Best Dispersed Camping near Weld, ME

Dispersed camping options near Weld, Maine include several primitive sites with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Trout Brook Campground offers four free sites with lake access, though campers should note the limited privacy between sites. According to recent visitors, "This area is overused, and it shows, sites are worn in," with only one of the four sites providing any real seclusion. The access road requires vehicles with higher clearance, not suitable for standard passenger cars.

White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road provides more secluded options on a dead-end dirt road with approximately eight well-spaced sites. The campsites feature basic fire rings but no other amenities. Several campers report excellent privacy and peaceful surroundings, with the upper sites offering some cell service. Wildlife awareness is necessary, particularly at the uppermost sites where bear activity has been documented along game trails.

The Dead River area offers multiple primitive camping opportunities. Philbrick Landing is accessible by boat along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, featuring a small clearing with space for 2-3 tents. Rangeley-Stratton Road Camp provides three free sites located just after crossing the Dead River bridge on Route 16. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road contains about ten narrow sites bordered by large rocks, with a single vault toilet available. The sound of the river provides natural ambiance for overnight stays.

Most dispersed sites in this region require self-sufficiency. No drinking water, electrical hookups, or sanitary facilities exist at most locations. Cell service is minimal to non-existent. The standard "pack it in, pack it out" principle applies to all waste. Fire permits may be required at certain locations; check current regulations before establishing campfires. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous region, so appropriate preparation is essential.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Weld, Maine (10)

    2. Town Hall Road Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    50 miles

    "My first ever dispersed camping experience. So freaking amazing and unbelievable. It was pouring rain when we came to NH so we tried to wait out the rain, but it was getting dark."

    "Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. "

    3. Eagle Cove

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    27 miles
    Website

    4. Smudge Cove

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    29 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "This campsite is along the Forest Legacy Trail and while the trail is managed by one entity, the remote campsites are managed by another."

    5. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    6 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    37 miles

    "We pulled in around 7:30 pm on a Sunday night and there were plenty of open spots. We took a huge one. Found a fairly flat area and stayed for the night."

    "8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest."

    6. Trout Brook Campground

    4 Reviews
    Stratton, ME
    33 miles

    "Posted up to 14 days max. Even an out-house."

    "You’re camping close to others but it was quiet at night when we were there mid-week."

    7. Raven

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    28 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    8. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    2 Reviews
    Caratunk, ME
    38 miles

    "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."

    "I have been here numerous time with my GF and my friends alike and just about every time we have spotted moose and had a great time in the backroads of maine."

    9. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    40 miles

    "amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates"

    "Would be really quiet if not for the road across the lake. I saw one truck in the evening and one in the morning."

    10. Philbrick Landing

    1 Review
    Caratunk, ME
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 496-2285

    "This is a small impacted spot along the Dead River along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT)."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Weld, ME

34 Reviews of 10 Weld 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.

  • Atlas W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2023

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    SO AMAZING!!

    My first ever dispersed camping experience. So freaking amazing and unbelievable. It was pouring rain when we came to NH so we tried to wait out the rain, but it was getting dark. We followed the directions given by previous reviews. Turn onto town hall rd. and keep going past the residential area until you get to gravel road. keep going straight until you see the national forest sign. about a mile later us when campsites started popping up. the first few were full since it was 7pm but we came across one right around where the pin is dropped for this location. the cliff wasn’t too steep here (i passed up a campsite before this one bc it seemed too steep for my liking) and pretty large. beautiful view of the water and even a path down to swim. 10/10 experience and i cant wait to go back.

  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    Awesome Boondocking

    Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. 

    Town Hall Rd is a long road with many designated dispersed sites, all far apart from each other and all varying in levelness and size. We got lucky and snagged a perfect spot 2 miles in from the entrance sign- completely level (didn’t even need our leveling blocks) and big enough for our 26ft class c. Each site is different, but there were plenty that could fit a medium sized RV like ours. I wouldn’t recommend a giant 5th wheel or class A to come here looking for a spot. The road is dirt, but it’s hard packed and smooth, with a few dips and holes here and there. A little narrow but it’s manageable. The downside of a great road is the speeding cars and trucks- very annoying but thankfully there wasn’t much traffic in early October. I’d say more than half the sites were open when we stayed there mid-week. 

     No amenities here, just a rock fire pit to designate that it’s a spot. Please pack out your trash. Zero cell service in this whole area, but some messages popped through while we were hiking. weBoost did not help. Heavily wooded area, so it’s not so great for solar panels and probably not starlink either (we don’t have starlink so I can’t report on that).

