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Best Campgrounds near Grand Lake Stream, ME

124 Reviews

Remote camping areas surround Grand Lake Stream in Maine's Downeast region, with a mix of established sites and primitive options in the surrounding wilderness. The Third Machias Lake - Machias River Corridor offers scenic tent and RV sites accessible by boat, drive-in, or hike-in methods. Unknown Lakes campsites provide free lakefront camping with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. Duck Lake Public Reserved Land and Machias Rips Campsite represent additional options for those seeking different camping experiences ranging from remote lake access to riverside settings.

Road conditions can significantly impact access to many camping areas, with several sites located 10-20 miles from paved roads on maintained logging routes. Sites like Unknown Lakes campsites require driving on dirt roads with occasional rough sections, though most are passable with standard vehicles. Cell phone coverage is limited or nonexistent at most remote sites, requiring advance trip planning. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer bringing both pleasant temperatures and challenging insect populations. One camper noted, "This is a nature lover's dream sitting only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor ME. 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."

Waterfront camping represents a primary draw throughout the region, with multiple sites offering direct lake or river access. Most established camping areas include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, with some sites also providing pit toilets. The more remote locations offer greater solitude but require visitors to bring all necessary supplies. Bug protection is essential, particularly during early summer months when insects can be abundant. Several visitors emphasized the pristine natural setting and stargazing opportunities at these remote sites. A visitor to Unknown Lakes described it as having "amazing beauty" with some campsites offering views of lakes on both east and west sides, making it possible to "wake up to a view of one lake" while seeing "the other lake from our camper."

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Best Camping Sites Near Grand Lake Stream, Maine (62)

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Recent Camping Photos near Grand Lake Stream, ME

94 Photos of 62 Grand Lake Stream Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Grand Lake Stream, ME

124 Reviews of 62 Grand Lake Stream Campgrounds

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Nice enough

    There are about 5 spots. Some are rough and not super flat, but it's pretty and the river is right there. You can hear the highway but it's not too bad. Only real negative for me was nowhere to really walk my dogs, nothing even close to a trail nearby. Just the highway.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Machias River Camp off Route 9

    My favorite spot in Maine!!

    Super cool mixed use land with established campsites. 6 or 7 in total I think. Right on Machias river. Great ATT service.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Keenes Lake Family Campground

    Nice people

    We stayed here one night in mid September. There are new owners and they are really nice people. It is hard to get a level site but the owner let us pick what was best for us based on what was available. Majority of campers are seasonal. The shower had hot water and a heat lamp but could use a renovation. Quiet place with a pretty lake.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Sunset Point RV Park

    Nice place

    We stayed here without a reservation in mid September. No trees and sites are right next to each other without any privacy but the surrounding views are beautiful! We were in site 23 which was right on water with a great sunset. Extremely nice showers - they are completely enclosed so you are not subject to the outside temperatures. Would stay here again.

  • Suzy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Cottonwood Camping & RV Park

    Pleasant owner, Excellent baths,

    Good stop between Millinocket and Acadia Nat'l Park. Very accessible owner. Outstanding bath facilities w/ United hot water, (free too!)

  • C
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Tom's Retreat on Gardner Lake

    Gorgeous spot to camp right at lakefront!

    Amazing lakefront lot, very private and comes with a big common area to BBQ and clean Port-a-Potty on the top of the 1 acre sloped lot. Brought our own kayak to enjoy Gardner and Second Lakes!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 18, 2025

    Sunset Point RV Park

    Easternmost camping in the US!

    General: 31 RV sites with w/e plus six tent sites with no hookups. 

    Site Quality: Our site was on grass and level enough that we could make it work without much difficulty. Sites 12A and 12B are the best IMO as they have an unobstructed view of the bay and more space between them than other sites. The lettered tent sites are also good, IMO, especially A, E, and F. Sites 1-29 are very close together with no physical separation between them in typical RV park fashion. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, however, sites 1-4 share a fire ring, making it a good choice for people traveling together 

    Bath/Shower house: Clean. Toilet stalls are a bit tight. The shower was also a little tight. One stall had plenty of hooks, but I could not get the faucets to work; the other stall only had one hook, but I could get the faucets to work! Plenty of hot water. 

