Lanes Island

Lanes Island is easy to reach but feels like you’ve found your own corner of Casco Bay. With sandy beaches, two simple campsites, and a whole lot of quiet, it’s the perfect place to slow down. Whether you’re staying overnight or just stopping in for a picnic, Lanes lets you experience Maine’s coast the way it’s meant to be — naturally, and on your terms.

A photo of a small boat pulled up on the beach at Lanes Island with a family playing in the background.
A photo of the stairs leading from the beach up to the campsites at Lanes Island.
A photo of the sunset taken from a campsite on Lanes island, overlooking the water.
A photo of sea kayaks pulled up on a beach on Lanes Island.
A photo of some driftwood on a beach on Lanes Island taken during a summer afternoon.
A photo of a deserted white sand beach on Lanes Island taken during a summer afternoon.
A photo of the sunset taken from a beach on Lanes Island.
A photo of a person holding a hot dog while cooking out on Lanes Island.
A photo taken at sunset, looking up the staircase that leads to the campsites on Lanes Island.
A photo looking out to sea taken on a beach at Lanes Island during a summer day.
An aerial photo looking down shows Lanes Island during sunset.

Lanes Island: Where History, Sand, and Tides Meet

Just off the mouth of the Royal River in Yarmouth, Lanes Island offers a blend of coastal beauty, cultural history, and quiet adventure. With sandy beaches, scenic anchorages, and two designated campsites, it’s a perfect stop for boaters looking to explore a smaller island that’s big on character.

This 28-acre island is only accessible by private boat or paddlecraft, and the changing tides mean you’ll want to time your arrival carefully. But plan it right, and you’ll find one of the most relaxed, rewarding day trips or overnight escapes in Casco Bay.

Getting to Lanes Island

Lanes Island is easily reached at mid-to-high tide from either the Royal River Boat Launch in Yarmouth or Winslow Park in Freeport. It’s a short paddle or motor cruise across a well-protected stretch of water — but don’t skip the tide check. The shallow southern cove drains completely at low tide, and getting stuck in the mud is a real possibility.

Best Landing Spots:

  • West Beach – Broad, sandy, and beautiful; perfect for picnics, but inaccessible at low tide

  • Southeast Gravel Beach – Small, reliable, and accessible at all tides (even if it’s only a few feet deep)

Camping on Lanes Island

There are two campsites on Lanes Island, and each offers a slightly different experience:

Western Campsite – First Come, First Served

A great beachside spot for small groups (up to 6), located near the mouth of the Royal River. This site has a large stone fire ring and a long stretch of sand to enjoy.

Eastern Group Site – By Reservation Only

This larger site is set up for groups of up to 15 and must be reserved in advance. It’s perched near a smaller beach and surrounded by salt marsh and mudflats.

Stay limit: 2 nights
Fires: Permit required. Only in designated fire rings or below high tide line
Visit wardensreport.com for permits

Things to Do on Lanes Island

  • Picnicking: Bring lunch and enjoy the western beach with its views across Casco Bay

  • Camping: Fall asleep to waves and wake up with the birds

  • Beachcombing: Hunt for shells and treasures along the eastern shoreline

  • Wildlife spotting: Look for eagles, seabirds, and horseshoe crabs

  • Exploring: Roam carefully through the island’s sandy bluffs and salt marsh edges

Cultural and Environmental Notes

Lanes Island has been a destination for centuries. It was once used by the Abenaki people, and later farmed by early European settlers — including James Lane, the island’s namesake. If you encounter any artifacts, leave them undisturbed to protect this important cultural site.

The island is also surrounded by productive clam flats vital to local shellfish harvesters. Please be especially careful with dogs, waste, and foot traffic near these areas.

Preserve etiquette:

Stay on established sites

Keep pets under control

Carry out all trash and waste

Avoid poison ivy and invasive fire ants

Do not cut or break limbs or remove artifacts