🌤 Weather at Rangeley Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9–62 °F | 48–76 °F | 23–68 °F | 0–29 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Rangeley, 3 mi away, elevation 1,530 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Rangeley Lake State Park is located in western Maine, known for its year-round beauty and outdoor activities. Its abundant lakes, forests, and mountains are a haven for humans as well as wildlife.
That’s been the case for centuries, as fishing in Rangeley Lake is unparalleled. That and Saddleback Mountain are two of the outstanding physical features to get out on as well as marvel at their magnificence.
This 869-acre park in Rangeley is almost 80 miles from Augusta, 110 from Portland, and 130 from Bangor. If you own a plane, the Stephen A. Bean Municipal Airport may give you a fly-in option.
Most of the drive to the park is picturesque, so it’s worth the ride.
Nearby Parks
Activities at Rangeley Lake State Park
This Maine state park has enough activity options to keep you content for days on end. Whether it’s fishing, paddling, swimming, or being on the lookout for wildlife, you’ll be happy you came here.
You can camp, picnic, launch your motor boat, or breathe in fresh country air while the kids have fun at the playground. If you’re into big trails for hiking or mountain biking, this area is the place to be!
Although accessibility here is designated as limited, most of the features are good, including access to the trailered boat launch, campground, and restrooms.
Boating at Rangeley Lake State Park
Boating is open to both day visitors and campers. You can bring your motorized boat, personal craft, kayak, canoe, or SUP. There’s a trailered boat launch, finger docks, and canoe rentals, all for your convenience.
Visit Maine Boating to learn about your water craft’s registration requirements. Take note that water safety is taken quite seriously here as it’s a place where the weather can change quickly. Be prepared with life jackets, warm gear, and a plan for keeping an eye on the sky.
Swimming at Rangeley Lake State Park
This lake can be a bit chilly with the water temperature varying based on summer heat. Even then, you’re guaranteed a swim in clear water in an idyllic natural setting for sunbathing on the grassy shore.
Hiking at Rangeley Lake State Park
There are two short, easy hiking trails in Rangeley Lake State Park.
- Shoreline Trail is about a one-mile stretch that goes through woods, then opening to lakeside views. Its forest floor surface has exposed roots here and there.
- Moose Country Corridor Trail is 7/10 of a mile that meanders through quiet woods.
- Eleven miles south of the park is the Appalachian Trail-Piazza Rock trailhead where you can access moderate to rigorous hiking. This is trail is also used for snowshoeing.
Biking at Rangeley Lake State Park
The general area has some multi-purpose trails too!
- Rangeley River Trail is a 1.3-mile network of easy to moderate adventuring. You can access this spot for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing, including a stretch along the old narrow gauge railroad bed.
- Visit the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center site to learn about their network of local trails dedicated to hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Now that you’ve read up on biking on multi-use trails in the Rangeley area, it’s time to read up on others that are 50 miles away. There’s more gorgeous scenery on the ride over.
- Narrow Gauge Pathway is a 6-½ mile one-way, graveled and easy surface along the picturesque Carrabassett River.
- Go to Carrabassett NEMBA (New England Mountain Bicycle Association) to learn about the existing and developing trails in the Sugarloaf area.
Fishing & Hunting at Rangeley Lake State Park
Rangeley Lake and the several nearby large lakes are fishing destinations unto themselves. You’ll hear what seem like tall fishing tales up here. Chances are they’re true! Landlocked salmon catches are common as are brook trout, some of both that are reeled in are trophy sized.
You can fly fish in the Rangeley River, seven miles away in Oquossoc. Down the road 20 minutes you can catch wild brook trout in the Sandy River above Smalls Falls. You’re required to follow Maine laws and rules for inland fishing, including the popular winter sport of ice fishing.
There is no hunting from June 1 through Labor Day. Go to Hunting in Maine to learn more, including how to get a license. Please note that the park has specific rules about places where you cannot discharge your firearm.
Birding at Rangeley Lake State Park
Birding here is as varied as the setting. The abundance of water and fish draw eagles, loon, osprey, kingfisher, and heron in the warm months. The hardy eagles often stay year round. The wooded areas are the breeding season home to many types of warblers, some vireos, thrushes, and wrens.
