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Best Dispersed Camping near Grand Lake Stream, ME

12 Reviews

Dispersed camping sites surround the Grand Lake Stream region of Maine, with public land options particularly concentrated along river corridors and ecological reserves. The Machias River Corridor Public Lands contains several free primitive campsites, including the Machias Rips Campsite area located between Amherst and Wesley. The Cutler Coast Public Land offers additional dispersed camping opportunities with oceanfront walk-in sites. These areas permit camping for up to 14 days within a 45-day period on public lands.

Access to Machias Rips Campsite involves navigating a dirt road with some potholes, though reviews indicate most passenger vehicles can reach the area. The road can be easily missed as it branches off Route 9, marked by a blue sign. Several sites feature river views with designated trails to the water. Most dispersed areas lack drinking water, electricity, and modern facilities. Pit toilets are available at Machias Rips, while Cutler Coast sites feature rudimentary composting toilets described as "quite pathetic and gross" by one visitor. Cell service varies significantly, with some areas requiring travel for signal access.

The Machias Rips area provides riverside camping with options for both RVs and tent campers, including a wooden lean-to shelter. A recent visitor noted, "This campground is one of my favorites in Maine, sitting only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor." The area supports fishing for smallmouth bass, chubs, and trout. Cutler Coast offers a more challenging backcountry experience with campsites requiring significant hiking to reach. One camper shared that "the sites are few in number, small and difficult to get to, but oh-so-worth-it." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though visitors should prepare for mosquitoes and black flies during late spring and summer. The coastal sites provide unique views of the Gulf of Maine, with some locations situated on cliff tops overlooking the ocean.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Grand Lake Stream, Maine (5)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Grand Lake Stream, ME

12 Reviews of 5 Grand Lake Stream Campgrounds

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2021

    Cutler Coast Public Land — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    Fairy Head Campsite- 4 Stars for the Site itself but 5 stars for the views

    Hiking along the Cutler Coast is a unique opportunity that if you get the chance to explore, you absolutely should. There are only 5 campsites total available along the Cutler Coast, 3 of them are at the Fairy Head. We approached the area via the Inland Trail, about a 5.5 mile hike from the trial head (trail signs are inaccurate, they don't account for the recent re-route). From this direction, sites were a little challenging to find but we managed. Just be aware that these three sites are NOT well marked and you have to hike up a wooden ladder to get to at least 2 of the 3. There isn't much fresh water around either, so we hiked in enough for dinner and breakfast the following day.

    The site we stayed in, site 1 (at least we think it's site 1) was perched on a beautiful cliff top in the trees. The area is very small and fitting anything larger than a 4 person tent might be difficult (we had a 3 person). While there was a make-shift fire ring, fires are NOT allowed in the public land reserve here. Sites also have very rudimentary privies but these are not pit toilets, far from it. They are quite pathetic and gross consisting of a toilet seat sitting on a wooden frame, caged in by hardware wire. You can see everything and the odor isn't masked at all. I'm not sure why this design is in use. Not to mention that folx can't be bothered to pack out their trash. 

    This site gets hit by first light and you can watch the sun rise right out of your tent just by sitting up in your sleeping bag. The views are incredible but these are very high impacted sites. There was a sheet of paper completely full at the trail head that serves as a register for folx to sign in, in order to avoid hiking in and not finding a site. We scrounged up a sheet of paper from our car and put it on the clipboard for folx to use. It was an old Amazon receipt but it's all we had. I was hesitant to put where we were camping exactly just for security reasons as two female hikers. But it was helpful to see that there was space for us when we arrived. 

    All in all, it was a beautiful night!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2021

    Machias 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Cutler Coast Public Land — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    Gorgeous Coastal Backpacking along the Gulf of Maine

    The coast of Maine offers very few places for overnight backpacking or even just seaside hiking. The Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land is one great option. The length of the hiking trails makes this the ideal, weekend getaway location for a two-night campout– just get there early. The sites are few in number, small and difficult to get to, but oh-so-worth-it! 

    As backcountry sites, there are no picnic tables or fire rings, but each has a clean and convenient composting toilet with a stunning view of the Gulf of Maine.  Each campsite is located close to a freshwater source and a few are within site of a small pebble beach– perfect for swimming if you don’t mind the chilly water.  But, come prepared for bugs -- mosquitoes and black flies are impressive in the late spring and summer!   And, the trails can be quite muddy and soggy.  There is a price for this much beauty in one place!

    Located 16 miles east of East Machias, the closest town with gas and a convenience store. Five miles further west along route 1 the town of Machias offers a wider selection of restaurants, farmers markets and grocery stores.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2023

    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.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Machias 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Long Point — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    Beautiful and it has its own beach!

    This spot is situated right along the Maine coast and has one heck of a view, not to mention a nice gravel beach! While the water is quite cold in Maine any time of the year, the beach is a nice spot to relax in the afternoon sun. Note: the campsites are NOT located on the beach but on the cliffs just above it. 

    While these sites (all 5 of them in the area) were originally designed for a single party (4 individuals or less) this is the one area along the Bold Coast that you could pitch more than a single tent. There are several flat and impacted sites. There is also a bit of a makeshift "wind screen" on the point that a few individuals had their tents pitched behind. I'm sure it makes a bit of difference if the wind is blowing...which on the coast is most of the time. 

