Jefferson MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Jefferson, Maine.
1. Damariscotta Lake State Park
SANDY LAKESIDE RELAXATION
Damariscotta Lake State Park in Jefferson is a popular destination featuring a broad sandy beach along the shores of a 13-mile freshwater lake. The park offers ample picnic areas, grills, a playground, and a roped-off swim area with lifeguards for safe swimming. Its family-friendly atmosphere, shady spots, and scenic views make it ideal for summer outings.
2. Lake St. George State Park
PRISTINE LAKESIDE SWIMMING
Lake St. George State Park, located in Liberty, is renowned for its clear waters and inviting sandy beach on beautiful Lake St. George. Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, paddling, and relaxing picnics in a scenic, wooded setting. The park features picnic facilities and a designated swim area, drawing visitors from across central Maine.
3. Dodge Point Public Reserved Land
RIVERSIDE TRAILS AND SWIMMING
Dodge Point Public Reserved Land in Newcastle offers several miles of trails along the Damariscotta River shoreline, with small pebble beaches for swimming and wading. The area is celebrated for its natural beauty, wildlife sightings, and peaceful river views. Visitors enjoy hiking, swimming, and picnicking on the riverbank.
4. Pemaquid Beach Park
OCEANFRONT SANDY BEACH
Pemaquid Beach Park in Bristol features one of the rare sandy ocean beaches in midcoast Maine, offering gentle surf and picturesque coastal vistas. The beach provides restrooms, changing facilities, and a snack shack for a comfortable beach day. Visitors can swim, build sandcastles, and bask in the beauty of the Atlantic shoreline.
5. Barrett Park
HARBORFRONT SWIMMING AND PICNICS
Barrett Park is a cozy, family-friendly public park on Boothbay Harbor's waterfront, featuring a small sand and pebble beach area. The park includes picnic tables, a jungle gym, and shallow tidal waters great for wading and swimming at high tide. Locals and visitors alike frequent the park for its views and relaxing atmosphere.
6. Damariscotta Mills Swimming Hole
HISTORIC RIVER SWIMMING SPOT
Damariscotta Mills Swimming Hole is a beloved local spot on the Damariscotta River in Nobleboro, known for its clear water and historic fish ladder. Swimmers enjoy jumping from the dock and cooling off in the refreshing river current. The swimming area is popular in summer, offering a laid-back, old-fashioned Maine experience.
7. Megunticook Lake and Barrett's Cove
FRESHWATER LAKE BEACH
Megunticook Lake's Barrett's Cove in Camden is a scenic freshwater beach with a wide stretch of sand, shallow swim zone, and stunning mountain views. Popular with families, the area features picnic facilities and a float for swimmers farther offshore. The tranquil setting is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing lakeside.
8. Camden Snow Bowl
MOUNTAIN LAKE SWIMMING
Camden Snow Bowl, while known for winter sports, is also home to a small lake, Hosmer Pond, that offers swimming, paddling, and summer recreation. The waterfront picnic area and dock invite visitors for a refreshing dip after hiking or exploring the mountain trails. It's a unique blend of mountain and lakeside escapism near Camden.
9. Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site
HARBOR BEACH AND HISTORY
Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site in Bristol features a small harborfront beach, picnic spots, and fascinating colonial-era ruins. Families can explore the historic structures before swimming or wading in the gentle harbor waters. The site offers a rare mix of history and peaceful waterfront recreation along the Pemaquid River inlet.
10. Lake Pemaquid Campground Beach
PRIVATE LAKESIDE RECREATION
Lake Pemaquid Campground in Damariscotta boasts a sandy lakeside beach open to campground guests, perfect for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The large beach area is family-friendly with play spaces, boat rentals, and a vibrant social scene during summer. Guests enjoy direct water access and stunning sunsets over the lake.