Best Campgrounds near Caratunk, ME

Caratunk, Maine and its surrounding wilderness offer various camping options from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Maine Huts & Trails provides cabin accommodations and tent sites accessible by hiking or boating in, while Cathedral Pines Campground features tent, RV, and glamping options with full hookups near Eustis. Webb's Campground in West Forks supports tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals along with boat access. The Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road offers primitive dispersed camping for tent and RV campers.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles while others have recently paved roads. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September, though some locations remain open year-round. Several sites near water require advance reservations during peak summer months. "The road to, and inside, the park was recently paved and are smooth and easily traversed," noted one visitor about Lily Bay State Park, though they cautioned about tree branches potentially scratching RVs. Fire permits are required at many locations, particularly for dispersed camping areas, and can typically be obtained by calling local forest service offices. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with most remote areas offering minimal coverage.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings across the area's campgrounds. Sites along Moosehead Lake, Flagstaff Lake, and the Kennebec River provide opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Many campers report hearing loons calling across the water at night, particularly at the lakeside locations. The region's mixed-use campgrounds often feature spacious sites with significant tree coverage providing privacy and shade. While primitive sites typically offer fire rings and picnic tables, established campgrounds like Cathedral Pines provide additional amenities including electric hookups, showers, and dump stations. Hiking opportunities abound in the area, with many campgrounds offering direct access to trails including portions of the Appalachian Trail. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when seasonal campgrounds are closed.

Best Camping Sites Near Caratunk, Maine (108)

    1. Flagstaff Hut

    1 Review
    Caratunk, ME
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 265-2400

    "This was the second of four huts on Maine Huts and Trails network of trails and it is situated very close to a gorgeous lake. The fall colors were at peak when we were there."

    2. Cathedral Pines Campground

    20 Reviews
    Eustis, ME
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 246-3491

    $32 - $40 / night

    "Nestled in western Maine just past Sugarloaf ski mountain lies Cathedral Pines. When you arrive you will appreciate the name."

    "This campground on the shore of Flagstaff Lake features large level sites nestled among towering pines, both with and without hookups (w/e; dump station available)."

    3. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    2 Reviews
    Caratunk, ME
    10 miles

    "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."

    "I have been here numerous time with my GF and my friends alike and just about every time we have spotted moose and had a great time in the backroads of maine."

    4. Magic Falls Adventures Campground

    1 Review
    West Forks, ME
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 207-7238

    $25 - $100 / night

    "Cheap spots right next to the river. It was also right off the high way so we heard trucks all night, but I found it pretty reasonable."

    5. Maine Huts & Trails

    1 Review
    Caratunk, ME
    10 miles
    Website

    $100 - $150 / night

    "Trails lead you into a paradise of Maine's backcountry. 5 huts are there for you to find, explore and stay at. Each huts has a bunkhouse to sleep in."

    6. Round Barn Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Carrabassett Valley, ME
    13 miles
    Website

    "It is right next to the stafford brook trail to hike to the top of Bigelow and you can easily hike from your campsite to the top of the mountain and back within a day."

    "Sites that I saw looked great, trails need some maintenance though, and some of the sites need clean up. The Road is rough, but with care you can get there, just go slow."

    7. Webb's Campground

    1 Review
    West Forks, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 663-4475

    8. Indian Pond Campground

    3 Reviews
    West Forks, ME
    17 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "This campground is approximately 13 miles from the West Forks, Maine--home to the best whitewater rafting in the state."

    "Camp sites were decent size, and about 1/3 are close to the water. A few recommendations I have if you are going. Bring everything you need with you, do your food shopping on the way."

    9. Happy Horseshoe Campground

    6 Reviews
    Kingfield, ME
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 628-3471

    "Owners, Judy & Buster have created a camping gem in rural Maine."

    "Game room, pool, you can walk a holiday if you would like. Great entertainment on the weekends. Clean bathrooms and up to date. Friendly campers. Baked bean suppers sold on Saturday night."

