Beautiful Moosehead Lake has beckoned vacationers for years. It offers the “big three” items anyone needs for a true Maine getaway: wilderness, water, and mountains. The drive might require a few more bathroom stops if you have little kids, but the destination is worth it. Families can tailor the experience to be relaxing or full of adventure. There are endless activities from the doorsteps of the newly renovated cottages, like swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, float plane tours, fire pits, and moose “safaris.” If it’s an “inside” kind of day, the cabins are stocked with board games, and each features a deck to watch the sunset.
With choice views of the lake and majestic Mount Kineo, each of the seven cabins sports two bedrooms and can sleep four comfortably, with some fitting up to seven. All are equipped with full kitchens, smart TVs, and bathrooms with tiled showers and hot water. Don’t fret about keeping the furry members of your family at home; three of the cottages are dog friendly.
Relaxation and connecting with nature (and each other) are the true focuses here. If you’re seeking to explore Moosehead Lake with your own boat, you can launch it at the public landing and tie up to one of the property’s slips out front. For budding astronomers, bring your telescopes—the absence of light pollution makes for some of the finest stargazing in the country.
The unobstructed views of Maine’s largest lake and Mount Kineo alone are worth the stay, but once you set foot in these updated sporting camps, you’ll fall in love with the cottages’ modern conveniences that aren’t typically available in such a rustic setting.
Where to Eat: Bring burgers, hot dogs, and s’mores ingredients for a family cookout on one of the outdoor grills. Visit Rockwood Bar and Grill for jalapeño poppers, wings, and hand-tossed pizzas, or enjoy lakefront casual dining at The Birches Resort. For some of the finest cuisine in the region, head to 368 Maine at The Lodge at Moosehead Lake. It’s a 30-minute drive, but the trip is worth it to delight in chef Tyler Upton’s creative and whimsical dishes.
What Else to Do: Golfers can play the breathtaking Mount Kineo Golf Course, accessed via the Mount Kineo Shuttle. For thrilling river adventures, contact Northeast Whitewater Rafting and Moose Tours in Shirley, whose guides have decades of experience on all classes of rapids. In the winter, visitors can enjoy ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobile trails.
