Top Free Dispersed Camping near Dedham, ME

Looking for the best Dedham dispersed camping? 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 Dedham, ME (6)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Dedham

7 Reviews of 6 Dedham 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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Doliver Island
    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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buckle Island
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheat Island
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Marshall Island
    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!



Guide to Dedham

Camping near Dedham, ME, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Acadia National Park. One camper mentioned, "The southern ridge trailhead for Cadillac Mountain leaves from the campgrounds and connects to a bunch of other trails," highlighting the convenience of hiking right from your campsite at Blackwoods Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Seawall Campground noted, "Many other reviewers have reported seeing Moose near or in the campground here."
  • Kayaking: Enjoy the water by launching your kayak from your campsite. A review for Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA mentioned, "Our waterfront site was terrific - gorgeous view, and we could launch our kayaks directly from the site."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Mount Desert Campground said, "Restrooms were very clean and there was plenty of hot water for the coin-operated showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites that provide a sense of privacy. A camper at Schoodic Woods Campground shared, "The sites are carefully designed so that although you might hear your neighbor you likely will not see them."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Hadley's Point Campground noted, "Nice staff. Nice size lot clean."

What you should know:

  • No Reservations at Some Campgrounds: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Bar Harbor Campground explained, "This campground is huge, and takes no reservations, so it works great for us who don’t like to plan ahead."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort mentioned, "Many sites do not have dump stations, so be sure to know what you’re signing up for when reserving your spot."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds in the summer. A visitor at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA remarked, "The sites were so close together. Everyone was really packed in."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Smuggler's Den Campground said, "The playground was great for the kids. The swimming pool was a highlight as well."
  • Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours to ensure a peaceful experience for everyone. One camper noted, "The only problem was kids running around during quiet hour," at Smuggler's Den Campground.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Hadley's Point Campground mentioned, "The free bus stops here so you can have a car-free park experience."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Schoodic Woods Campground advised, "Choose your site carefully if you have a large rig."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups for convenience. A review for Camden Hills State Park Campground noted, "The had a problem with the water so we filled up at the Camden Fire station which was close to the campground."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station if needed. A visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort mentioned, "We realized it didn’t work."

Camping in Dedham, ME, and the surrounding areas offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With various campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Dedham, ME?

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Dedham, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.