Sebago Lake State Park is a 1,400-acre park that was one of the five ORIGINAL state parks and opened to the public in 1938.
If you are looking for a lake-side park that offers swimming, fishing, camping and boating in the summer, along with cross-country skiing and snow shoeing in the winter, then you MUST check out Sebago Lake State Park!
Read more below for details about the Park (excluding camping..more to come on that later) and my thoughts on the bathroom situation, hiking trails, playground, and why this is one of FAVORITE parks to visit in the Fall.
Sebago Lake State Park has two locations; one in Casco and the other in Naples. The Naples location is where you can access the campground and additional trails. For this review, we will be focusing on the day-use location in CASCO (excluding the group camping area).
Parking Details:
You can access the day-use location from Route 302. Be sure to turn into 11 Park Access Road in Casco. There will be two parking lot options upon arrival. The Songo Beach parking lot and the East Area one. The Songo Beach lot is significantly larger.
During the fall, parking will NOT be an issue but do keep in mind that during nice weather in the summer months, these parking lots can fill up and there is sometimes a wait at the ranger station to enter.
Playground Details:
There is a playground at this park and it’s in good condition. There are several slides, swings (baby swings, too!), monkey bars, and several climbing structures. There are picnic tables and benches nearby and the bathrooms are just a short walk from the playground.
There is also a cute playhouse near the Pine Grove Reservable Group Picnic Site that was a really fun time for my daughter. Think completely immersive imaginative play for like an hour or so!
Hiking Trail Details:
There are several trails available to you at Sebago Lake State Park and they are all very kid-friendly. My daughter and I did mostly the trails listed as “ungroomed” on the map. If you are looking for more significant trails than just a walk along the lakeshore, the outer loop is a good one here.
We also found, during our recent trip, that Sebago State Park is utilizing a public photo-monitoring of the beach erosion. This program allows you to take pictures at certain spots and upload them to the site so that officials can monitor this situation in almost real time.
If looking for more extensive trails, be sure to check out the system at the campground/Naples location. I have yet to explore those trails!
For both locations, be mindful that some of these trails LACK good signage. Come prepared with a good paper map and never rely on your phone!
Beach Details:
There is so much beach access at this park. With lots of picnic table options that include being directly on the water to options that are more tucked into the shade, any place you decide to set up for the day, the water will be just a short walk away.
Again, this park is VERY different in the summer compared to off season times. In the summer, avoid peak hours as you may have to wait to get into the park and picnic tables will be at a premium.
HINT: One of my favorite summer activities is to head to Sebago Lake State Park around 3pm for late afternoon swimming and bring some dinner to grill up on one of the many charcoal grills available.
Picnic Details:
Sebago Lake State Park is filled with picnic tables! During the off season, you will have your choice of tables right close to the sandy beach, in the pines, or tucked away for even more privacy.
This day-use location also has six RESERVABLE group picnic sites and shelters with varying amenities. Sites will cost $35/day and shelters with roofs will be $150/day.
Location of the Passport Station:
If you are working towards collecting stamps for the Passport Program, you will be able to find the Passport Station at the concession stand at Songo Beach.
Fees:
| Adult Maine Resident | Adult Non Resident | Children 5-11 Years Old | Children under 5 & Adults 65 and older | Senior Resident | Senior Non Resident |
| $6.00 | $8.00 | $1.00 | FREE | FREE | $2.00 |
There is a ranger station/entrance station at this Park and it is sometimes staffed. Plan to bring exact change so if you need to drop your fee into the canister, you can!
*Maine libraries often have free Maine State Park passes available to their patrons. Check my blog to see if your library participates!
If you don’t see the pass listed with your library, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask them. Libraries frequently add museum and park passes to their offerings!
Bathroom Low Down:
The bathroom situation at Sebago Lake State Park is good! You will find a large building at Songo Beach with flushing toilets and another bathroom facility at the East Area Parking Lot. Water fountains and spigots are available nearby as well.
The bathrooms are usually closed up during the off-season as are the water fountains and spigots.. However, don’t worry..You will still have bathroom access during the off-season by accessing the privy near the group picnic area.
Visitor Accessibility:
The Maine State Parks and Historic Sites are rated on an overall basis with a 1-3 star rating and then individual aspects of the park assessed with a description of accessibility and a 1-5 star rating.
For my rationale for including this in the blog and the definitions for the descriptions of accessibility, head to my State Park Series Intro Blog where I share why it’s important to include this and how you can help make Maine State Parks more accessible for future generations.
Below is the accessibility rating for Sebago Lake State Park::
| Individual Aspect | Description of Accessibility | Rating |
| Parking | Accessible | ★★★★★ out of 5 stars |
| Restrooms | Accessible | ★★★★★ out of 5 stars |
| Picnic Tables | Accessible | ★★★★★ out of 5 stars |
| Picnic Area | Generally Accessible | ★★★★ out of 5 stars |
| Playground | Somewhat Accessible*Uneven ground | ★★ out of 5 stars |
| Bay Views | Generally Accessible | ★★★★ out of 5 stars |
| Trails | Accessible with Assistance | ★★ out of 5 stars |
| Group Use Area | Accessible | ★★★★★ out of 5 stars |
| Group Picnic Area | Accessible | ★★★★★ out of 5 stars |
| Overall Accessibility: ★★★ out 3 stars | ||
Overall Impression:
We have been to Sebago Lake State Park several times and I think heading out there in the FALL is still my favorite time to go! The crowds basically do not exist, the views are still exquisite, and while it’s probably too cold to go swimming, you can still manage to fill up a good part of a day exploring this park.
We love the playground, trails, playing at the water’s edge and having a picnic at one of the numerous tables available.
Off-season tip: If heading up to Sebago Lake State Park in the FALL be sure to pack your hunter orange. Check out my favorite vest here!
For additional adventures, consider checking out the historic Songo Locks (and grab another passport stamp!) and/or bring your bikes and head up to the campground side of Sebago Lake State Park to ride along the roads and do some additional hiking.
My tips for this park are pretty simple: pack a fabulous picnic lunch and water, some sunscreen, and enjoy this park!
Happy Adventuring!
~Natalie
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We love Sebago Lake State Park and love how you get outside whatever the weather!! Beaches are not just for summer!! 🙂