Natural swimming hole
Echo Lake Beach (Acadia National Park)
Lake · Maine
About this swimming hole
A small freshwater swimming beach at the southern end of Echo Lake on the west side of Mount Desert Island, and one of the few lakes in Acadia National Park where swimming is allowed — most other park ponds are public water supplies closed to swimming. The sandy shore has a roped swimming area reached by a paved path and boardwalk from the parking lot. Swimming season runs May 15 through September 15, and the lake water is much warmer than the nearby ocean.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 55 to 70°F in summer |
| Depth | Echo Lake maximum depth about 66 feet; shallow at the beach |
| Best season | June-September |
| Fees | Acadia National Park entrance pass required |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | Large NPS parking lot at end of Echo Lake Beach Road off Route 102; Island Explorer shuttle also stops here |
| Amenities | restrooms, changing rooms, picnic tables |
| County | Hancock County |
| Nearest town | Southwest Harbor |
| Safety notes | No guaranteed lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk; park monitors bacteria weekly in summer, check beach status before swimming |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Echo Lake Beach (Acadia National Park)?
Yes — Echo Lake Beach (Acadia National Park) is listed as a natural swimming spot in Maine. Reported water temperature: 55 to 70°F in summer. Heads-up: No guaranteed lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk; park monitors bacteria weekly in summer, check beach status before swimming. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Echo Lake Beach (Acadia National Park) require reservations?
No reservations are required at Echo Lake Beach (Acadia National Park) based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Echo Lake Beach (Acadia National Park)?
Reported fee info: Acadia National Park entrance pass required. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Echo Lake Beach (Acadia National Park)?
The best season is typically June-September.