Top Lodging in the Maine Highlands — Rustic Cabins, Lakeside Retreats & Katahdin Adventures Await!
- Gerry Caron
- Oct 24
- 6 min read
Top Lodging in the Maine Highlands: Your Ultimate Guide to Rustic Retreats & Scenic Escapes
Tucked away in the heart of Maine, The Maine Highlands is where wild beauty meets warm hospitality. This vast region—stretching from Bangor to Moosehead Lake and Mount Katahdin—offers travelers a unique mix of outdoor adventure, cultural charm, and cozy, rustic retreats. Whether you’re chasing moose through misty forests, hiking up Katahdin’s granite peaks, or unwinding by a peaceful lakeside cabin, the top lodging in the Maine Highlands promise to be an unforgettable Maine getaway.
🌲 Why Visit the Maine Highlands?
The Maine Highlands captures the essence of authentic Maine wilderness. Visitors can explore Baxter State Park, home to Maine’s tallest mountain—Mount Katahdin—or paddle across the tranquil waters of Moosehead Lake, the largest mountain lake in the eastern U.S. With 200+ waterfalls, miles of scenic trails, world-class snowmobiling routes, and vibrant towns like Bangor and Greenville, the region blends outdoor thrills with small-town comfort.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a weekend of outdoor exploration, the Highlands deliver a true taste of Maine’s wild side.
🏕️ Top Lodging Options in the Maine Highlands
1. Northern Outdoors | Katahdin Adventure Base Camp — Millinocket
📍 5 Frederickas Way, Millinocket, ME
📞 (207) 663-4466
Highlights:
Lakeside cabins, wilderness campsites, Penobscot River whitewater rafting, on-site bar & restaurant, and year-round adventure base.
Why Stay Here:
Northern Outdoors combines rustic Maine charm with adventure-packed amenities. Guests can choose from cozy cabins, riverside lodges, or wilderness campsites.
Top Experiences:
Whitewater rafting trips on the Penobscot River
Brewery on-site serving handcrafted ales
Direct access to snowmobile and ATV trails in winter and summer
Guided hikes and wildlife tours
2. Wilson Pond Cabins — Greenville
📍 15 Wilson Pond Road, Greenville, ME
📞 (207) 695-2860
Highlights:
Secluded cottages with lake views, perfect for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Pet-friendly with direct access to trails.
Why Stay Here:
Nestled on the shores of Wilson Pond, these family-owned cabins provide a true wilderness escape with modern comforts.Top Experiences:
Ideal for fishing and kayaking right from your doorstep
Secluded, pet-friendly cabins with scenic decks and firepits
Watch loons, moose, and eagles from your cabin porch
Minutes from downtown Greenville and Moosehead Lake adventures
3. Big Moose Inn, Cabins & Campground — Millinocket
📍 5 Frederickas Way, Millinocket, ME
📞 (207) 723-8391
Highlights:
Steps from Baxter State Park. On-site dining, water rentals, and rooftop seating for spectacular sunset views.
Why Stay Here:
This historic inn blends comfort with outdoor excitement, located between Baxter State Park and Millinocket Lake.
Top Experiences:
Guided tours into Baxter State Park
Full-service dining and rooftop patio views
Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals
Perfect for hiking, fishing, or relaxing lakeside
4. Moosehead Hills Cabins — Greenville
📍 418 Lily Bay Road, Greenville, ME
📞 (207) 695-2514
Highlights:
Luxury log cabins with fireplaces, snowmobile trail access, and unbeatable lake and mountain views.
Why Stay Here:
Experience luxurious log cabins surrounded by forest and lake views, ideal for romantic getaways or family vacations.
Top Experiences:
Private hot tubs and wood-burning fireplaces
Access to ATV and snowmobile trail networks
Minutes from downtown Greenville, yet secluded
Incredible sunsets over Moosehead Lake
5. Wilsons on Moosehead Lake — Greenville Junction
📍 66 Wilsons Rd., Greenville Junction, ME
📞 (207) 695-2549
Highlights:
Family-run lodge with year-round activities—fishing, snowmobiling, hiking—plus lakefront cottages and private docks.
Why Stay Here:
A Maine tradition for over 100 years, Wilsons offers lakeside lodging with year-round activities.
Top Experiences:
Direct snowmobile trail access in winter
Private boat docks and fishing opportunities
Hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing
Great base for exploring Mount Kineo and Lily Bay State Park
6. Moose River Lookout — Rockwood
📍 4054 Rockwood Road, Rockwood, ME
📞 (800) 544-0300 (Vacasa Guest Support)
Highlights:
Modern cabins overlooking Moose River and Mt. Kineo, with direct access to fishing, kayaking, and wilderness trails.
Why Stay Here:
Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kineo and the Moose River from this stunning modern cabin.
Top Experiences:
Fish or kayak right from your private dock
Explore the Kineo Golf Course or hike Mount Kineo Trail
Cozy indoor fireplace and outdoor seating area
Close to snowmobile and ATV trails
7. The Brewster Inn — Dexter
📍 37 Zion’s Hill Road, Dexter, ME
📞 (207) 924-3130
Highlights:
Historic B&B with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and beautiful gardens. Centrally located for day trips throughout the Highlands.
Why Stay Here:
A historic bed and breakfast set in a former governor’s mansion, offering timeless elegance and small-town charm.
Top Experiences:
Relax in rooms with fireplaces or whirlpool tubs
Explore antique shops and local museums in Dexter
Easy access to the Highlands scenic byways
Renowned for its English-style gardens and gourmet breakfasts
8. New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) — Millinocket
📍 30 Twin Pines Road, Fire Lane 20D T1-R8, Millinocket, ME
📞 (207) 723-5438
🌐 neoc.com
Highlights:
Adventure resort offering rafting, snowmobiling, hiking, and luxury cabins with views of Mount Katahdin.
Why Stay Here:
Known as “The Adventure Resort of Maine,” NEOC offers world-class outdoor experiences with stunning Katahdin views.
Top Experiences:
Guided whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, and moose safaris
Luxurious lakeside cabins with fireplaces and decks
On-site restaurant with craft beers and local cuisine
Access to Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument
🌄 Explore the Maine Highlands
Beyond your stay, discover the region’s best experiences:
Adventure Activities: Hike, snowmobile, paddle, or raft in Maine’s wild playground.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot moose, loons, bald eagles, and black bears in their natural environment.
Cultural Experiences: Explore Bangor’s arts scene, local breweries, and year-round festivals.
🗓️ Plan Your Escape to the Highlands
Whether it’s a cozy log cabin, an upscale lodge, or a lakeside retreat, the Maine Highlands offers endless options for every traveler. Book early during peak seasons (summer and fall foliage) for the best rates and experiences.
👉 Learn more or plan your stay at VisitMaine. or contact the Maine Office of Tourism at 1-888-MAINE-45.
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? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:
🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations
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!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
The Maine Highlands is a playground for every season — from summer hiking and paddling to winter snowmobiling and cozy fireside retreats. Whether you crave adventure, solitude, or a touch of luxury, these lodges deliver unforgettable Maine experiences.
