Best Dispersed Camping near Greenville, ME

Dispersed camping areas near Greenville, Maine span several free, primitive locations throughout the surrounding public lands. Upper Gravel Pit provides a large mowed area with two established fire rings atop a gravel pit in Little Moose Public Lands, accessible via North Road. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite off Spencer Bay Road serves as another no-fee option, while Seboeis Public Lands offers lakefront dispersed sites with a 14-day stay limit. Additional locations include Trout Brook Campground, Dead River Access, and boat-in sites like Philbrick Landing and Mosquito Rips along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

Road access varies significantly between sites. Most dispersed areas require navigation on gravel or dirt roads that may be bumpy, steep, or feature loose rocks. Upper Gravel Pit's access road is described as "gravel and bumpy" with a "steep road with somewhat loose rocks" leading to the camping area. Trout Brook access is characterized as "rough, not for normal street cars." Sites universally lack amenities - no drinking water, electricity, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies. While most sites permit campfires, fire permits are required in some locations, such as along the Moose Bow Loop. Several reviews note the importance of bringing "everything you need" as "there's nothing anywhere around."

The remote settings provide exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. "This is a moose hot spot," notes one review about Lazy Tom Bog, where photographers and kayakers commonly spot moose at dawn and dusk. According to reviews, Upper Gravel Pit offers "amazing views of the surrounding mountains" and serves as a convenient base for hiking in Little Moose Public Lands. Many sites face challenges with privacy and competition for prime spots. As one visitor observed at Seboeis Public Lands, "because it's free and extended stays are permitted, it can be hard to snag a drive-in, lakefront site." Trout Brook Campground features "4 sites, 3 have no separation between them," showing the trade-off between free camping and privacy common throughout the region's dispersed sites.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Greenville, Maine (8)

    1. Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Greenville Junction, ME
    5 miles

    "Great spot is you don't mind dry camping. Amazing views of the surrounding mountains. There are two sites and plenty of space between them."

    2. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Frenchtown, ME
    17 miles

    "A short distance down the dirt roads north of town and known for moose. A few cars in and out checking for moose, but a peaceful night's sleep."

    "You will find this site just past the bridge off Spencer Bay Road (old logging road) on the right (when coming from the main roads).

    Bring boats if you want to see moose. We had kayaks."

    4. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    2 Reviews
    Caratunk, ME
    33 miles

    "The main camping area has about 10 long narrow sites that have large rocks bordering each site. Each site is bordered by the road. There is a single vaulted toilet."

    "I have been here numerous time with my GF and my friends alike and just about every time we have spotted moose and had a great time in the backroads of maine."

    5. Philbrick Landing

    1 Review
    Caratunk, ME
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 496-2285

    "This is a small impacted spot along the Dead River along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT)."

    6. Seboeis Public Lands

    1 Review
    Brownville Junction, ME
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 941-4412

    "There's no fee to camp on Seboeis public lands and you can stay up to 14 days."

    7. Mosquito Rips

    1 Review
    Jackman, ME
    37 miles
    Website

    "The site is small and impacted but has a nice picnic table, fire pit and outhouse."

    8. Trout Brook Campground

    4 Reviews
    Stratton, ME
    45 miles

    "Posted up to 14 days max. Even an out-house."

    "You’re camping close to others but it was quiet at night when we were there mid-week."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Greenville, ME

13 Reviews of 8 Greenville Campgrounds


  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2022

    Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed

    Nice Views, no Facilities

    Dispersed Gravel Pit This is a large mowed area on top of a gravel pit. There are two fire pits but plenty of room for more than two campers. We drove up in our car before bringing our motorhome because we were a little suspicious of the site and didn’t want to get stuck in an inappropriate place. The gravel pit is located in Little Moose Public Lands on North Road. After the intersection of Big Squaw Road, continue on North Road for another half mile and the pit is on your right. The road to the pit is gravel and bumpy but you don’t need a 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle. The short road up to the camping area is quite steep with somewhat loose rocks. There are no utilities, potable water, restroom, or garbage facilities so bring the water your need and carry out your trash. (There is a dump station at the nearby Moosehead Family Campground.) 

