Best Campgrounds near West Forks, ME

Western Maine's West Forks region features a diverse range of camping options situated along rivers, ponds, and forested areas. Indian Pond Campground, located 13 miles from West Forks, provides waterfront sites with access to fishing and kayaking opportunities. Webb's Campground sits directly on the Dead River, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The area includes both established campgrounds with amenities and primitive sites in public lands such as Cold Stream Forest, where Lone Jack Campground provides basic facilities with picnic tables and vault toilets. Camping styles range from developed RV resorts to hike-in tent sites, boat-access only locations, and backcountry options in the surrounding wilderness.

Fire permits are required at many primitive sites throughout the region, typically obtained by calling forest service numbers posted at trailheads or information boards. Many dirt roads leading to remote campsites can be rough and may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. As one camper noted, "This is an out of the way facility, 8 miles in on dirt roads, not for those that want all the amenities of larger campgrounds." The camping season generally runs from mid-May through mid-October, with some sites open year-round. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most locations, particularly those farther from Route 201. Road noise from logging trucks can affect sites near main roads, while interior forest sites offer more solitude.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the West Forks area. Several visitors highlight the peaceful sounds of flowing water as a key feature of their experience. According to one camper at Dead River Access, "The sound of the river put us to sleep and greeted us the next morning." The region is known for excellent whitewater rafting, with many campgrounds serving as bases for guided trips. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with loons, moose, and various bird species commonly spotted. Moxie Falls, located near several campgrounds, provides a popular hiking destination. Tent campers seeking separation from RVs should look for designated walk-in sites, which typically offer more privacy and better water access than drive-in locations.

Best Camping Sites Near West Forks, Maine (99)

    1. Lone Jack Campground — Cold Stream Forest

    5 Reviews
    West Forks, ME
    7 miles
    Website

    "It's right next to the dock area and no other sites can go next to it, only across the lot. This site has picnic tables, and 3 outhouses, located along Cold Stream east of Lone Jack Pond."

    2. Indian Pond Campground

    3 Reviews
    West Forks, ME
    9 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "This campground is approximately 13 miles from the West Forks, Maine--home to the best whitewater rafting in the state."

    "Camp sites were decent size, and about 1/3 are close to the water. A few recommendations I have if you are going. Bring everything you need with you, do your food shopping on the way."

    3. Magic Falls Adventures Campground

    1 Review
    West Forks, ME
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 207-7238

    $25 - $100 / night

    "Cheap spots right next to the river. It was also right off the high way so we heard trucks all night, but I found it pretty reasonable."

    4. Cathedral Pines Campground

    20 Reviews
    Eustis, ME
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 246-3491

    $32 - $40 / night

    "Nestled in western Maine just past Sugarloaf ski mountain lies Cathedral Pines. When you arrive you will appreciate the name."

    "This campground on the shore of Flagstaff Lake features large level sites nestled among towering pines, both with and without hookups (w/e; dump station available)."

    5. Webb's Campground

    1 Review
    West Forks, ME
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 663-4475

    6. Dunn Point Campground — Lily Bay State Park

    19 Reviews
    Greenville, ME
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 695-2700

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Absolutely one of the jewels in the Maine State Park System, Lily Bay on enormous Moosehead Lake is generally open year round."

    "This gorgeous state park along the shores of Moosehead Lake near Greenville feels like the campgrounds of my youth. Sites are all tucked into the woods with easy access to trails and the lakeshore."

    7. Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    2 Reviews
    Caratunk, ME
    14 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."

    8. Philbrick Landing

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

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

    9. Flagstaff Hut

    1 Review
    Caratunk, ME
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 265-2400

    "This was the second of four huts on Maine Huts and Trails network of trails and it is situated very close to a gorgeous lake. The fall colors were at peak when we were there."

    10. Moosehead Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Greenville Junction, ME
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 695-2210

    $28 - $54 / night

    "Season opens around Memorial Day and when I visited midweek in late June it was still quiet. Most sites are back-in, though they offer some pull throughs, and most are wooded or in the orchard."

    "Camp is just outside of Greenville so it’s super easy to go into town if you forgot anything. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was I could hear the road noise from rt.6."

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Recent Reviews near West Forks, ME

241 Reviews of 99 West Forks Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    THIS IS WHERE YOU SEE A MOOSE!

    Was there for not even 24 hours and saw a moose. Dirt road to get to the spot right after the bridge on the right for only 5 minutes at most. Rocky camping spot but has a fire pit. I didn’t have any service. PERFECT launching spot for a kayak. Gets cold at night. I’d say closest gas station was probably 15-20 minutes away from the spot. People come often to check for moose and loud lumber trucks pass often so keep that in mind when camping. Again, it was all rocky.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Quiet on the River

    Very nice with easy access with wonderful hosts.

