Echo Lake Beach at Acadia National Park
For a park surrounded by water and populated by lakes, there aren’t many places to swim at Acadia National Park. The ocean shore is rocky, and violent waves can quickly bash the life out of a person. Most of the lakes and ponds are used for public drinking water and are closed to swimming. One of the few fresh water exceptions is Echo Lake, and the only place to swim at the ocean is Sand Beach.
Echo Lake Beach has its own parking lot, and the farther you drive into the lot, the closer you will be to the beach. However, access to the beach from the far end is by stairs, whereas a ramp is a available near the entrance—this is where the disabled visitor parking spaces are located. The parking lot holds around 100 vehicles, and I’m not sure if you can park along Echo Lake Beach Road if it fills up. The free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus stops here, so I highly recommend taking it, especially on holidays and weekends.
There is a modern restroom and separate changing room available, plus two water spigots that you can use to rinse the sand from your feet. However, there are no outdoor rinse-off showers that allow you to hose off your upper body. There are also a couple of picnic tables that are available on a first come, first served basis.
Restroom and changing room at Echo Lake Beach in Acadia National Park
I didn’t personally swim in Echo Lake, but I tested the water with my hand and it felt much warmer than the ocean water. The average temperature of Echo Lake is around 72°F during July and August, whereas the typical ocean temperature is 55°F. The higher temperatures may be partially due to the fact that the lake is not very deep near the shore. I saw some kids wading fifty feet out, and the water wasn’t up to their waists. The maximum depth of Echo Lake is around 65 feet.
Kids swimming at Echo Lake Beach in Acadia National Park
The beach is comprised of coarse sand—but smooth enough not to hurt your feet—and this same sand extends into the lakebed. I liken it to the sea salt that you have to grind versus the finely crushed salt that you find in a salt shaker.
No alcohol, glass containers, or fires are allowed at Echo Lake Beach year-round, and from May 15th to September 15th, no dogs, fishing, or boat launching is allowed. There may be lifeguards on duty during the summer, but not always count on it. Assume you’ll be swimming at your own risk.
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Last updated on August 16, 2023
