Lakewood Camps has been a full-time sporting camp since 1853

We are proud to be ONE OF the most historic sporting camps in Maine

ABOUT LAKEWOOD CAMPS

Lakewood Camps is a historic destination sporting camp located on the Lower Richardson Lake at Middle Dam, on the renowned Rapid River. Our focus is fly fishing, upland bird hunting, guided moose hunts, remote sporting adventures and other traditional sporting activities in Maine. Visitors experience the history in this iconic location in Western Maine, where the pace is slow, the atmosphere is calm, and the fish, fowl and game are plentiful.

FLY FISHING AT LAKEWOOD CAMPS

Since 1853, generations of fly-fishing enthusiasts have made Lakewood Camps their go-to destination. As the only sporting camp on the Rapid River open to the public, you can take your pick of hundreds of prime spots to cast and land one of our renowned native brook trout. You may also wind up with a lake trout and landlocked salmon.

The Rapid River, and the nearby Richardson Lakes as well as Rangeley Lakes, have some of the best fly-fishing in the state. Retrace the steps of generations of fishing enthusiasts as you walk the age-old paths on both sides of the river to access the water. As soon as you step ashore to Lakewood Camps, the beauty of our location is as clear as the river that our property faces.

UPLAND BIRD HUNTING AT LAKEWOOD CAMPS

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

Lakewood Camps just re-established its upland hunting operation, so there has been little pressure on local birds. You can arrive here by boat (you will be picked up at our private dock), seaplane, or by driving well-maintained logging roads.

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.

DESTINATION LAKEWOOD CAMPS – MAKE THE EXPERIENCE YOUR OWN

As the only sporting camp on the Rapid River that is open to the public, your time at Lakewood Camps in Maine will be like no other vacation you’ve ever experienced. How you spend your time is up to you! Your Lakewood Camps Experience starts with a boat ride from the south arm of the Lower Richardson. We believe in starting every adventure with an adventure!

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LAKEWOOD CAMPS

LakeWood Camps

1When does Lakewood Camps Open?

We are excited to open in 2024, for our 171st year, from May 15, 2024 - June 30, 2024 and August 30, 2024 - October 26, 2024*. Whether you are looking for fly fishing for trophy trout or salmon, upland bird hunting or even just an opportunity to reconnect with nature, Lakewood Camps is the perfect spot.

*Reservations after 10/12/24 could be subject to last minute cancellation by Lakewood Camps, due to seasonal conditions beyond our control, such as - but not limited to - weather. If any cancellations are necessary, a full refund will be provided.

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 daily rate includes lodging in your cabin, boat transfer in and out of camp and three meals a day in our dining lodge (American Plan). Two-night minimum stay is required. Rates listed are per person, per day, in U.S. $:

  1. Double Occupancy $250
  2. Single Occupancy $290
  3. Children 6-15 $150
  4. Children 5 and Under Free
  5. Dogs $25

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

For 171 years, 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