Lanes Island
Yarmouth
Jump to
Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- Camp at established campsite (with restrictions)
- Campfires permitted (guidelines below)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Do not remove artifacts
- Small gravelly beach accessible at all tides
Why we Care
History Meets Preservation
Lanes Island protects spruce-fir forest, rocky shoreline, eelgrass beds, and nesting habitat for birds and seals—while ensuring public access to one of Casco Bay’s few remaining undeveloped island clusters.
Features
How to Get There
Lanes Island is easily accessible at mid-to-high tides from Freeport’s Winslow Park or the Town of Yarmouth’s Royal River boat launch. There is a fee for parking and use of ramps at both facilities. Check tides before visiting to avoid getting stuck or dragging a kayak through the mud. The shallow, south-facing cove drains completely at low tide—despite what nautical charts indicate.
The best landing sites:
- Western sandy beach closest to the mouth of the river.
- Small gravelly beach at the north end of SE shoreline; accessible at all tides. Water only a few feet deep at low tide
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Lanes Island has to offer.
Preserve Details
Property:
Town:
County:
Accessible:
Field Notes
Getting to Know Lanes Island
The Path to Preservation
Lanes Island was generously donated to MCHT in 2013. After spending decades acquiring shares of the island and uniting it under single ownership, the island’s previous owners wished to see it permanently conserved for public enjoyment and wildlife habitat.
A Rich History
Many have walked Lanes Island over the centuries. The island was used by Abenaki people during pre-settlement times, and was also farmed by European settlers beginning in the mid-17th century (including James Lane, for whom the island was named). If you encounter any cultural relics, please do not tamper with them.
On the Island
The 28-acre Lanes Island Preserve lies just east of the mouth of the Royal River in Yarmouth. The island features a few stretches of sand beach and fringing salt marsh, and is nearly surrounded by mud flats at low tide. Steep, eroding embankments characterize much of the island’s shoreline.
A More Resilient Coastline
MCHT, along with partners including the Maine Geologic Survey, installed a Living Shoreline Erosion Control Demonstration on the southwest facing shoreline of Lanes Island. The demonstration site was installed in 2020, with the intention of monitoring the site for five years
Learn more:
Help Protect the Surrounding Clam Flats
Lanes is important to local shellfish harvesters, who stage gear and await the right tides on the island while harvesting the important clam flats surrounding it.
A note to visitors with dogs: please be especially thorough cleaning up after your dog. Their waste seriously threatens the health of these flats and the livelihoods of harvesters.
Stories from Southern Maine
Deepening Our Connections to Nature and One Another
Our stories remind us why we commit ourselves to the work of conservation. Here in Maine, nature is still big and bold enough to remind us that we are part of it. We want to make sure this remains true.
Be part of the movement
Contribute to a future with
healthy, open lands & waters
Donate Now
Give your time to help
care for the coast
Volunteer Now
Be a champion
for conservation
Spread the Word
More Information on Lanes Island
Camping on the Island
Camping is only permitted at the two established sites on the island and stays are limited to two nights:
The Sites:
The eastern site: for large groups of up to 15 people, by reservation only.
The western site: for smaller groups of up to 6 people, first-come, first-served.
All beaches and trails remain open to the public regardless of camping activity and reservations.
Watch for poison ivy and invasive fire ants: they are found mostly outside of the established campsites.
Commercial Users by Permission Only. Please call 207-729-7366.
Campfires on the Island
Fires are allowed by permit only—that’s Maine State Law. For a permit, visit wardensreport.com.
Fire Guidelines:
- Keep All Fires Below High Tide Line or in the large stone fire ring in the western campsite
- Do Not Cut or Break Tree Limbs, Dead or Alive
- Leave No Fire Unattended
- Completely Extinguish All Fires
Help Us Take Care of the Preserve
This preserve belongs to all of us; that’s why it’s important to leave as little trace as possible when you visit.
To do that, please:
- Carry out all trash
- Carry out all pet waste
- Carry out all human waste (including toilet paper)