Map showing campground location near Caratunk, Maine

Big Eddy

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Dead River Peninsula State Park manages Big Eddy, a drive-in and boat-in campground situated along the Dead River just north of Flagstaff Lake in Caratunk, Maine. Access runs along a gravel logging road. Most sites back up against a large open sand pit, though two wooded sites at the road's end provide more tree cover, and two additional sites sit on the river side before the pit area begins. Paddlers can put in here and head upstream on the Dead River, and a waterfall is within hiking distance downstream. Reviewers note frequent long-term occupancy, generator noise, and trash left at sites, so campers should plan accordingly. Drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and two pit toilets are available. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road sits nearby for those weighing site options in the area. Big Eddy works best as an overnight staging point for paddlers on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail rather than a destination stay.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

Bar Harbor to Burlington: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsBig Eddy is located in Maine near Caratunk

Public Campground

Coordinates

45.23012686186695 N
70.19793719462257 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 8 min from Lewiston, ME
2 hrs 14 min from Bangor, ME
2 hrs 50 min from Portland, ME
4 hrs 46 min from Burlington, VT

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Big Eddy

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

1.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Miccal M.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2024

Ugh, why would you stay here

This is worse than a rest area on the Jersey pike. The area consists of a bunch of pull-ins in an old gravel pit, and two semiprivate spots that are essentially pull offs from the pavement.

No service, no water, no electricity, 1 pit toilet.

On a paved road

20+ miles to the nearest town

Pack in Pack out.

There was one spot open, and I decided not to stay due to the sound of generators and the site being right on the paved road.

Month of VisitJuly

(9) View All

Sarah C.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 12, 2022

Popular for fisher-fox

This area is just north of Falgstaff Lake in Maine along the Dead River. The camping area is at the end of an old logging road that is gravel and highly traveled. This area is also along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. There are multiple sites, many of which have a backdrop of a large sand pit but there are two sites at the end that are nicely wooded as well as two on the river side of the road before you reach the open pit area. There are two privies available, one on each side of the road. Wooded sites are pretty much bare ground so it's probably pretty messy when it rains.

Sites have picnic tables and large fire rings. The river is a short distance from all sites and depending on the water level, there is often a rocky beach along the shore. You can put in and paddle upstream along the Dead River from here. There is a pretty significant waterfall just down stream of the camping area that is a short hike away.

In my experience, there can be some long term campers here who stay for months at a time. I've seen little tent cities constructed and it's often quite loud. We used it as a quick stop for an evening before putting on the water the next morning. Bring an extra trash bag and pack out some trash, sadly it's abundant.

Month of VisitJuly

(18) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Big Eddy Campground located in Maine?

Big Eddy Campground is located just north of Flagstaff Lake in Maine, situated along the Dead River. The campground is accessed via an old logging road with a gravel surface. It's positioned within Maine's scenic wilderness area and serves as a point along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The remote location puts it approximately 20+ miles from the nearest services, making it important to arrive prepared with necessary supplies.

Is there a map available of Big Eddy Campground?

There is no official detailed map specifically mentioned for Big Eddy Campground. The area consists of multiple campsites situated in what was once a gravel pit, with some semi-private spots that are essentially pull-offs from the paved road. For navigation purposes, knowing it's located north of Flagstaff Lake along the Dead River should help locate it. Contact the managing agency directly for the most current map information before your trip.

What activities can you do while camping at Big Eddy in Maine?

While camping at Big Eddy, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities centered around the Dead River and surrounding wilderness. The location along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail makes it ideal for paddling adventures, including canoeing and kayaking on the river. The remote setting offers opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking in the nearby wilderness areas. Due to its distance from amenities and services (20+ miles to the nearest facilities), this is best suited for self-sufficient outdoor enthusiasts looking for a true backcountry experience in Maine's scenic wilderness.

What do reviews say about Big Eddy Campground?

Big Eddy Campground offers a very primitive camping experience with minimal amenities. The campground features multiple sites situated in what was formerly a gravel pit. There are a couple of semi-private spots that serve as pull-offs from the paved road, but most sites offer little privacy. The facilities are extremely basic with just one pit toilet available. No services like water, electricity, or cell coverage are provided. The remote location and rustic nature make this a true backcountry camping option rather than a developed campground.

Keep Exploring