Southern Maine’s Premier Lake Campground
Sebago Lake State Park occupies 1,400 acres on the northern shore of Sebago Lake, Maine’s second-largest and deepest lake. The park straddles the towns of Casco and Naples, and its 250 campsites make it one of the largest campgrounds in the state park system. With sandy beaches, warm swimming water, excellent fishing, and full boat access, this is the go-to camping destination for families within easy reach of Portland.
The park has been a summer institution since the 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps built the original facilities. Two distinct camping areas, Naples Beach and Witch Cove, offer different experiences. Naples Beach is the larger and more developed area, closer to the main beach and day-use facilities. Witch Cove is smaller, quieter, and more wooded, better suited to campers who want to trade beach proximity for privacy.
Sebago Lake itself is a remarkable body of water. At nearly 46 square miles, it provides Portland’s drinking water and supports a world-class landlocked salmon fishery. The water is exceptionally clean, clear enough to see the bottom in many areas. Summer water temperatures reach the low 70s, making it one of the warmest swimmable lakes of its size in Maine.
The Campground
The 250 sites are split between Naples Beach (approximately 170 sites) and Witch Cove (approximately 80 sites). Both areas offer a mix of tent sites, RV sites, and some sites with electrical hookups. Every site has a picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are centrally located in both areas.
Naples Beach sites are generally more open and closer to the main beach, playground, and boat launch. The best sites here are in the outer loops near the lakeshore, where you can walk to the water in under a minute. These waterfront-adjacent sites are the first to book each season. Interior sites are more shaded but further from the beach.
Witch Cove sites are more heavily wooded and spaced further apart. The area has its own smaller beach and a quieter atmosphere. It is a better choice for couples or smaller groups who want a more traditional camping feel. The trade-off is a longer walk to the main beach and facilities.
Reserve as early as possible, Sebago Lake opens for reservations on February 1 for the full season, and summer weekends sell out within days. For the best beach-adjacent sites in Naples Beach, look for sites in the 100-120 range. In Witch Cove, sites near the waterfront start around site 200.
Things to Do
Swimming at the main beach is the signature activity. The beach is a broad crescent of sand with a roped swimming area and lifeguards on duty during summer. The water warms gradually through June and is at its best from mid-July through August. The beach has a bathhouse with changing rooms and a snack bar operates during peak season.
Fishing on Sebago Lake is outstanding. The lake is famous for landlocked salmon and lake trout, and it also holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and white perch. A boat launch inside the park provides direct access to the lake. Trolling in the deeper water is the traditional salmon method, while bass anglers work the rocky shorelines and coves. A Maine fishing license is required.
Hiking options within the park are limited to a few short trails through the woods and along the shore. For more ambitious hikes, Douglas Mountain is a 20-minute drive north, a quick climb to a stone tower with views of Sebago Lake and the Presidential Range. Bradbury Mountain State Park is about 40 minutes east and offers mountain biking and a family-friendly summit hike.
Sebago Lake State Park is one of the hardest campgrounds to book in Maine. Summer weekends sell out within days of reservations opening on February 1. Weekday stays are significantly easier to book. If you want a weekend in July or August, be online the moment reservations open.
When to Go
Spring
Park opens May 1 but the lake is too cold for swimming until late June. Good for fishing and quiet campsites.
Summer
Late June through August is peak season. Warm swimming water, full beach amenities, and lifeguards on duty. Expect crowds.
Fall
September offers warm days, cool nights, and the lake to yourself. Beach facilities wind down after Labor Day. Foliage peaks in October.
Winter
Campground closes mid-October. Day-use areas open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Getting There
From Portland, take Route 302 west through Windham and Raymond to the park entrance in Casco. The drive is approximately 45 minutes and follows a well-signed route. From the Maine Turnpike, take Exit 48 (Westbrook) and follow Route 302 west.
From Bangor, the most direct route is I-95 south to the Maine Turnpike, then Route 302 west from Westbrook. Total drive time is about two and a half hours. The park entrance is clearly signed on Route 302 between Casco and Naples.
The Naples causeway, just north of the park, has a public boat launch, restaurants, and ice cream shops. After a day at the beach, drive or bike to the causeway for dinner and a sunset view. The Songo River Queen, a replica paddle steamer, runs lake cruises from the causeway marina and is a fun evening activity for families.
Sebago Lake Camping Packing List
- Tent or RV with electrical hookup cable
- Beach towels and swimsuits
- Sunscreen and shade canopy
- Cooler with food and drinks
- Fishing rod and Maine license
- Kayak or canoe (or rent in Naples)
- Camp stove and cookware
- Bug spray (mosquitoes at dusk)
- Bikes for campground roads
- Camp chairs for beach evenings
FAQ
How do I reserve a campsite at Sebago Lake State Park?
Reservations open February 1 for the full season through the Maine state park reservation system at campwithme.com. Summer weekends sell out fast, book immediately when the window opens.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the day-use area from April 1 through September 30. Dogs are allowed in the campground on a leash but not at the swimming beaches.
Is there a camp store?
There is a small concession at the beach during summer. For full grocery shopping, Naples has a general store and there is a supermarket in Bridgton, about 15 minutes north.
Can I bring a boat?
Yes. There is a boat launch inside the park with direct access to Sebago Lake. All motorized boats on Sebago must be inspected for invasive species, the park has a courtesy inspection station.
What are the fees?
Maine residents pay approximately $25 per night for a standard site and $35 for a hookup site. Non-residents pay approximately $35 and $45 respectively. Rates vary slightly by season.
Can you swim at Sebago Lake State Park?
Yes. The park has sandy beaches with lifeguards in summer, and Sebago's water is unusually clean and warms into the low 70s, making it one of the most comfortable big-lake swims in Maine. Both the Naples Beach and Witch Cove areas have beach access.
When is Sebago Lake State Park open?
The campground and day-use area are open from May 1 through October 15. Camping reservations open February 1 for the whole season, and prime summer weekends sell out within days, so book early.
How far is Sebago Lake State Park from Portland?
About 45 minutes. The park sits on the north shore of the lake, straddling Casco and Naples, roughly 25 miles northwest of Portland, which makes it one of the closest big-lake state parks to the city.
Can you visit Sebago Lake State Park for the day without camping?
Yes. The park has a day-use beach with parking, picnic areas, and a boat launch open to non-campers for a day-use entrance fee. It is a popular summer day trip from Portland, so arrive early on hot weekends before the lot fills.
