Best Dispersed Camping near Rockwood, ME

Dispersed camping near Rockwood, Maine centers on several primitive sites in nearby public lands, with both drive-in and water-access options. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite offers a basic gravel area with a fire pit approximately 30 minutes from Greenville. Upper Gravel Pit provides two sites on top of a gravel pit in Little Moose Public Lands with mountain views. Other options include boat-in sites such as Mosquito Rips and Philbrick Landing along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, plus multiple sites at Seboeis Public Lands and Trout Brook Campground.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, with many unpaved and bumpy routes that may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. The road to Upper Gravel Pit features a steep section with loose rocks, though four-wheel drive is not strictly necessary. No amenities are provided at most locations, with campers responsible for bringing all supplies and removing all waste. Camping at Seboeis Public Lands is permitted for up to 14 days at no cost. Fire permits are required for campfires in some areas, including along the Moose Bow Loop. Cell phone coverage is typically limited or nonexistent throughout the region.

These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly moose sightings. Lazy Tom Bog is recognized as a "moose hotspot" where photographers often gather at dawn and dusk. Kayaking from the campsite increases chances of wildlife encounters. The sites near waterways provide peaceful soundscapes. "The sound of the river put us to sleep and greeted us the next morning," noted one camper at Dead River Access. Privacy varies significantly between locations, with some campers mentioning that certain sites lack separation and can feel exposed. "This area is overused, and it shows," remarked a visitor to Trout Brook Campground, while others appreciate the remote locations for stargazing opportunities.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Rockwood, Maine (8)

    1. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Frenchtown, ME
    15 miles

    "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."

    "Dirt road to get to the spot right after the bridge on the right for only 5 minutes at most. Rocky camping spot but has a fire pit. I didn’t have any service. PERFECT launching spot for a kayak."

    2. Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Greenville Junction, ME
    15 miles

    "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."

    4. Mosquito Rips

    1 Review
    Jackman, ME
    31 miles
    Website

    "The site is small and impacted but has a nice picnic table, fire pit and outhouse."

    5. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    2 Reviews
    Caratunk, ME
    38 miles

    "The main camping area has about 10 long narrow sites that have large rocks bordering each site. Each site is bordered by the road. There is a single vaulted toilet."

    "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."

    6. Philbrick Landing

    1 Review
    Caratunk, ME
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 496-2285

    "This is a small impacted spot along the Dead River along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT)."

    7. Trout Brook Campground

    4 Reviews
    Stratton, ME
    48 miles

    "Posted up to 14 days max. Even an out-house."

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

    8. Seboeis Public Lands

    1 Review
    Brownville Junction, ME
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 941-4412

    "There's no fee to camp on Seboeis public lands and you can stay up to 14 days."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rockwood, ME

14 Reviews of 8 Rockwood 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.

  • Miccal  M.
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Trout Brook Campground

    Primitive Camping at it's most Public

    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.

  • 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.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2022

    Philbrick Landing

    Secluded spot along the NFCT

    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.

  • Chris T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2023

    Trout Brook Campground

    Dispersed site with lake access

    Very 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.

  • 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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    THIS IS WHERE YOU SEE A MOOSE!

    Was there for not even 24 hours and saw a moose. Dirt road to get to the spot right after the bridge on the right for only 5 minutes at most. Rocky camping spot but has a fire pit. I didn’t have any service. PERFECT launching spot for a kayak. Gets cold at night. I’d say closest gas station was probably 15-20 minutes away from the spot. People come often to check for moose and loud lumber trucks pass often so keep that in mind when camping. Again, it was all rocky.

  • 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 Rockwood

Dispersed camping options near Rockwood, Maine provide remote access to the region's forests and waterways without facilities. Most primitive campsites sit on public lands at elevations between 1,000-1,500 feet with camping permitted year-round, though spring access can be limited by mud and snowmelt. Winter temperatures frequently drop below 0°F, requiring specialized cold-weather gear for winter camping.

What to do

Paddling excursions: Philbrick Landing on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail offers secluded paddling with abundant summer blueberries. "In the summer months, you will find an abundance of blueberries!" notes Sarah C., who recommends exploring the old logging road that extends from this boat-in site.

Wildlife photography: Kayaking from Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite increases chances for moose photography. "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," advises Tina D., who spotted five moose during a two-night stay.

Hiking nearby mountains: The dispersed camping at Upper Gravel Pit provides convenient access to Little Moose Public Lands trails. "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," reports Nancy W.

What campers like

Remote settings: Free camping near Rockwood appeals to visitors seeking isolation. "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," writes Sarah C. about Philbrick Landing, adding "The stars are beautiful to boot!"

River sounds: Waterside camping spots provide natural soundscapes. At Dead River Access, camper Kevin C. appreciated how "the paved area of the road ends just past the campground. Lots of people drive just past the pavement and then they turn around."

No-cost extended stays: Public land camping permits longer visits without fees. "There's no fee to camp on Seboeis Public Lands and you can stay up to 14 days," explains Jean C., though noting that free extended-stay policies mean "it can be hard to snag a drive-in, lakefront site."

What you should know

Site availability limitations: The most desirable spots fill quickly during peak seasons. "I returned on 3 consecutive weekdays and the only drive-in sites were occupied by the same campers," reports Jean C. about Seboeis Public Lands, recommending early arrival.

Rough road conditions: Access requires suitable vehicles. "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," explains Nancy W. about Upper Gravel Pit.

Varying campsite sizes: Sites range from small pull-offs to larger clearing areas. At Trout Brook Campground, Chris T. notes the primitive area is "Very wooded. Road is passable for most any vehicle. Not larger RV friendly but was comfortable enough to get the 27' foot trailer in."

Tips for camping with families

Bring everything needed: No services means complete self-sufficiency. "Definitely bring everything you need with you because there's nothing anywhere around," advises Sarah C. about Philbrick Landing, emphasizing the true backcountry nature of these sites.

Consider privacy needs: Some sites offer minimal separation. "There are 4 sites, 3 have no separation between them, 1 is at the entrance, all are on the access road with 0 privacy," warns Miccal M. about Trout Brook Campground, suggesting families seeking space should "tuck myself into a private alcove of trees."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk wildlife encounters create memorable experiences. At Mosquito Rips, Sarah C. describes it as "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."

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most primitive sites cannot accommodate larger rigs. "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," explains Nancy W. about the Upper Gravel Pit site, which can fit small trailers.

Water access considerations: Plan for self-contained camping with no hookups. "There is one pit toilet," notes Miccal M. about Trout Brook Campground, adding that "The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars."

Limited turning space: Some sites require backing skills or advance planning. "You basically drive down a small driveway area, into an open gravel spot with a fire pit. You could bring a very small camper," advises Tina D. about Lazy Tom Bog, suggesting RVers "parked the car so it blocked the tent view if someone pulled in."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rockwood, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rockwood, ME is Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Rockwood, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.