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Legend
This location is Beautiful, but it comes at the cost of privacy. When I first discovered this spot, it wasn't an official campsite, people just came here to swim and there was a fire ring. That was over 20yrs ago.
There are 4 sites, 3 have no separation between them, 1 is at the entrance, all are on the access road with 0 privacy. This area is overused, and it shows, sites are warn in and if there was room relocating fire pits and allowing some nature to come back would be nice. I managed to tuck myself into a private alcove of trees on the #1 site, but still was in full view of headlights and people driving in to see if there was space. The site I had was big enough that I shared it with a couple that had a small child, and they had their own section.
There are no service, no water, no electricity, no to little cell coverage. There is one pit toilet.
The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars.
Did I mention lack of privacy?
See pics.
GuideWent there looking for privacy with our dogs to camp overnight. There are about 4 total spots, but only 1 of the four is truly enjoyable/private. It was taken and we didn't want to be that close to the people that were there, so we moved on. So, it's a hit or miss, but I wouldn't travel there again.
Legend
This site, while in a beautiful spot perched above Cupsuptic Lake, it is so impacted that in the rain it was a literal mud pit. While there was a picnic table to get up off the ground, finding a spot to pitch a tent where water wouldn't puddle would be impossible. We hiked in, but you can paddle into the site just know that the exit/entry to the water is a bit tricky and not as easy as some of the other sites available along the way.
There is a large fire pit, also a mess in the down pours. The picnic table is in far better shape here than the one in Eagle Cove (rotting) and Cedar Bay (non-existent). The site is quite small and wouldn't be able to accommodate more than two small tents. I wouldn't make a special trip to stay here.
Legend
We stayed here during a torrential downpour and it was tough to find a spot to pitch the tent that wasn't going to put us in a puddle. The site has very little clear flat area for an established campsite and it took a little bit of strategy to find a spot where we could actually sleep and stay relatively dry given the circumstances.
This is a waterfront site but there isn't super easy access to the lake, but the view is pretty amazing! There is a rough fire pit that had a stack of wood next to it that was clearly part of an old picnic table. The picnic table that was in the site was, well...let's call it a "living picnic table." It was not in great shape and was actively rotting. We made it work because we had already traveled through the other available sites and they were in worse shape than this one. It did the trick for an evening but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to stay here.
Legend
This campsite is along the Forest Legacy Trail and while the trail is managed by one entity, the remote campsites are managed by another. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust maintains the trails in and out while Cupsuptic Campground manages the campsites.
There is a tent platform at Smudge Cove but it is in desperate need of repair and it sounds like that's in the plans for next summer. There is a nice picnic table available as well as an established fire ring. The site is just off the water and there is a nice long dock that makes it super easy to boat into and unload. You can also backpack in and enjoy some pretty cool Maine forests along the way. There is also relatively easy access to the water by way of the rocks, beside the dock.
These sites are secluded and offer a lovely amount of privacy and rest assured, the only sounds you will hear at night are the loons!
LegendThere are three free campsites off Route 16 between Rangeley and Stratton, ME, located on the Dead River. Head northeast out of Rangeley toward Stratton. They are located just after you cross the bridge over the Dead River on the left side of the road. You only need a permit if you plan to have a fire.
Scout
Closed due to logging
ScoutVery wooded. Road is passable for most any vehicle. Not larger RV friendly but was comfortable enough to get the 27' foot trailer in. Some fire rings and tables available. Cannot be beat for zero dollars. Posted up to 14 days max. Even an out-house.
GuideWell drove all the way out here. And it's closed. Gonna look for something else
Legend
This is a small impacted spot along the Dead River along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT). The site is not easily visible from the river and there is a steep bank you have to navigate to unload and pull your canoe or kayak up for the evening. That being said, it is a nice spot to spend an evening.
When we were there, there was a small bench and a few stumps that were nice for seating. The campsite is at the end of an old logging road that you can walk down quite a ways. In the summer months, you will find an abundance of blueberries!
This is a primitive backcountry site so pack it in, pack it out. And maybe take a few extra pieces of trash with you! There is a large fire ring and a little gravel area we used to cook. There's plenty of flat space for a couple of 2-3 person tents. The stars are beautiful to boot! Definitely bring everything you need with you because there's nothing anywhere around.
GuideWe arrived pretty late on June 22 and got one of the last available spots for the night. There were a number of decently spaced out sites. We drive an e150 and had no trouble getting to the site, and we saw some other vans, along with RVs and tents. Be careful of ticks! We woke up to one in our bed and had to shake everything out. It wasnt an issue in the end but you do need to be aware of them. It was a quiet and peaceful night there otherwise, even with all the other sites full.
TravelerWent for a couple night, was real comfortable and relaxing.
Legend
Another small site at one of the rapids on the Moose River. Depending on the water level and your skill, you can paddle the rapid or line your boat. We chose to line given we were traveling with our dogs. Depending on your plans, this site may be a good stopping point for the day. The site is small and impacted but has a nice picnic table, fire pit and outhouse. It isn’t the best site along the Moose Bow Loop but it fits the bill if you just need a place to sleep for the night and isn’t already occupied.
Note: you need a fire permit in order to have a fire. You can obtain a permit at the Fire Department in the town of Jackman.
Camping near Rangeley, Maine, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to all types of campers.
Camping near Rangeley, Maine, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it's sure to be a memorable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rangeley, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rangeley, ME is Smudge Cove with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Rangeley, ME?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Rangeley, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.
