Sebago Lake, Maine

I spent many, many summer days during my childhood on Sebago Lake in Maine. My aunt and uncle owned a residence on the lake itself, and my family would rent one of the many cabins, or “camps”, that are available for weekly use. My friends and I would swim out to a nearby floating dock and spend hours clambering up and diving off. My uncle owned a boat and would pull us behind it on an inflatable “torpedo”. And every 4th of July we’d take the boat out to the big rock in the middle of the lake, from which many enthusiastic amateur pyrotechnicians would set off a variety of fireworks.

Sebago Lake State Park is located partially in the town of Casco, and partially in the town of Naples. Sebago Lake is the second largest, and deepest, lake in Maine. The forested lakeside provides lovely shade during the hot summer months, and nearby rentals provide kayaks, canoes, fishing boats and gear. There is a great network of trails for hiking and bicycling, as well. Adult Maine residents can attend the park for $4.50, while non-resident adults pay $6.50 and non-resident seniors pay $2.00. Maine residents 65 and older are free. Children 5 – 11 years old enter for $1.00, and children under 5 are free.

Sebago Lake, Maine

The State Park is very busy in the summertime, as it is a safe place to swim for young children, and something of a social hangout for teenagers. The 1500 acre park ensures that there is plenty of variety to keep the whole family entertained. The 250-site campground, located on Park property, is very popular and very well outfitted, so make reservations as far in advance as possible. The park also boasts guided nature hikes and outdoor movies shown in the amphitheater.

At just 25 miles west of Portland, there are a myriad of opportunities for lodging and site-seeing. Go to the State Park during the day, then spend the night in downtown Portland enjoying its arts district, or the many restaurants and clubs available near the waterfront.

Weather-wise, the best time of year to visit Sebago Lake State Park is in the summertime, when the cool water of the lake has had a chance to heat up. Understandably, that’s also the time when you get the most crowds, so if you’re looking for an uncrowded experience, I recommend going in May or October.

Photos courtesy of Chris Dag, and Dawnzy, on Flickr Creative Commons.

Related: Reid State Park, Maine; Sand Beach, Acadia National Park.