Best Campgrounds near Rangeley, ME

Camping locations around Rangeley, Maine range from developed state parks to remote dispersed sites in the western mountains of Maine. Rangeley Lake State Park offers tent and RV sites with lake access, picnic tables, and hot showers, while the Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve provides more secluded wilderness camping on islands and along shorelines. The area includes several private campgrounds with varying amenities, such as Cathedral Pines Campground in Eustis and Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins in Byron, which offer tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Free dispersed camping exists at several locations along Route 16 between Rangeley and Stratton near the Dead River.

Most campgrounds in the Rangeley region operate seasonally from May through September or early October due to Maine's northern climate. Winter conditions typically close most facilities, though some areas permit winter camping for experienced cold-weather enthusiasts. Reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds during peak summer months, particularly for waterfront sites. Primitive dispersed camping areas like those along the Dead River require permits for campfires but not for camping itself. The region's lake-dotted landscape means weather can change rapidly, with wind being a particular consideration for lakeside campers. As one visitor noted, "Weather can change quickly out there. Gets windy. So be prepared."

Lakefront camping stands out as the premier experience in the Rangeley area, with campers frequently mentioning the exceptional views across Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Rangeley Lake. Several visitors highlighted wildlife viewing opportunities, with one camper reporting, "Moose come right through the campground at night." Sites with the highest satisfaction typically combine lake views with adequate privacy between campsites. Bathroom facilities vary widely between locations, with state parks generally receiving positive reviews for cleanliness and hot showers. Campers seeking seclusion often prefer the Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve, which one visitor described as offering "unmatched seclusion" where "sight and sound of others are absent." Cell service is generally available at developed campgrounds near Rangeley but becomes increasingly unreliable in more remote areas and on islands.

Best Camping Sites Near Rangeley, Maine (114)

    1. Rangeley Lake State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Rangeley, ME
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 864-3858

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Quiet 50 site campground on Rangeley Lake. Sites are well spaced with plenty of woods in between for privacy. We were not able to get a water site so we missed out on kayaking."

    "Access to park amenities like lake and hiking trails. Have camped here in summer (be prepared for bugs) and winter (no services) and enjoyed every visit."

    2. Cathedral Pines Campground

    20 Reviews
    Eustis, ME
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 246-3491

    $32 - $40 / night

    "Nestled in western Maine just past Sugarloaf ski mountain lies Cathedral Pines. When you arrive you will appreciate the name."

    "This campground on the shore of Flagstaff Lake features large level sites nestled among towering pines, both with and without hookups (w/e; dump station available)."

    3. Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins

    19 Reviews
    Byron, ME
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 364-3880

    $30 - $210 / night

    "Our site was right next to the river and was fantastic. Ellis pond and Webb lake were close and great to take to canoe out. Worth the trip up to rangeley roughly 40 miles from the camp."

    "Nice trail to the river next to our site. Dog friendly. Fun little scavenger hunt for kids of all ages. Short walk over to Coos Canyon rest area with great swim holes."

    4. Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve Wilderness

    4 Reviews
    Oquossoc, ME
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 864-2003

    "You can either stay on the mainland and walk your belongings to the site, or use the canoes to transport your gear to the island."

    "It's a rare treat to be in a location where sight and sound of others are absent. While a few sites might have a neighbor in view, most offer exceptional privacy."

    5. Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground

    4 Reviews
    Oquossoc, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 864-5249

    "Very nice being several miles out on logging roads away from any towns or noise. Incredibly buggy. Site was advertise as next to the river, but had to walk through heavy vegetation to even see it."

    "It's a nice place on the lake. Nice beach with little seating coves along the waters edge, offers a little privacy. There is a tiny marina, docks for small boats. There are a lot of seasonal campers."

    6. Mount Blue State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Weld, ME
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 585-2347

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Our camp sites were next to each other but also very private. No water or electricity except at the main bathrooms where there are showers, toilets and a dish wash station. Beautiful lake!"

    "Mount Blue is an awesome Maine State Park about 2 hrs. north-west of Portland, 1hr from the White Mts. in NH and 1.5 hours from the Quebec border. "

    7. Cupsuptic Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Oquossoc, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 864-5249

    "There are cabanas and swings next to the water. Moose come right through the campground at night. it’s amazing."

    8. Stealth Site

    2 Reviews
    Rangeley, ME
    4 miles

    9. Smudge Cove

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    10 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "This campsite is along the Forest Legacy Trail and while the trail is managed by one entity, the remote campsites are managed by another."

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Recent Reviews near Rangeley, ME

382 Reviews of 114 Rangeley Campgrounds


  • Mark W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Aziscoos Valley Camping Area

    Great campground near great fishing

    I've camped here several times (June, July, August, September, and October) over the last couple years--usually at no-hookup sites. Most of the sites get enough sun to keep batteries charged and most of the sites are free of Starlink obstructions. I usually stay there mid-week and it's very quiet.

    It's an easy drive to some of the best trout fishing in Maine and New Hampshire.

    The grounds and facilities are extremely well maintained. The staff is great, and I've met some fabulous people camping there. 

    It's Maine so the blackflies and mosquitoes can be a challenge early in the season. And toward the end of the season, you'll want a vacuum cleaner to deal with the Asian lady beetles that have invaded all of northern New England.

  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins

    Fantastic

    Its a really cool spot to explore. I went when the water was low and was able to adventure where youre not meant to and man was it a blast.Found my own pride rock(lion king) and was able to meditate in silence and be away from all the boaters and atvs was super peaceful with a water near by. The tent campers around me were really solid people aswell.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Quiet on the River

    Very nice with easy access with wonderful hosts.

  • S
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Crocker Pond

    Beautiful spot!!

