Best Campgrounds near Machiasport, ME

Dispersed camping near Machiasport, Maine includes both established campgrounds and primitive sites across the region. Cobscook Bay State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and glamping accommodations with boat-in and hike-in access options, while Cutler Coast Public Land provides free dispersed camping in the Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve. The coastal location features several waterfront camping options, including South Bay on Rocky Lake in East Machias and Cottonwood Camping & RV Park in Columbia Falls with cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations, with limited year-round options.

The dramatic tidal changes in this coastal region significantly impact camping experiences and water access. A review noted, "One could easily break an ankle or leg here trying to scramble to your assigned campsite. These are not drive-in sites with isolated exceptions." Cobscook Bay experiences extreme tides with some campsites featuring steep drops to the water, requiring careful planning for kayak launches and water activities. Many campsites in the region have limited or no drinking water facilities, particularly at dispersed sites like Cutler Coast Public Land where fires are also prohibited. Cell service varies throughout the area, with more remote locations having minimal coverage. Winter Harbor and nearby small towns provide basic provisions, though travelers should arrive prepared with supplies.

Waterfront views and coastal access represent primary attractions for campers in the Machiasport region. The Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve receives high ratings for its pristine coastal hiking and primitive camping opportunities. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Cobscook Bay State Park is one of the best campgrounds we've been to in America, beautiful views, close to amazing hiking." Most campgrounds feature varying levels of privacy, with walk-in sites generally offering more seclusion than drive-up options. Visitors particularly value sites with water views and access to the Bold Coast Trail, known for dramatic rocky coastline views. RV accommodations are limited at some locations, with Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offering the most comprehensive hookup options for larger vehicles. The region's relative remoteness contributes to its appeal for those seeking a quieter Maine coastal camping experience away from more tourist-heavy areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Machiasport, Maine (63)

    1. Cobscook Bay State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Whiting, ME
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 726-4412

    $20 / night

    "One of the best campgrounds we’ve been to in America, beautiful views, close to amazing hiking (highly recommend bold coast trail)."

    "There are showers at the main area, a bit of a walk or drive. There is a boat launch area a short distance away and the kayaking is great. This campground was so quiet and peaceful. We loved it."

    2. Cutler Coast Public Land — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    7 Reviews
    Whiting, ME
    11 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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!"

    3. Tom's Retreat on Gardner Lake

    1 Review
    Machiasport, ME
    5 miles
    +1 (347) 595-3963

    $42 / night

    "Brought our own kayak to enjoy Gardner and Second Lakes!"

    4. South Bay on Rocky Lake

    2 Reviews
    Whitneyville, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 941-4412

    "After turning off the highway you take a dirt road for about a mile until you see a sign for the campsites."

    "Picked this location because it was close to several locations we could take day trips to the coast. Visited Bar Harbor, Eastport and several places in between."

    5. Cottonwood Camping & RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Addison, ME
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 598-8497

    "The very clean restrooms were located nearby , which was convient. The staff was so friendly and very accommodating."

    "This is the first campground we have stayed at that has ATV trail access, horse friendly camping, full hookups, pull through sites, tent camping, tent rentals, teepee rentals, "tiny bird cabin", and a"

    6. Sunset Point RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Lubec, ME
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 733-2272

    $35 - $40 / night

    "The tent sites are great — right on the water’s edge — and much more spacious and private than the hookup sites."

    "The only downside is they are farther away from the bathroom.) Some tent sites (A– D) have a wooden shade structure with picnic table and fire pit, the others just have a fire pit and picnic table."

    7. Long Point — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    1 Review
    Whiting, ME
    12 miles
    Website

    "This spot is situated right along the Maine coast and has one heck of a view, not to mention a nice gravel beach!"

    8. Mud Landing On Rocky Lake

    1 Review
    Whitneyville, ME
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 941-4412

    9. Fair Head — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    1 Review
    Whiting, ME
    11 miles
    Website

    "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)."

    10. Cutler Coast Public Land

    1 Review
    Whiting, ME
    12 miles

    "The area serves as a hub for day hikes and offers five oceanfront walk-in campsites.  Most vehicles in the lot belong to hikers and campers."

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Recent Reviews near Machiasport, ME

346 Reviews of 63 Machiasport Campgrounds


  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Nice enough

    There are about 5 spots. Some are rough and not super flat, but it's pretty and the river is right there. You can hear the highway but it's not too bad. Only real negative for me was nowhere to really walk my dogs, nothing even close to a trail nearby. Just the highway.

