Sebago Lake State Park

Stretched across 1,342 acres along the shores of Maine’s deepest and second-largest lake, Sebago Lake State Park is one of the state’s most beloved summer destinations. The park sits in Cumberland County, just 30 miles northwest of Portland, making it an easy escape from the city without sacrificing the feeling of being deep in the Maine woods.

The star here is the water. Sebago Lake’s exceptional clarity — it serves as Portland’s drinking water supply — makes for stunning swimming at the park’s sandy beach, one of the finest freshwater beaches in New England. The lake draws anglers chasing landlocked salmon and lake trout, while kayakers and canoeists can paddle miles of shoreline framed by white pines and hemlocks.

Beyond the water, the park offers wooded hiking trails through mixed forests of birch, oak, and conifers. The terrain is gentle enough for families but interesting enough to keep things engaging, with glimpses of the lake through the trees.

The park operates two campground areas — one on the lake’s north shore and one on the east — offering a mix of wooded and waterfront sites. Reservations fill quickly for July and August weekends, so book early.

Peak season runs from late June through Labor Day, when the lake water warms to swimmable temperatures. September visitors trade crowds for fall foliage reflecting off the lake’s surface — arguably the park’s most photogenic moment. Come prepared for cool mornings, even in summer.

Explore Nearby

• Portland Breakwater Light — Lighthouse in Maine
• Spring Point Ledge Light — Lighthouse in Maine
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• Kancamagus Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire