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Cowan Cove

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Cowan Cove sits on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake in Days Academy Grant, reached by a long stretch of logging road that reviewers consistently describe as bumpy, dusty, and riddled with potholes. The drive is passable for most vehicles, but it demands patience and a high-clearance rig. Moose sightings along the road are common enough that multiple reviewers flag them as a genuine road hazard worth watching for.

The campground has 18 sites arranged in what one reviewer called "basically an 18-site parking lot," with limited tree cover and less natural separation between sites than campers accustomed to wooded settings might expect. Each site includes a picnic table. A pit toilet is on-site, though one reviewer notes bringing a headlamp for nighttime use. The location gives direct water access, making it a practical base for kayakers and anglers working Moosehead Lake. Mt. Kineo, accessible by boat across the lake, is a frequently mentioned day trip from this area.

"Roads are bumpy and dusty but very passable," notes one local camper who has visited multiple times. Camping is free and managed by Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, with no hookups or dump station on-site. RVs are technically permitted, but the road conditions make that a significant undertaking. Those planning to explore the broader Moosehead region can find campgrounds near Days Academy Grant or look at options like The Birches Resort to the west. Bring firewood or collect it along the logging roads on the way in, and pack a headlamp.

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Map & DirectionsCowan Cove is located in Maine near Rockwood

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

45.71505286649259 N
69.68389215362394 W

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Connectivity

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    Some Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Cowan Cove

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3.5

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4 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the scenic waterfront location and wildlife viewing opportunities, but access requires navigating challenging logging roads. Some feedback indicated maintenance issues with overgrown trails.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2024

Cowan West

It's a long, bumpy, and dusty road to basically an 18-site parking lot. The only amenity is a pit toilet (which is fine, just noting). Great for kayaking and listening to loons, but doesn't have the "camping" feel with the lack of trees and privacy.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Cowan Cove by Meghan B., September 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Cowan Cove by Meghan B., September 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Cowan Cove by Meghan B., September 19, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2023

DO NOT COME HERE

first off, horrible gut feeling as soon as we entered. all of the trails that led to campsites were completely overtaken by nature and look like they haven’t been visited in years. Again DO NOT COME HERE. Also the bridge to the place is falling apart and very scetchy

Sitenone
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

Fantastic of grid camping !!

Wonderful location only 18 sites. I have camped here several times and live in the area. Roads are bumpy and dusty but very passable. Though I’m not bringing my half million dollar Dutch Star here. Basic caper or tent absolutely. Sites are simple with no hookups or dump station. Don’t let my comments discourage you just information. Love the sites they are protected from the wind. I’d rather recommended going in by boat and fish likely you can tent.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2018

Off the beaten path

This is one of many sites around Moosehead Lake area. We actually have camped at about 4 random sites we found along the logging roads here, and I finally found this one in my Gazetteer as being one of the ones we were at. My google map coordinates are on point for having added this campground so GPS it up if you are interested! It's worth the drive.

I would not take a car down these logging roads. Pothole mania here. They are not maintained much more than needed for logging trucks, most logging is done around here at this point as far as we noticed. Take your time, and watch out for moose.

Once you pull in to this site, the resident site is the first one on the right. You can check in with them. We camped down the second left you can take from the road, closest to the water on the right. Picnic tables are at each site. I think our site provides the most privacy with unobstructed views of the water and surroundings. The rest room was not much of a walk behind us. Do not forget your headlamp you will need it in there at night. We found camp wood along the logging roads out to the site along the way and had plenty.

it's not far from Mt Kineo. Take a drive out there, and hike up. It's one of my favorite hikes in this area. We have done it twice now. We also brought out kayaks. There are many small pond/lakes along the roads back here. We explored many of them, and found moose galore on the roads, and water, That being said, be careful they are huger than you think if you never seen one in person.

RVs are allowed at Cowan Cove, good luck driving back there with one. People do but I think they are nuts. We tent camped. I would not want to drag one out there or drive one. Our SUV was a nutty enough drive. Definitely worth it if you are adventurous!

SiteClosest to the water second from the end
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cowan Cove by Tina D., September 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Cowan Cove by Tina D., September 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Cowan Cove by Tina D., September 29, 2018
  • (13) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Cowan West Campground?

Cowan West Campground is a primitive camping area with minimal amenities. The campground features approximately 18 sites in what is essentially a parking lot-style arrangement with limited privacy between sites. The only facility provided is a pit toilet. There are no hookups, dump stations, potable water, or other modern conveniences available. Sites are simple and basic, making this destination best suited for self-sufficient campers with tents or basic campers rather than large RVs.

Where is Cowan Cove Campground located on Moosehead Lake?

Cowan Cove Campground is situated along the shores of Moosehead Lake in Maine. The campground can be accessed via logging roads that may be bumpy and dusty but are generally passable for most vehicles. Located in a remote section of the lake, this small campground offers a secluded experience away from more developed areas. While the exact coordinates are not specified, it is one of several primitive camping areas scattered around Moosehead Lake's extensive shoreline, providing direct lake access for campers.

What recreational activities can you do near Cowan Cove Campground?

Cowan Cove Campground offers excellent opportunities for water-based recreation on Moosehead Lake. Kayaking is a popular activity, with direct access to the lake from the campground. Wildlife viewing is notable, particularly listening to loons on the lake. The surrounding area features logging roads and potential trails for exploration, though some trails may not be well-maintained. The lakefront location provides fishing opportunities and chances to enjoy the natural beauty of Maine's largest lake. Due to its remote setting, the campground serves as a good base for those seeking quiet outdoor activities away from crowds.

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