    10. Philbrick Landing

    1 Review
    Caratunk, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 496-2285

    "This is a small impacted spot along the Dead River along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT)."

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Recent Reviews near Caratunk, ME

282 Reviews of 108 Caratunk Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    THIS IS WHERE YOU SEE A MOOSE!

    Was there for not even 24 hours and saw a moose. Dirt road to get to the spot right after the bridge on the right for only 5 minutes at most. Rocky camping spot but has a fire pit. I didn’t have any service. PERFECT launching spot for a kayak. Gets cold at night. I’d say closest gas station was probably 15-20 minutes away from the spot. People come often to check for moose and loud lumber trucks pass often so keep that in mind when camping. Again, it was all rocky.

  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins

    Fantastic

    Its a really cool spot to explore. I went when the water was low and was able to adventure where youre not meant to and man was it a blast.Found my own pride rock(lion king) and was able to meditate in silence and be away from all the boaters and atvs was super peaceful with a water near by. The tent campers around me were really solid people aswell.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Quiet on the River

    Very nice with easy access with wonderful hosts.

  • Jessica D.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Peaks-Kenny State Park

    It has been an excellent experience.

    Everyone has been really nice, beautiful beach and trails. I got the only walk-in site it might be the best site here

  • T
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies Balsam Woods

    Russell

    Very nice staff friendly,everything met our expectations, will definitely book a week for next summer.

  • Ethan S.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    Absolutely Beautiful

    I have been here numerous time with my GF and my friends alike and just about every time we have spotted moose and had a great time in the backroads of maine. If you go up the road a little bit theres a big lake on top of the dam and (not sure if you can fish it) there are some nice fish up there as well. Overall great time and plenty of great memories!

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Trout Brook Campground

    Tranquil

    You’re camping close to others but it was quiet at night when we were there mid-week.

  • S
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Jo-Mary Campground

    Yea, beautiful location, but overpriced & lacking

    They charged us almost $400 for two tent sites, for two nights.  They are clearly resting on their laurels, need to hire more help for peak periods, be in the office when they need to be available and answer their phones and return phone calls, and also need to check for garbage left by previous campers and have their port-a-potties emptied way more often (gross!)

    If you can get past the price gouging and lack of attention to detail, the place IS beautiful and enjoyable.

  • WhiteSpruce D.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Seboomook Wilderness Campground

    Seboomook, a magical place

    We love Seboomook. Campsites right on the lake with glorious views! That’s hard to find these days. Don’t be put off by the 30 miles of dirt road to get there. The roads have been bad in the past but are now greatly improved. No problem bringing your camper in. Considering the wilderness location, the facilities are great. Water at the sites all the time, electricity during generator hours which are plenty to keep everything charged and you can even have your tanks pumped out. Witney and Norm are so friendly and welcoming. Last year one of us was injured and Norm put the camper into our site. This year we had a problem with our awning, Norm and his assistant spent a couple of hours fixing it and wouldn’t take any payment. Can’t wait for next year!


Guide to Caratunk

Caratunk, Maine sits at approximately 600 feet elevation along the Kennebec River, serving as a crossing point for Appalachian Trail hikers. The region's camping season typically runs from late May through mid-October, with July and August seeing average daytime temperatures around 75°F. Frost can occur into early June at higher elevations, requiring campers to prepare for temperature variations across seasons.

What to do

Wildlife watching opportunities: The area around Flagstaff Hut provides excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. "We saw loons and bald eagles on the lake daily," notes one camper at nearby Cathedral Pines. The quiet waterfront locations throughout the region are ideal for early morning wildlife observation.

Fishing access: Multiple waterways around Caratunk offer diverse fishing experiences. "This is a very beautiful lake, quiet, full of fish, easy kayaking, or just sitting on the water's edge," reports a visitor to Indian Pond Campground. The Dead River, Flagstaff Lake, and Indian Pond all support different fish species.

Hiking trails: The region connects to several notable trail systems. "Stafford brook trail to hike to the top of Bigelow... you can easily hike from your campsite to the top of the mountain and back within a day," mentions a camper at Round Barn Campsites. Trails range from easy waterfall paths to challenging mountain ascents.

