Sebago Lake

Opened to the public in 1938, Sebago Lake State park camping was one of the five original state parks of America. Nestled near the foothills of the White Mountains the park’s 1,400 acres of vast woodlands, sandy beaches, vibrant ponds, and deep emerald bogs inspire wonder and awe. A windy river snakes through one of the oldest historical locks in the region; while surrounding miles of expansive land create diverse habitats for a variety of plant and wildlife.

Sebago Lake was carved by ancient rivers and Ice Age Glacier fallout. The now filled granite basin provides recreation and watersport activities to thousands every year. The region is an impressive feat of scenery, boasting dense forests of pine, aspen, and birchwood. A multitude of these directly touch the shore of Maine’s deepest and second largest lake.

Subsequently, Sebago Lake Campground provides year-round camping and recreation to thousands. There are a number of popular activities, including lake (and river) swimming, sport fishing, camping, and even boating. The summer is especially busy thanks to the variety of large trees creating an abundance of breezy, shaded areas to escape the heat and hide the perfect makeshift rope swing.

Unique to this area is the historic Songo Lock, the last surviving lock of Cumberland and Oxford Canal, built in the 19th century. It can be found directly on the Songo River, just above the intersection of Crooked River and the Northern End of Sebago Lake State Park in the town of Naples. The lock was built in 1830, featuring granite walls with real wooden control gates to control water levels. Other locks have since been updated, however this has been preserved for its historical relevance.

Camping here provides the right environment for romantic nights under the stars, and misty mornings on the lake. There are 250 campsites available year-round, although tent camping here in the winter will get pretty chilly. That said, cross country skiing and distance snowshoeing are extremely popular winter activities. The campground also has good park service, various group picnic shelters, a fully functional playground, RV dumping station, and a limited amount of RV hookups for electric and water. There are even showers with working hot water, and facilities nearby for laundry.

Don’t skip out on Lake Sebago State Park. It’s a blast for anyone willing to put themselves through the effort of packing the car up and getting out there. There’s a ton to do, with giddy feelings and laughs around the campfire. The region is well maintained, with all the benefits of a beachside resort without the expensive costs. If you don’t mind paving your own fun, you’ll be rewarded exponentially on the shores of Lake Sebago.