Looking for the best campgrounds near Millinocket, ME? Millinocket is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Millinocket, ME. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"There's no fee to camp on Seboeis public lands and you can stay up to 14 days."
"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."
"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."
LegendDispersed 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.
LegendThere'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.
TravelerGreat 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.
TravelerEasy 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.
RangerThis 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!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Millinocket, Maine, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free camping near Baxter State Park in Millinocket, Maine?
Seboeis Public Lands offers free camping with stays permitted up to 14 days. This area provides lakefront sites that are accessible by car, though they can be difficult to secure during peak seasons due to their popularity. For another option, Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed provides free camping in a large mowed area with existing fire pits and room for multiple campers. This site offers beautiful mountain views and is suitable for those comfortable with dry camping. Be prepared for primitive conditions at both locations with no hookups or facilities, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
What campgrounds are available in Millinocket, Maine for dispersed camping?
The Millinocket area offers several dispersed camping options. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite is a popular primitive site known for excellent moose viewing opportunities, especially if you bring kayaks or canoes. It's located just past the bridge off Spencer Bay Road. Another option is Jewett Cove Boat Launch, which offers drive-in access for dispersed camping. These sites are typically primitive with no facilities, so come prepared with everything you need including water and waste disposal solutions. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and check local regulations regarding fire restrictions and stay limits.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Millinocket, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Millinocket, ME is Seboeis Public Lands with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Millinocket, ME?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Millinocket, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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