Making Dreams Comes True on the Rapid River Since 1853

Proudly continuing Our legacy as the oldest Sporting Camp in Maine

ABOUT LAKEWOOD CAMPS

Lakewood Camps is Maine’s oldest original sporting camp, boasting both history and charm. We enjoy a beautiful and pristine location on the untouched shores of Lower Richardson Lake, adjacent to the headwaters of the Rapid River at Middle Dam, nestled within the Rangeley Lakes Region of Western Maine.  The camp is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences centered around fly fishing, upland bird hunting, guided moose hunts and other remote sporting adventures all while enjoying our homestyle hospitality.  Lakewood visitors become part of the legacy of tradition that harkens back to a bygone time where days are long and fireside stories even longer, enticing generations of outdoor enthusiasts to return year after year.  Everyone leaves Lakewoods feeling like a “Mainer”.

 

FLY FISHING AT LAKEWOOD CAMPS

Since 1853, generations of fly-fishing enthusiasts have made our shores their go-to destination.  Lakewood Camps is the only public lodge on the Rapid River and offers the best fly-fishing for native eastern brook trout in the lower 48. This rare, naturally sustained fishery also provides ample angling opportunity for trophy worthy landlocked salmon.  Do it yourself or opt for a guided experience, but either way you can take your pick of hundreds of prime spots to cast as you walk the age-old paths on both sides of the river to access the water.  The beauty of a Lakewood sunrise is rivaled only by the thrill of netting your first brookie.  

 

UPLAND BIRD HUNTING AT LAKEWOOD CAMPS

Lakewood Camps' remote location is surrounded by classic upland habitat featuring outstanding grouse and woodcock hunting. Your hunting experience begins within steps of your cabin on gated, private property with thousands of acres of prime upland cover beyond. You won’t be driving long hours to reach good hunting at Lakewood Camps!

 

MOOSE HUNTING AT LAKEWOOD CAMPS

Winning a permit to hunt a moose in Maine is a bucket list item for many big game hunters. Tens of thousands of hunters enter the moose permit lottery every year, but only a few thousand get the chance to take place in the moose hunt. Lakewood welcomes experienced big game hunters with a unique experience in this historical sports camp.

Whether self-guided or an all-inclusive guided Moose Hunt with one of our experienced guides, Lakewood Camps moose hunt experiences are a once in a lifetime. Our guides offer the experience you need to make it the hunt of a lifetime, or you can use Lakewood as a base camp for your zone 7 hunt. Whichever you choose, meals, snacks, and lodging are all included in your fee.

Your Oasis Awaits!

You’ll stay lakeside in a rustic cabin. Enjoy three meals served in the dining room of the main lodge.

Finish your day in front of the fire or porch side as your worries melt away with the breathtaking sunset.

DESTINATION LAKEWOOD CAMPS – MAKE THE EXPERIENCE YOUR OWN

Your time at Lakewood Camps will be like no other vacation you’ve ever experienced. How you spend your time is up to you! Your journey begins at our private dock on the south arm of the Lower Richardson with a boat transfer to camp. 

We believe in starting every adventure with an adventure!

 

We Can't Wait to See You at Camp!

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LAKEWOOD CAMPS

LakeWood Camps

1When does Lakewood Camps Open?

Our 173rd season will open May 17, 2026 and close on June 30, 2026.

Availability is limited, so book early!

2026 Fall season fishing and hunting are currently closed for improvements.

2What is the Fishing Season like in Maine?
Our prime fishing season runs from mid-May to the end of September/early October each year. Our hunting season runs throughout the month of October.
3How do I get to Lakewood Remote Camps?

Your Lakewood Camps Experience starts with a boat ride from the south arm.

Guests are brought in by boat, as the road in is a logging road of 16-miles and sometimes impassible. Your adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from the designated parking area to the property. Once there, your accommodations will become your second home during your time with us.

The transfer takes only about 10–20 minutes on the water, depending on weather, but is one of our favorite parts.

4What types of sporting activities do you offer at your camp?

Whether you are visiting for the Trophy Brook trout at the famed Rapid River or “Pond in the River”, looking for a guided upland bird hunt, moose, or other game hunt, we are dedicated to making the experience all yours.

For those seeking solitude, we cater to tranquil retreats as well. There is no better place to unplug than the pristine shores of the Lower Richardson Lake and adjacent to the headwaters of Rapid River at Middle Dam, in the Rangeley Lakes Region of Western Maine.

5How much does it cost to stay at Lakewood Camps?

Lakewood Camps 2026 rates are as follows:

2 Person Cabin: $500 per night

4 Person Cabin: $1,000 per night

Rates include lodging, boat transfers, livery to angler access and firewood.

Meal plan includes three meals daily in the dining hall of the main lodge and is per diem per person. Bagged lunches are also available.

Two-night minimum stay is required. Rates listed are in U.S. $ and are subject to cancellation policies

We love when the next generation gets to experience and build a love for the outdoors! We love your children!

Well behaved fur babies are welcome too, subject to a nominal nightly fee.

