Best Dispersed Camping near Bingham, ME

Several primitive camping areas exist near Bingham, Maine, primarily along rivers and in wooded public lands. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road provides about ten narrow sites bordered by rocks, while Trout Brook Campground offers four primitive sites near a lake. Most locations are rustic with minimal amenities, allowing tent camping in natural settings. Upper Gravel Pit Dispersed provides mountain views on a large mowed area atop a gravel pit, and Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite serves as a popular spot for wildlife observation.

Access roads to many dispersed sites vary considerably in quality and condition. The route to Trout Brook is described as rough and not suitable for standard passenger vehicles, while Upper Gravel Pit features a steep approach with loose rocks that may challenge some vehicles. Many sites have fire pits but no drinking water, electricity, or waste disposal. Camping at these locations generally requires self-sufficiency, as most areas lack facilities beyond occasional vault toilets. Time limits typically restrict stays to 14 days maximum, as posted at Upper Gravel Pit.

These primitive sites attract visitors seeking seclusion and natural experiences, particularly wildlife viewing opportunities. Lazy Tom Bog is known specifically as "a moose hot spot" where visitors can often spot wildlife, especially from kayaks. Mountain views enhance the camping experience at several locations, with Upper Gravel Pit offering "amazing views of the surrounding mountains." Water access is available at multiple sites, with Dead River Access providing riverside camping where "the sound of the river put us to sleep and greeted us the next morning." Sites can fill quickly during peak seasons, and weather conditions significantly impact comfort, with one camper noting certain areas become "a literal mud pit" during rain.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bingham, Maine (11)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bingham, ME

14 Reviews of 11 Bingham Campgrounds


  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2022

    Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed

    Nice Views, no Facilities

    Dispersed Gravel Pit This is a large mowed area on top of a gravel pit. There are two fire pits but plenty of room for more than two campers. We drove up in our car before bringing our motorhome because we were a little suspicious of the site and didn’t want to get stuck in an inappropriate place. The gravel pit is located in Little Moose Public Lands on North Road. After the intersection of Big Squaw Road, continue on North Road for another half mile and the pit is on your right. The road to the pit is gravel and bumpy but you don’t need a 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle. The short road up to the camping area is quite steep with somewhat loose rocks. There are no utilities, potable water, restroom, or garbage facilities so bring the water your need and carry out your trash. (There is a dump station at the nearby Moosehead Family Campground.) 

    Basically, it is a wide-open area with two fire pits.  You are permitted to collect downed wood for fires or there are numerous places to purchase bundles in town. The camping area is level and roomy with some pretty views of the surrounding mountains. The best thing about camping here is the easy access to the great hiking in Little Moose Public Lands. Great views are found along the Little Moose Pond Trail for people looking for a decent hike but not too much elevation change (approximately 4.3 miles and 650 feet of elevation change). Or hike up Big Moose Mountain for expansive views of Moosehead Lake and the surrounding mountains (approximately 4.4 and 1,800 feet of elevation change). This campsite is just a few miles from downtown Greenville where you will find a well-stocked large grocery, restaurants, outdoor oufitters, fuel, and a couple of small museums.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Trout Brook Campground

    Primitive Camping at it's most Public

    This location is Beautiful, but it comes at the cost of privacy.  When I first discovered this spot, it wasn't an official campsite, people just came here to swim and there was a fire ring. That was over 20yrs ago.

    There are 4 sites, 3 have no separation between them, 1 is at the entrance, all are on the access road with 0 privacy.  This area is overused, and it shows, sites are warn in and if there was room relocating fire pits and allowing some nature to come back would be nice.  I managed to tuck myself into a private alcove of trees on the #1 site, but still was in full view of headlights and people driving in to see if there was space.  The site I had was big enough that I shared it with a couple that had a small child, and they had their own section. 

    There are no service, no water, no electricity, no to little cell coverage.  There is one pit toilet.  

    The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars.

    Did I mention lack of privacy?

    See pics.

  • Thomas B.
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed

    Great Views

    Great spot is you don't mind dry camping. Amazing views of the surrounding mountains. There are two sites and plenty of space between them. When I went (labor day weekend) there was a porta-potty about 1.5 miles down the road. Plenty of trail heads nearby. About 30 mins to downtown Greenville.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2022

    Philbrick Landing

    Secluded spot along the NFCT

    This is a small impacted spot along the Dead River along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT). The site is not easily visible from the river and there is a steep bank you have to navigate to unload and pull your canoe or kayak up for the evening. That being said, it is a nice spot to spend an evening.

    When we were there, there was a small bench and a few stumps that were nice for seating. The campsite is at the end of an old logging road that you can walk down quite a ways. In the summer months, you will find an abundance of blueberries! 

    This is a primitive backcountry site so pack it in, pack it out. And maybe take a few extra pieces of trash with you! There is a large fire ring and a little gravel area we used to cook. There's plenty of flat space for a couple of 2-3 person tents. The stars are beautiful to boot! Definitely bring everything you need with you because there's nothing anywhere around.

  • Chris T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2023

    Trout Brook Campground

    Dispersed site with lake access

    Very wooded. Road is passable for most any vehicle. Not larger RV friendly but was comfortable enough to get the 27' foot trailer in. Some fire rings and tables available. Cannot be beat for zero dollars. Posted up to 14 days max. Even an out-house.

