Lily Bay State Park on Moosehead Lake: Swimming, Paddling and More

If you don’t have your own boat, you might think that visiting Moosehead Lake isn’t going to be a fun trip for everyone when you’re in the Highlands of Maine. Well, you don’t need a boat to enjoy Greenville and Moosehead Lake because Lily Bay State Park is perfect for enjoying the scenery, activities and everything that makes Moosehead Lake a special place.

Have you been to Lily Bay State Park before? We’ve been in different seasons and it’s always beautiful. We’ve got the full scoop on what to expect at Lily Bay State Park and all the things to do when you visit. If you have any other questions about Moosehead Lake, the state park or visiting Greenville, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a fun trip through Maine.

Highlights of Visiting Lily Bay State Park

As somebody who doesn’t own a boat except for kayaks, I’m always looking for easy ways to enjoy lake life, and Lily Bay State Park is great for that. Between the beach access to swimmable areas on Moosehead Lake to the kayaking spots and boat launches, the park is great for anybody being able to enjoy the lake. Located just north of Greenville on the way to Kokadjo, Lily Bay State Park is full of both day use areas and overnight camping.

Our kids like coming to Lily Bay State Park because there are so many activities and we can all kind of do our own thing and then come back together. One of their favorite things to do here is the lake trail that goes all along the shore. It’s easy and they can explore along the lake and woods in safety. We’re always nearby and it’s easy for us to feel comfortable giving them some freedom to be kids in the woods. If you’re visiting Lily Bay State Park without kids, you’ll enjoy the whole area and the mix of lake access and woods.

Note: the lakeside trail is two miles, so if you’re doing the full thing that’s a four mile hike. Be prepared and watch the weather as you’re going.

The main beach access point is located at the first day use area which is to the left upon going through the State Park entrance gate. There is parking for the picnic area, the playground, the lake trail and beach. Water access is easy, with shallow but rocky entry from the beach. There are no lifeguards on duty but it’s still a great place to be able to swim with kids. Yes, there are some other beach spots around Moosehead Lake and directly in Greenville, but Lily Bay State Park is my favorite spot for swimming here.

Tips for a Day at Lily Bay State Park

Unlike nearby Mount Kineo State Park, Lily Bay State Park is one that you can drive into and bring your own gear for kayaking and fishing and such. You can drive to Mount Kineo but it’s very limited how you can access the lake and activities, and while Lily Bay State Park doesn’t have the epic hike the other park does, the lake access is unmatched. I think swimming here is one of the best ideas because the shallows keep the water a little warmer than other parts of Moosehead Lake. You might even find freshwater mussels!

There are two places to launch watercraft, and there is also a small marina if you need to dock your boat for a short time. Using the boat launch for exploring the shore of Moosehead Lake in your own paddle craft is great with lots of coves and views across the water. Keep in mind if you’re planning a longer paddle on Moosehead Lake that the wind can sweep across the lake from the surrounding mountains which can make kayaking and canoeing a bit more difficult. Always proceed with safety in mind and make sure you’ve told somebody where you’re paddling and check in with them upon your return.

If you’re not coming to Lily Bay State Park for kayaking, but just a nice day or weekend trip, keep in mind that there are no services within the park. Yes, there are rangers and there’s a campground, but there’s not a store or provisions provider in the park so be sure that you’ve gotten whatever you need before you’ve left Greenville. If you forgot anything, it’s just fifteen minutes back into town, but it’s best to be prepared.

Being Prepared for Lily Bay State Park

There are no services in Lily Bay State Park so whatever you need during your visit you need to bring with you. If you’re planning on doing a picnic or cookout you’ll need to bring everything except the picnic table. There are grills, but they are for charcoal briquets, so be sure that if bbqing is in your plans you’re prepared with them. There are plenty of picnic spots with tables, so bring a table cloth to keep things tidy (sometimes there’s sap or other natural matter), and then of course whatever is for lunch.

Although this isn’t Maine’s biggest state park, which is actually Baxter State Park, there is a fair amount of wildlife that comes and goes through it. Whether you’re a birder and you’re excited to see the loons or if you’re hoping for a moose, Lily Bay State Park has some wonderful areas to watch for them. Bring your camera and telephoto lens or your binoculars for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

If you’re planning on kayaking or canoeing from the boat launches at Lily Bay State Park, know that you’ll need to bring your own gear. There are not paddling rentals in the park, but if you need to rent something, you can do that back down in Greenville. I like traveling with my inflatable SUP for getting on the water, and with the calm coves Lily Bay State Park is a great place for enjoying a little standup paddle adventure.

Getting to Lily Bay State Park

Lily Bay State Park is on the east side of Moosehead Lake. When you arrive to Greenville from Bangor or Portland, you’ll stay to the right and continue to head northward onto Lily Bay Road. Halfway between Greenville and Kokadjo you’ll come to the park entrance (just the one) and this is where you’ll access the beach, shoreline trail, boat launches and campground. It’s about fifteen minutes from downtown Greenville, so if you forgot something in town you can always run back if needed.

More Things to do in the Highlands of Maine

The Highlands of Maine stretch from Bangor and sprawl to the north and west following the rise of the Appalachians. There are lots of small towns and state parks, and some of the most beautiful sights in Maine. I know that most people think of coastal Maine and its lighthouses when they think of what they’ll see when they come for a visit, but the Highlands are really the playground of Mainers. This region is why Maine is called “Vacationland” and you’ll see why when you come for a visit.

And you cannot forget that the Highlands is an epic winter playground too, with destinations like Sunday River, Saddleback and Sugarloaf. In winter you’ve got downhill and Nordic skiing, and in summer it’s all about hiking and fishing. During fall this is where you come for leaf peeping and to look for moose and other Maine wildlife.

Here are some great ideas for ways to enjoy the Highlands of Maine.

Where to Stay in the Highlands

Depending on the season you’re visiting the Highlands, you will have different options for where to stay. If you’re planning on climbing Mount Katahdin or doing a portion of the Appalachian Trail, Millinocket is a great place to be based. For other Appalachian Trail launch points you can find fun places to stay in Eustace, the Carrabassett Valley, and Rangely. Another amazing summertime destination is Greenville and Moosehead Lake.

For skiing you can stay in Newry or Hanover (for Sunday River), Rangely or Phillips (for Saddleback), or Carrabassett Valley for Sugarloaf. You’ll find lots of cross country / Nordic skiing all over, but the Katahdin Area Trails are great for it!