If your ideal summer day involves waking up to the sound of loons, spending the afternoon swimming in a crystal clear freshwater lake, and finishing the evening with a classic lobster roll, then you are dreaming of a place like Sebago Lake. For RVers looking to immerse themselves in this quintessential Maine experience, the Sebago Lake Family Campground in the town of Standish should be high on your list. This beautifully wooded campground not only provides a dump station for your practical needs but also offers private access to the lake itself. It feels like a world away from the city crowds, yet it’s conveniently located just 25 miles from the vibrant hub of Portland.
Sebago Lake is a true gem of New England. As Maine’s second largest lake, its massive 45 square mile surface is renowned for its incredibly clear water, its legendary land locked salmon fishing, and the countless sailboats that glide across it on a summer breeze. If you want a public beach experience, the nearby Sebago Lake State Park offers expansive sandy shores perfect for a family outing. But the campground’s location also makes it a great base for other excursions. You can take a day trip into Portland, which is less than 40 minutes away, to explore one of the best foodie scenes in the entire country. For quieter inland adventures, you can find panoramic views at Hacker’s Hill Preserve or spend an afternoon browsing the charming antique shops in the nearby town of Naples.
The experience of using the dump station here is tied to the overall vibe of the campground, which is all about community and family fun. This is the kind of place where you’ll see kids riding their bikes down the gravel roads, smell the comforting aroma of s’mores being made over nightly campfires, and appreciate the quiet hours policy that ensures a peaceful night’s sleep. The dump station is typically located near the campground’s exit, a smart design that allows departing guests to easily clear their tanks on the way out without disrupting the flow of the park. If you're arriving as a non guest just for the day, you’ll check in at the office, pay the fee, which was recently reported to be around $20, and the friendly staff will direct you to the right spot, often a staging lane set aside for this purpose.
The amenities here are solid and cater well to the needs of RVers. They offer water and electric hookups, which is great if you decide you want to linger for the day and enjoy a picnic lunch while keeping your batteries topped off. They provide trash disposal and laundry facilities, which are always convenient, especially on a longer trip. The campground is pet friendly, offering plenty of shoreline and wooded paths for leashed walks with your four legged friend. One of the most valuable and somewhat rare amenities they offer is the availability of on site repairs. As any longtime RVer knows, things have a way of breaking at the most inconvenient times, and having access to a repair service without having to pack up and drive to a dealer can be a real trip saver, offering fantastic peace of mind. You will, however, need to plan on getting your propane and fuel elsewhere, as those services aren’t offered on site. Fueling up in the nearby towns of Gorham or Windham on your way in is the best strategy.
Let’s talk about that reported $20 fee. Yes, that is on the higher end of the spectrum for a dump station in New England. But you have to understand what you’re paying for. You’re not just paying to empty your tanks. You’re paying for access to a private, lakeside recreation area. It's more of a day use fee for a resort than a simple dump fee. The premium price reflects the premium location and the perks that come with it, including well maintained facilities. As always, it is absolutely essential to call ahead to confirm the current price for non guests. Weekday rates outside of the peak season in July and August might sometimes be a little lower.
A few pieces of insider knowledge will make your visit go off without a hitch. First, if you’re heading there on a Saturday, try to arrive before 2 p.m. Route 114, the main road to the lake, can get seriously backed up with beach traffic in the afternoon. Second, it’s always a good idea to have at least a 20 foot sewer hose in your kit. In a wooded campground like this, sites are often carved out of the natural landscape, and you might find that the dump pad is on a slight angle or just a little further away than you’d expect. That extra length can be a lifesaver. And here’s a fantastic little trick that only a seasoned RVer would know. In a pine forest like this one, those little pine needles get everywhere. To keep them from dropping into your black tank vent pipe while you’re dumping, just clip a simple wooden clothespin over the opening. It’s a tiny thing that prevents a potential clog down the road.
So, what’s the final word on Sebago Lake Family Campground? This is the perfect stop for the RVer who wants to combine their necessary chores with a healthy dose of leisure and recreation. It’s for someone who wants to slow down and savor the Maine summer, not just rush through a task. The fee is an investment in a beautiful lakeside setting and quality amenities. Call ahead for the current pricing, come prepared with your own fuel and propane, and you’ll leave with more than just empty tanks. You’ll leave with the rich memories of a perfect day spent by one of Maine’s most beautiful lakes.
1550 Richville Rd, Standish, ME 04084
(207) 787-3671
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
sebagolakecamping.com