Rangeley State Park is one of Maine's most famous outdoor destinations. The park, nestled in the mountains of western Maine, is part of the state's initiative to preserve underdeveloped natural lands while maintaining public accessibility. The picturesque lakeside park sits along Rangeley Lake, and the waterfront views create panoramic vistas that serve as the perfect backdrop for RV campers and recreational seekers alike.
The natural beauty of the area makes Rangeley State Park a desirable location for outdoor enthusiasts. The facility spans 869 acres, and there are many activities for visitors to participate in during every season. The area is most famous for its fishing because the lake supports world-famous populations of trout and landlocked salmon. These fish, living in the nine miles of clear and chilly waters of Rangeley Lake continue to flourish because of conservationist's effort to promote and support catch and release fishing.
Protecting the natural habitat of the Rangeley Lake State Park region of Maine takes the support of many. Two organizations, The Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Land for Maine's Future help contribute, fund, and build the property making the possibility of a beautiful and sustainable park possible.
Rangeley Lake State Park is a seasonally-operating park. During the off-season, guests are not able to access the park unless they park outside of the gates and walk in. The park is available for use, but guests should be aware that there are no facilities open during the time the park ceases operation.
During seasonal operations, the park is open daily. The park charges a daily use fee, payable upon entrance. Prices vary depending on the age and residency of the visitor.
Rangeley Lake State Park is located 79 miles northwest of Augusta, Maine, in the northwest portion of the state. From Bangor, the park is 117 miles northwest.
The Rangeley Lake State Park campground is a seasonally operating campground that allows well behaved leashed pets inside of the camping area. The scenic campground gives campers views of the lake and the mountains in the distance and provides restrooms, showers, a dishwashing station, hydrants, a dump station, and dumpsters for trash and recycling. The basic campsites have no hookups and range in size offering campers and RVs up to 45 feet in length a place to park during your stay. Generators are permitted outside of the park's designated quiet hours between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am.
The fishing in Rangeley Lake is a significant draw for experienced anglers because of the trout and salmon fishing. Even though the trout and salmon fishing bring people from near and far, there are plenty of fishing opportunities for novice anglers as well. Fish from the banks of the lake or take to the water and try your luck at catching one of the resident fishes: brook trout, yellow perch, and landlocked Atlantic salmon. Anglers with boats can use the park's boat ramp, or if you don't have a boat, rent a boat at one of the nearby rental shops or marinas. Please observe the catch and release rules and ensure that non-resident guests age 12 and over, and resident guests age 16 and older have a valid fishing license.
Rangeley Lake doesn't have to be seen by paddling leisurely along the shorelines. Visitors with motorized boats can take to the water and see more of the lake's nine miles of surface area. If you have your own boat, the park offers a boat launch and plenty of parking for trailers. Before entering the water, be sure your boat displays a current Lake and River Protection Sticker and follow the invasive species inspection protocol. If you don't have a boat, but want to explore the lake, visit one of the boat rental facilities located nearby.
Explore the shoreline of Lake Rangeley by canoe and experience a different scenic vantage point. The park rents canoes, paddles, and life flotation devices by the hour so that visitors can spend one hour or a full day out on the lake. Launch your boat from the boat launch for non-motorized boats and cruise across the cold waters of Lake Rangeley. All canoers should be aware of lake and weather conditions at all times and paddle with a partner. Because of the lake's location, windy conditions can impact a day out on the water in minutes, so it is always best to keep an eye to the sky and return to the park should any adverse conditions occur.
Guests who love walking outside can enjoy the short hiking trails that wind through forested sections of the park. The Moose Corridor Trail is .75 miles long and gives hikers just enough mileage to get their heart rates up. The trailhead is located at the park entrance and ends near the contact station. Another trail, unnamed, runs from the beach path to the boat launch. This .9-mile trail takes hikers near the lake into the wooded sections of the park. If you desire a more strenuous or lengthy hike, contact the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust for information on hiking trails located outside of the boundaries of the state park.
Birdwatchers will love the birding opportunities located near Rangeley Lake State Park. Bring your binoculars and your bird watching guides and visit the Hunter Cove Wildlife Sanctuary, located north of the town of Rangeley. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may experience muddy conditions on your quest to spot birds, but the low-lying, muddy-bog location is the perfect habitat for a variety of bird species. Songbirds and wading birds generally inhabit this area, but birdwatchers can also spot deer or amphibians along their birdwatching quest.
Explore the park's day use areas and experience Maine's natural scenic beauty. The park has a variety of multi-purpose day-use areas located in and around the campground. These areas are intended for guests to spend quality time outdoors. There is an Adirondack picnic shelter located near the park's entrance, as well as numerous picnic areas situated along the shore of the lake. The park also has a playground and a ball field so visitors of all ages can have fun outside. If organized activities aren't for you, sit lakeside, and relax and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding wooded area.