Year round woods dwellers include black-capped chickadees, barred owls, partridge, and woodpeckers large and small, including the often elusive pileated.
Nature & Wildlife at Rangeley Lake State Park
This is one of those parts of Maine where you’re likely to see fox, bobcats, and larger wildlife. In this area moose often own the roads, so keep a sharp eye out. You’re likely to see deer, perhaps a bear, and lots of small creatures, including skunks, rabbits, mink, groundhogs, and so on.
Bear and groundhogs hibernate in the winter. It’s best to enjoy wildlife from a distance, for their sake and yours.
The park is home to a variety of wildflowers, moss, ferns, and mushrooms along with a range of mixed wood forestation. Bring along a wild plant guide to identify what’s here.
Pets at Rangeley Lake State Park
Bring your leashed pet along for your visit to the park, cleaning up after them as needed.
Camping at Rangeley Lake State Park
There are 50 campsites with some being reservable and others first come, first served. This includes a couple of ADA accessible sites. There are tent sites, plus those for popups and all the way up to campers over 35 feet long. There’s an ample number of sites with electric and water hookups.
Each site comes with a picnic table and fireplace. You can buy firewood right here. Water, showers, restrooms, and dishwashing stations are located conveniently throughout the campground. Plus, there’s a handy playground for the kids. Other conveniences are a trailer dumping station and one for trash and recycling.
If you want to have a group outing, this park is for you! There are three separate group camping areas for up to 35 people. These spaces are for tent camping and have restrooms and water accessible.
Park Location
Rangeley Lake State Park 1 State Park Rd, Rangeley, ME 04970 Phone: 207.864.3858
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Rangeley Lake State Park:
Explore More Maine State Parks
Rangeley Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Maine. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Maine guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Four Ponds is a short drive away, while Richardson lies a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Rangeley Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 50 sites — 50 sites close to the lakeshore, sized S through U per the map legend. 8 sites have electric & water hookups: 8, 12 (ADA), 14 (ADA), 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24. Flush toilets and hot showers. Nightly rate tier: Maine resident $20-30, non-resident $30-40 depending on site, plus a $5/site/night reservation fee and 9% Maine lodging tax. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Leashed pets (leash under 4 feet) allowed at campsites; must not be left unattended and waste must be cleaned up. |
| Reservations | Book online at CampWithME.com or call 800-332-1501 (Maine) / (207) 624-9950 (outside Maine); park phone (207) 864-3858. Two-night minimum advance reservation required; 14-day maximum stay. |
| Special sites | Three wooded group campsites, tent camping only, each accommodating up to 35 campers (call 207-585-2261 Feb-March or 207-864-3858 April-October for group camping info). Trailerable boat launch with finger docks for day visitors and campers. Adirondack shelter and RV dump station on site. |
| Season notes | Campground season runs May 1 to October 15, 9 a.m. to sunset daily. Outside those dates visitors may park outside the gate and walk in during regular hours, but campground facilities are closed. |
Camping questions about Rangeley Lake State Park
Can you camp at Rangeley Lake State Park?
Yes. Rangeley Lake State Park has 50 campsites. 50 sites close to the lakeshore, sized S through U per the map legend. 8 sites have electric & water hookups: 8, 12 (ADA), 14 (ADA), 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24. Flush toilets and hot showers. Nightly rate tier: Maine resident $20-30, non-resident $30-40 depending on site, plus a $5/site/night reservation fee and 9% Maine lodging tax.
How do you reserve a campsite at Rangeley Lake State Park?
Book online at CampWithME.com or call 800-332-1501 (Maine) / (207) 624-9950 (outside Maine); park phone (207) 864-3858. Two-night minimum advance reservation required; 14-day maximum stay.
Are pets allowed at the Rangeley Lake State Park campground?
Leashed pets (leash under 4 feet) allowed at campsites; must not be left unattended and waste must be cleaned up.
Source: maine.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Rangeley Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 4 feet, under the physical control of the handler
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on state park beaches April 1 through September 30; leashed pets are welcome on beaches October 1 through March 31
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- No pets allowed at Sebago Lake State Park campground; park staff may assign pet owners to less congested camping areas
Are dogs allowed at Rangeley Lake State Park?
Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via maine.gov. More: Maine state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Rangeley Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
