Rangeley Lake State Park

Rangeley Lake State Park covers a total of 869 acres in Maine’s western mountain and lake region. The park was established in 1960, shortly after Rangeley’s “golden era of rusticators” came to a close. Today, visitors are able to carry on the Rangeley sporting tradition by camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, and wildlife watching during their stay in a park that is commonly described as “peaceful” and “relaxing.”
Rangeley became known for its sizeable populations of brook trout in the 1860s, drawing fishermen and wealthy vacationers to the area for nearly a century. Camps and guide services were developed, as well as luxurious hotels in the downtown area to accommodate the influx of visitors. Local guides even designed and crafted a boat that was ideal for taking fly fishing clients on the water and could withstand the sudden waves and storms; the model became known as “The Rangeley Boat” and gained widespread use in other Maine lake regions, including the Sebago and Belgrade regions. In the 1930s, however, fish populations began to decline due to lack of regulations on catches, and train services that brought visitors to town were discontinued. By the 1950s, Rangeley had begun to quiet down again.
The state park is situated along the south shore of Rangeley Lake, one of the region’s six major lakes. With an approximate area of ten square miles and a maximum depth of 149 feet, the lake is home to steady populations of trophy-size brook trout and landlocked salmon–thanks to recent conservation efforts–as well as to a number of loons and bald eagles. The campground includes 50 well-spaced sites near the lakeshore, allowing for optimal space to relax and experience local wildlife. The park also features a beach with views of the famed Saddleback Mountain, a picnic area, playground, and a trailer-accessible boat launch with finger docks for both day visitors and campers. Showers are also on-site.
Bordering the park is the South Bog trail system, which is owned and maintained by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust. These are just part of the Trust’s 13,650 acres and 32 miles of public recreational trails scattered throughout the Rangeley region, providing endless opportunities for hikers, bikers, and, in the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
Rangeley Lake State Park is also within reasonable driving distance of some of western Maine’s most heralded landmarks. Just twelve miles south of Rangeley on Route 4 is Smalls Falls, a set four waterfall cascades totalling a height of 54 feet. It is a popular spot for picnicking and swimming complete with a railed trail that leads to the top of the falls. Angel Falls, one of Maine’s highest waterfalls at 90 feet tall, is just a 35 minute drive from the state park. Finally, what is arguably the most breathtaking view in the region lies just fifteen minutes south of the campground at the Height of Land overlook. Here, one can see for miles across the Appalachian Mountain Range and the pristine Mooselookmeguntic Lake.
But you don’t have to go searching for spectacular views and serene landscapes in the Rangeley region; they’re essentially unavoidable. Rangeley Lake State Park is central to a timeless environment that has visitors returning year after year to celebrate and be part of its quintessential outdoor traditions.