Located on the shores of Maine's largest lake and surrounded by picture-perfect woodlands, Lily Bay State Park is a slice of heaven waiting for you to enjoy. Known as a very family-friendly park, Lily Bay is situated in Greenville and was created in 1961 after a significant land donation by a large paper company in 1959.
The 925-acre park is well-known for offering year-round recreation activities thanks to its location on Moosehead Lake. During the summer months, the lake is a hub of activity with boaters, swimmers, anglers, and people on the shoreline picknicking. During the winter, the park is still open for recreation, and it is a great place to go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Once the sun sets, the park is an awesome place to catch a sunset or view the Milky Way Galaxy in the night sky. With views that overlook mountains, bringing your camera to capture the beauty of the area is highly recommended.
Lily Bay State Park is a lovely place to camp, no matter how long you are staying. There is one RV-friendly campground that is open from mid-May to mid-October, and it includes over 30 waterfront sites for guests to enjoy. This is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway, so pack your own rig or your rented RV and escape to Lily Bay State Park—it’s a must-visit in Maine.
Lily Bay State Park is a great place to visit during both the winter and summer months! The park is located just nine miles north of the town of Greenville in north-western Maine, on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake. There is one entrance that will take you to the park, which can be accessed from Lily Bay Road. Most visitors will be coming from the south, in which case you will continue driving north of Greenville until you see the signs for the park. Once you are in the park, the navigation is straightforward. Drive a short distance down the park road until you approach the entrance booth where you’ll pay the park’s entrance fee. From there, your RV will reach a fork in the road and follow the signs to reach the campground.
If you plan to visit Lily Bay State Park during the wintertime, you should be prepared for the conditions that might await you. The campground will still be open, but there will be no running water. You may also have a hard time making it to the park, depending on the amount of snowfall, so we recommend you call ahead to check the conditions before you begin your journey.
Pack your camper for a fun, uniquely Maine outdoor experience at a well-maintained campground. Lily Bay State Park offers primitive, semi-private spots that include 38 waterfront sites. The campsites are split between two areas: Dunn Point and Rowell Cove. Generators are allowed, and the camp observes quiet hours between 7 AM to 9 PM. Near the campground entrance, you will find a large bathhouse that includes hot showers, drinking water, and flush toilets. Closer to the campgrounds, clean pit toilets are available. The campground does offer nearby water spigots for campers to utilize, and there is a camp store on-site that sells firewood and supplies. With partially private sites, you can view local deer and geese during your stay. Busy during the summer months, it is advised to make a reservation to claim your favorite spot. This campground is open for visitors from mid-May to mid-October and closes during the off-season.
There are several sites at both Dunn Point and Rowell Cove that are set aside for camping on a first-come, first-served basis. So if you are planning on making a spontaneous trip to Lily Bay State Park, you might be able to snag one of these spots.
Since you have come to explore and enjoy the largest lake in northeast Maine, make the most of it and bring your camera to snap some great photos of your stay. The lake is a great place to take pictures, but you will also want to capture the magnificent Mt. Kineo in all of its glory. Mt. Kineo is one of the most spectacular peaks in the area, as it rises directly from the middle of the lake. It truly is such a unique site because the peak sits 800 feet from the water's surface.
Lily Bay State Park is a great place to visit no matter what time of the year. If you plan to visit the park during the winter months, you will be pleased to note that there are some great activities you can participate in that will help warm you up. There is a five-mile cross country skiing trail that also has some smaller side trails that are perfect for snowshoeing. The trails are groomed so they will be ready for you to explore, whether that be on skis or with snowshoes. If you don't want to hit the trails, there will also be plenty of snow about for you to build snowmen with, use to make snow angels, or have a snowball fight with your friends.
If you are lucky enough to visit the park during the wintertime, you might get to enjoy the Winter Family Fun Day. From an ice fishing demo and snowmobile rides to building a birdhouse, or watching a winter camping demonstration, there are many events to entertain the whole crew. Relax next to the bonfire or participate in the state park’s scavenger hunt for prizes. You can rent cross-country skis, snowshoes, ice skates, and snow tubes for free. Winter Family Fun Day is an event for all ages, and this day will be packed full of memories! If you are interested in this event, make sure you check out the park website to see when the fun takes place.
Make sure that you keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife action when visiting Lily Bay State Park. The area is known for being home to many majestic creatures both on land as well as in the sky. The lake area is a great spot to see some of the birds that frequent the park, while the wooded surroundings often house moose, deer, and even bears! If you do see any large animal, remember to let it go about its day and do not disturb it.
Moosehead Lake could be the perfect place for you to catch your dinner if you are a keen angler. The lake is known as a fishing delight that is full of salmon and trout that are waiting for you to catch. The best fishing time is usually in September or May right after the ice on the lake has melted. Before you cast your line, you will need to have a valid state license for everyone in your party older than 16-years-old.
Remember to bring your boots to Lily Bay State Park so that you can enjoy the Shoreline Trail. Around two miles long, the Shoreline Trail is suitable for all ages, and it will allow you to go for a stroll from the beach and campground via the lake shoreline. Hiking here is rewarding during every season because you have the opportunity to catch the magnificent views of Moosehead Lake on the trail while you enjoy the peace and quiet that the northeast has to offer. Get out there and explore!
