Top Free Dispersed Camping near Machiasport, ME
Looking for dispersed camping near Machiasport? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Maine camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Machiasport, ME (5)
1. Cutler Coast Public Land
7 Reviews•53 Photos•96 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
2. Long Point- Cutler Coast
1 Review•12 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Alcohol
3. Machias Rips Campsite
4 Reviews•16 Photos•135 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Machiasport
11 Reviews of 5 Machiasport Campgrounds
- GGary
Scout
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.
GuideMachias 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.
Paula C.
Traveler
Cutler Coast Public Land
A quiet night
There were a lot of vehicles in and out to the trailheads, but after dark it was very quiet. We got up at 5am to have the trails to ourselves. It was a peaceful night.
- TTiffanyTraveler
Cutler Coast Public Land
Missing child & mom
Please keep an eye out and call 911 if seen.
- M
Michael L.TravelerCutler Coast Public Land
Amazing Views
We stayed at Fairyhead 1 and it was Awesome! The view right outside your tent is Amazing! If you take the coastal trail to get there, you will have to work for it. The trail gets fairly rugged once you get to the coast, but the payoff is worth it!
Sarah C.
Legend
Long Point- Cutler Coast
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.
- Sarah C.Legend
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.
- Sarah C.Legend
Cutler Coast Public Land
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!
Shari G.LegendCutler Coast Public Land
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.
- Tina D.
RangerCutler Coast Public Land
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.Guide
Cutler Coast Public Land
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 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
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Machiasport, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Machiasport, ME is Cutler Coast Public Land with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Machiasport, ME?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Machiasport, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.