Naples, Maine
Naples is a small town in Maine's Lakes Region, about where Long Lake, Brandy Pond and Sebago Lake meet. Its best-known spot is the Naples Causeway, the strip of Route 302 between Long Lake and Brandy Pond where visitors spend summer days on the water and evenings watching the sunset from restaurants and pubs. Naples is also home to the Sebago Lake State Park campground, the Songo River and the 1830 Songo Lock.
Naples at a Glance
The Town
The Town of Naples was incorporated on March 4, 1834. It covers 36.5 square miles in Cumberland County and has a population of 3,925, according to the town. It describes itself as the centre of southern Maine's Lakes Region, with four large lakes and ponds and several rivers for summer and winter recreation.
The Naples Causeway
The Causeway is on Route 302, the Roosevelt Trail, in Naples village, between Long Lake and Brandy Pond. The town says visitors are drawn there for daytime activities on the water, then stay for "spectacular sunsets" and busy restaurants and pubs. It is also the dock for the Songo River Queen II.
The Songo River Queen II
The Songo River Queen II is a riverboat that leaves from the Causeway at 841 Roosevelt Trail. Its operator says round trips on Long Lake run from 6 to 12 miles, depending on the cruise, past the Causeway, the former site of the Bay of Naples Inn, Birch Point, Long Island, Arrowhead Point, Pine Island and views of Mount Washington and Pleasant Mountain. It also runs sunset and themed cruises. Times and fares are on the operator's website; it is a private business.
Long Lake and Brandy Pond
Long Lake stretches north from the Causeway; Brandy Pond lies to the south and drains through the Songo River into Sebago Lake. Long Lake sits about four feet higher than Sebago, which is why boats need Songo Lock to pass between them. See Songo Lock and the Songo River.
Town Boating Rules
The Town of Naples' harbor master lists these local rules:
- Brandy Pond: no personal watercraft from sunset to 9 a.m.; rental personal watercraft must carry a visible decal naming the rental agent.
- Long Lake: rental personal watercraft must carry the rental agent's decal.
- Trickey Pond: no personal watercraft.
- Holt Pond: no motorboats over 10 horsepower.
- Moorings: must meet town and state permits and be removed by December 1.
Swimming and Launching in Naples
The town's Kent's Landing has a town beach and boat launch, open dawn to dusk. The beach is for Naples residents with a facility sticker in the vehicle. For a public beach, use Sebago Lake State Park, where day use is $6 for Maine residents and $8 for non-residents.
Sebago Lake State Park in Naples
The state park's campground is in Naples, at 3 Campground Road off State Park Road, with 250 sites and two campers' beaches. The day-use half of the park is next door in Casco. See the campground and parking and directions.
More to Do Nearby
- Songo Lock: watch boats lock through, May 1 to October 15.
- Douglas Mountain: a short, steep climb to a stone tower in the neighbouring town of Sebago.
- Pleasant Mountain: southern Maine's tallest mountain, in Bridgton and Denmark.
- Winter at the park: groomed cross-country ski trails on the Casco side.
Naples, Maine FAQ
What is the Naples Causeway?
The stretch of Route 302 in Naples village between Long Lake and Brandy Pond, where the town says visitors come for water activities by day and sunsets, restaurants and pubs by night.
Where does the Songo River Queen II leave from?
From the Naples Causeway, 841 Roosevelt Trail, Naples. Check the operator's website for times and fares.
Is there a public beach in Naples, Maine?
The town beach at Kent's Landing is for residents with a sticker. Sebago Lake State Park's beaches, a short drive away off State Park Road, are open to everyone for the day-use fee.
What lake is Naples, Maine on?
Naples sits between Long Lake and Brandy Pond, with Sebago Lake to the south.