    Activities/Amenities: Dishwashing sink, laundry (three washers/three dryers, $1.50 each) Free WiFi, and morning coffee on the porch. Firewood and ice are available for purchase for a reasonable amount (after-hours wood is available on the honor system). You can sign up in the office for a lobster set-up which includes a pot, burner, and propane to cook lobsters, clams, or crabs at your site. There are no activities at the campground, but you are encouraged to explore the town of Lubec, especially the West Quoddy lighthouse at sunrise. In the afternoon, we enjoyed watching the tide come in and out in the bay and I could do yoga on the grassy area. There was also a shared swing where you can enjoy the tide and sunsets.

    Cindy and her husband manage this campground, and we received a hearty welcome from Cindy when we checked in. After we paid (Cash or check only, no credit cards), she gave us the lowdown on what we should see and do in the small town of Lubec, especially the West Quoddy house lighthouse (which despite its name, is the easternmost point where you can see the sunrise in the US). Very quiet campground that was about half full when we were there. And yes, if the weather cooperates, the sunsets are beautiful.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2025

    Cobscook Bay State Park Campground

    Off the beaten path!

    Cobscook State Park is beautiful. The park is big, and many sites are very far apart - we had almost complete privacy.  There are both reservable and non reservable sites.  Some sites have Adirondack shelters.  All sites have picnic tables and fire pits.  The majority of the tent sites and small rv sites, and some larger rv sites, are on the water.   We stayed at 2 different sites - a waterfront site and non waterfront - and both were scenic and private.   There is no water/electric/power at any site.  There are water stations around the park, as well as a bath house and dump station.  The park rangers are friendly and helpful. There is a lot of wildlife and waterlife - we saw many seals and cormorants in the water, as well as a few eagles.  You can launch a kayak from your campsite, or from the large  dock/boat launch area in the park.  Kayaking should be done with prior research to ensure familiarity with the tide changes (which are up to 20 ft) and currents, which are strong and dangerous in certain areas of Cobscook Bay.   There is a great map published by Cobscook Shores that shows recommended kayak areas and tide access.  It includes the launch that is in the park.  https://cobscookshores.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CS-System-Map.pdf  

     There are also a few open areas for picnicking or just relaxing, as well as a play area for kids.  There are a few nice, relatively short and easy  hiking trails that run through the park.  One of the trails is right at the entrance, so you can park there if needed. For more advanced hiking, the Cutler Preserve land, Boot Head, and Quoddy Head are all nearby and offer incredible hikes of varying distances, up to 10 miles.  Quoddy Head also has a lighthouse that is a popular attraction .

  • Semoo A.
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Katahdin Shadows Campground

    Doraemon X

    I really enjoyed playing Doraemon X! The gameplay is super fun and full of surprises. The colorful graphics and engaging challenges make it a great experience!

Guide to Grand Lake Stream

Remote camping dominates the Grand Lake Stream area in Maine's Downeast region, situated approximately 75 miles northeast of Bangor. Dirt logging roads connect most sites, with distances ranging from 10-30 miles from paved highways. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 30s.

What to do

Kayaking and fishing trips: Third Machias Lake offers exceptional paddling opportunities with numerous river routes. "The kayaking in this area is the BEST I have had in Maine. It's an absolute wonderland of variety. We took many river routes going out of the lake, into other lakes, through marsh/swamp, portaging beaver dams and such," reports Tina D. from Third Machias Lake - Machias River Cooridor.

ATV trail network: Access extensive trail systems directly from several campsites. "Atv trail access from camp - can ride to Lincoln, Ellsworth, Grand Lake Stream, Machias and all points downeast from here," notes Ingrid W. at Gassabias Lake campsites.

Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. Ken D. at Duck Lake Public Reserved Land emphasizes, "Awesome spot if you like being out in the middle of the woods. Roughly 16 miles from last paved road. No sound or light pollution. You really wanna see stars, go here!"

What campers like

Free waterfront campsites: Most dispersed sites in the region cost nothing with first-come, first-served availability. At Machias Rips Campsite, John R. notes, "This campground is one of my favorites in Maine! Sitting only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor ME this is a nature lovers dream! There is about 4 Sites with river front views and trails leading to the water from each camp."

Wildlife encounters: The remote setting offers frequent animal sightings. "If you enjoy listening to Loons, they put on quite a symphony," reports Ingrid W. about Gassabias Lake campsites, while multiple campers mention moose and deer sightings throughout the area.

