Lily Bay State Park — Attraction in Beaver Cove

Our small family of 4, including my 2 year old boy, our dog and my wife and I stayed for 5 nights on 4th of July week. It was our 1st time staying at Lily Bay SP. We stayed in our 20ft camper and although there was not rv hookups we did not care. The campsite areas are split into 2 areas not near each other. Both have boat launch facilities near and both have campsights on the water for either rvs or tents, super nice. Shower facilities were a short drive, private and clean. Campsites were large and surprizingly pretty private. Not all of the sites were on the water but all very close. We had to switch camps a few times because we booked last minute. Definately 2 different atmospheres depending where you stayed. I only say that due to the other campers, not the park itself. 10pm is quiet time and there was a family laughing enjoying their fire, not being overly loud, not drunk and disorderly, no generator or anything, just casually laughing and chatting. But it was the night of july 4th, about 10:10pm and everyone was just getting back to camp after seeing fireworks in town and..... Anyway, 1 camp a guy screams," its quiet time and past 10pm!!!!!" Very rudely and alot louder than the family he was yelling at. We know how sound travels in the woods at night, anyway... My impression is quiet time doesnt mean become a mute and dont move in fear of a noise coming from your site. Reguardless every camp within earshot immediately stopped what they were doing, lights soon went off & you could only hear crickets and a possible pin drop after this guy who was wound soooo tight expressed himself. But as I mentioned, it wasnt the park to blame. Reguardless, we enjoyed our stay at Rowel circle best. We did not have a waterfront site but we stayed at site #6. It was private, large, level and next to the bathroom. People were nice and waved, said hi and the park staff was amazing. Our site was kinda at a high point so it seemed we had a nice breeze which was key due to the heat and humidity the week that we went. Chipmunks and squirells in camp, racoons raided our dogfood as well, lol, and we heard loons our whole time at camp. We did not mind hopping in the truck to go to the showers or the beach. Boatlaunch was seriously right around the corner and I took the family and we caught fish right from the docks. There were deer walking all over the park and it was cool. They had no fear. The beach was awesome, water was refreshing and not too cold. The beach is rocky so water shoes are a great idea. The beach area has a great playground which my son loved, also picnic tables scattered around, even deer wandered through this area as well. Views were amazing and the breeze on these hot and humid days coming off the lake was much appreciated. Ice and wood can be bought at the park entrance as well. Another plus is the town of Greenville is only 8-9 miles away for resupply, shopping or any other needs. Gas was actually cheaper than where i currently live which was a bonus as things tend to cost more away from civilization. Although, gas is cheaper, food is not at the grocery store, not too much but just making note. Great breakfast place called Auntie M's as well I suggest those in the area check out. But make note its cash only. Food was fast, good and not overpriced. We also took a day trip to Baxter SP to catch some views of Katahdin. It was a couple hours each way but worth the trip. We took the golden road and a suv or truck is suggested as the roads are gravel logging roads. Anyways, did we enjoy our stay? Absolutely Would we come back? Absolutely Was staff friendly and helpfull? Absolutely Were campsites spacious and private? Absolutely Location of park? Perfect Fishing? Perfect Kid friendly? Absolutely Moose? Not this time Deer? Everywhere Suggestions? Bring water shoes, food and do not forget bug spray. Also leave your intolerances at home, go, relax, unwind, smile and enjoy what God gave us at...

This place is amazing! Beautiful grounds all around. Got a boat, bring it. The lake has plenty to see. They have a boat landing in the park. But you can also put in a canoe or kayak, just about anywhere. I ventured all around the campground and all of the sites look great. Some right on the lake, some not, but all have access. Even if you're furthest back from the lake, you're only a short walk from it. Some sites are available by reservation and some are only available by going in and seeing what's available. I feel this keeps things plenty fair. There is no shortage of all of the wonder and beauty of the Great Maine Wilderness. Here you can fall asleep to the inexhaustible sounds of mother nature, the beautifully mournful and haunting calls of the Loons. In my mornings I enjoyed my coffee next to the lake, being visited by several families of ducks passing by, while enjoying breathtaking colors of pre-dawn and sunrise. At sunset, the deep purples and pinks on the lake can not be match by any great artists.

Do bear in mind this is a Maine State Park. It's not off the grid camping, but is more rustic then the more expensive non-state related campgrounds. If you love camping, not "glamping", in it's true form this is the right spot for you. Every site has a table and fire pit (just the way it should be in my humble opinion). The rest up to you. They do sell ice and firewood here, if needed, plus it is a short drive from Greenville, the biggest town near by, which also does have all of the amenities you'd need if your supplies run low. If you choose to venture out from the park you can find plenty to do, from sight seeing, hiking, wildlife peeping and more. There is no end to adventure up here and well...

A heads up for dog people. If you don't like dogs then don't bother reading this review. This is a beautiful campground and we really enjoyed it until our last day of a two week stay. We have two well behaved Golden Retrievers. They are under our control at all times. They never leave our campsite unless they are on a leash. Well today a park ranger rode by on his little golf cart and saw our Goldens in our campsite, behaving themselves, but not on leashes. So he pulled in, wagged his finger at us, and said "They must be on leash at all times..no exceptions". So all dog people just be aware that well behaved dogs are not welcome here and must be on leash "at all times..no exceptions". Not even playing in the water at your waterfront campsite..must be on leash. We are completely in agreement with rules that all dogs must be under the owner's control at all times and cannot be a nuisance in any way. But the rule at this park is extreme and the attitude of this ranger was unfortunate. We probably won't be...