    Like the other sites, there is a small wooden "toilet" that consists of: a wooden frame, toilet seat and some hardware cloth wire. These are not pit toilets and the human waste and whatever else folx decide to toss in, simply sit on top of the ground. While enclosed in the hardware cloth, you can see and smell everything that's left behind. Given the popularity of this destination, I have no doubt these get full quickly. Regardless of the poor design, please utilize these "toilets."

    The Bold Coast is a mixture of bogs and wetlands, rocky and craggy coast line and pretty amazing maritime fir forests. The terrain is moderate in difficulty as it undulates, with several amazing overlooks. We did this with our two fit dogs but be advised, this may not be appropriate for all canine friends. 

    The views from this spot won't disappoint and there are several options to hike in and out depending on the amount of time you have. There isn't much fresh water available even in the rainy season, so be prepared to carry in water.

  • Tina D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2018

    Cutler Coast Public Land — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    Stunning landscape. Hardcore hike. Worth it

    This was on of my most favorite hikes/camping. You don't have to hike too long from the trailhead until you come to an awesome cliffside view overlooking the water. The breeze feels devine. This hike is not for the inexperienced, unless you are some hardcore hiker or something. I thought it would be cake, but it was h-a-r-d we rested a lot. But; I think we did pretty damn good even though my feet were killing me by the time we found a campsite.

    The first couple sites we went up to had people so we were getting worried as there are not that many. But; stumbled onto one just before dark, whew! Such an awesome view of the night sky oh my gosh. I could stare at it forever. We could see the milky way. I loved our little campsite. Small but cozy and all we needed. I am a light sleeper, so the only thing that bugged me is there was some kind of horn from the lighthouse in the distance that was kind of driving me up the wall before I fell asleep. Other that that... everything was absolutely awesome, stunning landscape everywhere.

  • Ashley S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2018

    Cutler Coast Public Land — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    Worth the Trek

    This is probably the most beautiful coastal location in the state of Maine. The campsites are very limited and this is a popular spot. Show up early to get one!

    We did it as a weekend backpacking trip with the dog. Campsites are all located in gorgeous spots, but there is very little running water. We did find some to filter but would recommend bringing at least 5L per person and another 2L or more depending on the size of your dog. We have a cocker spaniel so she’s not huge but she’s black and over heats easily so she did drink a fair amount of our water. there is a commode of sorts at each campsite but you can’t be shy! It’s definitely not enclosed. Just a toilet seat in the woods. I think our neighbors kids saw my butt. There were no signs about alcohol but keep in mind you have to pack everything out. We packed in a beer each for a wonderful backpacking treat. Worth the weight.

    There are a ton of resources and write ups, check out the website and do your homework.

Guide to Grand Lake Stream

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Grand Lake Stream, Maine, where nature lovers can immerse themselves in serene landscapes and enjoy the freedom of off-grid camping.

Scenic Riverfront Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • The Machias Rips Campsite offers stunning riverfront views and easy access to fishing and swimming opportunities, making it a perfect spot for water enthusiasts.
  • With several sites located along the Machias River, campers can enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water while taking in the natural beauty of the area.
  • This location is known for its maintained pit toilets, providing a bit of comfort while still being off the grid.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Grand Lake Stream, Maine

  • Be prepared for bugs, especially during the summer months; bringing repellent is essential when camping at the Machias Rips Campsite.
  • The dirt road leading to the site can be tricky to find, so keep an eye out for the blue sign marking the entrance to ensure you don’t miss it.
  • While cell service may be limited, the area is perfect for disconnecting and enjoying nature, with opportunities for hiking and exploring nearby trails.

Unique Features of the Cutler Coast for Dispersed Campers

  • The Cutler Coast Public Land provides breathtaking coastal views and rugged hiking trails, ideal for adventurous campers looking to explore the Maine coastline.
  • With only a few campsites available, this area offers a more secluded experience, allowing you to truly connect with nature.
  • Campers should be aware that fires are not permitted, so plan accordingly and bring alternative cooking methods for your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permits for camping at Grand Lake Stream?

No special permits are required for dispersed camping at Grand Lake Stream and surrounding areas, but there are important regulations to follow. At Long Point — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve, camping is limited to designated sites only, with no reservations available – it's strictly first-come, first-served. The limited number of sites (only 5 total along the Cutler Coast) means arriving early is essential, especially during weekends and summer months. While camping is free, you must practice proper Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all waste. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so check with Maine Forest Service before your trip for current regulations regarding campfires.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Grand Lake Stream Maine?

Dispersed camping options near Grand Lake Stream include the scenic Cutler Coast Public Land, offering five oceanfront walk-in campsites accessible via hiking trails. This popular coastal destination requires some hiking to reach the campsites, with distances ranging from 3-5 miles depending on which site you choose. For more accessible dispersed camping, Machias River Camp off Route 9 provides drive-in sites between Amherst and Wesley. These locations offer true off-grid experiences in the beautiful Maine wilderness, though they're first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak summer months.

What fishing opportunities are available at Grand Lake Stream?

Grand Lake Stream is renowned for its world-class landlocked salmon and brook trout fishing. The area's clear, cold waters create ideal conditions for fly fishing, especially during the spring and fall seasons. While fishing at Machias Rips Campsite, you can enjoy excellent river fishing right from the riverbank, with sites positioned directly along the water. The Machias River corridor offers both wade fishing opportunities and deeper pools. Bring proper fishing gear and insect repellent, as the waterways can be buggy depending on the season. Maine fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before your trip.

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