Lily Bay State Park is one of the most popular spots along the shores of Moosehead Lake. The 925 acre destination offers hiking, boating, fishing, wildlife, and more. Plus it’s just 10 minutes up the road from The Lodge at Moosehead Lake!
There are lots of wonderful, outdoor recreation destinations around Moosehead Lake but Lily Bay State Park is one of the most popular. Most of its popularity comes from those who camp there but you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the park’s many charms.
Lily Bay State Park was established in 1959, primarily on land donated to Maine by the Scott Paper Company. While camping at the park is seasonal, May to October, the park itself is open all year ’round, 9am to sunset. Once the snow falls, the park becomes a popular snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing destination.
Visiting Lily Bay State Park
Lily Bay State Park is located on the East Shore of Moosehead Lake, nine miles north of town at 13 Myrle’s Way, Greenville, ME. As I say at the top, this is just ten minutes up Lily Bay road from our Moosehead Lake bed and breakfast.
There is a small fee to enter the park but it is well worth the cost and goes towards maintaining the park for everyone’s enjoyment.
The park’s 925 acres include two camping areas with 90 well-spaced campsites on the lake. Although the campgrounds are seasonal, winter camping is allowed with prior permission.
Camping amenities include picnic tables, grills, and a playground for the kids. Water is not available in the park so be sure to bring some along if you plan to stay awhile.
Other amenities include a swimming area with a fine pebble beach and such amazing, panoramic views. You won’t even care if you forgot your swimsuit!
Wildlife one might spot while hiking in the park include fox, raccoon, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and, of course, moose. The park is also extremely popular in autumn, with leaf peppers coming from all over to take in the spectacular colors.
Boating, Fishing, and Hiking at Lily Bay
Lily Bay State Park has two trailer-able, public boat launches and slips for motorized and non-motorized boats at each end of the park. If you’re planning on canoeing or kayaking the lake, use caution when crossing large stretches of open water. Wind can be treacherous on a lake of this size, coming up quickly to capsize you. Small watercraft should stay close to shore for safety.
Anglers looking to get some fishing in will find plenty to love about Moosehead Lake. The lake is home to salmon, brook trout, lake trout, and smallmouth bass. The salmon and trout are more active in the cool months, the bass in summer. You can get a fishing license and bone up on state fishing regulations online.
Hikers will enjoy stunning lake views along the easy, 2 mile long Shoreline Trail. As the name implies, this trail runs along the lake’s shore, between the beach and Rowell Cove campground.
In winter, the park maintains 5 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and a keeps a parking area plowed. People come from all over to ski, snowshoe, and ice-fish Moosehead Lake every year.
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Visit the park website for more information.