Dual-lake views: Some campsites at Unknown Lakes feature water views in multiple directions. Kevin C. explains, "The best feature of this campground is the view. There is a Lake on both east and west sides of the camping area. Three sites are view of both lakes from the camp sites. I woke up to a view of one lake and my wife saw the other lake from our camper."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access requires careful navigation on unmaintained logging roads. Sarah C. at Machias Rips Campsite advises, "Situated right off of Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley Maine... The road has a few pot holes but nothing my stock (Low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn't handle."

Cellular service limitations: Most sites have minimal to no connectivity. John R. at Machias Rips notes, "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."

Insect preparation: Bug protection is essential, particularly in early summer. Amanda F. at Third Machias Lake warns, "The bugs can be really bad here especially in the earlier summer months so definitely keep that in mind and bring bug nets."

Tips for camping with families

Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between sites. At Unknown Lakes, Kevin C. reports, "The campground has three pit toilets. The large size of the camp sites makes it feel more secluded than it is." Jillian B. notes Machias Rips has "the maintained bathroom" which results in "lots of traffic driving in, using the toilet and then driving right back out."

Pack extra supplies: No services exist near most campsites. Amanda F. from Third Machias Lake advises, "Definitely far out there and can be difficult to find if you don't know the area well. Little to no service as well... Make sure to bring everything you need!"

Fire permit requirements: Check current regulations before planning campfires. "There was a massive fire pit at the lean-to that we didn't utilize," notes Sarah C. at Machias Rips, while Amanda F. cautions, "There are fire rings but the rangers can be sticklers about having a fire permit."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger vehicles: Only certain areas accommodate RVs. Gary at Machias Rips Campsite confirms, "There are also bigger sites for campers and RVs," while Ingrid W. notes that at Unknown Lakes, the "group sites" on both sides of the road are more suitable for larger vehicles than beach sites.

Water access: Most RV sites still offer water proximity despite being set back from shores. Tim M. at Machias River Camp describes, "Super cool mixed use land with established campsites. 6 or 7 in total I think. Right on Machias river."

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. Kevin C. at Unknown Lakes notes his experience: "There are about 9 campsites, each with a picnic table, a fire ring and a large camping and parking area for each site."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I fish in Grand Lake Stream, Maine?

Grand Lake Stream offers world-class fishing opportunities across several connected waterways. The stream itself is renowned for landlocked salmon fishing, while West Grand Lake and Big Lake provide excellent fishing for smallmouth bass. For a more secluded experience, Third Machias Lake - Machias River Cooridor offers pristine fishing access with both boat-in and drive-in options. Anglers looking for remote spots should consider Unknown Lakes campsites, where you'll find less fishing pressure. The entire watershed is known for cold, clear waters that support healthy fish populations. Be mindful of special fishing regulations that may apply to different sections of Grand Lake Stream, particularly during spawning seasons.

What camping options are available near Grand Lake Stream?

Grand Lake Stream offers diverse camping experiences for different preferences. For RV travelers, Sunset Point RV Park provides well-maintained sites with electricity/water hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, and affordable firewood. Those seeking a more primitive experience should consider Gassabias Lake campsites, featuring three secluded spots with fire rings and picnic tables on a dead-end road with lake access. Each site shares a pit toilet and operates on a carry-in, carry-out basis. For additional options, Big Lake RV Park & Campground offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities that accommodate larger rigs. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from May through October.

How do I get a fishing license for Grand Lake Stream?

To fish in Grand Lake Stream, you need a valid Maine fishing license, which can be purchased online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, at town offices, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores. Non-residents can choose between 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, or seasonal licenses, while Maine residents have annual options. If planning an extended stay, consider Leen's Lodge or Indian Rock Camps, where staff can provide up-to-date licensing information and sometimes assist with purchases. Remember that special regulations may apply to Grand Lake Stream, including potential catch-and-release sections or fly fishing only areas. Always check current regulations before fishing, as they can change seasonally.

When is the best time to visit Grand Lake Stream for fishing?

The prime fishing season in Grand Lake Stream typically runs from late May through September, with different periods offering distinct advantages. Late May to mid-June is excellent for landlocked salmon fishing as water temperatures are ideal. Mid-summer (July-August) provides reliable smallmouth bass action. Early fall offers spectacular fishing as water temperatures cool and fish become more active before winter. For anglers seeking solitude, consider camping at Duck Lake Public Reserved Land or Pleasant Lake Camping Area during weekdays when fishing pressure is lighter. Weather can significantly impact conditions, so flexibility in your schedule is advantageous. Check with local outfitters for real-time fishing reports, as seasonal patterns can shift from year to year.

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