China Lake is a large lake located northeast of Augusta. The lake's two basins are quite different.

The east basin is rather long and narrow with an irregularly shaped shoreline and many islands. The maximum depth is just 50 feet and much of this basin is less than 30 feet deep. The shoreline of the east basin is highly developed with seasonal and year-round homes.

The west basin, on the other hand, is nearly circular and, since it serves as a water source for Waterville and Winslow, the shoreline is very lightly developed.

Two access sites are available to the public. There is an improved boat launch facility located in Vassalboro on the west basin near the outlet and a site located at the north end of the lake in the town of China.