A 50% deposit is required at bookings, payable by credit card or ACH transfer (i.e. e-checking). The remaining balance id due 60 days prior to your arrival, billed automatically to your payment method card on file.

6What if I need to cancel my trip?

If a situation arises that you need to modify or cancel your trip, please contact us as soon as possible. Efforts can be made to reschedule your visit. However, if you must cancel, you will receive a 100% refund if cancelling 60 days or more before your arrival. A 50% refund is available if cancelling between 30-59 days prior to your scheduled trip arrival. If cancelling less than 30 days prior to arrival, no refund will be issued.

Fishing

1What Fish are in the Rapid River?
The two most notable and sought after fish in the Rapid River are the Brook Trout and Landlocked Salmon. Maine has the last stronghold of the Eastern Brook Trout in the United States, and the Rapid River is a place famous for holding some of the largest. Anglers have been coming to Lakewood to target these two fish for over 170 years.
2Are The Trout and Salmon Both Native to the Rapid River
The Brook Trout are a native species to Maine and the Rapid River. However the Landlocked Salmon, although wild, are not native to the Rapid River.
3What are the Best Fly Rods to Bring When Fishing at Lakewood?
If you are looking to target the Brook Trout and Landlocked Salmon, and bring one rod, it would be a 9’ 5wt. This will cover you for most of the situations presented. However, rods from 8-10’ and 4-6wt are great and can be used as well.
4What Hatches Happen on the Rapid River and When?
Although this changes year to year and is dependent on a lot of various weather and environmental factors, the river receives wonderful classic Maine & New England hatches throughout the fishing season. Early on, mayflies such as Hendricksons or Quill Gordons are usually the first to appear and can be seen hatching on the river or sitting on the railing back at camp. As the season progresses, caddis become more dominant, including the large Zebra Caddis or, as we call them, Alderflies. If you are looking to book a stay during a certain hatch, or have specific questions regarding this, please contact us!

Upland Bird Hunting

1Are hunting dogs allowed to stay in the cabin?
Yes, and there is no added fee for your hard-working dogs. We ask that all dogs are well mannered, leashed when necessary, and kenneled/controlled when hunters are not in the cabin.
2What is a reasonable expectation for grouse and woodcock flushes?
We opened Lakewood for a select group of hunters in 2022. From that experience, you can expect to flush 12-15 grouse and 6-8 woodcock in a full day of hunting. That said, bird numbers and woodcock migrations can change year to year.
3What does a typical day of upland hunting look like
Breakfast is served to order at 8 am with most hunters hitting the uplands around 9 AM. Most hunters opt for a field lunch prepared by our staff. Hunters are back at camp in late afternoon. After cleaning up and tending to dogs, hunters gather in our lodge to enjoy each other’s company before dinner is served between 6 and 7.
4When is Lakewood open for grouse and woodcock hunting?
Lakewood is open for upland hunting the month of October. This is prime season for classic hunts in the fall foliage.
5How far will I need to travel to find good cover?
Not far at all! Lakewood Camps is located in prime cover on XXX private acres of gated land. Beyond the gate, excellent cover continues for many miles. You will not spend a lot of time driving to covers at Lakewood.
6What type of cover will I hunt at Lakewood?
You will be hunting classic clear cuts and selective cuts that are in the 12 to15-year regrowth phase. You will focus on mixed alder and aspen cover with plenty of roosting trees. Getting off the logging roads and hunting skidder trails will increase your flush rate dramatically.

Moose Hunting

1What clothing should I pack on a moose hunt?
Please pack for temperatures from 70 degrees down to 20 degrees. We do hunt in all weather that mother nature throws at us, Wind, Rain, Sleet, and Snow.
2Physical Condition you should be in for a moose hunt?
We will be hunting in various different terrain, some challenging, some easier. Please be honest and upfront with your guide about your ability.
3What does a typical day look like for a moose hunt in Western Maine?
Mornings start between 4-4:30 am, Breakfast, load up and head to area of the hunt. Lunch will be in the field. Dinner will be served when you arrive back at the lodge. Legal hunting time is half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset. Plan on being out during that time.
4Accommodations for a moose hunt through Lakewood Camps.
Cabins can accommodate 2–6 hunters on average depending on selected cabin. Please contact us directly for more details.
5Can we review the area we will be hunting in Maine?
Once a deposit has been made you will put in contact with your Guide, they will go over a general area that you will be hunting. You will be able to download maps of the area to study and also visit prior to the hunt.

LAKEWOOD CAMPS IS DEDICATED TO CREATING LASTING MEMORIES

Since 1853, our guests have been waking up to the call of the loons, the anticipation of the day’s catches, and the peaceful views of the Rapid River right outside their door. We invite you to become part of our history here in Western Maine where the pace is slow, the atmosphere is calm, and the fish, fowl and game are plentiful.

Connect With Us:

Lower Richardson Lake at Middle Dam Andover, Maine

reservations@lakewoodcamps.com

(207) 303-4699