Swim Echo Lake Beach

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.
 

• Check out the Current Beach Status (Fresh Water Sites)

 

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 Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets (with the exception of service animals) are not permitted at the designated swimming beach from May 15 through September 15.

Activity Fee

No

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.