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Best Dispersed Camping near Roque Bluffs, ME

13 Reviews

Free primitive camping options near Roque Bluffs, Maine include several sites within the Cutler Coast Public Land and along the Machias River. The Cutler Coast offers five backcountry campsites primarily accessed by hiking trails, with sites at Fairy Head and Long Point providing dramatic ocean views. Campsites are limited and fill quickly during peak season. Fires are prohibited throughout the ecological reserve, and campers must pack in all water as reliable sources are scarce.

Machias Rips Campsite provides a more accessible free camping option, located off Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley. This area features several tent sites, RV spots, and a lean-to shelter situated along the Machias River. Basic amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. The access road contains some potholes but remains passable for standard vehicles. As one camper noted, "Most cell phone carriers won't have service back at the camp," making this a genuine off-grid experience. All sites operate on a 14-day limit within any 45-day period.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Roque Bluffs, Maine (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Roque Bluffs, ME

10 Photos of 6 Roque Bluffs Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Roque Bluffs, ME

13 Reviews of 6 Roque Bluffs Campgrounds

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

    Cutler Coast Public Land — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    Fairy Head Campsite- 4 Stars for the Site itself but 5 stars for the views

    Hiking along the Cutler Coast is a unique opportunity that if you get the chance to explore, you absolutely should. There are only 5 campsites total available along the Cutler Coast, 3 of them are at the Fairy Head. We approached the area via the Inland Trail, about a 5.5 mile hike from the trial head (trail signs are inaccurate, they don't account for the recent re-route). From this direction, sites were a little challenging to find but we managed. Just be aware that these three sites are NOT well marked and you have to hike up a wooden ladder to get to at least 2 of the 3. There isn't much fresh water around either, so we hiked in enough for dinner and breakfast the following day.

    The site we stayed in, site 1 (at least we think it's site 1) was perched on a beautiful cliff top in the trees. The area is very small and fitting anything larger than a 4 person tent might be difficult (we had a 3 person). While there was a make-shift fire ring, fires are NOT allowed in the public land reserve here. Sites also have very rudimentary privies but these are not pit toilets, far from it. They are quite pathetic and gross consisting of a toilet seat sitting on a wooden frame, caged in by hardware wire. You can see everything and the odor isn't masked at all. I'm not sure why this design is in use. Not to mention that folx can't be bothered to pack out their trash. 

    This site gets hit by first light and you can watch the sun rise right out of your tent just by sitting up in your sleeping bag. The views are incredible but these are very high impacted sites. There was a sheet of paper completely full at the trail head that serves as a register for folx to sign in, in order to avoid hiking in and not finding a site. We scrounged up a sheet of paper from our car and put it on the clipboard for folx to use. It was an old Amazon receipt but it's all we had. I was hesitant to put where we were camping exactly just for security reasons as two female hikers. But it was helpful to see that there was space for us when we arrived. 

    All in all, it was a beautiful night!

  • 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.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Cutler Coast Public Land — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    Gorgeous Coastal Backpacking along the Gulf of Maine

    The coast of Maine offers very few places for overnight backpacking or even just seaside hiking. The Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land is one great option. The length of the hiking trails makes this the ideal, weekend getaway location for a two-night campout– just get there early. The sites are few in number, small and difficult to get to, but oh-so-worth-it! 

    As backcountry sites, there are no picnic tables or fire rings, but each has a clean and convenient composting toilet with a stunning view of the Gulf of Maine.  Each campsite is located close to a freshwater source and a few are within site of a small pebble beach– perfect for swimming if you don’t mind the chilly water.  But, come prepared for bugs -- mosquitoes and black flies are impressive in the late spring and summer!   And, the trails can be quite muddy and soggy.  There is a price for this much beauty in one place!

    Located 16 miles east of East Machias, the closest town with gas and a convenience store. Five miles further west along route 1 the town of Machias offers a wider selection of restaurants, farmers markets and grocery stores.

  • 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.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Long Point — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    Beautiful and it has its own beach!

    This spot is situated right along the Maine coast and has one heck of a view, not to mention a nice gravel beach! While the water is quite cold in Maine any time of the year, the beach is a nice spot to relax in the afternoon sun. Note: the campsites are NOT located on the beach but on the cliffs just above it. 

