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."
Guide