    Basically, it is a wide-open area with two fire pits.  You are permitted to collect downed wood for fires or there are numerous places to purchase bundles in town. The camping area is level and roomy with some pretty views of the surrounding mountains. The best thing about camping here is the easy access to the great hiking in Little Moose Public Lands. 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). Or hike up Big Moose Mountain for expansive views of Moosehead Lake and the surrounding mountains (approximately 4.4 and 1,800 feet of elevation change). This campsite is just a few miles from downtown Greenville where you will find a well-stocked large grocery, restaurants, outdoor oufitters, fuel, and a couple of small museums.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Trout Brook Campground

    Primitive Camping at it's most Public

    This location is Beautiful, but it comes at the cost of privacy.  When I first discovered this spot, it wasn't an official campsite, people just came here to swim and there was a fire ring. That was over 20yrs ago.

    There are 4 sites, 3 have no separation between them, 1 is at the entrance, all are on the access road with 0 privacy.  This area is overused, and it shows, sites are warn in and if there was room relocating fire pits and allowing some nature to come back would be nice.  I managed to tuck myself into a private alcove of trees on the #1 site, but still was in full view of headlights and people driving in to see if there was space.  The site I had was big enough that I shared it with a couple that had a small child, and they had their own section. 

    There are no service, no water, no electricity, no to little cell coverage.  There is one pit toilet.  

    The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars.

    Did I mention lack of privacy?

    See pics.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Seboeis Public Lands

    Small primitive campground on a large lake

    There's no fee to camp on Seboeis public lands and you can stay up to 14 days. That said, because it’s free and extended(14-day) stays are permitted, it can be hard to snag a drive-in, lakefront site. I returned on 3 consecutive weekdays and the only drive-in sites were occupied by the same campers. 

    There is some slope to the lakefront sites, but there seemed to be relatively level space to pitch a tent. In addition to a couple of drive-in lakefront sites, there is another one where you park on the road and walk down to, also along the waterfront. 

    There are two sites in the‘pit,’ and one of those emptied out the first day I visited, but it wasn’t an appealing area. It is very large and flat, however, so if you have a group or a lot of gear, this may be the best option. If you’re in a tent, be sure to bring a groundcloth to protect the tent, a mattress to cushion your sleep. 

    The other sites are accessible by boat with parking available near the boat launch, but there’s not extensive parking here, so plan to arrive early to ensure you get a spot on busy weekends. There’s a boat ramp with a small dock. Latrines provide toilet facilities. Cell phone coverage(Verizon) is spotty once you turn off the main road, but you may be able to find a place to send texts; you can definitely text from the main road and get intermittent data.

    Activities include boating (can get choppy when it's windy), fishing, hunting, ATV riding.

    The campground is open year round, but you’ll need a snowmobile or skis to get in during the winter. The road starts out paved, then switches into a graded gravel road.

  • Thomas B.
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed

    Great Views

    Great spot is you don't mind dry camping. Amazing views of the surrounding mountains. There are two sites and plenty of space between them. When I went (labor day weekend) there was a porta-potty about 1.5 miles down the road. Plenty of trail heads nearby. About 30 mins to downtown Greenville.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2022

    Philbrick Landing

    Secluded spot along the NFCT

    This is a small impacted spot along the Dead River along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT). The site is not easily visible from the river and there is a steep bank you have to navigate to unload and pull your canoe or kayak up for the evening. That being said, it is a nice spot to spend an evening.

    When we were there, there was a small bench and a few stumps that were nice for seating. The campsite is at the end of an old logging road that you can walk down quite a ways. In the summer months, you will find an abundance of blueberries! 

    This is a primitive backcountry site so pack it in, pack it out. And maybe take a few extra pieces of trash with you! There is a large fire ring and a little gravel area we used to cook. There's plenty of flat space for a couple of 2-3 person tents. The stars are beautiful to boot! Definitely bring everything you need with you because there's nothing anywhere around.

  • Chris T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2023

    Trout Brook Campground

    Dispersed site with lake access

    Very wooded. Road is passable for most any vehicle. Not larger RV friendly but was comfortable enough to get the 27' foot trailer in. Some fire rings and tables available. Cannot be beat for zero dollars. Posted up to 14 days max. Even an out-house.

  • Paula C.
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    Nice and easy stay

    Easy to find. This wasn't a private area, but was easy to find, park and spend an evening. Not far from Kokadjo. A short distance down the dirt roads north of town and known for moose. A few cars in and out checking for moose, but a peaceful night's sleep.

