Mousam Lake, Maine, USA

Also known as:  Upper Mousam Lake, Lower Mousam Lake, and Lake Mousam

The loons are calling you to the restful waters of Mousam Lake, a picture-perfect retreat nestled among southern Maine’s piney woods. Just 85 miles from Boston, this three-mile-long lake is nestled between the quaint communities of Acton and Shapleigh near the New Hampshire border. Located in historic York County, the towns have a combined population of about 4,500 residents. Viewed from the water, Mousam Lake’s 23-mile shoreline…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Mousam Lake! Article topics include:

Looking for Mousam Lake cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Mousam Lake, ME

    Lake Locations: USA - US New England Region - Maine - Southern Coast Region, ME -

    The loons are calling you to the restful waters of Mousam Lake, a picture-perfect retreat nestled among southern Maine’s piney woods. Just 85 miles from Boston, this three-mile-long lake is nestled between the quaint communities of Acton and Shapleigh near the New Hampshire border. Located in historic York County, the towns have a combined population of about 4,500 residents.

    Viewed from the water, Mousam Lake’s 23-mile shoreline is dotted with welcoming camps, cottages and homes hidden among the trees. Even the docks on Mousam Lake (pronounced mouse-am) reach out like fingers touching the waves and inviting us in for family vacations, swimming, boating and fishing.

    With over 700 residences along Mousam Lake’s highly developed shoreline, vacation rentals are plentiful. For those who prefer camping, campgrounds are scattered throughout the surrounding communities. Along Emory Park Road you will find public ramps, parking, and stores available to serve those who choose to enjoy just a day or weekend outing.

    In 2002 Mousam Lake was removed from Maine’s “impaired waters list.” State, regional, county, and city organizations continue to work together to monitor and maintain Mousam Lake’s good water quality. The Mousam Lake Region Association (MLRA) actively promotes conservation through their newsletters and provides a sense of community through sponsored lake events. Members of the Acton Shapleigh Youth Conservation Corps (ASYCC) provide free labor to property owners wanting to implement conservation projects at Mousam Lake and surrounding ponds. While educating boaters about the danger of invasive plants, ASYCC also offers courtesy boat inspections to look for plants that may be attached to boats and equipment.

    Mousam Lake is one part of a chain of ponds and waterways. Water from Square Pond and Goose Pond feeds into Mousam Lake. From here, this natural lake serves as the headwaters for the Mousam River. The Public Works Department in the nearby town of Sanford is responsible for maintaining the water level on the 863-acre lake through Emory Mills Dam (also called Mousam Lake Dam). Emory Mills Road divides the lake into two basins: Upper Mousam is the widest and deepest part of the lake with a depth of 82 feet; the smaller surface area of Lower Mousam provides calmer lake water, perfect for canoeing or fishing.

    Mousam Lake is part of Maine’s Sebago Fishery Management Region. Their open water fishing season runs from April 1st to December 31st and is regulated by Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Among the 21 fish species found in Lake Mousam are black crappie, brook trout, brown bullhead, lake trout, landlocked salmon, largemouth bass, rainbow smelt and yellow perch. Fishing derbies and bass tournaments are scheduled throughout Mousam Lake’s fishing season.

    When you are ready to wander from the seclusion and tranquility of Mousam Lake, you will find much more to enjoy in York County. Within easy driving distances you have access to whitewater paddling on the Little River; three-mile hiking trails in Vaughan Woods State Park; views of the Atlantic from Kennebunkport’s beaches; and some of America’s earliest historic sites near Kittery and York.

    Whether you are a full-time or part-time resident of Mousam Lake, you will be drawn into Maine’s quiet rural lifestyle. Each summer you will feel the connection when Mousam Lake residents light up the shoreline to look “like a giant birthday cake.” You will see neighbors work hand-in-hand to create and maintain a special place for you and for the future. Be a part of something special. Be a part of Mousam Lake.

    Things to Do at Mousam Lake

    These are some activities in the Mousam Lake, ME area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Fishing Tournaments
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Hiking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park

    What Kind of Fish Are in Mousam Lake?

    Mousam Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Black Crappie
    • Brook Trout
    • Brown Bullhead
    • Crappie
    • Lake Trout
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Salmon
    • Smelt
    • Trout
    • Yellow Perch
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Mousam Lake

    If you’re considering a Mousam Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Mousam Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Mousam Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Mousam Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Town of Sanford

    Surface Area: 863 acres

    Shoreline Length: 23 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 476 feet

    Average Depth: 17 feet

    Maximum Depth: 82 feet

    Water Volume: 18,575 acre-feet

    Lake Area-Population: 4,360

    Drainage Area: 20 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Meso-eutrophic

    Mousam Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast

    More local lakes to explore in this area:

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Great East Lake, ME/NH

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Kennebunk Pond, ME

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Bunganut Pond

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Mousam Lake Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Create Your Own Captain / First Mate Custom 20oz Tumbler

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Create Your Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    Create a Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    ORDER HERE
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Mousam Lake news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Mousam Lake forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Mousam Lake photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Mousam Lake article with your fellow LakeLubbers: