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Best Dispersed Camping near Medford, ME

5 Reviews

The northern Maine wilderness surrounding Medford features primarily dispersed, primitive camping options on public lands. Seboeis Public Lands offers free lakefront sites with basic amenities including fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Within driving distance, campers can also access Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite and Upper Gravel Pit dispersed camping area, both offering no-fee camping in more remote settings. These sites typically accommodate tent camping with limited facilities, though some areas can handle small campers or RVs on level ground. The region's camping options reflect Maine's rugged backcountry character, with most sites situated near water bodies or offering mountain views.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites accessible via gravel or dirt roads that may become challenging during wet weather. As Jean C. notes about Seboeis Public Lands, "The road starts out paved, then switches into a graded gravel road." Cell service is generally limited once off main roads, with spotty coverage reported at most sites. Winter access requires specialized transportation, with snowmobiles or skis needed for many areas. The 14-day stay limit at public lands is standard, though popular waterfront sites often remain occupied for extended periods. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservation systems, requiring flexible planning.

Wildlife viewing represents a significant draw for campers in the Medford region. Lazy Tom Bog is known as a "moose hotspot" according to multiple reviewers, with dawn and dusk offering prime viewing opportunities. Tina D. reports, "In the two nights we stayed here, we saw 5 moose." Kayaking enhances wildlife viewing potential at water-adjacent sites. Mountain views are another highlight, particularly at Upper Gravel Pit, which Thomas B. describes as having "amazing views of the surrounding mountains." Nearby hiking trails complement the camping experience, with Little Moose Public Lands providing access to scenic trails with moderate elevation changes. The primitive nature of these sites requires self-sufficiency, as most lack drinking water, trash facilities, or modern amenities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Medford, Maine (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Medford, ME

10 Photos of 4 Medford Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Medford, ME

5 Reviews of 4 Medford 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

Guide to Medford

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Medford, Maine, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Seboeis Public Lands

  • This area offers free camping with the option to stay for up to 14 days, making it a great choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature at Seboeis Public Lands.

Top activities while free camping near Medford

  • Boating and fishing are popular activities here, especially at Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite, where you can paddle out to spot moose in their natural habitat.

Scenic views for dispersed campers

  • For breathtaking mountain views, head to Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed, where you can enjoy a wide-open area perfect for stargazing and hiking nearby trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Southern Oregon?

Dispersed camping sites in Southern Oregon are typically primitive with minimal amenities. At Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed, you'll find established fire pits in a large mowed area with spectacular mountain views, but generally no other facilities except occasional temporary porta-potties during peak seasons. Most dispersed sites offer no running water, electricity, or trash service. Jewett Cove Boat Launch provides boat access but limited amenities. Come prepared with enough water, a waste disposal plan, and everything needed for self-sufficient camping. Cell service varies widely by location.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Medford, Oregon?

Free dispersed camping is available in several locations near Medford. Seboeis Public Lands offers no-fee camping with a generous 14-day stay limit, though lakefront drive-in sites can be competitive due to their popularity. When searching for dispersed camping around Medford, look for designated public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management or National Forest Service. These areas typically allow dispersed camping with appropriate permits. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles by using existing fire rings when available and properly disposing of waste.

Is RV boondocking allowed at dispersed camping areas around Medford?

Yes, RV boondocking is generally allowed at dispersed camping areas around Medford, though site accessibility varies significantly. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite can accommodate RVs and is accessible via dirt logging roads, though caution is advised for larger rigs. Before bringing your RV to any dispersed site, it's recommended to scout the location first in a smaller vehicle to ensure appropriate access and space for your rig. Most dispersed sites have no hookups, so come prepared for true boondocking with sufficient water, waste capacity, and power. Observe posted stay limits, which are typically 14 days within a 28-day period.

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