  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Good spot but wood is rough

    I love the spot but all the wood is from outside the campgrounds. Its not so “dry” more like just chopped and bundled had to tend to it for over a hour+ just to get enough dry to keep the fire going. But overall a very nice quite camprground.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Machias River Camp off Route 9

    My favorite spot in Maine!!

    Super cool mixed use land with established campsites. 6 or 7 in total I think. Right on Machias river. Great ATT service.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    So lucky!

    We tried staying here in the summer a few years back and it filled up weeks ahead of time. We got lucky this trip and got one spot open same day. Got here super late and was surrounded by other campers but the trees all around gave us privacy and everyone was super quiet so no disruptive folks like so many campgrounds. The bathrooms don’t have showers of course but they are so clean it was a great thing from other sites pit toilets. If you’re in Acadia this is the spot!

  • B
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Great campground

    quiet, wooded, relatively secluded. good spot at 111 where we stayed. nice places for tents. private showers outside main camping area were a positive since none in camping area itself.

  • Jenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park

    Beautiful campground and a beautiful park!

    A good campground in a absolutely wonderful park. There's a lot of trees around so even though the campsites are close together they feel very private. Good amount of bathrooms, trash cans, and water spickets

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Keenes Lake Family Campground

    Nice people

    We stayed here one night in mid September. There are new owners and they are really nice people. It is hard to get a level site but the owner let us pick what was best for us based on what was available. Majority of campers are seasonal. The shower had hot water and a heat lamp but could use a renovation. Quiet place with a pretty lake.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Sunset Point RV Park

    Nice place

    We stayed here without a reservation in mid September. No trees and sites are right next to each other without any privacy but the surrounding views are beautiful! We were in site 23 which was right on water with a great sunset. Extremely nice showers - they are completely enclosed so you are not subject to the outside temperatures. Would stay here again.


Guide to Machiasport

Camping near Machiasport, Maine, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers appreciate the close proximity to trails, with one reviewer noting, "I love that the southern ridge trailhead for Cadillac mountain leaves from the campgrounds and connects to a bunch of other trails" at Blackwoods Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper mentioned, "We did see dozens of deer (big and small) in this location; by far the most wildlife of any of the three Acadia campgrounds" while staying at Seawall Campground.
  • Kayaking: Enjoy the water activities available nearby. A reviewer at Cobscook Bay State Park Campground highlighted, "The kayaking is great," making it a perfect spot for water lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often rave about the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One visitor at Mount Desert Campground said, "Restrooms were very clean and there was plenty of hot water for the coin-operated showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many appreciate the spaciousness of the sites. A camper at Schoodic Woods Campground noted, "The sites are carefully designed so that although you might hear your neighbor you likely will not see them."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers frequently mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Hadley's Point Campground stated, "Nice staff. Nice size lot clean."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds do not take reservations. A visitor at Bar Harbor Campground explained, "This campground is huge, and takes no reservations, so it works great for us who don’t like to plan ahead."
  • Limited Amenities: Be prepared for limited amenities at certain sites. A camper at Schoodic Woods Campground mentioned, "There are no showers onsite so come prepared."
  • Bug Spray: Insect repellent is a must. One camper at Cobscook Bay State Park Campground advised, "Definitely bring insect repellent and/or a screen room."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Smuggler's Den Campground noted, "The playground was great for the kids. The swimming pool was a highlight as well."
  • Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours. One camper at Hadley's Point Campground mentioned, "The only problem was kids running around during quiet hour."
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. A visitor at Mount Desert Campground shared, "There are lovely camp roads to walk, run, or bike."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure to check the size of your site. A camper at Schoodic Woods Campground advised, "Choose your site carefully if you have a large rig."
  • Dump Station Availability: Know where the dump stations are located. A reviewer at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA mentioned, "Be advised many sites do not have dump stations."
  • Leveling Equipment: Bring leveling equipment for uneven sites. A camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort noted, "Most spots are on uneven to very uneven ground, come prepared with whatever method you have to level out your setup."

Camping near Machiasport, Maine, provides a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Machiasport, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, Machiasport, ME offers a wide range of camping options, with 63 campgrounds and RV parks near Machiasport, ME and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Machiasport, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Machiasport, ME is Cobscook Bay State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Machiasport, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Machiasport, ME.