Tucked In Maine's 'Lakes & Mountains' Tourism Region Is A Popular Body Of Water To Swim And Fish

Imagine a place teeming with tree-covered mountains, endless lakes and ponds speckled across the landscape, and colorful woodlands of red maples, yellow birch, and American beech. A place where you can encounter wildlife like clumsy black bears, clever foxes, and towering moose. All of this and so much more can be found in Maine's Lakes and Mountains region in the southwestern side of the state, and one of the best places to visit there has to be Thompson Lake. 

Situated just south of the small town of Oxford, just one hour north of Portland, Maine, Thompson Lake is a massive body of water covering over 4,400 acres surrounded by blueberry bushes. In a state full of some of the most scenic drives you can take, making the exciting trip up through the thick forests from Portland to Thompson Lake is just the beginning of the adventures that await you there. From epic swimming to boating and relaxing on the water while catching fish, Thompson Lake offers recreational opportunities to suit every interest.

Maine truly has some of the most breathtaking views in New England. To be at Thompson Lake is to be immersed in serene and pristine beauty, and one can't help but feel a sense of calm. That doesn't mean that a trip to Thompson Lake can't be filled with exciting thrills and adventure, too. On the main part of the lake, there is an access point for motorized boats at the Thompson Lake Marina, and often you'll find families tubing, waterskiing, and swinging from ropes along the shorelines, splashing into its clear blue waters. Don't have a boat of your own? No worries! The marina offers boat rentals, allowing you to make the most of your time here.

Fishing is a popular activity at the lake, and a variety of fish call Thompson Lake home, including landlocked salmon. You can also find species such as small and large-mouth bass, and several kinds of trout. At the southern tip of the lake is a smaller body known as the Heath, connected to the lake by a culvert. This part of the lake is off-limits to motorized boats, making it a calmer and more tranquil place to cast your line from the shores or a canoe or kayak.

There are also some great opportunities to visit some of the nearby small towns, including Oxford, at the north end of the lake, and Norway, 10 minutes north of Oxford. You can find a few restaurants in Oxford or a convenience store if you need to stock up on snacks for a lakeside picnic. Norway offers a broader range of options, featuring several restaurants, cafes, shops, and even a local brewery.

Getting to Thompson Lake is relatively easy, as it is just one hour directly north from Portland, Maine, where you can fly into via Portland International Jetport. Known locally as just the "Jetport," this is Maine's largest airport, and so most United States airlines will fly here. Staying in and around Thompson Lake offers a few different options. There are several hotels located east of the lake along Interstate 95, with prices ranging from around $115 per night to over $ 250. For those who plan to camp, there are two campgrounds located to the west between Thompson Lake and the nearby Tripp Pond: Hemlocks Campground and Mac's Camping Area.

When it comes to recreation like camping, swimming, and boating, you'll want to come out during Maine's warmest summer months, which are July and August. You may also like to visit Thompson Lake during the winter months, when the lake transforms into a perfect place for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Whenever you choose to come, you'll find that Thompson Lake is a little slice of heaven within the beautiful Lakes and Mountains region of Maine. It's a place that's certainly worth adding to any picture-perfect beach vacation along the Maine coast, an opportunity to come inland and explore the beauty that this region has to offer.