Paddling routes: Numerous lakes and rivers create paddling options for all skill levels. "The cove makes for safe swimming away from the wind and waves offshore," notes another Round Barn visitor describing the protected paddling areas. Access points with gradual shorelines make launching kayaks and canoes straightforward at many locations.

What campers like

Private waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise the waterfront access at many campgrounds. "Sites along Flaggstaff Lake have some spectacular views," mentions one visitor to Cathedral Pines Campground. The combination of water access and privacy ranks highly in reviews.

Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive positive mentions. "Facilities are bright and clean. Every site has its own 'fire box' with cooking grate," notes another Cathedral Pines camper. Even at more rustic locations, the maintenance of basic amenities gets recognition.

Night sky viewing: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "The stars are beautiful to boot!" reports a visitor to Philbrick Landing. Many campers mention the quality of night skies as a highlight of their stays.

Authentic Maine environment: The rustic, less-developed nature of the region appeals to many. "If you are looking for a camp ground but off the beaten trail look no further," writes a visitor to Indian Pond Campground. The distance from population centers creates a distinct camping atmosphere compared to more developed areas.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds require travel on logging roads or unpaved access points. "The Road is rough, but with care you can get there, just go slow," advises a camper about Round Barn Campsites. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for certain locations, particularly after rain.

Limited supplies nearby: The remote nature of camping near Caratunk means preparation is essential. "Bring everything you need with you, do your food shopping on the way," suggests a visitor to Indian Pond Campground. While some general stores exist, selection is limited and prices higher than urban areas.

Cell service limitations: Most areas have minimal or no cell coverage. "There are no electrical outlets or cell service, so you are off the grid," notes a visitor to Flagstaff Hut. Download maps and bring physical guidebooks rather than relying on digital navigation.

Reservation requirements: The limited number of established sites means planning ahead. "No online reservation you must call or email them," mentions a camper about Webb's Campground. Many smaller campgrounds still operate with phone-based reservation systems.

Tips for camping with families

Campground activities: Some locations offer structured recreation opportunities for children. "Game room, pool, you can walk a holiday if you would like. Great entertainment on the weekends," notes a visitor to Happy Horseshoe Campground. Family-oriented campgrounds typically schedule weekend events during peak summer months.

Protected swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming zones. "There is a campers only and a public beach, opportunities for canoeing and kayaking Flagstaff lake with rentals available if you didn't bring your own," reports a Cathedral Pines camper. Beaches with gradual entry points work best for families with younger children.

Wildlife education opportunities: Animal sightings create learning experiences. "We were able to see moose regularly during evening hours just a few miles from camp. When leaving camp make a left, drive aprox 15 mins and you are sure to see them," shares a Happy Horseshoe visitor. Early evening drives along less-traveled roads often yield moose sightings.

Tips from RVers

Site size considerations: Campgrounds vary significantly in accommodation for larger vehicles. "The majority of campsites are right on the Dead River in a beautiful region in Maine called The Forks. This area is an outdoor paradise with tons of things to do kayaking, white water rafting, hunting, fishing, hiking, and nature viewing," reports a visitor to Webb's Campground, noting the variety of RV options from basic to full hookups.

Road noise awareness: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise despite remote locations. "The biggest complaint is the loud road noise from big logging trucks. The campground is located directly off Route 201 in West Forks which makes for easy access into the park," continues the Webb's Campground review. Sites further from main roads provide quieter experiences.

Limited hookup availability: Full-service sites are concentrated at a few campgrounds. "Sites are mostly grass and the road is smooth gravel devoid of any potholes. There are some trees for shade but not many and there is not much privacy between campsites," the Webb's visitor adds, highlighting that waterfront sites often have fewer amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Caratunk, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, Caratunk, ME offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Caratunk, ME and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Caratunk, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Caratunk, ME is Flagstaff Hut with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Caratunk, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Caratunk, ME.