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The Ultimate Guide to Lily Bay State Park: Moosehead Lake’s Family-Friendly Outdoor Playground

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • Jun 25
  • 5 min read


Guide to Lily Bay State Park: Moosehead Lake’s Family-Friendly Outdoor Playground

Guide to Lily Bay State Park: Moosehead Lake’s Family-Friendly Outdoor Playground

Nestled on the east shore of Maine’s stunning Moosehead Lake, just 9 miles north of Greenville, Lily Bay State Park is a four-season outdoor paradise that offers camping, kayaking, moose sightings, and year-round adventure.


Established in 1961 on donated woodland, this 925-acre park has everything you need for a peaceful wilderness getaway with the family — or an adrenaline-fueled excursion in any season. Here is our ultimate guide to Lily Bay State Park.




🏞️ Why Visit Lily Bay State Park?

  • Family-friendly, uncrowded, and scenic

  • Moose sightings & native wildlife

  • Boat ramps, beach access, and camping amenities

  • Easy to moderate trails with lake views

  • Excellent access to the heart of Moosehead Lake


🏕️ Family-Friendly Camping in the Maine Highlands

With nearly 100 campsites, including tent, RV, and lean-to options, Lily Bay State Park is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Moosehead Lake region. The comfort station is open 24/7, with hot showers, flush toilets, and clean facilities — even in the off-season.

👉 Reserve Your Campsite at: https://campwithme.com

📍 Address: 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441

📞 Phone: (207) 695-2700


🎯 Activities at Lily Bay State Park

Whether you’re planning a summer vacation, fall foliage getaway, or a winter escape, Lily Bay State Park offers something for everyone — from peaceful paddle sessions to adrenaline-pumping snowmobile rides. Here’s your guide to the top activities in this 925-acre lakeside paradise.


🚣‍♀️ Boating & Water Sports

Lily Bay’s direct access to Moosehead Lake makes it a water lover’s dream. With two boat launches that accommodate motorized and non-motorized boats, it’s easy to explore the lake's quiet coves, remote shorelines, and open water.

Top Water Activities:


  • Canoeing & kayaking along the sheltered shoreline

  • Stand-up paddleboarding with stunning mountain views

  • Motor boating for fishing or cruising

  • Swimming at the clean, sandy beach near Rowell Cove


Tip: Morning hours tend to be calmest for paddling. Always wear a PFD, and check weather forecasts to avoid sudden wind shifts on the lake.

🎣 Fishing in Moosehead Lake

Known as a premier cold-water fishery, Moosehead Lake is home to landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, and smallmouth bass. Whether you're trolling from a boat or casting from the shore, Lily Bay is an excellent base camp for anglers of all skill levels.


Best Seasons:

  • Ice-Out (May): Peak time for salmon and trout

  • Late Summer/Fall: Cooler waters bring active feeding

  • Winter: Ice fishing shacks dot the lake during peak season


Maine fishing license required (12+ for non-residents; 16+ for residents).

🚶‍♂️ Hiking & Nature Walks

For land lovers, the two-mile Lily Bay Shoreline Trail offers an easy, family-friendly trek between the beach and campground. Along the way, enjoy:


  • Lake views and shaded forest paths

  • Interpretive signs and birdwatching opportunities

  • Occasional wildlife sightings (keep an eye out for moose!)


In fall, this trail transforms into a corridor of blazing red, gold, and orange — making it one of the best easy fall hikes in the Maine Highlands.


🏕️ Camping for All Seasons

Lily Bay offers nearly 100 camping sites, including:

  • Tent sites

  • Lean-tos

  • RV sites (no hookups)

Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Rowell Cove and Beach Point campgrounds are equipped with outhouses and access to a Comfort Station offering 24-hour hot showers.

Book your site in advance at: https://campwithme.com

🦌 Wildlife Watching & Birding

The park is a haven for native Maine wildlife, including:


  • Moose (best spotted at dawn or dusk near the water)

  • White-tailed deer

  • Rabbits, red squirrels, and snowshoe hares

  • Bald eagles, loons, and kingfishers


Bring binoculars and a wildlife guidebook — Lily Bay is one of the top places in Maine for moose sightings.


❄️ Winter Recreation: Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing & Snowmobiling

Lily Bay truly shines in winter for cold-weather adventurers. The park is open year-round, and after the first plowable snow, visitors gain access to:


  • Groomed cross-country ski trails with scenic lake views

  • Snowshoe trails for peaceful winter exploration

  • Snowmobile access to ITS trails and Moosehead Lake

Note: While facilities are closed in winter, plowed parking is available near the toll booth area.

🧺 Picnicking & Playground Fun

Families with children will find plenty to love:


  • Picnic tables & grills near the lake

  • A children’s playground with swings and slides

  • Open grassy areas for frisbee, catch, or just relaxing

This makes Lily Bay an excellent day-trip destination from Greenville, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the fresh mountain air.


🧭 Bonus Experiences

  • Geology Exploration: Discover Maine’s natural history with interactive maps from the Maine Geological Survey.

  • Educational Programs: Occasionally available in summer (check posted signs for events).

  • Photography: Moosehead Lake offers iconic sunrise and sunset photography locations — bring your tripod!


🍂 Year-Round Activities at Lily Bay State Park

  • ✅ Spring & Summer: Hiking, boating, birdwatching, camping

  • 🍁 Fall: Foliage drives, cool-weather hikes, hunting (in season)

  • ❄️ Winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling

Even in the off-season, you can park outside the gate and walk in for daytime exploration. Note: facilities are closed in winter.


🛶 Know Before You Go

  • Moosehead Lake can be dangerous for small boats in high wind — wear a PFD and monitor conditions.

  • Campers must stay at designated sites, and quiet hours are strictly enforced.

  • Generators allowed from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. if not disruptive.

  • Pets are allowed on leashes under 4 feet.

  • Fishing Licenses required for anyone 16+ (Maine residents) or 12+ (non-residents).

  • Buy Firewood Locally — do not transport from outside the area.


📍 Visitor Info

Lily Bay State Park

📍 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441

📬 13 Myrle’s Way, Greenville, ME 04441

📞 (207) 695-2700

🌐 Official Info & Conditions

Hours:🕘 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily (year-round access by foot during off-season)

❄️ Winter opening: After first plowable snow — groomed ski trails & access to lake


What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips?


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

  • Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

  • 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

  • Free WiFi & TV

  • Backup Generator

  • Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs

  • Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

  • Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River









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