In Southwestern Maine, you’ll find the clear waters of Lake Arrowhead, just an hour west of North Conway. Lake Arrowhead has all the beauty of a lakeside vacation without the bustling crowds of nearby Sebago Lake.
While Sebago Lake may take much of the spotlight, Lake Arrowhead‘s understated beauty offers a quieter alternative but still packs in all the adventure. Set amidst the rustic charm of Waterboro just fifteen minutes away, this lake offers a place to swim, fish, relax, and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead Area
After a day of enjoying the lake, nearby Waterboro offers many places to dine and various options for overnight accommodations, from camping to charming bed and breakfasts.
Waterboro was originally called Massabesic by the Abenaki Indians, meaning “the place of much water,” referring to the abundance of surrounding lakes, including Lake Arrowhead. Though the town changed to Waterboro, the local high school still holds the original Massabesic name.
Here are some things you can do.
Fishing
Fish for brook trout, perch, bass, and lake trout (delicious on your camp stove!) on Lake Arrowhead. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or a novice enthusiast, head to Live Bait East Waterboro to stock up on bait for your fishing adventure.
Hiking
As with hiking, make sure you’re prepared for a day on the water. Sunscreen, water, and food are your friends, and make sure to be courteous of others enjoying the serene lake.
Didn’t get enough hiking in North Conway? We’ve got some options for more mountain exploration here, too! If you’ve still got the hiking bug, head over to Ossipee Mountain for a hike up to the 1,058-foot peak. A fire tower gives a great view of the surrounding area.
Waterboro Barren Preserve
If you want a more low-key walk, head to Waterboro Barrens Preserve, where you’ll find a network of trails spanning over four miles, which takes you through a unique landscape setting of pine and oak shrub barrens and sandy areas.
After a day of outdoor adventures, head fifteen minutes south to the town of Waterboro to enjoy the local grub. At 38 West Pub and Grill, enjoy classic American fare with an Irish twist, like juicy burgers, Irish quesadillas (think Guinness crème fraiche and corned beef), Dublin salad with Irish cheddar, and plenty of cold beer.
XOTA Brewing Company
They often have local musicians performing on weekends, too! Didn’t get enough time outside? Head to XOTA Brewing Company for some cornhole and enjoy some grub from their rotating food trucks. They offer a rotating tap, but expect to find their refreshing Ossipee Mountain Pale ale, an easy-to-drink pale with minimal bitterness.
If you’re not a beer-drinking, they have an in-house hard seltzer with a rotating list of flavors like pineapple and mango.
Where to Stay in Lake Arrowhead
There are plenty of accommodation options for the Waterboro and Lake Arrowhead areas, from camping to quaint bed and breakfasts.
Walnut Gove Campground
Minutes south of Waterboro is Walnut Grove Campground in Alfred, Maine. A family-friendly campground, Walnut Grove offers amenities like a rec hall, pool, and playground, as well as free Wi-Fi. They also offer a variety of camping options.
There are rustic cabins for rent with water and electricity and glamping options in cute and colorful RVs with electricity, heat, a mini fridge, and a microwave. Choose from their Retro Red RV, which sleeps four, or their Retro Seafoam Green RV, sleeping two. For a basic setup, consider their tent camping spots with basic hookups or an option for rustic sites, too.
Traveling in an RV? Walnut Grove has an array of full hook-up sites. From May 3rd to October 27th, Walnut Grove has weekly fun themes for the whole family, from Tropical Getaway to Halloween Spooktacular.
Bunganut Lake Camping Area
Just south of Waterboro is Bunganut Lake Camping Area, which sits on Bunganut Pond. Towering White Pines offer ample shade in this 60-acre campground. Each site is equipped with water, electricity, a fire pit, and a picnic table.
Campers have access to swimming in spring-fed Bunganut Pond. There’s also a rec hall with games like ping pond and pool. Keep an eye on their website’s calendar for special events during your stay!
Jeremiah Mason House and Breakfast, Limerick
If tent camping isn’t your thing, head a few minutes north of Lake Arrowhead to the Jeremiah Mason House Bed and Breakfast in Limerick, Maine. A classic New England brick building, this bed and breakfast is charming and thoughtful.
There are three floors of guestrooms with either king, queen, or twin beds. Looking to stay on a budget? The third-floor guestrooms have half baths instead of full, with a shared full bath at the end of the hallway.
Cornish Inn, Cornish, Maine
Just twenty minutes north of Lake Arrowhead is the Cornish Inn in the charming town of Cornish, Maine.
Built-in 1820, the inn offers historic charm with modern amenities, like their farm-to-table dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving bites like shakshuka, eggs benedict, and hot cakes for breakfast, and fresh, local seafood-think grilled swordfish and baked scallops-for lunch and dinner. Sixteen rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi and en suite bathrooms, and the town of Cornish offers classic Maine charm and history.
There are many options for enjoying Lake Arrowhead and the nearby town of Waterboro. Nature lovers have access to Lake Arrowhead’s miles of shoreline, while history buffs can explore the neighboring towns like Waterboro, Limerick, and Cornish, and foodies can enjoy the creative local fair and freshly made beer.
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Conclusion
A trip to Maine isn’t complete without some lake time, but Sebago isn’t always an option due to its popularity.
Lake Arrowhead offers a peaceful alternative, with plenty to see and do before you head over to South Portland for a food tour that will satisfy lovers of all cuisines on the beautiful coastline of Maine.