    7 campsites in a really beautiful place!! We went in early October and about half the sites were full. It was very peaceful and great hiking nearby!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Grafton Notch Campground

    Amazing place!

    We stayed here 2 nights in late September. The campground is very neat and tidy with lots of nice touches like flowers and seasonal decorations. The sites are gravel & the paths are covered in wood chips - both make walking cleaner because you are out of the dirt and mud. There is a path to the river and 2 picnic tables by the river. The bathhouse is clean and has a large shower with plenty of places to put your soap, shampoo, etc. There are also lots of hooks in the shower and bathroom for your stuff and the shower has a large bench to sit on as you get dressed. There are 2 dishwashing stations outside the bathhouse. Horseshoes and corn hole are on site and there is a well stocked camp store. Lots of information and brochures on the area. The owner is very kind and personable - I am looking forward to coming back!

  • Ethan S.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    Absolutely Beautiful

    I have been here numerous time with my GF and my friends alike and just about every time we have spotted moose and had a great time in the backroads of maine. If you go up the road a little bit theres a big lake on top of the dam and (not sure if you can fish it) there are some nice fish up there as well. Overall great time and plenty of great memories!

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Trout Brook Campground

    Tranquil

    You’re camping close to others but it was quiet at night when we were there mid-week.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    Chill spots with nearby creek and river

    Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road.

  • Amanda B.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    Fabulous Front Backcountry Camping

    8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest. It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart. It's wonderfully relaxing and quiet. The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on.


Guide to Rangeley

The Rangeley region sits in Maine's western mountains at around 1,500-1,700 feet elevation, creating a distinctive camping environment with dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night. The area contains over 40 lakes and ponds that draw anglers seeking brook trout and landlocked salmon. Camping near Rangeley offers access to the Appalachian Trail, which passes nearby on its journey through Maine.

What to do

Hiking at Tumbledown Mountain: Located near Mount Blue State Park Campground, this popular hike offers several trails of varying difficulty. "Tumbledown mountain is close by and a must to hike up," notes one camper, while another mentions it's "Literally 5 minutes down the road to the turnout for Tumbledown and Little Jackson Mountains."

Gold panning: Try your luck at Coos Canyon, accessible from Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins. "Rent a pan or sluice from the coos canyon rock and gem shop a 3 min walk from the office and pan for gold in the river right from the campground," advises a visitor. The Swift River is known for small gold deposits that recreational panners can search for.

Paddling on Flagstaff Lake: Rent canoes or kayaks to explore the expansive waters. A visitor to Cathedral Pines Campground remarked, "We were the only campers without kayaks or canoe—felt like we missed a golden opportunity and vowed to acquire kayaks ASAP." Many campers bring their own watercraft, but rentals are available at several locations.

What campers like

Secluded island camping: The Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve Wilderness offers unique island sites. "Farrington island is my favorite spot. There are 2 sites. We always rent both so we are the only ones on the island," shares one camper. Another visitor adds, "It's a rare treat to be in a location where sight and sound of others are absent."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and evenings provide the best chances to spot native animals. At Cupsuptic Campgrounds, visitors report, "Moose come right through the campground at night," while at Mount Blue State Park, campers mention, "I would hear loons in the early mornings and go down to watch the sunrise."

Swimming in clear waters: Natural swimming areas range from lakes to river spots. "Nice trail to the river next to our site... Short walk over to Coos Canyon rest area with great swim holes," notes a Coos Canyon Campground visitor. Cathedral Pines campers appreciate the "campers only and a public beach" with "little seating coves along the waters edge" that offer "a little privacy."

What you should know

Cell service variability: Connectivity depends on your location and carrier. At Rangeley Lake State Park, "Decent cell service with both AT&T and Verizon," while at Coos Canyon, "There was no cell service but wifi was available at the office." Many remote sites have no service at all.

Weather considerations: Conditions can change rapidly, especially on lakes. "Weather can change quickly out there. Gets windy. So be prepared," warns a camper at Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve. Pack layers even in summer, as temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common.

Reservation requirements: For Cathedral Pines Campground, a visitor notes, "Reservations are low-tech…although you can inquire about availability via email, give them a call to make the reservation (or send a letter) because deposit is required at time of reservation." Most established campgrounds require advance booking for summer weekends.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins, there's "a small playground" and "a cute little scavenger hunt for kids of all ages." Another camper noted it's "great for kids" with "clean facilities and good family oriented place."

Beach-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with gradual water entry points. At Rangeley Lake State Park Campground, one visitor calls it "Great place for families with smaller kids. Lots of fun to be had," while another mentions it's "Safe, clean campground with a peaceful vibe."

Rainy day options: Some campgrounds provide indoor recreation spaces. Cathedral Pines offers "a small rec hall as well as a cabin for games/reading/puzzles on a rainy day," while Cupsuptic Lake Park has "a very nice pavilion if it's rainy."

Tips from RVers

Site size considerations: Cathedral Pines Campground gets high marks for spaciousness. "Sites are very large and spacious. You are not on top of the next one," reports one RVer. Another notes, "Sites are large level sites nestled among towering pines, both with and without hookups (w/e; dump station available)."

Utility access: Water and electric hookups vary widely between campgrounds. Mount Blue State Park offers sites "with no hook ups," while Cathedral Pines has "w/e; dump station available." At Rangeley Lake State Park, campers can find both water and electric hookups.

Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground, RVers should note they'll be "several miles out on logging roads away from any towns." Cathedral Pines campers mention "paved roads" throughout the campground, making navigation easier for larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rangeley, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rangeley, ME offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Rangeley, ME and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rangeley, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rangeley, ME is Rangeley Lake State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Rangeley, ME.