  • Paula C.
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    Nice and easy stay

    Easy to find. This wasn't a private area, but was easy to find, park and spend an evening. Not far from Kokadjo. A short distance down the dirt roads north of town and known for moose. A few cars in and out checking for moose, but a peaceful night's sleep.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Raven

    Super Impacted

    This site, while in a beautiful spot perched above Cupsuptic Lake, it is so impacted that in the rain it was a literal mud pit. While there was a picnic table to get up off the ground, finding a spot to pitch a tent where water wouldn't puddle would be impossible. We hiked in, but you can paddle into the site just know that the exit/entry to the water is a bit tricky and not as easy as some of the other sites available along the way. 

    There is a large fire pit, also a mess in the down pours. The picnic table is in far better shape here than the one in Eagle Cove (rotting) and Cedar Bay (non-existent). The site is quite small and wouldn't be able to accommodate more than two small tents. I wouldn't make a special trip to stay here.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    Beautiful location on the river

    The main camping area has about 10 long narrow sites that have large rocks bordering each site. Each site is bordered by the road. There is a single vaulted toilet.

    The paved area of the road ends just past the campground. Lots of people drive just past the pavement and then they turn around.

    Across the road from the campground is a beautiful river. The sound of the river put us to sleep and greeted us the next morning.

  • Tina D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2018

    Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    Moose Photographers Dream

    This is a moose hot spot. You will find this site just past the bridge off Spencer Bay Road (old logging road) on the right (when coming from the main roads).

    Bring boats if you want to see moose. We had kayaks. We stayed here, just to be up early enough to paddle out and wait for moose to show up. We have gone here kayaking from other nearby campsites too. Staying in the actual site was easier than getting ready somewhere else and hoping no one was in the site so we could put our boats in.

    Site is first come first serve. You basically drive down a small driveway area, into an open gravel spot with a fire pit. You could bring a very small camper. We just put a tent and parked the car so it blocked the tent view if someone pulled in so their headlights would not be on us. Completely primitive. NO facilities. Nothing fancy. A spot to sleep and get up early for photography (or fishing if that's your thing). Take all your trash with you and bring hand sanitizer/bio-degradable TP/shovel.

    Because this IS a hotspot for moose. Locals do come here at dusk and dawn, but hey mostly sit on the sides of the road by the bridge that goes over the bog/water. It's also a popular fishing area - from the road/bridge. Pretty sure certain tours bring people here or tell them to come here to look for moose, but you are WAY more likely to find one if you get in your kayak.

    In the two nights we stayed here, we saw 5 moose. Likely the same 2-3 but hard to tell. We saw them at dusk and dawn. You only need to walk your boats about 10 feet to slide them in the water from the camping area. Once in the water, go to the left and it goes around a bend. We always took a short zig zagging trip through the area (it snakes along) slowly and quietly paddling. They show up a lot just past the first left you take (after going left out of the site). if you are really patient you can just sit there. We are a bit stir crazy though and preferred going back and forth slowly to occupy the senses.

    Good luck and enjoy!


Guide to Bingham

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bingham, 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.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Bingham, Maine

  • Always pack out what you pack in to keep these pristine areas clean, especially at sites like Philbrick Landing, which is known for its secluded charm along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions; for instance, Trout Brook Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, so bring all necessary supplies.
  • Check for local wildlife and natural features; Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite is a hotspot for moose sightings, making it a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

Beautiful river views for dispersed campers

  • Enjoy the soothing sounds of nature at Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road, where the river's melody can lull you to sleep.
  • The sites here are bordered by large rocks and offer a unique camping experience right next to the water, perfect for those who love fishing or kayaking.
  • With a single vaulted toilet available, this spot balances convenience with the beauty of a natural setting.

Dispersed campers should check out Mosquito Rips

  • Located along the Moose River, Mosquito Rips provides a small but charming site ideal for paddlers looking for a quick stopover.
  • The site features a picnic table and fire pit, making it a cozy spot to unwind after a day on the water.
  • While it may not be the most spacious, its proximity to the rapids offers a thrilling experience for adventurous campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Bingham, Maine?

Dispersed camping in the Bingham area typically allows stays up to 14 days maximum. At Trout Brook Campground, this 14-day limit is clearly posted. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite and similar dispersed areas may have informal regulations about respecting the land and wildlife. Campers should always practice Leave No Trace principles, properly extinguish campfires, pack out all trash, and minimize impact on these natural areas. Some sites may have seasonal closures or access restrictions, especially during mud season (spring thaw) when forest roads can become impassable.

What amenities or facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Bingham?

Dispersed camping sites near Bingham offer minimal facilities, focusing on primitive experiences. Philbrick Landing provides a small impacted area along the Dead River but has no formal amenities. Some sites like Raven offer picnic tables and scenic views above Cupsuptic Lake. Basic facilities at other areas might include established fire rings and occasionally vault toilets—the Dead River Access site has one vaulted toilet serving multiple camping spots. Trout Brook Campground features some tables and fire rings, plus an outhouse. These sites generally lack potable water, electricity, and waste disposal facilities. Campers should be prepared for self-sufficient camping by bringing their own water, waste disposal bags, and other essentials.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas in Bingham, Maine?

The Bingham area offers several dispersed camping options. Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed provides a spacious mowed area with mountain views and enough room for multiple campers, featuring established fire pits. For water-lovers, Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road offers about 10 narrow sites bordered by rocks along the road, with access to the river. Other options in the broader region include Philbrick Landing along the Dead River, part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, and various sites near Greenville and Kokadjo. Most dispersed sites in the area are accessible by car, though road conditions vary by season and weather.