Places of Interest
One of the finest qualities of Otisfield is the numerous scenic views contributing to the visual character of Otisfield. There are many hills, blueberry fields and valleys offering views of fall foliage, the White Mountains, and the Oxford Hills. Otisfield’s lakes and rivers rank amongst the cleanest in the state of Maine.
Thompson Lake, our largest lake covering 47.4 square miles or 30,336 acres is bordered also by Oxford, Poland and Casco. Boasting excellent water quality Thompson Lake supports salmon, togue, smelt, small and large mouth bass, cusk and pickerel. Otisfield's residents may use the public boat launch located on State Route 121 in Oxford. Along the northeastern shore in Otisfield Cove there is a small area suitable for boat launching. An easement over a small piece of land, provides Otisfield Residents with access to the Lake. There are only 3 (three) parking spaces at the site. In many Maine towns, there are certain areas which are either not publicly owned and not publicly maintained which provide recreation opportunities for its' residents. This is the one of those areas.
Pleasant Lake covering nearly 6,300 acres is home to Otisfield's beach and drive in boat launch. It is monitored for warm and cold water fish including salmon, brook trout, small mouth bass, perch and pickerel. Maintained, and cleaned seasonally, Pleasant Lake Beach is truly a gem.
Sam's Landing on Saturday Pond is approximately 1,050 acres in size, has a hand boat launch, and features a rustic swimming hole and picnic area. Jet Skis are banned on Saturday Pond.
Moose Pond supports warm water species of fish such as bass, pickerel and perch, has hand carry access also with the Jet Ski ban and 5 horse power limits due to its small size of approximately 1,037 acres.
The Crooked River makes up Otisfield's entire western boundary which is shared with the Town of Harrison. Rated as a Class A river because of its value as a fishery and recreational resource, Crooked River remains relatively undeveloped which adds greatly to its aesthetic and recreational value.
All Otisfield's lakes and ponds are closely monitored for milfoil and all invasive aquatic plant life. Pleasant Lake Beach and Sam's landing require an Otisfield property owner sticker for admittance.
Located on Bell Hill Road are the Bell Hill Town Hall, the Bell Hill Meeting House and the Bell Hill one room school house all of which are listed on the National Historic Register. Also listed on the Register is the Ryefield Bridge, the last remaining suspension bridge of its style in the State of Maine. The bridge spans the Otisfield/Harrison border over the Crooked River.
Also making their home in Otisfield is the Seed's of Peace International Camp. Located on Pleasant Lake, Seed's of Peace is a conflict resolution camp for children from 23 countries including America.
Camp Arcadia also located on Pleasant Lake is an old, established residential girls camp featuring 18 different activities, focusing on sports, horse back riding and the arts. Many mountain and canoe trips attract girls ages 8 - 18 to Otisfield from 29 states and 20 countries.