Maine is one of the wildest states in the US—and we mean that as a compliment! With one of the smallest per capita populations and an impressive 90% forest coverage, it’s no surprise Maine is nicknamed the “Pine Tree State.”

Maine is home to an eclectic mix of residents, from starry-eyed artists to down-to-earth farmers to hard-working fishermen. It’s famous for its spectacular coastline—and there’s a lot of it. When you factor in the many inlets, bays, and craggy tidepools, Maine’s coastline totals a whopping 3,500 miles.

If you’re dreaming of building a log home where the wild things roam, Maine is just about perfect. Our expert Maine log cabin builders have compiled a list of some of the best places to put down roots in the Pine Tree State. We’ve broken the list into two sections: Coastal Maine and Inland Maine.

Coastal Maine

Bar Harbor

One of Maine’s most acclaimed destinations, Bar Harbor is the gateway to spectacular Acadia National Park—one of the most visited parks in the US. Bar Harbor (or “Bah Hahbah,” as the locals pronounce it) sits on Mount Desert Island just off the central coast. Properties go for a pretty penny on the island, but you can find affordable wooded lots just across the Mt. Desert Narrows in Lamoine, Trenton, or Hancock.

Population: 5,500
Elevation: 60 ft.

Ellsworth

This charming coastal town is a favorite among residents and visitors alike. Its proximity to Acadia National Park means year-round adventures for your family. You’ll love marveling at the town’s historic architecture and cruising the countryside on the Downeast Scenic Railroad. Real estate is affordable in the area, with lakeside properties going for as little as $25K an acre.

Population: 8,500
Elevation: 100 ft.

Belfast

This small coastal town on the beautiful Penobscot Bay is known for its historic architecture, scenic harbor, and artistic community. If you love boating, kayaking, fishing, or just being on the water, Belfast is a great option. You can find wooded lots near the coast starting around $20K per acre.

Population: 7,000
Elevation: 85 ft.

Camden

One of Maine’s most beloved coastal towns, Camden is full of classic New England charm. The harbor is a bustle of fishermen bringing in their daily catch, and you’ll find some of the best fresh seafood in the world in this little seaside town. Living near Camden gives you easy access to Camden Hills State Park, which offers breathtaking overlooks and vistas of the bay and islands.

Population: 5,200
Elevation: 200 ft.

Damariscotta

With the rippling Damariscotta River to the west and the tranquil Lake Pemaquid to the east, Damariscotta has a laid-back vibe that’s just right for a vacation cabin. Spend your summers swimming in the area’s many lakes, fishing for striped bass on the river, or tidepooling on the coast. Damariscotta is the oyster capital of New England, so good meals are always on offer.

Population: 2,200
Elevation: 50 ft.

Brunswick & Bath

These neighboring towns near Maine’s central coast offer the perfect blend of urban and rural living. Brunswick is a classic college town, with an upbeat vibe and lively arts scene. Bath is a charming town known for its 19th-century architecture and maritime heritage. It’s situated on the Kennebec River, perfect if you love fishing. Both towns offer easy access to nearby beaches, parks, and hiking trails.

Population: 22,000 (Brunswick); 8,800 (Bath)
Elevation: 125 ft. (Brunswick); 60 ft. (Bath)
Portland

Portland is the beating heart of Maine’s South Coast. The Greater Metro Area has a substantial population, yet Portland’s proximity to the coast and to Maine’s vast wilderness means it’s easy to get away from the hustle and bustle.

If you don’t want to live in the thick of it all, search for properties in Gorham, Buxton, or Standish. You’ll find peaceful wooded lots on offer away from the city lights, but with easy access to Portland and South Portland.

Population: 68,000 (city of Portland)
Elevation: 60 ft.

Kennebunkport

This captivating New England coastal town has a rich history and abundant natural beauty. Settled in the 1600s, Kennebunkport was once a ship-building mecca, thanks to its location on the Kennebunk River. Life in this coastal town is quiet and insulated. If you want a peaceful life on the water with friendly neighbors, Kennebunkport and neighboring Kennebunk are great choices.

Population: 3,600
Elevation: 20 ft.

Biddeford & Saco

The twin cities of Biddeford and Saco in York County were once industrial giants, home to giant brick mills. Today these small towns, joined by the Saco River, are seeing a revival of industry and manufacturing. Biddeford is home to the University of New England and has a thriving downtown area with locally owned eateries, craft breweries, shopping, and budding arts and theater scenes. Saco is home to an amusement park and a water park, perfect for families.

Population: 22,500 (Biddeford); 20,700 (Saco)
Elevation: 70 ft. (both towns)

Inland Maine

Bangor

The hometown of prolific author Stephen King, Bangor is known for its waterfront concerts and festivals on the Penobscot River. Living here gives you easy access to the Bangor City Forest, a 680-acre park located in the heart of the city. Enjoy hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and even a disc golf course in the park. Bangor is just an hour’s drive north of Acadia National Park, making weekend trips to this spectacular coastal park a breeze.

Greenville (Moosehead Lake)

The small town of Greenville borders Moosehead Lake, the largest mountain lake in the eastern US, covering an impressive 120 square miles. Moosehead Lake is an angler’s dream, famous for its landlocked salmon, brook trout, and smallmouth bass. This picturesque part of the state is perfect for a mountain retreat. Wooded lots with lots of privacy go for as little as $25K an acre in Greenville, perfect for your vacation hideaway or homestead.

Population: 1,430
Elevation: 1,400 ft.

Sunday River (Ski Resort)

Sunday River Resort in western Maine is ideal if you have a passion for winter sports. Building a log cabin here gives you easy access to world-class ski runs. But there’s plenty to do in summer, too, given the area’s many hiking and mountain biking trails. For easy access to Sunday River Resort, search for properties in Bethel or Newry.

Bethel

Living in Bethel puts you right in the heart of the majestic and rugged Mahoosuc Mountains. This range is home to Mahoosuc Notch, the Appalachian Trail’s “longest mile.” Spend your winters skiing at nearby Sunday River Resort and your summers hiking, cycling, hunting, and fishing in the Mahoosucs. Private wooded lots start at less than $50,000 an acre in the area.

Population: 2,500
Elevation: 700 ft.
Presque Isle

This rural town in northern Maine is known for its agricultural heritage and snowy winters—perfect for skiing. Located near the beautiful Aroostook River, Presque Isle offers a quiet and serene setting for a log cabin. Nearby Aroostook State Park features 900 acres of woods, creeks, and waterfalls to explore in the summer and skiing and snowshoeing trails in the winter.

Population: 8,800
Elevation: 450 ft.

Partner with eLoghomes to Build Your Maine Log Cabin

Your Maine log home is calling. Whether you’re thinking about a mountain vacation cabin or a coastal retreat, the Maine log cabin builders at eLoghomes are ready to help you with your project, from ideation to construction.

Our cabin kits in Maine help streamline the building process, so you can get into your new log cabin even sooner. Take a virtual tour of some of our most popular log cabin models, then search our catalog to find your perfect floor plan, from 400-4,000+ square feet.