Early-Season Discounted Rates

June

June is a great time to come to the lake for fishing. The days are warm and the evenings are cool. The temperatures are only a few degrees less than in August but there are fewer visitors to the lake, making it ideal for fishing. Rates are discounted for the first two weeks in June.

September

September is a wonderful time to be at Sunset Lodge. Some say that September has the most beautiful weather of the year. The crowds are gone and the lake is quiet. Sailing is beautiful. It is a great time to visit. Rates are discounted after Labor Day.

October

October is peaceful and quiet with fall in the air and color in the trees. You'll need the wood stove in the evening or sit around a cozy fire. Available the first two weeks in October, Sunset Lodge is a good base for viewing fall colors.

Area Information

Lapping water and the haunting cry of the loons will lull visitors to sleep after long chats by a fire, while daytime activities may include a visit to the sandy beach in Jefferson a mile down the lake in Damariscotta Lake State Park for hiking, bird-watching, picnicking and water sports. If visitors are inclined to leave Sunset Lodge's lakeside peace, Camden, Rockland, Boothbay, Augusta and Bath, where you will find antiques, arts, crafts, and museums, are all close by. One can also follow the lake down to the Damariscotta River and on to the Salt Bay and ocean beyond. On the Pemaquid Peninsula, a half hour's drive away, you will find the Pemaquid Light House with its Fishermen's Museum and the picturesque yachts of Christmas Cove. You can eat lobsters on the deck at Shaw's Fish & Lobster Wharf and look out on the working lobster boats moored in New Harbor. Visitors may also enjoy the picturesque village of Damariscotta for shopping, eating theater, and music concerts at the Roundtable Center of the Arts. Craft fairs and auctions are commonplace in Mid-coast Maine. But at the end of the day you will be happy to return to the peace and quiet of Sunset Lodge. Damariscotta Lake and Sunset Lodge still capture the hearts of those who vacation here, as they have done for nearly a century.

Availability & Rates
Email: vickiewl@pacbell.net - Telephone: (510)524-5277

The Story behind Sunset Lodge

The charming and rustic Sunset Lodge, on Lake Damariscotta, is a waterfront family vacation paradise on private lakefront property in Midcoast Maine. Originally a fishing lodge with cabins surrounding the main dining room and kitchen, was built in the early 1920’s. The Lodge is a place where families have come for generations to fish, swim, play and relax.

Lodge & Cabins

Sunset Lodge is a perfect place for families or larger groups to retreat together from the crowds and pressure of everyday life. The Lodge and surrounding three cabins sit on the waterfront in a grove of trees on a slight outcropping of land near the widest part of the lake, where the water deepens quickly (eventually reaching 114 feet) making it ideal for fishing and swimming. The property has 330 feet of water frontage. Originally built in 1919, on an ideal site for water views and fishing, the buildings sit close to the water, offering beautiful views of the lake, the far shore and the stunning sunsets. Large lawns next to the water are great for games and the two large docks are ideal for swimming and boating.

The property includes a large Lodge and three smaller cabins. The five bedroom, four bath Lodge has a large common room where everyone can gather for evening games or sings, and a smaller living room with fireplace for more intimate gatherings. There is a newly remodeled and enlarged kitchen that is well-equipped for groups. The bedrooms all have lake views. The three cabins in addition to the lodge make it ideal for family reunions, retreats and groups who enjoy vacationing together but also having some privacy. Each cabin has its own kitchen, bathroom and screened porch. There is a wonderful outside shower which provides views of the lake. The lawn provides plenty of space for badminton, croquet, shuffleboard, barbeques and relaxing and contemplating the lake.

Boating & Windsurfing

Today, Lake Damariscotta is one of central Maine's most pristine lakes. Available at the lodge are canoes, and kayaks, for use from the two docks while motorboats for fishing or water skiing may be rented in the area and moored off shore. The lake is a great spot for windsurfing. Take off from the dock, the lake is a mile and a half across and twelve miles long. Great for advanced as well as beginner wind surfers.

