Sebago Lake, ME

Thinking of taking the family up to Sebago Lake next summer. When I was younger we used to go camping on Popham beach outside of Bath and I think I went to the lake once. But I can't remember it.

It's a huge lake, wondering how it is for skiing? What's the water like, temp, clarity?

Would a ski nautique get tossed around like a cork on that lake?

Mark,
Sebago is a big lake. Your '78 Nautique would not like the open water if it's at all windy or on a crowded summer weekend. However, the North end of the lake (near Sebago State Park) has Locks that you can take to Brandy Pond and Long lake. Depending on the age of your kids, it would be really fun to go up the Songo River and through the Locks. Brandy Pond is a small lake and Long Lake is just that, long. The town of Naples (at the southern end of Long Lake) is really nice. You can refuel there, get ice cream, see the Songo River Queen (old paddle wheel boat) etc.

It's been some time since I've been on the lake but you would probably find calmer water on Brandy Pond, parts of Long Lake and in Jordan Bay on Sebago. Personnally, I never gone there to ski but I'm sure you could. There are also a lot of smaller lakes very close by that would be more protected. See this Sebago Lakes Area Description for more info.

FYI - the Southern tip of the lake is where they draw the drinking water for the city of Portland. It's a no swmin zone - even though it has a boat launch.

See the map below.

Although from the description on the link you provided - 'Kettle Cove and the Dingley Islands are located in the northeast section of the lake, in Casco. The islands create both a picturesque and protected environment for small craft and waterskiers. Areas included are the end of the Lakewood Road (off Rt. 302), Kettle Cove itself, and the section that abuts Point Sebago, a large campground with many activities, just west of Kettle Cove. Waters are busier near the campground and marina, but most of the cove is fairly quiet'

Mark,
I grew up in ME not far from Sebago. A lot of high school friends (including my older brother) worked summers at Point Sebago. It's a very nice place - it's definetly resort camping. Should be great for you and the family. Plus you're already in Kettle Cove. I would highly recommend it. Obvioiusly, mid-week will be better for calm water.

Point Sebago is also not far (by water) to the Songo River and the Locks NAUTI84 and I mentioned. Pack a lunch (or bring some $$ for water accessable resturants) and make a 1/2 day of it.

I'm sure you know but I belive Point Sebago fills up fast so I'd try to book as early as possible.

-Keith

Mark, I'm not there now, but I just got back from my fams vacation in Maine. I STRONGLY recomend you put both lakes aside for the Nautique. Don't get me wrong, they're both great beautiful lakes, but both very harsh on the boat. I made plenty of stops at Sun Sports in Naples and got a good view of the constant white caps on Long Lake. We go to Kezar Lake, which is about 40 mins away from Naples. Its everything you could ask for for a ski lake. No obnoxious jet skiers, calm water almost always, and its nesteed right in the heart of the white mountains, so you still get that 150 foot deep water in the middle of heaven... I remember once when I was really young I was slaloming, and the water was so calm and deep, I saw the clouds and mountains in the reflection, I scared myself and just let go.... We're there every first 2 weeks of August, you should stop by... you won't regret at least visiting that lake...

By the way, I see your home lake is on Zoar. I live in NYC, but my family has a place in Westchester. From there we trailer up to either Candlewood or Lillinonah. We should meet up sometime, I'm at the lake almost everyday...

-Austin

Check out Pleasant Point Inn (on Kezar), they sound like everything you're looking for...

http://www.pleasantpoint.com

Our group is about 30 people, we're prob. their best customer... haha... the whole lake knows, and LIKES, us.. ;) Each fam. in our group has their own cabin...