Top Free Dispersed Camping near Stratton, ME

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Stratton, ME (9)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Stratton

11 Reviews of 9 Stratton Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Trout Brook Campground
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Trout Brook Campground
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Raven
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Cove
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Smudge Cove
    September 6, 2023

    Smudge Cove

    A Favorite Spot

    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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rangeley - Stratton Road Camp
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Trout Brook Campground
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Philbrick Landing
    April 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mosquito Rips
    February 1, 2021

    Mosquito Rips

    Another Moose Bow Loop Camping Option

    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.



Guide to Stratton

Camping near Stratton, Maine, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent kayaks and paddle to nearby spots like Brickyard Hollow for pizza and beers. One camper shared, "On our last trip we rented double kayaks and paddled over to Brickyard Hollow for pizza and beers" at Cathedral Pines Campground.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Mount Blue State Park Campground for stunning views and a chance to see local wildlife. A visitor noted, "The hiking is incredible as you have the Cohos Trail which stretches down to Massachusetts."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the lakes and rivers nearby. One camper mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and the campground was very quiet," highlighting the peaceful fishing experience at Mount Blue State Park Campground.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins stated, "The bathrooms were very clean and the hot water in the showers needed to be paid for."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites that provide a sense of privacy. One camper at Happy Horseshoe Campground said, "Grounds are equipped with spacious woodsy sites, two very clean bath houses."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A review from Deer Farm Camps & Campground noted, "The folks at Coos Canyon were incredibly resourceful and got us what we needed to fix the camper!"

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lone Jack Campground, have minimal facilities. A visitor warned, "You will need a vehicle with 4x4 and decent ground clearance."
  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. One camper at Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground mentioned, "Incredibly buggy."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds are only open during specific months. For example, Cathedral Pines Campground operates from mid-May to September.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized events. A family at Happy Horseshoe Campground enjoyed, "Buster serves up Bean-Hole Beans every Saturday evening."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. One camper at Mount Blue State Park Campground noted, "We had to walk a few mins from our site to get to the lake."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. A visitor at Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins mentioned, "The store had everything we needed."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A review from Lone Jack Campground stated, "The road in off the Capital Road has deteriorated a fair amount in past year."
  • Electric Hookups: If you need power, confirm that your chosen campground offers electric hookups. Happy Horseshoe Campground provides electric hookups, making it easier for RVers.
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations for convenience. A camper at Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins noted, "There was a dump station located at the entrance to the main campground."

Camping near Stratton, Maine, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Stratton, ME?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Stratton, ME is Trout Brook Campground with a 2.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Stratton, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.