Sebago Lake, Maine
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Sebago Lake State Park was established in 1938 as one of Maine’s first official State Parks; today the park is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its promise of outdoor fun in a beautiful environment. The park is nearly 1,400 acres of adventure surrounding Sebago Lake itself, a large inland lake just miles from Portland, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean. As you’re planning your next family getaway in the great outdoors, a trip to Sebago Lake by rented RV has to be at the top of your list. Here’s everything you need to know in order to plan an unforgettable camping getaway that promises plenty to do both inside the park and out.
Sebago Lake State Park is situated on Sebago Lake, which is Maine’s deepest and second largest lake. Accordingly, it’s a major recreation destination for locals and visitors every year who come to enjoy boating out on the waters. More than that, though, the park is home to a river and several ponds, which means different types of boating are a favorite activity here. The main lake and river are perfect for motorboating and paddle boating, with other, smaller bodies of water attracting canoers, kayakers, and more.
There are several outfitters and marinas on and around Sebago Lake where you can rent the boat of your choice if you aren’t bringing one of your own along for the trip. Moose Landing Marina is the biggest in the region, offering a huge fleet of deck and pontoon boats available to rent just for a day, or up to a week to float your entire vacation away. Other options include Long Beach Marina, Port Harbor Maine, and Causeway Marina—so you should always be able to find a boat and a rental setup that fits your needs.
Of course, one of the major reasons to rent a boat is to fish the waters of Sebago Lake. Make sure you’ve read up on the rules and regulations, and also gotten a license, from the Main Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Once you do, you’ll be ready to reel in the lake trout, brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, and Atlantic salmon that call Sebago Lake and the other waters in the park home.
There are several options for you to enjoy fishing, as well. You can rent a boat from a marina right on the lake or use the State Park’s boat launch to get your boat on the water. There’s a $10 fee for trailered boats, all others can be placed in the lake as part of your day-use fee for the park. If you aren’t planning on bringing a boat, there’s a designated fishing pier, called the Songo Lock Veteran’s Fishing Pier, at the meeting of the Songo and Crooked Rivers within the park.
Sebago Lake State Park is home to 10 hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, which make for beautiful hiking through the natural beauty along the banks of the Crooked River. The river itself separates the park into two main districts, one that lies on the western banks and the other on the eastern side. On the west side of the park, the Beaver Lodge and Twin Brook trails are the easiest options at 1.5 miles and 1 mile, respectively, offering a breezy stroll through the park. The 1-mile Nature Trail is a bit more moderate, taking hikers through a boggy jungle with mossy stones all along the way. The most adventurous of hikers will love the Lookout Trail, a strenuous 1.25-mile path leading up 499 feet to the top of the park’s highest point.
For a more accessible, shorter hiking experience, the east side of the park promises several short trails that bring with them views of the Crooked River. The North Link and South Link trails are each just a quarter mile, with Cub Cove Spur and New Place Cove Road coming in at just about a half mile each. Ironically, the longest hiking trail in the park is on the east side as well; the Outer Loop is a 3.7-mile trek through the wilderness of Sebago Lake State Park.
Though Maine is known for its cold winters, the fun at Sebago Lake doesn’t disappear when the seasons change. The park is a favorite for many winter activities, including winter camping—so a winter trip in your RV is no problem, considering the park’s full RV hookups in its campground. If you do choose to enjoy the park during the colder months from the comfort of your heated RV rental, you’ll have plenty to do.
The 11.5 miles of hiking trails at Sebago Lake State Park turn into excellent snowshoe trails when the winter comes. Visitors love to explore the blanketed landscape in snowshoes, just as early settlers and Native American peoples did centuries ago. And while Sebago Lake itself takes a lot longer to freeze over than some of the ponds in the park, ice fishing is also allowed. To be safe, stick to the inland ponds, or wait until deep into the winter to find a spot on Sebago Lake and reel them in.
With Sebago Lake State Park located so close to Portland, Maine, you’re close to all there is to do in the city as well as the beautiful Atlantic coast. That’s enough for a whole vacation of its own, but also means you have one or more daytrips to easily bake into your Sebago Lake vacation. Not sure where to start? Head for the coast and take a driving tour in your RV rental to see the stony shoreline and the many historic lighthouses dotting the coast. Then, stop over at a white sand beach to enjoy the sunshine and swim in the Atlantic.
Of course, it goes without saying that one of the main draws to Portland is a chance to sample the famous Maine lobster caught just off the coast. Portland is home to many excellent seafood restaurants—more on that below. While in town, take a walking tour and explore this beautiful, seaside town for excellent shopping and more.
Sebago Lake State Park has an expansive campground with 250 sites. There’s an RV dumping station and there are full RV hookups, as well, which is a unique feature for any state park. Out of season, the campsites are open on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can make a reservation during peak season. Click here to learn more.
Wassamki Springs Campground in Scarborough, Maine is a beautiful family campground in the woods along the water. The campground is operated by the same family who bought the farmland in 1917, and today they specialize in offering guests a relaxing stay with full hookup RV sites and free live entertainment and planned activities for families.
Located very close to Sebago Lake is Point Sebago Resort in Casco, Maine. The park is located on the lake itself and offers spacious, full-hookup RV campsites. Their activities for kids and adults and their championship, 18-hole golf course make this a true vacation destination and the perfect home base for your Lake Sebago getaway.
Located on Crescent Lake in Raymond, Maine, Kokatosi Campground offers full RV hookup campsites in a beautiful, wooded setting. The private beach and swimming platform make for some relaxing and fun summer days swimming and enjoying nature. Enjoy swimming, boating, and great fishing during your stay.
The closest campground to Freeport, Maine is Cedar Haven Family Campground—an excellent RV resort that offers everything you could ask for in a campground. Free shuttles can take you to world-famous L.L. Bean flagship store, and there are even free canoe and kayak rentals to use on-site. The sites are spacious and there are electric hookups available up to 50 amps.
The Maryland park service’s website touts food service as an amenity for the park, but details on the available dining options are scant. If you’re interested in eating while inside the park, contact the park office for more information.
Maine is famous around the country for its seafood, namely the bountiful lobsters found just off the coast. For a taste of Maine lobster during your visit to Sebago Lake, don’t miss local favorite Fisherman’s Catch in Casco, Maine. The town of Casco has many other options available, including popular spots like Kindred Farms Market & Bakery, Bresca & the Honey Bee, Standard Gastropub, and Black Bear Café.
For more dining ideas throughout the Portland and Casco Bay area, check out Maine’s tourism website.