The Heart of the Lakes Region
Long Lake runs 11 miles through three towns in Maine’s Lakes Region, covering 5,295 acres and connecting to Sebago Lake through a chain of waterways that has been drawing summer visitors for more than a century. The lake passes through Naples at its southern end, Bridgton along its western shore, and Harrison at the north. It is the second largest body of water in southern Maine, and on a July afternoon it sometimes feels like half of southern Maine is out on it.
The Naples Causeway, a narrow strip of land where Route 302 crosses the channel between Long Lake and Brandy Pond, is the social center of the whole system. Restaurants, ice cream shops, souvenir stores, and boat rental outfits line both sides of the road. The Songo River Queen II, a replica paddlewheel steamboat, docks here for cruises up Long Lake. Seaplane rides, parasailing, and wakeboard boats launch from the same stretch. It is busy, loud, and thoroughly fun in a classic Maine summer vacation way.
The Songo Lock and Sebago Connection
Long Lake connects to Sebago Lake through the Songo River, a winding waterway that passes through the Songo Lock. The lock dates to 1830 and is one of the oldest lock systems in the country still in regular use. Boaters can pass through the lock to travel between the two lake systems, which together form one of the largest connected freshwater networks in New England.
The Songo Lock operates from mid-June through Labor Day. Passage is free. Expect a wait on busy summer weekends, sometimes an hour or more. The lock keeper raises and lowers the water level manually. If you are paddling a canoe or kayak, you can portage around the lock on the east side to avoid the wait.
The Songo River between Brandy Pond and the lock is a no-wake zone, and it is one of the prettiest paddles in the region. Tall pines line the banks, and the water is clear and calm. Great blue herons, kingfishers, and the occasional bald eagle work the shallows.
Swimming
Long Lake has clean, clear water and several good swimming spots:
- Naples Town Beach: A sandy public beach on the east side of the causeway with a roped swimming area, lifeguards in summer, and a playground. Parking is limited and fills early on hot days.
- Harrison Town Beach: At the north end of the lake in Harrison village. Smaller and quieter than Naples, with a grassy picnic area.
- Bridgton access points: Several informal shore access points along the western side. The town maintains a small beach area near the center of Bridgton.
Water temperature reaches the low to mid-70s by late July, which makes Long Lake comfortable for swimming through the summer. The sandy bottom at both town beaches slopes gently, making them good for young kids.
Boating
Long Lake is a busy boating lake. Powerboats, pontoon boats, sailboats, water-skiers, kayakers, and canoeists all share the water. The lake is wide enough that traffic spreads out, but the southern end near the causeway gets congested on summer weekends.
Weekend boat traffic near the Naples Causeway and the entrance to Brandy Pond is heavy from late June through August. Paddlers should stay close to shore and wear bright colors. Give wakeboard boats and water-skiers a wide berth.
Boat rentals are available at several marinas on the causeway and along Route 302. You can rent everything from kayaks and canoes to pontoon boats and ski boats by the hour or the day.
The Songo River Queen II offers narrated cruises on Long Lake, departing from the causeway. Cruises run daily in summer and on weekends in fall. The fall foliage cruise in late September and early October is popular.
Fishing
Long Lake holds smallmouth and largemouth bass, landlocked salmon, lake trout, white perch, chain pickerel, and brown trout. The deeper northern sections near Harrison are best for salmon and lake trout. Bass fishing is productive along the shoreline structure and around the lake’s many coves and points.
The north end of the lake between Bridgton and Harrison is quieter, deeper, and better for fishing. The south end near Naples is louder and more crowded. If you are looking for fish rather than a party, head north.
A Maine fishing license is required. Tackle shops in Bridgton and Naples sell licenses and can point you to current hot spots.
Where to Stay
The Naples-Bridgton-Harrison corridor has a well-developed vacation rental and lodging market:
- Lakefront rentals: Cabins and houses on Long Lake rent by the week in summer. Book early, as the best properties fill by February.
- Campgrounds: Several campgrounds near the lake, including Lakeside Pines in Bridgton and Long Lake Camping Area in Naples.
- Inns and B&Bs: The Bridgton and Naples areas have several inns and bed-and-breakfasts within a short drive of the lake.
- Hotels: Chain hotels are available in the Route 302 corridor toward Portland.
Getting There
From Portland, take Route 302 West through Windham and Raymond to Naples. The drive is about 55 minutes. From Naples, Route 302 continues to Bridgton (10 minutes) and Harrison (20 minutes). From Bangor, take I-95 South to the Auburn exit, then Route 302 West. About two hours and 40 minutes.
Cell service is reliable throughout the area on all major carriers.
When to Go
Spring
Ice-out in late April. Water cold for swimming. Good early fishing. Quiet before the summer rush.
Summer
Warm water, full amenities open, Songo River Queen running, Songo Lock open. Busy weekends. Best swimming July-August.
Fall
Fall foliage cruises, quieter water, excellent fishing. Water stays swimmable into September. Color peaks early October.
Winter
Ice fishing for salmon and togue. Snowmobiling on frozen lake. Most businesses closed for the season.
Long Lake Essentials
- Sunscreen and hats
- Life jackets (required for boats)
- Towels and swimsuits
- Cash for parking and snacks at the causeway
- Fishing license (if fishing)
- Camera (fall foliage from the water is spectacular)
- Boat rental reservation (book ahead for summer weekends)
FAQ
Can you boat from Long Lake to Sebago Lake?
Yes. The Songo Lock connects Long Lake to Sebago Lake through the Songo River and Brandy Pond. The lock operates from mid-June through Labor Day, and passage is free. Expect a wait on busy weekends.
Is Long Lake good for swimming?
Yes. Water temperatures reach the low to mid-70s by late July. Town beaches in Naples and Harrison have sandy bottoms and roped swimming areas. Lifeguards are on duty at Naples Town Beach in summer.
What is the Songo River Queen?
The Songo River Queen II is a replica paddlewheel steamboat that offers narrated cruises on Long Lake from the Naples Causeway. Cruises run daily in summer and on weekends in fall.
How deep is Long Lake Maine?
Long Lake has a maximum depth of about 60 feet, with deeper sections in the northern portion between Bridgton and Harrison.
Can you rent a boat on Long Lake?
Yes. Multiple rental outfits operate from the Naples Causeway and along Route 302. Options include kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, and ski boats, available by the hour or day.