    While these sites (all 5 of them in the area) were originally designed for a single party (4 individuals or less) this is the one area along the Bold Coast that you could pitch more than a single tent. There are several flat and impacted sites. There is also a bit of a makeshift "wind screen" on the point that a few individuals had their tents pitched behind. I'm sure it makes a bit of difference if the wind is blowing...which on the coast is most of the time. 

    Like the other sites, there is a small wooden "toilet" that consists of: a wooden frame, toilet seat and some hardware cloth wire. These are not pit toilets and the human waste and whatever else folx decide to toss in, simply sit on top of the ground. While enclosed in the hardware cloth, you can see and smell everything that's left behind. Given the popularity of this destination, I have no doubt these get full quickly. Regardless of the poor design, please utilize these "toilets."

    The Bold Coast is a mixture of bogs and wetlands, rocky and craggy coast line and pretty amazing maritime fir forests. The terrain is moderate in difficulty as it undulates, with several amazing overlooks. We did this with our two fit dogs but be advised, this may not be appropriate for all canine friends. 

    The views from this spot won't disappoint and there are several options to hike in and out depending on the amount of time you have. There isn't much fresh water available even in the rainy season, so be prepared to carry in water.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Nice enough

    There are about 5 spots. Some are rough and not super flat, but it's pretty and the river is right there. You can hear the highway but it's not too bad. Only real negative for me was nowhere to really walk my dogs, nothing even close to a trail nearby. Just the highway.

  • Tina D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2018

    Cutler Coast Public Land — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    Stunning landscape. Hardcore hike. Worth it

    This was on of my most favorite hikes/camping. You don't have to hike too long from the trailhead until you come to an awesome cliffside view overlooking the water. The breeze feels devine. This hike is not for the inexperienced, unless you are some hardcore hiker or something. I thought it would be cake, but it was h-a-r-d we rested a lot. But; I think we did pretty damn good even though my feet were killing me by the time we found a campsite.

    The first couple sites we went up to had people so we were getting worried as there are not that many. But; stumbled onto one just before dark, whew! Such an awesome view of the night sky oh my gosh. I could stare at it forever. We could see the milky way. I loved our little campsite. Small but cozy and all we needed. I am a light sleeper, so the only thing that bugged me is there was some kind of horn from the lighthouse in the distance that was kind of driving me up the wall before I fell asleep. Other that that... everything was absolutely awesome, stunning landscape everywhere.

Guide to Roque Bluffs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Roque Bluffs, Maine, where nature lovers can immerse themselves in stunning coastal landscapes and serene wilderness. This area offers unique opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape.

Breathtaking Views while Free Camping near Roque Bluffs

Top Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

Unique Wildlife Encounters for Nature Lovers

  • Campers at Cutler Coast Public Land may spot various wildlife, including birds and marine life, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
  • The coastal environment of Long Point — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve is home to diverse ecosystems, providing opportunities to observe unique flora and fauna.
  • At the Machias Rips Campsite, visitors can enjoy fishing and swimming, with the chance to catch smallmouth bass and trout in the nearby river.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed in Roque Bluffs State Park?

Dispersed camping is not allowed within Roque Bluffs State Park itself. The park is primarily a day-use area with no overnight facilities. For nearby dispersed camping alternatives, consider Machias Rips Campsite, located about 35 minutes away between Amherst and Wesley. This free dispersed camping area along the Machias River includes two RV sites, three tent sites, and a lean-to shelter. Access is via a marked dirt road that may be easily missed if not paying attention. Bring bug repellent as sites can be buggy, particularly in summer months.

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping near Roque Bluffs?

While Roque Bluffs itself has limited dispersed camping options, nearby Cutler Coast Public Land offers exceptional oceanfront dispersed camping opportunities. This area features five designated campsites along magnificent coastal cliffs, with three sites at Fairy Head. These sites require a moderate hike of about 5.5 miles from the trailhead and are first-come, first-served. Arrive early as they're popular spots for weekend backpackers seeking coastal Maine views. The spectacular oceanside setting makes this area worth the effort to reach.

What amenities are available for campers at Roque Bluffs?

While Roque Bluffs State Park has amenities for day use, overnight camping facilities are limited. For campers looking for amenities near Roque Bluffs, Long Point — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve offers primitive camping with spectacular coastal views and a gravel beach for relaxing. However, amenities are minimal - no running water or facilities. Campsites are positioned on cliffs, not on the beach itself. Alternatively, Machias River Camp off Route 9 offers drive-in access but still maintains a rustic experience. For all these locations, be prepared for off-grid camping with no showers or running water.

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