The Otisfield area sits among the hills and lakes of western Maine at approximately 640 feet elevation, with Crooked River flowing through its eastern border and numerous ponds dotting the landscape. The region's camping season typically runs mid-May through mid-October, with average summer temperatures ranging from 55°F overnight to 80°F during peak daytime hours. Water recreation forms the backbone of camping activities throughout the area, with several campgrounds providing direct lake access.
What to do
Beach activities at Sebago Lake State Park: The park offers excellent sandy beaches with designated swimming areas suitable for all ages. "Sebago Lake is beautiful. Sites are very close together. Luckily many of the sites around me were not occupied but I get the feeling that is rare. Bathrooms were clean. Beach areas were very nice for relaxing," notes Rebecca L. of Sebago Lake State Park Campground.
Kayaking on Long Lake: Rentals are available at several campgrounds with boat launches and docks for easy water access. At Colonial Mast Campground, visitors appreciate the lake setting. One camper reports, "Nice beach area with boat docks, family works hard to keep campground in nice clean condition. They have good children's activities and a nice indoor pool."
Multi-lake boating: The connected waterways around Otisfield allow for extended boating trips. According to Joshua B., "Sebago lake is a great spot for all types of fishing. From bass to landlocked salmon. And you can take the boat up river through the songo locks. All the way up to long lake. Stop at Naples causeway for a bite to eat."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer shaded camping areas with varied levels of seclusion. Jo-Ann N. describes Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins: "Lots of nice spacious wooded sites. Located on 2 sides of a road, the side opposite the lake was much nicer and more spacious. Sites across road much more spacious."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. At Papoose Pond, Tiffany C. reports, "This campground is amazing. It is perfect for family camping. There is so much to do for all ages. The staff are amazing and so friendly. Campsites are spacious. Bathrooms are very clean."
Clear water for swimming: The lakes and ponds around Otisfield feature exceptionally clean water. At Loon's Haven Family Campground, one visitor appreciates this aspect: "The pond is crystal clear and we boated over to one of the small islands to find a rope swing which provided entertainment and memories for my children."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for waterfront sites. Naples KOA visitor Laura M. advises: "We stayed at the Naples, ME KOA in July and just booked it again for this August. I could write an extensive review telling you that all the amenities and sites were great because they are."
Site spacing: Many campgrounds have closely spaced sites, particularly in waterfront areas. At Martin Stream Campground, one camper observed: "The sites are close enough to hear every word of every conversation and there is nothing to screen sites from each other."
Season length variations: While most campgrounds operate Memorial Day through Columbus Day, some offer extended seasons. J B. notes, "We stayed at Colonial Mast Campground 10/31/2020 to 11/1/2020. The water was turned off at our site due to freezing temps. Sewer and electric were available."
Tips for camping with families
Planned activities: Look for campgrounds with organized programs for children. Angela M. shares her experience at Papoose Pond: "Went to Papoose over Memorial weekend with the family and had a blast! Staff was super friendly, tons of activities for kids and adults, nightly entertainment, and lots more! Played parents VS kids kickball and laughed so hard."
Swimming options: Campgrounds offer various water access points from beaches to docks. At Poland Spring Campground, visitors appreciate the water features: "Very affordable prices! A big pool and also a lake to swim or rent a boat! Very family friendly (including dogs!) there is a store and playground and plenty of area to explore!"
Special facilities: Some campgrounds provide extra amenities specifically designed for family use. Kelley H. describes Papoose Pond: "This is a glamping campground and so much going on for kids and adults. The pond is amazing. The store is huge! The sites are huge! Nightly events for adults kids and family. Kayak/canoe rentals an amazing beach."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose campground areas based on your RV size and preference for privacy. Jennifer F. explains about Naples Campground: "The new area has no trees and just looks like a big RV parking lot, but the older part has plenty of trees."
Navigation challenges: Narrow roads can make larger rigs difficult to maneuver. Katie B. warns about Lakeside Pines: "The road is tight so be prepared to drive close to trees. You're within 30 minutes to White Mountain National Forest, which is gorgeous!"
Dump station policies: Check campground rules regarding sewer services. A visitor at Martin Stream Campground mentions: "There are no sewer hookups (which is fine) but you are only allowed ONE use at dump station upon leaving the campground. I arrived with a 1/3 tanks and wanted to dump on way into park because I was staying 3 days/nights."
