Top Free Dispersed Camping near Franklin, ME
Looking for the best Franklin dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Maine camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Franklin, ME (6)
1. Machias Rips Campsite
4 Reviews•16 Photos•135 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
2. Marshall Island
1 Review•11 Photos•63 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
3. Buckle Island
1 Review•10 Photos•31 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Alcohol
4. Wheat Island
1 Review•10 Photos•33 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Alcohol
5. Doliver Island
1 Review•9 Photos•2 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Franklin
7 Reviews of 6 Franklin Campgrounds
- GGary
Scout
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.
GuideMachias 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.
LegendMachias 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.Legend
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.Legend
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.Legend
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.Legend
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 Franklin
Camping near Franklin, Maine, 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 nearby that cater to all types of campers.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Acadia National Park. One camper mentioned, "I love that the southern ridge trailhead for Cadillac mountain leaves from the campgrounds and connects to a bunch of other trails" 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: Take advantage of the nearby water activities. One reviewer at Cobscook Bay State Park Campground said, "The kayaking is great."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Mount Desert Campground shared, "Restrooms were very clean and there was plenty of hot water for the coin-operated showers."
- Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A reviewer at Schoodic Woods Campground mentioned, "The sites are carefully designed so that although you might hear your neighbor you likely will not see them."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Hadley's Point Campground said, "Nice staff. Nice size lot clean."
What you should know:
- Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Bar Harbor Campground, do not take reservations, so be prepared to find an open site upon arrival. A camper noted, "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 hookups. A visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort pointed out, "Be advised many sites do not have dump stations."
- Bugs: Be ready for mosquitoes and ticks, especially in warmer months. One camper at Cobscook Bay State Park Campground warned, "Definitely bring insect repellent and/or a screen room."
Tips for camping with families:
- Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities for children. A parent at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA mentioned, "This KOA has many amenities for families and kids. Lots to do."
- Safety First: Ensure your campsite is safe for little ones. A reviewer at Seawall Campground advised, "Some campsites have really steep drops to the bay - really steep: a concern at night particularly."
- Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Mount Desert Campground enjoyed the "homemade bear claws in the am to enjoy with coffee or tea."
Tips from RVers:
- Site Selection: Choose your site carefully, especially if you have a larger rig. A reviewer at Schoodic Woods Campground noted, "Choose your site carefully if you have a large rig."
- Check Hookups: Make sure to confirm what hookups are available before booking. A camper at Hadley's Point Campground mentioned, "Only negative was lack of enough sewer necessitating a $12 pump out."
- Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the local attractions. A visitor at Bar Harbor Campground highlighted, "The campground is very clean with no litter and well-maintained."
Camping around Franklin, Maine, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Franklin, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Franklin, ME is Machias Rips Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Franklin, ME?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Franklin, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.