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Best Dispersed Camping near Brewer, ME

9 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Brewer, Maine include several free sites along the Machias River corridor. Machias Rips Campsite offers accessible primitive camping with 2 RV sites, 3 tent sites, and a lean-to shelter positioned directly on the riverbank. The area includes basic amenities uncommon for dispersed sites: pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The dirt access road off Route 9 can have potholes but remains navigable for most vehicles including standard passenger vans.

The Machias River area provides good fishing opportunities with smallmouth bass, trout, and chubs reported by campers. Cell service varies by carrier with some visitors reporting no signal while others mention good LTE coverage on AT&T. A review noted, "Great free off-grid camping near Canadian border," while another mentioned, "Clean sites. Easy to find and right off rt 9." For paddlers, several boat-in only islands are available through the Maine Island Trail Association including Marshall Island, Wheat Island, Buckle Island and Doliver Island, though these require proper sea kayaking equipment and experience.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Brewer, Maine (6)

    1. Machias Rips Campsite

    5 Reviews
    Beddington, ME
    45 miles
    Website

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

    "Great free off grid camping near Canadian border. The other previous reviewers did a great job explaining the campground."

    2. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    45 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. Machias River Camp off Route 9

    1 Review
    Beddington, ME
    45 miles

    4. Wheat Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    47 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 very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the"

    5. Marshall Island

    1 Review
    Swans Island, 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 on the southeast side near Sand Cove and the other on the northeast side of the"

    6. Doliver Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Brewer, ME

9 Photos of 6 Brewer Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Brewer, ME

9 Reviews of 6 Brewer Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Nice enough

    There are about 5 spots. Some are rough and not super flat, but it's pretty and the river is right there. You can hear the highway but it's not too bad. Only real negative for me was nowhere to really walk my dogs, nothing even close to a trail nearby. Just the highway.

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

    Wheat Island

    Gorgeous Views of the Gulf

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the southwest side. We stayed at the larger site and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising. 

    Perfect island for exploring the close-by Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park, but very hard to get reservations at Duck Harbor Campground. This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. 

    Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset. 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.

  • 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.

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

    Marshall Island

    The Most Magical Island in the Gulf of Maine

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one on the southeast side near Sand Cove and the other on the northeast side of the island. We stayed at one of the 2 sites near Sand Cove which is a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site. Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we’ve ever seen! 

    Despite the fact that the other islands had pesky mosquitoes, this site had none. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). If you happen to need a food or water resupply, Swan’s Island is a short paddle away and has a very small grocery store and town office with fresh water. Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members. And, if you do a beach clean-up during your stay and send in a picture, you will receive a Maine Coast Heritage Trust hat!

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Doliver Island

    Spot for Just 1 Tent...Barely!

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island is small with barely a tent space, but a good stop for us on our 9 day journey and a perfect launching spot for crossing Jericho Bay (4.5 miles) to Marshall Island the next day.   Gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door.

    This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad all day long. 

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

  • Jillian B.
    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 Brewer

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Brewer, Maine, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Brewer, Maine

  • When visiting Machias Rips Campsite, be prepared for a bug-friendly environment; bringing repellent is essential for a comfortable stay.
  • The access road to Machias Rips Campsite can be tricky to spot, so keep an eye out for the blue sign marking the entrance.
  • Make sure to pack out what you pack in, as facilities like trash disposal are not available at Machias Rips Campsite.

Top fishing spots while free camping near Brewer

  • The Machias Rips Campsite offers excellent fishing opportunities, with smallmouth bass, chubs, and trout readily available in the nearby river.
  • For those looking to explore further, Doliver Island provides a picturesque setting for fishing, although the space is limited for tent setups.
  • If you're up for a little adventure, Wheat Island is a great spot to cast your line while enjoying stunning views of the Gulf.

Scenic views for dispersed campers near Brewer

  • Enjoy breathtaking sunsets and moonrises at Wheat Island, where the larger campsite offers ample space for groups.
  • The wooded area near Sand Cove on Marshall Island is perfect for stargazing, providing some of the clearest night skies in the region.
  • At Buckle Island, campers can relish the beauty of the granite shore while soaking in the sunset views, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Brewer dispersed camping located and how can I access it?

Brewer dispersed camping includes locations like Machias Rips Campsite, situated right off Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley, Maine. It's part of the Machias River Corridor Public Lands. Access is via a dirt road marked with a blue sign that can be easily missed if you're not paying attention. The campsite is approximately an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor. GPS directions may not be accurate for this location, so watch carefully for the turnoff from Route 9.

What amenities or facilities are available at Brewer dispersed camping area?

Dispersed camping areas in the Brewer region offer minimal amenities. At Wheat Island and Buckle Island, you'll find designated tent sites with no facilities - these are part of the Maine Island Trail Association network. On the mainland, some sites like Machias Rips feature basic facilities including a maintained bathroom, lean-to shelters, designated tent sites, and RV spaces. Most dispersed camping in the area is primitive, so plan to bring everything you need including water, and be prepared to pack out all waste.

Are there any permits or regulations required for Brewer dispersed camping?

For island dispersed camping at locations like Marshall Island and Doliver Island, membership with the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) is typically required to camp legally. These sites follow Leave No Trace principles and have specific regulations about campfires and waste disposal. For mainland dispersed sites, regulations vary but generally include maximum stay limits (typically 14 days), proper waste disposal requirements, and restrictions on group size. Always check with local land management agencies before your trip as regulations may change seasonally.

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