Best Dispersed Camping near Salsbury Cove, ME
Searching for a dispersed campsite near Salsbury Cove? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Maine excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Salsbury Cove, ME (6)
1. Marshall Island
Swans Island, Maine1 Review•11 Photos•63 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
4. Machias Rips Campsite
Beddington, Maine4 Reviews•16 Photos•136 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Salsbury Cove
8 Reviews of 6 Salsbury Cove Campgrounds
- G
Gary
Scout
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.
Jillian B.
TravelerMachias 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.
John R.
GuideMachias 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.
LegendMachias 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.Legend
Doliver Island
Spot for Just 1 Tent...Barely!
One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island is small with barely a tent space, but a good stop for us on our 9 day journey and a perfect launching spot for crossing Jericho Bay (4.5 miles) to Marshall Island the next day. Gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door.
This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad all day long.
Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Site is first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.
- Shari G.Legend
Buckle Island
Perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping
One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore, but both accessible from the east side of the island. We stayed at the site by the shore and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting.
This is a perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping as the sandy shore, which is exposed for a good portion of the day, is easy to land on and a short walk to a trail into the woods.
Come prepared with fresh water(there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.
- Shari G.Legend
Wheat Island
Gorgeous Views of the Gulf
One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the southwest side. We stayed at the larger site and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising.
Perfect island for exploring the close-by Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park, but very hard to get reservations at Duck Harbor Campground. This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly.
Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets).
Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.
- Shari G.Legend
Marshall Island
The Most Magical Island in the Gulf of Maine
One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one on the southeast side near Sand Cove and the other on the northeast side of the island. We stayed at one of the 2 sites near Sand Cove which is a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site. Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we’ve ever seen!
Despite the fact that the other islands had pesky mosquitoes, this site had none. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). If you happen to need a food or water resupply, Swan’s Island is a short paddle away and has a very small grocery store and town office with fresh water. Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members. And, if you do a beach clean-up during your stay and send in a picture, you will receive a Maine Coast Heritage Trust hat!
Guide to Salsbury Cove
Dispersed camping near Salsbury Cove, Maine, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots are perfect for adventurers looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Stunning Views for Dispersed Campers
- Experience breathtaking sunsets and moonrises at Wheat Island, where the larger site provides a perfect vantage point for nature's beauty.
- Enjoy the serene environment of Buckle Island, where the sandy shore allows for easy landings and stunning views of the surrounding waters.
- Marvel at the picturesque scenery from Doliver Island, which offers a shell-covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Salsbury Cove
- Kayak enthusiasts will find Buckle Island ideal for sea kayak camping, with easy access to sandy shores and trails leading into the woods.
- Fishing is a popular activity at Machias Rips Campsite, where the Machias River offers opportunities to catch smallmouth bass and trout.
- Stargazing is a must at Marshall Island, known for its clear night skies and lack of pesky mosquitoes, making it a perfect spot for a night under the stars.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Salsbury Cove, Maine
- Always come prepared with fresh water, as locations like Wheat Island and Buckle Island do not provide fresh water sources.
- Be mindful of the tides when planning your arrival at Doliver Island, as landing can be tricky during high tide.
- Bring mosquito repellent, especially when camping at Wheat Island and Machias Rips Campsite, where these pests can be prevalent during certain seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Salsbury Cove, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Salsbury Cove, ME is Marshall Island with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Salsbury Cove, ME?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Salsbury Cove, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.