Dispersed camping opportunities surround Greenville Junction, Maine, located at the southern end of Moosehead Lake at 1,026 feet elevation. The region transitions through distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 75°F and winters dropping below freezing with substantial snowfall. Primitive sites typically allow 14-day stays with most requiring campers to carry in all supplies and water.
What to do
Hiking near ponds: Little Moose Public Lands tract offers several marked trails with varying difficulty levels. The Little Moose Ponds Loop Trail provides access to primitive campsites with a moderate one-mile hike from the trailhead. "Great views are found along the Little Moose Pond Trail for people looking for a decent hike but not too much elevation change (approximately 4.3 miles and 650 feet of elevation change)," notes a camper at Upper Gravel Pit.
Wildlife viewing: The Moosehead region hosts abundant wildlife, particularly moose. Early morning and evening hours provide the best viewing opportunities at small ponds. A visitor at Rum Pond Campsite reported, "We saw massive amounts of moose droppings along the trail near Cranberry Pond and did see a large bull moose at the small pond just off to the right-hand side as you enter Rum Pond Road from Ki Road."
Water activities: Numerous ponds and lakes support fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Rum Pond spans 250 acres and contains native brook trout (no live bait allowed). At Lily Bay State Park, one camper mentioned, "Bring your Kayaks and paddle to Sugar Island or explore the small islands in Lily Bay. Lots of swimming spots."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many camping areas offer direct water access from individual sites. At Rowell Cove Campground, a camper praised "Site 16 on the water you can launch your kayak from the site." Others appreciate the layout: "The sites are beautifully arranged along the cove, with almost every outside site with water access."
Clean facilities: State park and private facilities maintain high cleanliness standards. Regarding Lily Bay State Park, one reviewer noted, "The hosts clean the sites after check out so they are clean and ready for the next guests." Another mentioned, "Sometimes the water is really hot, sometimes it's frigid but the showers are really clean."
Off-grid experience: Many campers appreciate the remote nature of the region. At Little Moose Pond Campsite, a visitor described it as a "Beautiful, secluded primitive campground" with "great views of the pond and surrounding woodlands. The site is on the north side of the pond so the morning sunshine greets you and the sunset lights up the southern hillside in the evening."
What you should know
Facilities vary significantly: Services range from full-hookup RV resorts to primitive sites with no facilities. At Little Moose Pond Campsite, "The toilet is essentially a toilet seat on a wooden box so there is no privacy but it is tucked away from the trail and campsite enough that it can't be seen."
Reservations recommended: Popular waterfront sites fill quickly, especially at established campgrounds. "Reservations start early in the year online and waterfront sites sell out fast," warns a camper at Lily Bay State Park.
Fire permit requirements: Burn permits are required for many primitive sites. For Little Moose Public Lands campsites, "You will need to call 207-695-3721 to see about obtaining a burn permit before starting a fire." Most sites provide fire rings or pits, but firewood collection policies vary.
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites can be challenging. Rum Pond Campsite access involves "the road from Greenville is paved part of the way and then turns to gravel. You don't need a 4-wheel drive vehicle, but the road is bumpy in some spots."
Tips for camping with families
Established campgrounds offer amenities: For families with children, developed campgrounds provide more structured activities. At Spacious Skies Balsam Woods, amenities include "a nice pool, game room for kids, a small camp store, and even a snack bar and ice cream counter." One camper noted, "Kiddos riding bikes and going on hayrides. Adults having fun at night but still respected quiet hours."
Educational opportunities: Several local attractions offer learning experiences. A camper suggested, "Plan to visit Elephant Mountain and see the site of the B-52 crash. New blue tourist info and landmark signs make finding the once relatively 'secret' spots much easier."
Groceries and supplies: Stock up before arriving at remote sites. "Bring everything you need with you, do your food shopping on the way. Greenville is maybe 15 miles away, the quickest way is a logging road, conditions of the logging roads can vary," advises a camper at Indian Pond Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited big-rig access: Many primitive and state park sites cannot accommodate large RVs. At Moose Creek RV Resort, "The only criticism we have is that a handful of sites are sloped and we would not be able to get our 45' motorhome level, luckily our site (#10) was perfectly level."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on your specific needs and vehicle. "Our favorite sites are 10 and 17-26 which are back-ins with privacy behind you and nice separation between sites," reports a camper at Moose Creek RV Resort.
Generator considerations: Not all campgrounds allow generators. At Rowell Cove Campground, one camper complained, "Unfortunately, family in the neighboring site ran their generator from 8am-8pm. Please don't go to rustic campgrounds if you want electricity all day. Rustic sites are not for you. Go someplace with electric hookups and let the rest of us enjoy the peace and quiet."
