Lone Jack Campground — Cold Stream Forest

Reaching Lone Jack Campground requires navigating deteriorating logging roads that demand high-clearance vehicles or 4WD capability. The 15-site primitive campground sits along Cold Stream east of Lone Jack Pond, managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands as free public camping. Several reviewers mention the challenging access road, with one noting "a hill that has a very steep incline that's pretty washed out" and another unable to reach the sites in a standard car due to potholes and large rocks.

The campground features scattered sites with fire rings and picnic tables, plus three outhouses and a small floating dock on the stream. Four additional roadside sites sit next to Durgin Pond, while others occupy locations near various roads throughout the area. Jill C. notes the facilities are "very clean and outhouses are always in excellent condition." Wildlife sightings include crossbill birds feeding on pinecone sap and various warblers, with some visitors observing birds eating ash from fire pits.

Walk-in trails provide access to Lang Pond (0.4 miles) and Big Berry Pond (0.5 miles), with additional paths leading to Snake and Fernald Ponds. Old logging roads branch off from the main routes for exploration. The stream and pond areas accommodate kayaking, while fishing opportunities exist at several water bodies. For campers willing to tackle the rough access road, this remote spot offers solitude and wildlife viewing away from crowds.

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Map & DirectionsLone Jack Campground is located in Maine near West Forks

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

45.50126619 N
70.02568527 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

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


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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General Info

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Lone Jack Campground

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3.5

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5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the gorgeous wilderness setting, clean facilities, and peaceful solitude as major draws. However, access requires 4WD vehicles due to challenging logging roads with potholes and steep terrain that can damage low-clearance cars.

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2023

We love Lone Jack and area camping!

We have tent camped in several of the sites 4X in the past 3 years.  10/28/23 was last visit for the year.  We never see many trucks or people.  The sites are quiet, peaceful, very clean and outhouses are always in excellent condition.  We thank the folks who care so well for the sites.  We got there in a compact SUV 3 years ago, but go by truck now.  The road in off the Capital Road has deteriorated a fair amount in past year, due to rains, we believe.  Don't make the trip if you expect good roads, but if you like logging roads, this area is wonderful.

SiteMultiple sites over several years
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Lone Jack Campground — Cold Stream Forest by Jill C., November 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Lone Jack Campground — Cold Stream Forest by Jill C., November 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Lone Jack Campground — Cold Stream Forest by Jill C., November 2, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2023

Good spot if you got a vehicle with clearance

Drove my silverado out there no problem. We stayed on durgin Pond just past lone jack. One person at lone jack and we were alone at durgin. The accessibility makes means fewer people to bother you 😉

You can probably make the trip in anything awd with clearance and a little knowledge, like a truck, highlander, rav4 maybe, jeep

Site1
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Apr. 22, 2023

Cool spot

This is a great backcountry spot! But you will need a vehicle with 4x4 and decent ground clearance. The road in takes you down atv trails and there is a hill that has a very steep incline that’s pretty washed out. Very easy to bottom out of you don’t know what you’re doing. I did it in a lifted Silverado but I recommend overland/jeep style vehicles as the rocks are big for Maine and you can easily damage your vehicle. Site itself is gorgeous with beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2021

4WD only

i couldn’t make it to the site )-: i drive a toyota scion and there were so many pot holes, puddles, and big rocks we tried going up but it took us too long, a little weird the drive way theres atv trails and timberlains since where they cut down trees i think?

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2018

Nice little site

15-site primitive campground with fire rings. We saw cross bill birds there eating the pinecone sap. They also came down and ate ash from our fire pit in the morning. The BEST site in my opinion was ours. It's right next to the dock area and no other sites can go next to it, only across the lot.

This site has picnic tables, and 3 outhouses, located along Cold Stream east of Lone Jack Pond. There is a small floating dock on the stream. Four additional roadside shoreline campsites were established next to Durgin Pond, and several others in scattered locations near to roads.

There's a 0.4 mile walk-in trail into Lang Pond, and a 0.5 mile trail into Big Berry Pond. People can fish here, it's supposed to be a hidden jem or hot spot. There are some additional trails into Snake and/or Fernald Pond, and into Cold Stream downstream of the headwaters area. You can also walk down the roads, there's old logging roads that split off here and there from what it seemed like.

Great kayaking up and down the stream and pond area. The roads were a bit crazy as you can see in my pictures. A bunch of warblers were there too. We drove into Jackman one day when the weather wasn't so great. Cute little town.

SiteLone Jack - by pond
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Lone Jack Campground — Cold Stream Forest by Tina D., September 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Lone Jack Campground — Cold Stream Forest by Tina D., September 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Lone Jack Campground — Cold Stream Forest by Tina D., September 9, 2018
  • (16) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lone Jack Campground located in Maine?

Lone Jack Campground is located in The Forks, Maine, in the Cold Stream Forest area. The campground is situated in a remote, backcountry setting accessible via ATV trails and timber roads. Access requires navigating unpaved roads with potholes, puddles, and rocks, including a steep, somewhat washed-out hill. Vehicles with 4x4 and decent ground clearance are recommended for reaching this secluded location. The campground is positioned near water, with at least one site located adjacent to a dock area.

What amenities are available at Lone Jack Campground?

Lone Jack Campground is a primitive camping destination with basic amenities. The campground features 15 sites, each equipped with fire rings. Outhouses are available and are typically well-maintained and clean. There is also a dock area for water access. The campground does not offer electric hookups, running water, or other modern conveniences, making it ideal for those seeking a more rustic, back-to-nature camping experience.

What activities can you do near Lone Jack Campground in The Forks, Maine?

The area around Lone Jack Campground offers numerous outdoor activities. Wildlife watching is excellent—visitors have spotted crossbill birds eating pinecone sap and ash from fire pits. Water activities are accessible via the dock area, perfect for fishing, swimming, or launching small watercraft. The surrounding backcountry and ATV trails provide opportunities for hiking, ATV riding, and exploring the wilderness. Nearby Durgin Pond offers additional camping and recreation options. The remote location ensures peace and solitude, making it ideal for those who enjoy quiet contemplation in nature.