Lake St. George State Park is a special destination for many reasons. One is that it’s open year round. Another is that there’s an extensive list of activities waiting for you here on a site that was once a classic Maine farmstead.
Located in Liberty, it’s just over ½-hour from the Maine capitol of Augusta, and that or less to the delightful coastal towns of Belfast and Camden. All of this means that if you come here to camp, there are wonderful outings quite nearby.
The lake covers 1,017 acres with a maximum depth of 65 feet. It’s perfect for a group picnic and all kinds of water activities that you’ll read about shortly. Although the park is listed as having limited accessibility, a number of its features like parking, restrooms, group use area, and lake views are rated good at 4 of 5.
Nearby Parks
Activities at Lake St. George State Park
This is a true year-round park! Each season offers special activities, including winter’s ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. Hunting is allowed, following Maine regulations, and spring welcomes boaters after ice-out.
This Maine state park is as inviting for a one-day outing as it is for a week of camping. There’s a play area, space for basketball and volleyball, lawn area, stairs down to the beach, and easy access to boating and fishing.
There’s a covered group picnic shelter that’s made for reunions, weddings, and birthday parties. Call 207-589-4255 to learn more about the shelter’s amenities and make a reservation.
Boating at Lake St. George State Park
Visitors to the park bring their boats for cruising, fishing, birding, and paddling. There’s a launch for motorized boats next to the park at coordinates 44.39442 -69.35031. You’ll even have the option of renting one personal watercraft, including kayaks, SUPs, and paddleboats. The lake has a lot of shoreline to explore, including some along undeveloped islands.
Swimming at Lake St. George State Park
This is one place where you can swim to your heart’s delight as inland Maine lakes reach reasonable temperatures for most of the summer. There’s a lifeguard on duty during the day and grass or sand options for sunbathing. Of course, you can also swim from your boat!
Hiking at Lake St. George State Park
You can access uphill hiking across the road from the park’s main section by following the park guide. You’ll find intersecting trails kept in shape by local snowmobilers. Other hiking options include:
- Gibson Preserve that is just over a 10-minute drive from the park. This roughly 3-mile network of easy to moderate hiking is a go-to spot for birding and spotting wildlife. Your leashed pet can accompany you on these grassy, forest floor trails that are open for snowshoeing too.
- Haystack Mountain is a moderate trail that can be accessed about 3 miles away by following the link’s directions. This is a pet-friendly trail that also has a literacy component for children.
Biking at Lake St. George State Park
Biking is not a listed activity at the park. There are designated bike trails within a ½-hour, giving you the chance for a quick getaway.
- The Passagassawakeag Rail Trail is directly east following Route 3. It’s on an old railroad bed with a gravel and crushed stone surface for the 4+ mile round-trip ride.
- Garcelon Wildlife Management Area South is 25 miles southwest of the park, offering you moderate mountain biking through 10 miles of mixed terrain.
Fishing at Lake St. George State Park
Fishing here follows the south zone laws for inland waters. This page gives you info on limits and a link to licensing requirements. Here at Lake St. George you’re most likely to catch brook trout, landlocked salmon, and small and largemouth bass while boat-fishing. Check in with the park manager about any spots for shore fishing.
Snowmobiling at Lake St. George State Park
This is another winter activity to enjoy at the park. Along with cruising the lake you can cross Route 3 and head uphill on the River Trail that intersects with the Frye Mountain/Liberty Trail. You can ride east on west for miles on these locally maintained trails.
Birding at Lake St. George State Park
The uninhabited islands of the lake support nesting birds as well as those who linger longer. Large birds like eagles and osprey have made a comeback and may be seen on the lookout for fish. They also like to frequent where loons breed, as they do here. Herons fish in out of the way spots along the shore. You’ll also see ducks and gulls.
The mix of woods and open areas supports an abundance of songbirds. There are a variety of warblers and flycatchers. Golden-crowned kinglets are here year round, whereas the ruby-crowned kinglet is only here during the breeding season. You’re likely to spot various woodpeckers, including the elusive pileated. Wild turkeys make their presence known in early spring.
Nature & Wildlife at Lake St. George State Park
Wildlife that are nearby are both small and large. Camping areas attract squirrels and chipmunks as well as skunks and the occasional black bear. If you’re out on the trails, you may see deer signs and bobcat or fisher tracks. If you’re out in a kayak or canoe and exploring marshy areas and quiet coves, keep a lookout for the playful and curious otters.
Pets at Lake St. George State Park
Pets are welcome at the park as long as they’re leashed, cleaned up after, and well mannered.
Camping at Lake St. George State Park
Camping at Lake St. George has 40 sites. Some are for tents and others for campers and RVs, with spaces for those exceeding 35 feet. There are both reservable and non-reservable sites, including several by the water. The sites here are family camping spots that are for your family or a group of up to 6 people.
Each campsite has a table, fireplace, and wood for purchase as the park request you use theirs.
Your leashed pet can be with you in the campground as long as they are not left unattended and their waste is disposed of. There are water spigots at various points in the camping area, as well as accessible restrooms. You’ll find showers and a dishwashing station, plus a trash and recycling area and trailer dumping station.
Please note there are no camper or RV hookups at this park.
Although winter camping is an option here, you must first contact park staff to make arrangements by calling (207)589-4255.
Nearby Camping
You’ll find other camping options in the area, including those with hookups.
- Sennebec Lake Campground is about 20 minutes down the road in Appleton. It’s a pet friendly setting that’s located on a lake with all kinds of activities and equipment rentals such as golf carts and watercraft.
- Green Valley Campground is ½-hour west in Vassalboro and is also in a woods and waterfront setting, is pet friendly, and has a play area, walking trail, and swimming area.
Park Location
Lake St. George State Park
278 Belfast Augusta Rd.
Liberty, ME 04949
Phone: 207.589.4255
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Lake St. George State Park:
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