Tent camping near Greenville Junction, Maine centers around the Little Moose Public Lands, a 15,000-acre wilderness area with several remote pond-side campsites. Located in Maine's Moosehead Lake region at elevations between 1,000-1,800 feet, these sites experience cooler temperatures than surrounding areas, with overnight lows frequently dropping into the 40s even in summer. Most primitive campsites require registration at trailhead information boards, with stays limited to 5-14 days depending on location.
What to do
Paddling the ponds: Several campsites have canoes stashed nearby or allow for easy launching of personal watercraft. At Rum Pond Campsite, "The campsite is also accessible by water. About two tenths of a mile from the parking lot is a hand-carry launch and from there you can paddle to the campsite."
Fishing for native brook trout: The ponds contain protected native fish populations with specific regulations. At Rum Pond, "The pond does have native brook trout so no live bait is allowed to be used," ensuring preservation of the native species.
Hiking interconnected trails: The public lands feature several marked trails connecting ponds and viewpoints. At Little Notch Pond Campsite, visitors can "Head down the relatively easy trail (about 250 feet elevation change) for about ¾ of a mile until you reach the campsite."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and evening offer prime wildlife watching times around the ponds. One camper 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."
What campers like
Secluded water access: Most tent sites offer direct pond frontage with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. At Trout Pond Campsite, "The campsite is really large in a nice open cleared spot with some large trees for shade... The pond is beautiful, and you have water access from this campsite."
Morning sunlight positioning: The orientation of some sites creates ideal natural lighting conditions. At Little Moose Pond, "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."
Dispersed options beyond designated sites: For those seeking even more isolation, free alternatives exist. At AMC Medawisla Lodge and Cabins, "Find amazing dispersed rustic campsites around Second Roach Pond... Sites are self-serve and are accessible via water or by car. Beautiful waterfront sites - bring your own kayak/canoe/SUP and you can paddle over to the main lodge or explore the lake while listening to the loons call."
Mountain views from elevated sites: Some camping areas provide panoramic vistas without strenuous hiking. At Upper Gravel Pit, "The camping area is level and roomy with some pretty views of the surrounding mountains."
What you should know
Fire permit requirements: All sites require advance permission for campfires. "A fire permit is required and can be sought by calling (207) 778-8231" at Trout Pond Campsite, while other locations use different contact numbers.
Toilet facilities vary significantly: From proper vault toilets to primitive options with no privacy. At Big Moose Pond Campsite, "There is an enclosed vault toilet located between the two sites." In contrast, at other locations "The toilet is essentially a toilet seat on an open wooden frame with chicken wire around it."
Campsite spacing considerations: Some areas have closely positioned sites. At Wilson Streams Area, "Sites 1 and 2 are pretty close together so there is shared space. Sites 4 and 5 are across the gravel road in a shrubby area and super close together as well."
Seasonal challenges: Spring brings muddy conditions and insects, while fall offers colorful foliage but colder nights. "The path to get to the campsite is relatively flat and easy to traverse except over some of the wooden planks which were slippery when I visited due to recent rain."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shorter access trails: Some sites require minimal hiking, better for younger children. At Upper Gravel Pit, "The short road up to the camping area is quite steep with somewhat loose rocks" but requires no significant hiking to reach.
Consider sites with vault toilets: Enclosed facilities provide more comfort for children. At Big Moose Pond, "There is an enclosed vault toilet located between the two sites," making it more family-friendly than sites with primitive facilities.
Pack extra water containers: No potable water exists at primitive sites. "There are no utilities, potable water, restroom, or garbage facilities so bring the water your need and carry out your trash."
Look for sites with level tent pads: Many areas have cleared, flat spaces ideal for family tents. At Trout Pond Campsite, "The ground is level and cleared so there is no problem finding a place to put your tent."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most dispersed camping near Greenville Junction is tent-only. For RVs, consider established campgrounds farther from the ponds. At Northeast Whitewater Lodge, "There are no RV/Van camping facilities. All camping is walk-in as you can't drive to your site."
Access road conditions: Many roads leading to trailheads have rough sections. "The gravel pit is located in Little Moose Public Lands on North Road... The road to the pit is gravel and bumpy but you don't need a 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle."
Day use options: RVers can park at trailheads and explore during the day. "There are two parking lots of which one has two picnic tables and a fire pit for day use" at Rum Pond, allowing day visits without overnight camping.
Services in Greenville: For supplies and dump stations, the town offers necessary amenities. "There is a dump station at the nearby Moosehead Family Campground" and "Downtown Greenville is a great little mountain town."
