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Best Dispersed Camping near Sandy River, ME

9 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Sandy River, Maine include several primitive sites with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Trout Brook Campground features four sites with limited privacy between them, situated along an access road. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road provides approximately ten narrow sites bordered by large rocks, with the soothing sounds of the river nearby. Philbrick Landing offers a more secluded experience accessible primarily by boat along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

These free campsites require self-sufficiency and proper preparation. No drinking water is available at most locations, and cellular service ranges from limited to nonexistent. According to reviews, Trout Brook Campground has "no service, no water, no electricity, no to little cell coverage" with just one pit toilet available. The access roads to several sites are rough and not suitable for standard passenger vehicles. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, particularly for Trout Brook where the approach is described as "rough, not for normal street cars."

Weather conditions significantly impact site quality. Eagle Cove and Raven campsites become problematic during rainfall, with campers reporting difficulty finding dry tent locations. Fire regulations vary by location; fires are permitted at most sites, but Rangeley-Stratton Road Camp requires a permit for campfires. Most locations feature established fire rings. The maximum stay at Trout Brook Campground is 14 days. For those seeking privacy, be aware that site availability is unpredictable, and as one camper noted about Trout Brook, "only 1 of the four [sites] is truly enjoyable/private," making it "hit or miss" for solitude-seeking campers.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sandy River, Maine (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Sandy River, ME

17 Photos of 6 Sandy River Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sandy River, ME

9 Reviews of 6 Sandy River Campgrounds

  • Miccal M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Raven

    Super Impacted

    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.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    Beautiful location on the river

    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.

    The paved area of the road ends just past the campground. Lots of people drive just past the pavement and then they turn around.

    Across the road from the campground is a beautiful river. The sound of the river put us to sleep and greeted us the next morning.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Eagle Cove

    Not good in the rain

    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.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Rangeley - Stratton Road Camp

    GPS coordinates: 45.004911,-70.578276

    There 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.

  • 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.

  • A M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Trout Brook Campground

    Drove there, but didn't stay

    Went 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.

Guide to Sandy River

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sandy River, Maine, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness.

Dispersed campers should check out Trout Brook Campground

  • This location offers a beautiful setting, though privacy can be a challenge due to its popularity among visitors. The Trout Brook Campground features four sites, with one tucked away in a more secluded area.
  • Campers should be prepared for a primitive experience, as there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups available at Trout Brook Campground.
  • The access road can be rough, making it more suitable for vehicles with higher clearance, so plan accordingly when heading to Trout Brook Campground.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Sandy River, Maine

  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Philbrick Landing offers a hidden gem along the Dead River, perfect for canoeists looking to escape the crowds.
  • Remember to pack in and pack out your supplies at Philbrick Landing, as this site is primitive and requires self-sufficiency.
  • The area is known for its stunning views and abundant blueberries in the summer, making it a delightful spot for nature lovers at Philbrick Landing.

Enjoy outdoor activities while free camping near Sandy River

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sandy River, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sandy River, ME is Trout Brook Campground with a 3-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Sandy River, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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