Top Free Dispersed Camping near Aurora, ME

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Aurora? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Aurora, ME (2)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Aurora

3 Reviews of 2 Aurora Campgrounds


  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Machias Rips Campsite
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Machias Rips Campsite

    River in Maine

    Great free off grid camping near Canadian border. The other previous reviewers did a great job explaining the campground. The only exception is that we had 4 bars of LTE service (AT&T) which was nice. Camp sites today are very buggy- bring your repellent and/or netting.

  • John R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Machias Rips Campsite
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Amazing FREE Camp Site for All Types of Campers!

    This campground is one of my favorites in Maine! Sitting only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor ME this is a nature lovers dream!

    The dirt road leading to the camp can be easily missed if not paying attention! But is clearly marked with a blue sign at the head of the road. Your GPS might not give you an “exact” location but i promise I found the place with no problem!

    The road has a few pot holes but nothing my stock (Low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn’t handle, There is about 4 Sites with river front views and trails leading to the water from each camp. There are also bigger sites for campers and RV’s. There is a site with a wooden protection shelter for tent campers as well!

    New style out houses are on site but other than that it’s completely off grid!

    Most Cell phone carriers won’t have service back at the camp, I myself had to drive 20 Minutes up the road for signal, A cell signal booster may work here. Radio signal is fine tho.

    Great spot to fish and swim! I’ve caught smallmouth bass, chubs and trout in the river so far! (Black and silver Jerk baits work great) The mosquitoes can get bad in the area but fire pits and fires are permitted in the camp and they helped keep me comfortable from bugs!

    There is also a marked trail in the camp that leads deep into the woods, I followed it for about a mile before it got too thick for my interest. Could be the trail that connects to the large pools of water up the river with ADDITIONAL camping there as well.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Machias Rips Campsite
    Apr. 22, 2021

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Not bad for free camping!

    Situated right off of Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley Maine, you can access the Machias River Corridor Public Lands. At this particular location, there are 2 RV sites, 3 tent sites and a lean-to shelter, all situated right on the bank of the river.

    We spent one night here in the lean-to on our way to the Cutler Coast. The lean-to was in decent shape but it's definitely been marked by its visitors and has quite the slope to it. It was large enough for us to pitch our 3 person tent in and it was pretty great to fall asleep to the sounds of the Machias River a stone's throw from our tent. 

    There was a massive fire pit at the lean-to that we didn't utilize. There was also a fair amount of trash in the site, and oddly enough a lot of chewed bubble gum. The sites are spaced out nicely and there's a fair amount of shade to be had. There is also a relatively new and quite clean pit toilet available for use. 

    All in all, it was a great stopping point that set us up well for our early morning departure to get to the Cutler Coast. I would certainly stay here again if I were in the area.



Guide to Aurora

Camping near Aurora, Maine, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Acadia National Park: Just a short drive away, this park has stunning views and hiking trails. One camper mentioned, "The location is great—both to visit the park and for access to Bar Harbor."
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the waters around Mount Desert Campground. A reviewer said, "There are kayak or canoe rentals, and so much more."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers. A camper at Somes Sound View Campground noted, "The views were breathtaking," while fishing from the dock.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Schoodic Woods Campground stated, "Restrooms were very clean and there was plenty of hot water for the coin-operated showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the campground staff. A visitor at Bar Harbor Campground said, "The camp hosts do a great job of keeping the campground clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. A review for Hadley's Point Campground mentioned, "The sites are spacious."

What you should know:

  • No Reservations at Some Campgrounds: Many campgrounds, like Bar Harbor Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper noted, "This campground is huge and takes no reservations, so it works great for us who don’t like to plan ahead."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Schoodic Woods Campground pointed out, "There are no showers, but you can wash up in the bathhouse."
  • Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife. A camper at Narrows Too Camping Resort warned, "Be aware of skunks at night. They are everywhere in the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A family at Mountainview Campground said, "The owners were so incredibly nice and helpful! They gave us their own brochure with hidden gems all around the area."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Hadley's Point Campground mentioned, "It was quiet and relaxing enough for a romantic getaway."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Bar Harbor Campground noted, "There’s a market nearby for quick supplies."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Narrows Too Camping Resort mentioned, "The sites are so close no way to put out awning if you are in a motor coach."
  • Use the Dump Station: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Schoodic Woods Campground said, "There is a sanitary dump, but no sewer hookups."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Be aware that Wi-Fi can be spotty. A visitor at Lamoine State Park Campground noted, "The camp wifi is just okay, but gets congested easily."

Camping in Aurora, ME, and the surrounding areas provides a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Aurora, ME?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Aurora, ME is Machias Rips Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.