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Best Dispersed Camping near Bangor, ME

6 Reviews

Free dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Bangor, Maine. Machias Rips Campsite, located off Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley, offers riverside camping with 2 RV sites, 3 tent sites, and a lean-to shelter. The sites are situated directly on the Machias River with good spacing between them. Seboeis Public Lands provides lakefront camping with a 14-day maximum stay. Buckle Island, accessible only by boat, features two primitive sites for sea kayakers.

All these locations are no-fee camping areas on public lands. Machias Rips includes maintained pit toilets and permitted fire rings. According to reviews, "The lean-to was in decent shape but has quite the slope to it." Cell service varies significantly by carrier and location. AT&T users report good coverage at Machias Rips, while Verizon service becomes spotty once you turn off main roads at Seboeis.

Road conditions require attention when accessing these sites. The dirt road to Machias Rips is marked with a blue sign but can be easily missed. Several campers noted the access road has potholes but remains passable for standard vehicles. Seboeis Public Lands features a road that "starts out paved, then switches into a graded gravel road." Winter access to Seboeis requires snowmobiles or skis. Insect activity can be substantial, particularly at riverside sites. Bring appropriate repellent and netting, especially during summer months.

Water must be carried in at all locations. Buckle Island has no fresh water source for filtering. Popular activities include fishing for smallmouth bass and trout in the Machias River, boating on Seboeis Lake (which can become choppy in windy conditions), and hiking on marked trails. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill quickly during peak seasons.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bangor, Maine (4)

    1. Machias Rips Campsite

    4 Reviews
    Beddington, ME
    47 miles
    Website

    "Situated right off of Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley Maine, you can access the Machias River Corridor Public Lands."

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

    2. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore, but"

    3. Seboeis Public Lands

    1 Review
    Brownville Junction, ME
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 941-4412

    "There's no fee to camp on Seboeis public lands and you can stay up to 14 days."

    4. Machias River Camp off Route 9

    Be the first to review!
    Beddington, ME
    47 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bangor, ME

5 Photos of 4 Bangor Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bangor, ME

6 Reviews of 4 Bangor Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Seboeis Public Lands

    Small primitive campground on a large lake

    There's no fee to camp on Seboeis public lands and you can stay up to 14 days. That said, because it’s free and extended(14-day) stays are permitted, it can be hard to snag a drive-in, lakefront site. I returned on 3 consecutive weekdays and the only drive-in sites were occupied by the same campers. 

    There is some slope to the lakefront sites, but there seemed to be relatively level space to pitch a tent. In addition to a couple of drive-in lakefront sites, there is another one where you park on the road and walk down to, also along the waterfront. 

    There are two sites in the‘pit,’ and one of those emptied out the first day I visited, but it wasn’t an appealing area. It is very large and flat, however, so if you have a group or a lot of gear, this may be the best option. If you’re in a tent, be sure to bring a groundcloth to protect the tent, a mattress to cushion your sleep. 

    The other sites are accessible by boat with parking available near the boat launch, but there’s not extensive parking here, so plan to arrive early to ensure you get a spot on busy weekends. There’s a boat ramp with a small dock. Latrines provide toilet facilities. Cell phone coverage(Verizon) is spotty once you turn off the main road, but you may be able to find a place to send texts; you can definitely text from the main road and get intermittent data.

    Activities include boating (can get choppy when it's windy), fishing, hunting, ATV riding.

    The campground is open year round, but you’ll need a snowmobile or skis to get in during the winter. The road starts out paved, then switches into a graded gravel road.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • John R.
    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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Buckle Island

    Perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore, but both accessible from the east side of the island. We stayed at the site by the shore and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting. 

    This is a perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping as the sandy shore, which is exposed for a good portion of the day, is easy to land on and a short walk to a trail into the woods. 

    Come prepared with fresh water(there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Jillian B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Clean but popular

    Beautiful place. Clean sites. Easy to find and right off rt 9. Seems to be a bathroom pit-stop for travelers on rt 9 due to having the maintained bathroom. So lots of traffic driving in, using the toilet and then driving right back out.

Guide to Bangor

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bangor, Maine, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic River Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy stunning riverfront sites at Machias Rips Campsite, where you can fish and swim in the Machias River while soaking in the natural beauty.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Bangor

  • Experience fishing and swimming opportunities at Machias River Camp off Route 9, which offers easy access to the river and a peaceful atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Buckle Island

  • For those interested in sea kayak camping, Buckle Island provides a perfect sandy shore for easy landings and breathtaking sunset views, making it an ideal spot for a unique camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bangor, Maine?

Machias Rips Campsite offers free dispersed camping about an hour from Bangor. Located off Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley, this site features 2 RV sites, 3 tent sites, and a lean-to shelter right on the riverbank. The dirt road entrance is marked with a blue sign but can be easily missed if you're not paying attention. GPS might not guide you accurately, so watch carefully for the turnoff. This campground is popular with nature lovers and provides a convenient bathroom facility that's maintained regularly.

Are there any free tent camping sites near Bangor?

Buckle Island offers free tent camping as part of the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) network in the Deer Isle Archipelago. The island features two distinct sites – a larger wooded area and a smaller site near the granite shore, both accessible from the east side of the island. This provides a unique coastal camping experience, though you'll need water transportation to access it. For mainland options, several public lands within a 1-2 hour drive of Bangor offer free tent camping opportunities, though they may have primitive facilities and limited amenities. Always pack out all trash and come prepared with necessary supplies.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Maine?

Dispersed camping in Maine typically allows stays up to 14 days, as practiced at Seboeis Public Lands. These free sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which can make securing prime locations challenging, especially drive-in lakefront sites. Maine's public lands generally prohibit reservations for dispersed sites. Most areas require proper waste disposal, maintaining minimum distances from water sources (usually 200 feet), and practicing Leave No Trace principles. Campfires may require permits depending on the location and current fire danger levels. Always check with local ranger stations or the Maine Forest Service for area-specific regulations before your trip.

Is boondocking allowed near Bangor, and where are the best spots?

Boondocking is allowed in several areas near Bangor, with Machias River Camp off Route 9 being one excellent option. This drive-in location provides off-grid camping opportunities with reasonable proximity to Bangor. For those with proper equipment, Maine's public reserved lands offer numerous boondocking possibilities, though most require self-sufficiency with no hookups or facilities. Cell service varies by location – some areas like Machias Rips report good LTE coverage on certain carriers. When boondocking, be prepared with adequate water, waste management solutions, and insect repellent, as bugs can be prevalent, especially in summer months. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect posted regulations.

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