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    Great location!

    We loved this spot. There were plenty of sites to choose from and most (not all) had access to the river as well as a fire ring. Sites were on a dirt road, but it was quiet for the most part. Sites were also a good distance from each other so it felt pretty private. We stayed two nights and at two different sites; enjoyed both. Would love to return here in the future.

  • 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.

  • candice J.
    Aug. 11, 2021

    Town Hall Road Dispersed

    Perfect spot!

    Town Hall Rd off 302 just keep going past houses until you see the National forest sign. 6-8 spots some big enough for med. camper.

  • 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.


Guide to Weld

Dispersed camping near Weld, Maine provides access to the western mountains region where elevations range between 500-1,500 feet. The area's mixed hardwood forests and numerous water bodies create diverse primitive camping opportunities throughout three seasons. Sites typically close after the first significant snowfall in November and reopen in late April when forest roads become passable.

What to do

Hiking from camp: White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road offers excellent trail access. "Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road," notes Jason R.

Fishing access: Several sites provide water access for anglers seeking brook trout and landlocked salmon. "There are trout in the river and if you cross and go through the woods to the right there's some great spots to explore further," writes Erin H. about riverside camping opportunities.

Paddling routes: Philbrick Landing serves as a waypoint on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. "This is a small impacted spot along the Dead River along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. 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," explains Sarah C.

Wildlife viewing: The region's forests support diverse wildlife including moose, deer, and numerous bird species. Campers should store food properly as bears are active. "Beware of bears especially at the right side site. Game trail heaven," warns one camper about the upper sites at Little Larry Road.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Town Hall Road Dispersed earns high marks for site separation. "It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart. It's wonderfully relaxing and quiet," says Amanda B. who enjoyed the "8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section."

Water sounds: Many sites offer natural white noise from flowing water. "The sound of the river put us to sleep and greeted us the next morning," writes Kevin C. about camping at Dead River Access.

Star viewing: Limited light pollution provides excellent night sky viewing. "Great stars," notes Jason R. about Little Larry Road camping. Other campers mention the clarity of night skies throughout the region.

Budget-friendly options: Free camping appeals to many visitors. "We loved this spot. There were plenty of sites to choose from and most (not all) had access to the river as well as a fire ring," reports Josie W. about her camping experience near the area.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many access roads require higher clearance vehicles. "The road was not as bad as I anticipated. There was room for my Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a squaredrop camper to pass the very few oncoming vehicles we encountered," explains Bob G. about one area road.

Cell service limitations: Most primitive sites have limited or no connectivity. Hogan Road Pulloff and other sites offer patchy service at best. "Even had a cell signal that gave data with a weboost," notes Robert B. about one of the few locations with potential connectivity.

Site availability: During peak summer weekends, arrive early to secure desired spots. "First come first serve, can get busy," warns Nickolas H. about popular dispersed camping areas.

Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Sites with tree cover provide some protection, but tent placement matters. "We went during a pouring rain storm and our site remained relatively dry. We even enjoyed a small fire the next day," reports Rowan E.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for kids: Look for sites with natural features but minimal hazards. "We took a huge one. Found a fairly flat area and stayed for the night," reports Kevin H. about finding suitable space at White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road.

Water access consideration: Sites with gradual water entry work better for families. "Great sites. Some right on water," notes Nickolas H., but parents should inspect shorelines for safety before allowing children near water.

Blueberry picking: Summer visitors can incorporate berry picking into camping activities. "In the summer months, you will find an abundance of blueberries!" shares Sarah C. about the old logging road near Philbrick Landing.

Noise buffers: Camping near moving water provides natural white noise to mask family sounds. Sites along streams or rivers help families feel less conspicuous when camping with children.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road offers "about 10 long narrow sites that have large rocks bordering each site. Each site is bordered by the road," according to Kevin C.

Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as most primitive sites aren't graded. "We got lucky and snagged a perfect spot 2 miles in from the entrance sign - completely level (didn't even need our leveling blocks) and big enough for our 26ft class c," shares Laura M. about Town Hall Road.

Access scouting: Walk sites before attempting to enter with an RV. "The road is dirt, but it's hard packed and smooth, with a few dips and holes here and there. A little narrow but it's manageable," notes Laura M. about accessing dispersed camping areas.

Off-grid preparation: No hookups exist at any primitive camping sites near Weld. "I wouldn't recommend a giant 5th wheel or class A to come here looking for a spot," advises Laura M. about size limitations for RVs at these rustic sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Weld, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Weld, ME is Rangeley - Stratton Road Camp with a 2-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Weld, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.