http://www.maine.gov/dacf/lmf/index.shtmlLand for Maine's Future https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/grants/land_water_conservation_fund.htmlLand and Water Conservation Fund http://www.mainebirdingtrail.comMaine Birding Trail http://mainetrailfinder.comMaine Trail Finder http://www.northernforestcanoetrail.orgNorthern Forest Canoe Trail


BirdwatchingBirdwatching Boating (motorized)Boating (motorized) CampingCamping CanoeingCanoeing FishingFishing Hiking (trails)Hiking (trails) SwimmingSwimming Watchable wildlifeWatchable wildlife CampgroundCampground Picnic areaPicnic area PlaygroundPlayground RV dumping stationRV dumping station ShowersShowers Trailered boat launchTrailered boat launch

property guide photo

Description

Please check for access and COVID-19 updates by using this link.

Open 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily from May 1 to October 1. Fee Charged. Visitors may continue to enjoy the park during the off season by parking outside the gate and walking in during these same hours. Please be aware that facilities are closed during the off season.

Lakeside camping in one of Maine's most famous outdoor destinations

Advance camping reservations are recommended: contact the State Park Reservations Office at 800-332-1501 - in Maine, OR 207-624-9950 from outside Maine or online at www.campwithme.com.

Rangeley Lake State Park encompasses 869 acres in the heart of Maine's Western Mountains. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, camping, wildlife watching, photography, and winter sports, as well as the long-established traditions of fishing and hunting. The lake's cool, clear waters stretch nine miles and support world-famous populations of landlocked salmon and trout (sustained through a strong commitment to catch-and-release practices). Four wheeling and snowmobiling are popular pursuits in the Rangeley area (outside the park), with many trails available.

The campground at Rangeley Lake State Park has 50 well-spaced sites close to the lakeshore - where a beach offers commanding views of Saddleback Mountain. There's a picnic area, playground, and a trailerable boat launch with finger docks for both day visitors and campers.

Read the August 24, 2018 Rubys on the Road review of the park.

Learn about the geology of the area on the interactive Maine Geologic Facts and Localities map.

Land for Maine's Future This property was acquired in part with funds from the Land for Maine's Future program. For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund contributed to this State Park.Learn more about LWCF.

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History

During the 1860s, word of the region's famed brook trout spread and "sports" began coming to fish - giving rise to new camps and guide services, and ultimately luxurious hotels serving wealthy vacationers. To take sports out on the lakes, guides developed a sleek and narrow rowing craft which came to be known as the Rangeley boat. The golden era of the "rusticators" lasted nearly a century, drawing to a close in the 1950s.

Over the past two decades, numerous organizations, agencies and individuals have worked collaboratively to ensure that large tracts of undeveloped natural lands in the area will remain accessible to the public and continue supporting the local economy through sustainable forest management. The notable conservation successes around the Rangeley Lakes help preserve the region's sporting traditions and provide visitors many beautiful natural settings to explore.

For a guided tour of the region's geologic highlights, see The Rangeley Conglomerate.

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Activities

  • Birdwatching
  • Boating (motorized)
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking (trails)
  • Swimming
  • Watchable wildlife

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Rules

  • Park rules prohibit use of intoxicating beverages in public areas.
  • Quiet in camping areas is required between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Generators can be operated only at designated times. Park gates are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Keep pets on leash (less than 4 feet) at all times, do not leave pets unattended, and clean up after them.
  • Moving firewood can transport exotic insects & diseases that threaten forests. Always acquire firewood from a local source.
  • Stay on trails to protect sensitive ecosystems.
  • Observe wildlife from far enough away that they do not change their behavior: do not follow or feed animals.
  • Swim only in designated areas.
  • Camp only at established sites, many of which can be reserved in advance at www.campwithme.com. There is a two-night minimum for reserved sites (which must be reserved at least two days in advance) and a 14-day maximum stay.
  • Use trash disposal and recycling facilities at the park: do not use fire pits as trash receptacles.
  • See Rules for State Parks and Historic Sites

Consider lending a hand. Contact us if you would like to help with stewardship or maintenance work.

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Trails

A forested hiking trail of 0.75 miles runs from the park entrance to the contact station. For more information on hiking trails in the vicinity, contact Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (www.rlht.org) at 207-864-7311.

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Tours and Programs

View the Maine Parks and Lands EVENT CALENDAR

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Services and Facilities

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Special Considerations

Lake water is cold and winds can arise suddenly and create dangerous conditions. Wear a PFD at all times, notify someone of your intended route and time of return, and monitor conditions carefully.

All motorized boats using Maine's inland waters must purchase and display a Lake and River Protection Sticker, which helps fund prevention and monitoring efforts for aquatic invasives.

All those fishing (age 16 and above for Maine residents and age 12 and above for non-residents) must have a valid license and review the State's open water fishing regulations.

Be prepared for black flies and mosquitoes, particularly in May and June. Check yourself for deer ticks daily to prevent Lyme disease.

Moving firewood can transport exotic insects & diseases that pose a serious threat to our forests. Don't transport firewood, buy it from a local source. Burn It Where You Buy It

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