Where to Sauna in Maine: The Complete Guide
From wood-fired bathhouses in Portland to mobile saunas with ocean cold plunges, find the perfect complement for your next outdoor outing using our map, filters, and venue highlights.
Seals watch curiously from a distance as cold plungers emerge from the tidal mouth of the Kennebec River, with smoke rising from a wood-fired sauna in the background. Further inland, a group gathers after a day of skiing in the western mountains, ready to relax and recover.
Maine's sauna scene has taken off over the past few years, and it's easy to see why: long winters, abundant cold water, and a culture built around outdoor recreation. Most saunas here are simple wood structures positioned near rivers, lakes, or the ocean. They're places you go after a day of hiking or skiing, or just to escape the darkness of February with heat and company.
This guide covers saunas across Maine, from walk-in bathhouses to mobile beach rentals. No gyms or hotel spas — here, the sauna is the main event. Looking for a post-ski session in the western mountains? A coastal dip? A solo retreat in Portland? Use the map and filters to find the perfect locations. There's a sauna waiting.
Maine Spa Club
A wood-fired sauna on the Saco River with easy access to cold plunges in the river. This secluded spot includes a fire pit for relaxing between heat and cold cycles.
Nurture Through Nature
A circular, cedar-lined wood-fired sauna on the grounds of a retreat center. Sessions use eucalyptus-infused steam with access to a cold brook for dips between rounds.
Rove Sauna
Stationed at Black Point Surf Shop, this mobile sauna hosts up to 8 people per session. Each session features three rounds of different essential oil blends with optional cold-water bucket rinses between rounds.
Richmond Corner Sauna
Operating since 1976, this Richmond institution offers Finnish-style wood-fired saunas, a hot tub, and a heated pool in a secluded, clothing-optional setting. Both community and semi-private sessions are available.
Washington Baths
A Nordic-inspired urban bathhouse in Portland's East End with gender-separated saunas. Features a communal courtyard with hot and cold plunge pools, a cafe serving Finnish-style snacks, and a lounge for reading.
Riverside Lodge and Sauna
A rustic lodge featuring wood-fired Finnish saunas since 1976 (formerly Dave's). Hang by the large fireplace and enjoy homemade pizza in an intimate, eclectic setting before or after your session.
Cedar Grove Sauna
Two wood-fired saunas on 30 wooded acres positioned on spring-fed ponds with freshwater plunges. Offers both intimate private sessions and community-focused gatherings with an emphasis on inclusivity.
Waterstruck
A Nordic spa on 20 wooded acres featuring a traditional thermal circuit with wood-fired sauna, heated pool, cold plunge tank, and multiple rest areas.
Sea Smoke Sauna
A wood-fired sauna, accessible by ferry from Rockland and within walking distance from the landing. Nestled in the woods among fern beds and mossy ledges with a covered porch and outdoor patio.
Village Sauna
A mobile wood-fired sauna parked at Night Moves Bread & Lambs in South Portland with views of the Fore River. Sessions accommodate up to 8 people, emphasizing conversation and community connection.
Sauna Incana
A Finnish-style wood-fired sauna set between two ponds, with a window overlooking the water. Features a porch for cooling between rounds and an optional cold plunge tub available when conditions allow.
Shoreline Sauna
An oceanfront wood-fired sauna with direct ocean access for cold dips at high tide. Offers private weekend sessions and Monday community saunas, with a focus on affordable, accessible pricing.
Rest Day Sauna
A wood-fired sauna on the shores of Lake Hebron in Monson at the edge of the 100-Mile Wilderness. Offering year-round private rentals and occasional themed community sessions.
Selkie Sauna
Two mobile wood-fired saunas traveling to beaches, ponds, and coastal spots around Mount Desert Island. Community sessions often pair cold water dips with sauna rounds.
Glidden Point Sauna
Two saunas at an oyster farm on the Damariscotta River with cold plunges in floating oyster cages. Follow up your sessions with fresh oysters and drinks in a working farm setting.
Timberstone Sauna
A mobile wood-fired sauna at Wolfe's Neck Center, a working coastal farm with trails and animal barns. Sessions are shared and community-focused, inspired by European public sauna culture, with private group bookings available outside regular hours.
Salty Witch Sauna
A cedar-and-pine wood-fired sauna on the Belfast waterfront. Seats up to six, with a public beach nearby for cool-downs between rounds. Afternoon, sunset, evening, and full moon sessions available.
Pineapple Ketch Floating Sauna
A floating sauna docked on the Kennebunk River with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. Hour-long private sessions include river access for cold plunges between sauna rounds.
Sulaa Sauna
A mobile wood-fired sauna currently stationed at Quarry Road Trails, offering community sessions alongside hiking and skiing trails.
Riverview Sauna
A converted farm shed on eight acres near Merrymeeting Bay features a wood-fired sauna, outdoor hot tub overlooking gardens, and massage therapy. Private sessions only.
Steamboat Wharf Sauna
A wood-fired sauna set in the woods of a tiny cabin resort, within walking distance of Sandy Point Beach on the Penobscot River.
Sauna at the Cove
A wood-fired sauna overlooking Bald Hill Cove on Route 1A with private and semi-private sessions. Large windows welcome natural light during the day with mood lighting at night.
Cedar Grove Sauna at Popham Beach
Mobile wood-fired saunas stationed at Popham Beach from October through May, offering views of Fort Popham and the Kennebec River with direct access for cold plunges.
Know before you go
Whether you're a sauna regular or stepping into your first session, a few practical tips will help you make the most of the experience.
What to Bring: Some venues provide towels, but bringing your own is generally recommended. A swimsuit and sandals or flip-flops are typically required, and a water bottle for hydration is essential.
Cold Plunge: Some venues maintain dedicated cold plunge pools at 45-50°F, but most cold plunge opportunities are natural—rivers, lakes, or the ocean—where temperatures can fluctuate. Local coldwater dipping group, Two Maine Mermaids, put together a collection of useful dip tips if you plan on doing a polar plunge before or after.
Booking Considerations: Winter sees the highest demand, with many venues operating at capacity on weekends. It's usually a good idea to make a reservation weeks in advance if you're planning a Saturday or Sunday visit.
Quiet vs. Social: Every sauna has its own culture. Some embrace conversation and community, while others prioritize quiet and solitude. Check each website to find the experience that suits you.
Outdoor Activities: In our humble opinion, a sauna visit is always better when preceded by an outdoor activity. Check out our state park guide to find parks near your preferred sauna.
Maine's best
outdoor eventsDelivered to your inbox
Handpicked favorites. Free to your inbox. We do the research so you can get outside and enjoy the way life should be.