Fishing

The Native American word which gives Lake Damariscotta its name means “abundance of little fishes.” The lake sports Brown and Lake Trout, Coho Salmon, Northern Pike, Pickerel, Smallmouth Bass and White Perch, among others. It is popular with fisherman. In the summer, fishermen find salmon in the deep trench that is several hundred yards off our beach.

Fishing at Sunset Lodge
     Sunset Lodge is fortunate to be located on Damariscotta Lake, one of the great fishing lakes in Maine.  At over 4,000 acres, it is large enough and varied enough to please any fisherman, as it has pleased this fisherman for over thirty years.

     Take your kids, a few worms, and motor down only a couple of minutes from the cabins. Schools of perch feed in the evenings. Smallmouth and largemouth bass can be found along the shorelines throughout the lake. If you like to troll, brown trout, lake trout and land-locked salmon hide in the deeper parts of great bay, straight out from the cabins.  There are also large yellow perch, catfish and pickerel.  Over the years, it's been a pleasure to fish this lake. Come to Sunset Lodge and share the pleasure.    -- Don Dougherty

Retreats, Conferences & Reunions

Sunset Lodge is ideal for small retreats, conferences, or reunions. The best month for this is September or the first weeks in October because of availability. The setting is a rustic, charming 1919 fishing camp on the edge of beautiful Lake Damariscotta, 1 hour from Portland. The lodge and cabins have a total of 10 bedrooms that will sleep up to 20 people. The grounds are lovely - level and grassy for sitting, croquet, or badminton. Parking is ample and easy.  The lodge's 80' long screened porch overlooks the lake. A big common room is perfect for group meetings. Each of the units has a kitchen and bath; the Lodge has a larger well equipped kitchen with two refrigerators and two dishwashers. There are 2 big private docks for swimming, fishing, and loon gazing, plus kayaks and canoes available for an additional rental fee. The Lodge has high speed internet with wifi. There is an additional large room for gatherings and games with pool and ping pong tables.

TESTIMONIALS

October 15, 2012, The Perfect Rustic Getaway, We had our first stay in the Lakeside Cabin at Sunset Lodge in late September, 2012, and I'm already trying to think of times and occasions when I might return. It is everything a rustic retreat should and shouldn't be. It's peaceful, comfortable, and has everything you need for a restful, contented stay without having any of the fancy distractions that just add up to so much busyness. We were two couples and one twenty-something young adult in the Lakeside Cabin, and there was plenty of room in this well-equipped cabin. We were treated to gorgeous sunsets, blissfully quiet dark nights, and a curious loon who came near the dock to check us out. Sunset Lodge and Cabins is a treasure of a place, and I'm thankful the owners have taken on the enormous task of preserving this remnant of a bygone era. Their willingness to continually make upgrades and repairs gives me hope that visitors like us will have a chance to enjoy this little piece of heaven for many years to come.

October 21, 2012, A Family Tradition Sunset Point has become a tradition for my family of 4 – our first stay in the Lakeside Cabin was in 2007, and we've returned every year since. (That says a lot, because we usually prefer visiting "new" places instead of repeating our tracks.) But we can't get enough of this piece of heaven on earth! The lake views, shoreline, and sunsets are beyond compare, often with loons calling in the background, bald eagles soaring nearby, and an occasional turtle or mink in the foreground. The setting is incredibly peaceful. The location is perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating, no matter what your age. My boys were 5 and 6 during our first visit, and this year they'll return as 10 and 11 year olds – as eager as ever to find their seats on the dock and around the campfire. In some years, their grandparents have joined us too, so we have three generations sharing time at the lake or taking easy drives to Damariscotta, Camden, or Pemaquid Point, where there are restaurants, museums, bookstores, hiking paths, etc. The cabins are comfortable and have all that's needed in terms of basic requirements (hot water, coffee pots, cooking utensils, blankets, books & games, etc.). If we're not outside, chances are we're on the large screen porch, playing games or gazing at the lake. There's no TV in the Lakeside Cabin (thank goodness!) and we leave our computers home, so this is one week of the year when we truly "un-plug" from the usual fast pace of life and enjoy the tranquility of the best of Maine. Over the years, the property owners have made improvements and upgrades to make things even better for guests (drinkable water, new bathrooms, new stove, new docks). It's clear that they love the place, are good stewards of it, and enjoy sharing it with others. Whenever we have questions or needs, they are quick to respond. The only downside is that our week there always flies by! So when it's time to go, we cheer ourselves up by thinking about next year… We're never disappointed and feel so fortunate to have discovered this lovely place.

