Naples, Maine offers diverse camping experiences with several lakes within 15 minutes, including Sebago Lake at 316 feet elevation. The region typically experiences warm summer days with temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through August, making it ideal for water activities and yurt camping in Naples, Maine.
What to do
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Sebago Lake State Park Campground provides access to both Sebago Lake and nearby waterways. "We had two paddleboards which are add-ons with the MainelyGlamping package and we spent some time on one of the calm clear mornings paddling around the lake which was amazing," reports one visitor to Sebago Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking nearby mountains: Within a short drive from Naples, visitors can access mountain trails. A camper at On the Saco Family Campground notes, "This is a nice family campground right along the river with easy access for boats and swimming. It is also in a great area with amazing hiking nearby. Make sure to head not far down the road and climb up to the peak of Pleasant Mountain to get an incredible view of the entire area."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The lakes around Naples attract diverse wildlife. "Loons loons everywhere. Lots of wildlife. Good facilities. Full hookups for boondockers. Dump station, bath house, laundry facilities, and fire pits throughout campsites," shares a visitor at Lakeside Pines Campground. Another camper describes, "A friend and I camped here not for the family fun, but because we wanted to be able to slip into our kayaks for an early paddle with the loons, bald eagles, and herons."
What campers like
Multiple swimming options: The region offers various water access points with different characteristics. At Papoose Pond Family Campground, a visitor shares, "Pond with rentals, pool, mini golf, daily activities, crafts....so family friendly. Love the half moon and kitchen and bath sites." The campground spans both sides of a road, with the pond side being more popular.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds in the area prioritize cleanliness. A Sebago Lake State Park visitor notes, "This campground was in the woods and was well maintained. The bathrooms were very clean. The lake was nice too, sandy beaches." Another mentions, "This was a seemingly nice family-oriented campground with lots of nice amenities - the restrooms were in decent shape, there was a dish-washing sink available."
Organized family activities: Poland Spring Campground offers structured recreation for all ages. "The campground had a nice, very clean pool and playground area, as well as a rec hall outfitted with board games etc for the rainy days," according to one reviewer. Another adds, "This campground has numerous activities to keep the whole family occupied (pool, rec hall, volleyball, basketball, and bocce ball)."
What you should know
Site privacy varies considerably: Most campgrounds feature a mix of open and wooded sites with varying degrees of privacy. At Acres of Wildlife Family Campground, a visitor notes, "The space between us and our neighbors is significant. The only thing that caught me off a bit is the use of golf carts. At times you can have 5 or 6 going past your site at once."
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds in the Naples area operate from May through mid-October, with exact dates varying. One camper states, "We went the last weekend they were open for the season (sometime in October) and it was a blast! Tent sites were spacious and had a decent amount of privacy."
Utility connections may require extra equipment: RV campers should prepare for potentially challenging hookup locations. A visitor to Acres of Wildlife Family Campground advises, "Be sure to bring extensions for electrical and sewer as a lot of sites are set up with difficult connection spots. Relatively level sites, long dirt road to get to is a bit of a problem."
Tips for camping with families
Book lake-adjacent sites early: Waterfront sites at popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. At Lakeside Pines Campground, one visitor shares, "We had a beautiful waterfront campsite (Site 113). The lake is gorgeous. Rocks make direct access to the water from the site difficult, but there is a beach for water access not too far away."
Consider tent sites with amenities: Many campgrounds offer tent sites with electrical and water hookups for added comfort. A visitor to Acres of Wildlife notes, "We went the last weekend they were open for the season (sometime in October) and it was a blast! Tent sites were spacious and had a decent amount of privacy. Electric and water hookups at tent sites."
Plan for weather contingencies: Summer storms can affect camping conditions. A Sebago Lake camper recounts, "For a large portion of our stay it torrentially downpoured. The trees allowed us to canopy a tarp but our fire pit completely flooded and we had to bail it out when the rain finally stopped."
Tips from RVers
Check road access before arriving: Some campgrounds have tight access roads that can challenge larger rigs. A visitor to Two Lakes Camping shares, "Getting into your site with a camper requires maneuvering no matter how you come into the campground. We had a few sites higher up in the campground and had a tent site right on the water near the boat ramp."
Consider yurt options for glamping experience: Yurt camping near Naples, Maine provides a comfortable alternative to traditional RVing. One camper mentions, "We've been going here each year with our boys for 5 years. It's the only camp ground my kids request! Amazing family activities to keep kids occupied, great sites, clean bathrooms (free showers), and a good restaurant if you don't want to cook."
Reserve specific RV sites based on size needs: Some campgrounds have limited full-hookup sites that can accommodate larger rigs. "We pulled in with a 40ft pull behind had no problems. Staff is friendly place is very dog friendly," reports a visitor to Loon's Haven Family Campground.
