Naples, Maine
Lake country at its finest. A summer resort town on Sebago Lake and Long Lake with sandy beaches, the Songo River Queen, family camps, and the bustling Causeway village.
Naples is the heart of Maine's lake country. The town sits where Long Lake flows into Sebago Lake via the Songo River, creating a waterfront playground that has drawn summer visitors for over a century. The Causeway village on Route 302 hums with ice cream shops, arcades, and restaurants in summer. The Songo River Queen, a replica paddleboat, cruises Long Lake. And the lakes themselves offer some of the cleanest freshwater swimming in the state.
Swim at Sebago Lake State Park. Sebago Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the country, and the state park beach has wide sandy shores and clear water you can see to the bottom. Get there early on summer weekends because the park fills to capacity by mid-morning.
Take the Songo River Queen. The replica paddleboat cruises Long Lake and passes through the historic Songo Lock, one of the last hand-operated canal locks in the country. The narrated ride gives you the full history of the lake region from the water.
Walk the Causeway. The Causeway village on Route 302 is the center of summer life in Naples. Ice cream shops, restaurants, arcades, and souvenir stores line the road between Long Lake and Brandy Pond. It is busy, cheerful, and unapologetically summer vacation.
Kayak Long Lake. The 12-mile lake stretching from Naples to Harrison is perfect for a morning paddle. Launch from the Causeway area and head north into quieter water with loon calls and mountain views.
Hike Pleasant Mountain. The Ledges Trail in nearby Bridgton climbs to the 2,006-foot summit with panoramic views of Sebago Lake, Long Lake, and the White Mountains beyond. It is the best hike within a short drive of Naples.
Sebago Lake State Park closes the gate when the parking lot fills, which happens before 10 AM on summer weekends. Plan to arrive by 8:30 AM or visit on weekdays. You can also access the lake from Naples town beach or by boat to avoid the park altogether.
Rick’s Cafe on the Causeway has the best waterfront dining in Naples. Get a table on the deck overlooking Long Lake and order the fried seafood platter. Watch the boats come and go while you eat. Arrive early for dinner, the wait gets long after 6 PM in summer.
Lake Country Hub
Naples sits at the crossroads of Maine’s lake region. Bridgton is 10 miles north with Shawnee Peak skiing and Highland Lake. Sebago Lake stretches south toward Portland. Harrison and Waterford lie north along Long Lake.
In winter, the lakes freeze solid and become a playground for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Shawnee Peak at nearby Pleasant Mountain is a family-friendly ski area with night skiing and affordable lift tickets.
Naples vs Bridgton: which is better for a lake vacation?
Naples is more action-oriented with the Causeway village, Songo River Queen, and Sebago Lake State Park. Bridgton is quieter and more upscale with Highland Lake and better restaurants. Naples is better for families with young kids; Bridgton is better for a relaxing getaway.
Can you boat on Long Lake?
Yes. Long Lake has public boat launches and is popular for motorboats, pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes. Boat rentals are available from marinas in Naples.
What is the Songo Lock?
The Songo Lock is a historic hand-operated canal lock on the Songo River between Brandy Pond and Sebago Lake. It dates to 1830 and is one of the last of its kind in the country. The Songo River Queen passes through it on its cruises.
Is there cell service at Sebago Lake State Park?
Cell service is generally available at the state park, though it can be spotty in some wooded areas. Wi-Fi is not available at the campground.
Spring
April-May. Ice-out in April. Fishing season opens. Lakes are quiet and cold.
Summer
June-August. Peak lake season. Swimming, boating, Causeway fun. Book camping early.
Fall
September-October. Gorgeous foliage reflected in the lakes. Pleasant Mountain hiking. Causeway quiets down.
Winter
December-February. Ice fishing, snowmobiling on frozen lakes, skiing at Shawnee Peak.
Things to Do
Sebago Lake
Maine's deepest and second-largest lake with crystal-clear water, sandy beaches, and excellent fishing for landlocked salmon and lake trout.
Long Lake
A 12-mile lake stretching from Naples to Harrison, perfect for kayaking, fishing, and the Songo River Queen cruise.
Sebago Lake State Park
One of the most popular state parks in Maine with a large sandy beach, campground, and picnic areas on the north shore of Sebago Lake.
Songo River Queen II
A replica Mississippi-style paddleboat offering narrated cruises on Long Lake and through the Songo Lock.
Pleasant Mountain
A 2,006-foot summit in nearby Bridgton with panoramic lake and mountain views from the top. Also home to Shawnee Peak ski area.
Where to Eat & Drink
Rick's Cafe
Seafood / AmericanWaterfront restaurant on the Causeway with outdoor dining overlooking Long Lake and a full menu of seafood and American fare.
Sandy's at the Flight Deck
Casual / WaterfrontCasual lakeside spot on the Causeway with burgers, lobster rolls, and ice cream. The waterfront tables are prime summer real estate.
Black Bear Cafe
CafePopular year-round cafe on Route 302 with breakfast, lunch, and house-baked goods.
The Good Life Market
Market / DeliLocal market with a deli counter, prepared foods, and provisions for lake days.
Where to Stay
Campgrounds
(2)Sebago Lake State Park Campground
Campground250 wooded campsites on Sebago Lake with beach access, showers, and one of the most popular camping destinations in Maine.
Naples KOA Holiday
CampgroundFamily campground with pool, mini-golf, and organized activities, convenient to the Causeway and lakes.
Events & Festivals
Fourth of July Fireworks
Fireworks over Long Lake, launched from the Causeway area. One of the biggest lakeside celebrations in western Maine.
Naples Founders Day
Community celebration with a parade, craft fair, live music, and events along the Causeway.
Songo River Queen Season
Daily cruises on Long Lake aboard the replica paddleboat, passing through the historic Songo Lock.
When to Visit Naples
Spring
Mar - May
30-62F
Ice-out on the lakes in April. Fishing season opens. Quiet before summer rush.
Summer
Jun - Aug
55-82F
Peak lake season. Swimming, boating, Causeway buzz. Sebago Lake State Park fills early on weekends.
Fall
Sep - Nov
35-68F
Beautiful foliage reflected in the lakes. Quieter beaches. Pleasant Mountain hiking at its best.
Winter
Dec - Feb
8-30F
Ice fishing on Sebago and Long Lake. Shawnee Peak skiing in nearby Bridgton. Snowmobiling on frozen lake trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Naples. Can't find your answer? Contact us.