Squapan Public Reserved Land

If “semi-remote” rather than “isolated wilderness” is how you’d describe your ideal spot for camping, fishing, or just paddling around, consider Squapan Public Reserved Land. Easily accessible from the nearby city of Presque Isle, this 18,000-acre public land is known for its extensive system of ATV and snowmobile trails and for the recreational possibilities at placid Squapan Lake.

This reserved land encompasses some of the most rugged property in Maine’s sparsely populated Aroostook County region. Squapan Mountain and much of the rocky Squapan Ridge are within its boundaries, which are marked to the west by the entire eastern shore of the 5,000-acre Squapan Lake. That’s almost 10 miles of forested shoreline to explore by canoe or kayak (or just clambering along through the trees). A handful of water-accessible campsites dot the shore.

A trailered boat launch makes accessing the waters easy. Anglers come to Squapan Lake for the landlocked salmon, brook trout, splake, and rainbow smelt. The construction of a dam at the outlet of Squapan Lake raised the water’s level and resulted in a shallow western arm and deeper northern arm. Water is released during winter months for hydroelectric power generation.

Given its proximity to Presque Isle, the rolling landscape attracts plenty of winter visitors, too. Not just snowmobilers, but enthusiasts of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing venture to this peaceful corner of Maine to enjoy winter’s whiteness.

Latitude: 46.538
Longitude: -68.255