Best Dispersed Camping near Franklin, ME
The coastal region surrounding Franklin, Maine features a mix of mainland and island camping opportunities within an hour's drive. Machias Rips Campsite, located near Wesley along Route 9, provides free dispersed camping with riverfront access, including tent sites, RV spaces, and a lean-to shelter. For those seeking more remote experiences, the Deer Isle Archipelago offers several boat-in camping islands managed by the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), including Marshall Island, Wheat Island, Buckle Island, and Doliver Island. These island sites provide primitive camping with varying levels of accessibility and amenities, creating a distinctive coastal Maine camping experience for paddlers and boaters.
Weather conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in this region. Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned in camper reviews, particularly during summer months and at dusk. As one camper noted, "Camp sites are very buggy, bring your repellent and/or netting." Cell service varies considerably, with some areas like Machias Rips reporting good coverage for certain carriers while others require driving 20 minutes for a signal. Island campsites require careful planning around tides, as noted by a Wheat Island visitor: "This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly." Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews throughout the region. The Machias River sites offer fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, chubs, and trout, with convenient river access from most campsites. Island campers frequently highlight exceptional stargazing and sunset views, with one Marshall Island visitor describing "some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen." Site cleanliness varies, with some visitors noting occasional trash issues at more accessible locations. The Machias Rips area experiences regular traffic from Route 9 travelers using the maintained pit toilets. Most island sites are first-come, first-served and free for MITA members, while mainland sites like Machias Rips offer no-cost camping with basic amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets.