Dispersed camping near Stratton, Maine offers primitive accommodations in the western mountains region at elevations between 1,100-1,500 feet. The area experiences cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping into the 40s F, even in July and August. Most sites provide direct access to water recreation on surrounding lakes, rivers and ponds, though the limited road infrastructure means many locations require higher clearance vehicles.
What to do
Paddle the Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Access points at Philbrick Landing provide entry to this historic waterway. "This is a small impacted spot along the Dead River along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. In the summer months, you will find an abundance of blueberries!" notes Sarah C.
Wildlife viewing: The remote sites around Stratton offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. At Dead River Access, camper Ethan S. reports, "just about every time we have spotted moose and had a great time in the backroads of maine. If you go up the road a little bit theres a big lake on top of the dam."
Hiking access: Several campsites serve as gateways to hiking trails. Thomas B. notes that at Upper Gravel Pit, "There are plenty of trail heads nearby. About 30 mins to downtown Greenville."
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Many dispersed sites offer direct lake or river frontage. At Smudge Cove, Sarah C. appreciates that "The site is just off the water and there is a nice long dock that makes it super easy to boat into and unload... There is also relatively easy access to the water by way of the rocks, beside the dock."
Night sounds: The natural soundtrack is consistently mentioned in reviews. At Dead River Access, Kevin C. notes, "The sound of the river put us to sleep and greeted us the next morning."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing. At Philbrick Landing, a camper mentions, "The stars are beautiful to boot! Definitely bring everything you need with you because there's nothing anywhere around."
What you should know
Fire regulations: Requirements vary by site. At Mosquito Rips, "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."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. One camper at Upper Gravel Pit describes, "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."
Water management: No potable water exists at most sites. Nancy W. advises at Upper Gravel Pit, "There are no utilities, potable water, restroom, or garbage facilities so bring the water your need and carry out your trash."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: When camping with children, prioritize sites with stable terrain. Raven campsite may present challenges as Sarah C. warns 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."
Space considerations: Some sites have limited capacity. At Raven, "The site is quite small and wouldn't be able to accommodate more than two small tents."
Water entry points: For families planning water activities, check site-specific access. Sarah C. notes about Raven, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site capacity: Most dispersed sites have limitations for larger vehicles. At Trout Brook Campground, Chris T. reports it's "Not larger RV friendly but was comfortable enough to get the 27' foot trailer in."
Leveling challenges: Finding flat parking at dispersed sites requires planning. At Upper Gravel Pit, campers note "The camping area is level and roomy with some pretty views of the surrounding mountains."
Dump station locations: Since dispersed sites lack facilities, plan for waste management. Nancy W. advises, "There is a dump station at the nearby Moosehead Family Campground" for those camping at Upper Gravel Pit.