October 2009, Our family had the pleasure of staying at Sunset Lodge twice. Our first stay was in September. Our second stay was during Columbus day weekend. I had been looking for a place on the water and found the Lakeside cabin on the internet. From the minute that we pulled into the parking lot we knew that we had found the perfect vacation spot. The Lakeside cabin was just steps away from beautiful Lake Damariscotta. The grounds are surrounded by beautiful pine trees and a large green lawn. We were fortunate enough to see a pair of bald eagles nesting in a tree during our stay. We enjoyed sitting around the firepit at night. And the sunsets are breathtaking! The cabin itself was well equipt and very comfortable. We highly recommend the Sunset Lodge to others. I am already in the planning process to rent all the cabins/lodge with a group of friends for next Spring/ Summer. Don't forget to take a ride to Pemaquid Lighthouse. It was amazing!!! The Dampolo's

08/16/06  Our families came from Austin, TX, Memphis, TN and St Petersburg, FL for a beautiful week at Sunset Lodge. The lodge is quite rustic and every enjoyable. All the kids loved swimming in the lake while the adults enjoyed using the boats to see the beauty of the lake and our surroundings. We had breakfast cooked over the open fire and a wonderful lobsterfest one evening. We only wish it could have lasted longer. Susan Ohl, St. Petersburg, FL

07/15/06  Our family from Texas, Minnesota, New York and Maine all gathered here for a great week. The varied cabins worked well to allow privacy when needed. They lodge is well equipped. The weather was typical - sun, rain, winds and clouds but we enjoyed the swimming, fishing, sailing and just "hanging". Hope to get back soon. Sandra Kroger, New York & Florida

08/21/08  To me the Sunset Lodge is about family, gathering together, and learning how to live, love and laugh together. Our time spent here was an adventure. It swept us to a wonderful place, filled with all the possibilities to help us get fit while wallowing away the hours in the kitchen eating fresh blueberry pies. We loved discovering this little part of Maine and finding out so much more about ourselves. It turns out I'm a hell-of-a Ping Pong player. Loved it! John W., Santa Barbara, CA

01/15/06  As a former owner of Sunset Lodge in the mid 1970's I was delighted to find your web site, to view the photos and reminisce about my family's experiences. We hope to return for a visit soon. Joan Crosby Tibbetts, Altamonte Springs, FL

12/04/05  Heaven on Earth. This is the perfect place to spend time with family. The sunsets,the sailing, the lobster, the ideal Midcoast region. Maine doesn't get any better than this. This is a place to come to year after year! Lauren, Long Island, NY

09/20/04  This rental is truly a diamond in the rough. Our group had a great time and we are looking forward to a return trip sometime in the near future. Tim W., Long Island, New York

08/22/04  FISHING AT SUNSET LODGE  Sunset Lodge is fortunate to be located on Damariscotta Lake, one of the great fishing lakes in Maine. At over 4,000 acres, it is large enough and varied enough to please any fisherman, as it has pleased this fisherman for over thirty years. Take your kids, a few worms, and motor down only a couple of minutes from the cabins. Schools of perch feed in the evenings. Smallmouth and largemouth bass can be found along the shorelines throughout the lake. If you like to troll, brown trout, lake trout and land-locked salmon hide in the deeper parts of great bay, straight out from the cabins. There are also large yellow perch, catfish and pickerel. Over the years, it's been a pleasure to fish this lake. Come to Sunset Lodge and share the pleasure. Don Dougherty

09/20/03  This e-mail is to tell you how much we enjoyed Sunset Lodge. You've got a wonderful place on a beautiful lake, and we were grateful that it was available and could accommodate the family. We'll treasure many memories from the trip and most center around family time right there at the lodge. The Hussman Family, Louisville, Virginia