Waterfront vacation rentals are the most sought-after properties in Maine, and for good reason. Whether you want a private dock on a remote lake, a cottage steps from the ocean, or a cabin on a river, Maine has more waterfront rental options than almost any other state in the Northeast. Here is a guide to finding the best ones.
Ocean and Coastal Waterfront Rentals
The Maine coast stretches over 3,000 miles of tidal shoreline, with vacation rentals ranging from rustic cottages on rocky headlands to modern oceanfront homes with private beaches. Ogunquit and Old Orchard Beach offer classic beachfront rentals in southern Maine. Kennebunkport and Camden feature upscale waterfront homes on the mid-coast. Bar Harbor and the Acadia region offer dramatic oceanfront settings on Mount Desert Island.
Lake and Pond Waterfront Rentals
Maine has over 6,000 lakes and ponds, and lakefront camps are a Maine institution. Moosehead Lake is the crown jewel, with over 75,000 acres of wilderness lake surrounded by camps and cabins. Rangeley Lakes offer a chain of connected lakes in the western mountains with excellent fishing and boating. Private docks, canoes, and kayaks are standard amenities at most lakefront camps.
What to Look For
- Confirm what waterfront means — direct frontage vs water views vs walking distance to water are very different things
- Ask about dock access and whether watercraft are included
- Check water depth if swimming is a priority — some Maine lake shores are rocky or shallow
- Waterfront properties book earliest — reserve 4 to 6 months ahead for peak summer weeks
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