Lake Umbagog

Remote island campsites on a wild border lake.

Umbagog straddles the New Hampshire–Maine line, a 7,850-acre lake with much of its shore protected as a national wildlife refuge and the Androscoggin River flowing out at Errol. The state park runs 33 boat-access campsites and four remote cabins around the lake, rents canoes and kayaks and can carry remote campers and their gear. It suits paddlers who want a few nights of real quiet and can handle wind on open water.

At a glance

Lake

7,850 acres, about 10 miles long

Remote camping

33 boat-access sites and 4 remote cabins

Base camp

27 sites with water and electric

Day use

$4 adults, $2 kids 6–11

Refuge

Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Flatwater
• Multi-day trips
• Paddle-in camping
• Boat rentals
• Wildlife
• Fishing
• Swimming

Rentals, guides and shops

• Umbagog Lake State Park

  Canoe and kayak rentals, a boat launch, a park store and transport for remote-site campers.

• Northern Waters Outfitters

  Errol outfitter on the Androscoggin with kayak instruction, canoe rentals, guided trips and riverside campsites, in business for about 50 years.

Where to stay

• cabinUmbagog Lake State Park cabins

  Four boat-access cabins around the lake plus cabins at the base camp; book on ReserveAmerica.

  On the lake
• hotelErrol Motel

  Simple motel in Errol village.

  10 min drive

Nearby

• Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge · 10 min drive

  Refuge lands around the lake and rivers, with trails and wildlife viewing.

• Dixville Notch State Park · 25 min drive

  Short hikes to waterfalls and cliffs in a narrow mountain notch.

Getting there

• Portland International Jetport (PWM) · about 2 hr 30 min drive
• Portland, ME · about 2.5 hr
• Boston · about 4 hr
• Montreal · about 3.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps