Damariscotta Lake State Park

Maine's beaches are truly marvels - clean, sandy and usually not terribly crowded. Damariscotta Lake State Park, located just miles from Augusta, is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Make a splash

The gorgeous freshwater Damariscotta Lake is an incredibly popular spot for park-goers in southern Maine. Although the saltwater beaches on the Atlantic shore draw the majority of the crowd in the state, the inland lakes are in many ways nicer. They are less crowded, and swimming in fresh water is often preferred to salt water.

Family-friendly

The beach at Damariscotta Lake State Park is smooth and sandy, with no dangerous outcroppings, and a lifeguard is on-duty throughout the season. This is a popular park for day trips, and on weekends you can find many families enjoying a day out. Picnic areas and grills are available to prepare lunch, but make sure to show up early to reserve one. If worse comes to worst, usually fellow park guests are happy to share.

Other diversions

The sparkling lake is really the main draw at this park. In addition, though, a small playground is available for kids, and public bathrooms and changing rooms are kept clean and well-maintained. Opportunities for hiking and wilderness exploration are limited, although birdwatching offers a pleasant diversion.

If all you want is a great place to take a swim or relax in the sand, Damariscotta Lake State Park is the park for you. This little Maine gem does one thing - water recreation - and it does it right.