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Best Dispersed Camping near Old Town, ME

5 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Old Town, Maine includes two notable free sites: Machias Rips Campsite and Seboeis Public Lands. Machias Rips is situated along the Machias River between Amherst and Wesley, while Seboeis Public Lands offers primitive camping on a large lake. Both locations permit stays up to 14 days and provide basic amenities like pit toilets but otherwise maintain a primitive, off-grid camping experience. These public lands represent typical Maine backcountry camping opportunities with riverside or lakefront sites.

Access roads to these dispersed camping areas range from paved to gravel with varying conditions. The dirt road to Machias Rips has some potholes but remains passable for standard vehicles, including minivans. Seboeis Public Lands features a road that starts paved then transitions to graded gravel. Both sites accommodate drive-in camping, though the most desirable waterfront spots at Seboeis may require early arrival to secure. Winter access to Seboeis requires snowmobiles or skis. Fire pits are available at Machias Rips, and fires are permitted at both locations except during seasonal restrictions.

These dispersed camping areas provide natural settings with water access and wildlife viewing opportunities. Machias Rips offers fishing for smallmouth bass, chubs, and trout in the river, plus swimming options. Seboeis features a large lake with boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Cell service varies significantly between locations. A recent review noted, "Great free off-grid camping near Canadian border," while another mentioned, "Because it's free and extended stays are permitted, it can be hard to snag a drive-in, lakefront site." Campers should be prepared for bugs, particularly at Machias Rips where one visitor advised, "Camp sites today are very buggy—bring your repellent and/or netting."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Old Town, Maine (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Old Town, ME

4 Photos of 3 Old Town Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Old Town, ME

5 Reviews of 3 Old Town Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2021

    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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2023

    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.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Machias 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.

  • Jillian B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Clean but popular

    Beautiful place. Clean sites. Easy to find and right off rt 9. Seems to be a bathroom pit-stop for travelers on rt 9 due to having the maintained bathroom. So lots of traffic driving in, using the toilet and then driving right back out.

Guide to Old Town

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Old Town, Maine, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With options that allow for free camping, you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors while enjoying the freedom of choosing your own spot.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Old Town, Maine

  • When visiting Seboeis Public Lands, be prepared for limited drive-in lakefront sites, as they can fill up quickly due to the area's popularity and the allowance for extended stays.

Fishing and boating opportunities for dispersed campers

  • The Machias Rips Campsite offers excellent fishing spots along the Machias River, where you can catch smallmouth bass and trout while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Hiking and exploring while free camping near Old Town

  • At Machias River Camp off Route 9, you can find trails that lead deep into the woods, providing a perfect opportunity for hiking and discovering the natural beauty of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Old Town, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Old Town, ME is Machias Rips Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Old Town, ME?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Old Town, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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