  • Tina D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2018

    Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    Moose Photographers Dream

    This is a moose hot spot. You will find this site just past the bridge off Spencer Bay Road (old logging road) on the right (when coming from the main roads).

    Bring boats if you want to see moose. We had kayaks. We stayed here, just to be up early enough to paddle out and wait for moose to show up. We have gone here kayaking from other nearby campsites too. Staying in the actual site was easier than getting ready somewhere else and hoping no one was in the site so we could put our boats in.

    Site is first come first serve. You basically drive down a small driveway area, into an open gravel spot with a fire pit. You could bring a very small camper. We just put a tent and parked the car so it blocked the tent view if someone pulled in so their headlights would not be on us. Completely primitive. NO facilities. Nothing fancy. A spot to sleep and get up early for photography (or fishing if that's your thing). Take all your trash with you and bring hand sanitizer/bio-degradable TP/shovel.

    Because this IS a hotspot for moose. Locals do come here at dusk and dawn, but hey mostly sit on the sides of the road by the bridge that goes over the bog/water. It's also a popular fishing area - from the road/bridge. Pretty sure certain tours bring people here or tell them to come here to look for moose, but you are WAY more likely to find one if you get in your kayak.

    In the two nights we stayed here, we saw 5 moose. Likely the same 2-3 but hard to tell. We saw them at dusk and dawn. You only need to walk your boats about 10 feet to slide them in the water from the camping area. Once in the water, go to the left and it goes around a bend. We always took a short zig zagging trip through the area (it snakes along) slowly and quietly paddling. They show up a lot just past the first left you take (after going left out of the site). if you are really patient you can just sit there. We are a bit stir crazy though and preferred going back and forth slowly to occupy the senses.

    Good luck and enjoy!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    Beautiful location on the river

    The main camping area has about 10 long narrow sites that have large rocks bordering each site. Each site is bordered by the road. There is a single vaulted toilet.

    The paved area of the road ends just past the campground. Lots of people drive just past the pavement and then they turn around.

    Across the road from the campground is a beautiful river. The sound of the river put us to sleep and greeted us the next morning.


Guide to Greenville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Greenville, Maine, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering stunning views and outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Top Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts While Free Camping Near Greenville

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and hiking opportunities at Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed, where you can explore nearby trails and soak in the surrounding mountains.
  • For moose enthusiasts, the Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite is a prime spot for wildlife photography, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Kayaking is a must at Philbrick Landing, where you can paddle along the Dead River and enjoy the serene environment.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Greenville, Maine

  • Always pack out what you pack in; sites like Trout Brook Campground emphasize the importance of leaving no trace, as facilities are minimal.
  • Bring your own water and supplies, especially when visiting places like Mosquito Rips, which offer no drinking water or trash services.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; accessing Seboeis Public Lands may require a vehicle suited for gravel roads.

Scenic Spots for Nature Lovers While Dispersed Camping

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 4WD required for accessing dispersed camping areas around Greenville?

4WD is generally not required for most dispersed camping areas around Greenville, though road conditions vary. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road has a paved road leading to the campground, making it accessible for standard vehicles. Philbrick Landing is more suitable for canoe/kayak access along the Dead River. For some areas like Trout Brook, campers report the road is passable for most vehicles including pulling smaller trailers. However, during wet weather or spring thaw, roads can deteriorate quickly. It's advisable to check recent conditions and consider a vehicle with higher clearance if venturing to more remote sites.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Greenville?

Dispersed camping in the Greenville area typically allows stays up to 14 days maximum. Seboeis Public Lands follows this standard 14-day limit and doesn't charge fees for camping. Trout Brook Campground also posts a 14-day maximum stay policy and is free to use. Most dispersed sites in the region require pack-in, pack-out practices for all trash. Existing fire rings should be used where available, and campers should follow Leave No Trace principles. Some areas may have seasonal restrictions or closures, particularly during mud season, so check current conditions before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Greenville?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Greenville. Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed offers a large open area with mountain views, located about 30 minutes from downtown Greenville. It features two established sites with fire pits and plenty of space between them. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite is another option, found off Spencer Bay Road past the bridge. It's known as a moose hotspot and is a short distance down dirt roads north of Kokadjo. For water access camping, look to the various sites along rivers and lakes throughout the region.