue on Lily Bay Road for about 8 miles. Follow the signs to the park entrance on your left.
Camping
Located along the scenic shores of Moosehead Lake, Lily Bay State Park Campground offers 90 wooded and waterfront campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Additional amenities include restrooms, showers, a dumpster for trash and recyclables, a trailerable boat launch, and a dumping station.
Day Use Area
The Park is home to a large day use area with a playground, swimmable beach, picnic area, and privy toilets. There is ample parking by the beach and the trailerable boat launch. A densely forested 2-mile walking trail connects the Dunn Point and Rowell Cove campsites to the day use area.
Activities
Hiking
Mount Kineo (moderate, various trail options)
A moderate, rocky hike that provides stunning 360-degree views of Moosehead Lake from a fire tower.
Big Spencer Mountain (challenging, 4 miles)
A challenging hike that provides amazing views of the Maine highlands.
Number 4 Mountain (challenging, 3.4 miles)
A densely forested hike with fire tower views of Moosehead Lake and surrounding mountains.
Paddling + Boating
The deep blue waters of Moosehead Lake are perfect for boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Explore the numerous coves, look for wildlife, or just relax and read a book while taking in the view. You’ll have to bring your own watercraft, as there are no rentals available at the park.
Fishing
Moosehead Lake is a primere year-round fishing destination. The lake is well-known for its brook trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon populations. The surrounding mountains provide a peaceful backdrop for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing on the water.
Insider Tips
Best nearby restaurants:
Kelly’s Landing: a waterfront restaurant that offers a full bar and dining room with lake views
Rockwood Bar and Grill: a local eatery with good food and a nice size patio
Jamieson’s Pizza: a takeout restaurant with great pizza and amazing sandwiches
The best time to visit: June through August, when the weather is perfect for hiking and swimming
There is unreliable cell phone service in the Park, so be prepared to go without or bring a satellite communication device with you
You may want to invest in a portable power station to keep your devices charged
There are several secret swimming spots in the Park—two of my favorites are to the left of campsite 44T and to the left of the parking lot for 33-38T
First time camping? Click here to access a free tent camping packing list
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in learning more about Maine State Parks? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
