Thing to Do

Swim Echo Lake Beach

Child with an inflatable toy in a lake

Echo Lake Beach is a popular, freshwater swimming spot located off Route 102 on the west side of Mount Desert Island. There is a small, sandy beach and a roped off swimming area at the southern end of Echo Lake. The average summer water temperatures are 64 degrees in June, 72 degrees in July, and 73 degrees in August.

Be aware: There may not be a lifeguard on duty here, even in the summer. Swimming in natural areas poses risks. Your safety depends on your own good judgement.
 

Echo Lake Rules & Regulations

Echo Lake Beach is a designated swimming beach from May 15 through September 15.

During swimming beach designation, the following rules apply:

Activities/Items Permitted/Not Permitted during Swimming Beach Designation

Possession/use of USCG-approved flotation

Permitted

Possession/use of other flotation

Permitted

Possession of glass containers

NOT PERMITTED

Possession of dogs/pets

NOT PERMITTED

Fishing (see below)

NOT PERMITTED

Snorkeling/Scuba Diving

Permitted

Launching/landing of boats

NOT PERMITTED

Possession of alcohol

NOT PERMITTED

Incompatible sporting activities

NOT PERMITTED

Kite Flying that creates an interference

NOT PERMITTED

Surfing

NOT PERMITTED


During the time that Echo Lake Beach IS NOT a designated swimming beach (September 16 thru May 14),
the following rules apply:

Activities/Items Permitted/Not Permitted during Non-Swimming Beach Designation

Possession/use of USCG-approved flotation

Permitted

Possession/use of other flotation

Permitted

Possession of glass containers

NOT PERMITTED

Possession of dogs/pets

Permitted

Fishing (see below)

Permitted

Snorkeling/Scuba Diving

Permitted

Launching/landing of boats

Permitted

Possession of alcohol

NOT PERMITTED

Incompatible sporting activities

Permitted

Kite Flying that creates an interference

Permitted

Surfing

NOT PERMITTED


Note: Possession of glass containers and alcohol on the beach is NOT PERMITTED, year round.

  • No camping
  • No metal detectors
  • No smoking
Details
Activity
Swimming
Pets (with the exception of service animals) are not permitted at the designated swimming beach from May 15 through September 15.
Although this activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.
Location
Echo Lake Beach
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
Echo Lake Beach is accessible via a paved path from the parking lot to a connector boardwalk onto the beach. The restrooms are wheelchair-accessible.

Acadia National Park

Last updated: June 10, 2021