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Best Dispersed Camping near Dexter, ME

7 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout public lands near Dexter, Maine, primarily in Little Moose Public Lands, Seboeis Public Lands, and around the Dead River area. Several primitive sites require no reservations and remain free of charge, including Upper Gravel Pit, Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite, and Philbrick Landing. These areas typically feature primitive conditions with minimal to no facilities, allowing campers to experience Maine's backcountry with fewer restrictions than established campgrounds. Most sites permit stays up to 14 days and allow pets and campfires where designated fire rings exist.

Access roads to dispersed camping areas vary significantly in quality. Many routes transition from paved to gravel surfaces with sections that may be steep, bumpy, or feature loose rocks. The road to Upper Gravel Pit includes a steep section with somewhat loose rocks, though standard vehicles can generally navigate it without requiring high clearance or four-wheel drive. Seboeis Public Lands access begins as paved then changes to graded gravel. Most sites lack drinking water, toilets, trash services, and hookups of any kind. Campers must bring all necessary supplies and pack out all waste.

The primitive nature of these sites appeals to those seeking solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities. Lazy Tom Bog is particularly noted as a prime location for moose sightings, especially for paddlers. Kayakers frequently use the site as a launch point for wildlife observation. Upper Gravel Pit provides mountain views and proximity to hiking trails in Little Moose Public Lands. As one visitor reported, "There are two sites and plenty of space between them... Plenty of trail heads nearby." Water-accessible sites like Philbrick Landing offer seclusion along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Another camper noted this spot has "a steep bank you have to navigate to unload and pull your canoe or kayak up for the evening" but rewards with "an abundance of blueberries" in summer months and "beautiful" star viewing.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Dexter, Maine (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dexter, ME

19 Photos of 6 Dexter Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dexter, ME

7 Reviews of 6 Dexter 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

Guide to Dexter

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dexter, Maine, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Stunning Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate scenic landscapes.
  • Located in Little Moose Public Lands, this area features two spacious sites with ample room for multiple campers, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere.
  • With nearby trailheads, visitors can easily access hiking opportunities, including the picturesque Little Moose Pond Trail.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Dexter

  • At Seboeis Public Lands, campers can enjoy a range of activities such as boating, fishing, and ATV riding, all while surrounded by beautiful lakefront views.
  • The area allows for extended stays of up to 14 days, making it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature for a longer period.
  • With picnic tables and latrines available, this spot balances primitive camping with some essential conveniences.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

  • The Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite is known for its moose sightings, making it a favorite among wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts.
  • This site offers a simple setup with a gravel area for tents and a fire pit, perfect for those who want a no-frills camping experience.
  • Located near Kokadjo, it's easily accessible and provides a peaceful environment for a night under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dexter, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dexter, ME is Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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

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