  • Jessica D.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Peaks-Kenny State Park

    It has been an excellent experience.

    Everyone has been really nice, beautiful beach and trails. I got the only walk-in site it might be the best site here

  • T
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies Balsam Woods

    Russell

    Very nice staff friendly,everything met our expectations, will definitely book a week for next summer.

  • Ethan S.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road

    Absolutely Beautiful

    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. If you go up the road a little bit theres a big lake on top of the dam and (not sure if you can fish it) there are some nice fish up there as well. Overall great time and plenty of great memories!

  • 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.

  • S
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Jo-Mary Campground

    Yea, beautiful location, but overpriced & lacking

    They charged us almost $400 for two tent sites, for two nights.  They are clearly resting on their laurels, need to hire more help for peak periods, be in the office when they need to be available and answer their phones and return phone calls, and also need to check for garbage left by previous campers and have their port-a-potties emptied way more often (gross!)

    If you can get past the price gouging and lack of attention to detail, the place IS beautiful and enjoyable.

  • WhiteSpruce D.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Seboomook Wilderness Campground

    Seboomook, a magical place

    We love Seboomook. Campsites right on the lake with glorious views! That’s hard to find these days. Don’t be put off by the 30 miles of dirt road to get there. The roads have been bad in the past but are now greatly improved. No problem bringing your camper in. Considering the wilderness location, the facilities are great. Water at the sites all the time, electricity during generator hours which are plenty to keep everything charged and you can even have your tanks pumped out. Witney and Norm are so friendly and welcoming. Last year one of us was injured and Norm put the camper into our site. This year we had a problem with our awning, Norm and his assistant spent a couple of hours fixing it and wouldn’t take any payment. Can’t wait for next year!

  • 9
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Rowell Cove Campground — Lily Bay State Park

    Gorgeous

    Great sites. Site 16 on the water you can launch your kayak from the site. Unfortunately, family in the neighboring site ran their generator from 8am-8pm. Please don't go to rustic campgrounds if you want electricity all day. Rustic sites are not for you. Go someplace with electric hookups and let the rest of us enjoy the peace and quiet.


Guide to West Forks

Camping near West Forks, Maine, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent kayaks and paddle over to local 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 many trails around the area. A reviewer noted, "There is a nice, fairly short (2-3 mile) hiking trail along the shoreline and through the woods" near Rowell Cove Campground.
  • Fishing: The region is known for great fishing spots. One camper mentioned, "Fishing is a very active sport on Moosehead" while staying at Lily Bay State Park.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Moosehead Family Campground said, "Honestly, it’s the cleanest bathroom/shower house I’ve seen."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. One review stated, "The sites are beautiful, well spaced and well taken care of" at Cathedral Pines Campground.
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere is a highlight. A camper noted, "The owners are very nice and helpful" at Moosehead Family Campground.

What you should know:

  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Seboomook Wilderness Campground warned, "You need to be adventurous for the drive in; there is a 33-mile dirt road to get to Seboomook Wilderness campground."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Rowell Cove Campground mentioned, "All sites are primitive with no water or electricity."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, but be cautious. One camper shared, "We saw tons of droppings along the trail and finally saw a beautiful bull moose" near Rowell Cove Campground.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A camper at Lily Bay State Park mentioned, "A short trail leads down to the beach and playground."
  • Space for Kids to Play: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. One family noted, "There is plenty of room at each site for them to play" at Moosehead Family Campground.
  • Community Events: Some campgrounds host events for families. A visitor at Happy Horseshoe Campground mentioned, "They do events for families like cookouts and dances."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Moosehead Family Campground said, "The campground has lots of large trees and narrow roads which make it very difficult for big rigs."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with good facilities. One RV traveler noted, "The sites are good size, roomier than most RV parking lots" at Moose Creek RV Resort.
  • Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have tight corners. A camper at Cathedral Pines Campground warned, "If you have a longer camper, there are tight corners you need to be aware of in the camp roads."

Camping near West Forks, Maine, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What lodging options are available in West Forks, Maine?

West Forks offers various lodging options beyond traditional camping. Northeast Whitewater Lodge provides comfortable yurts and primitive tent camping, perfect for visitors interested in guided activities like moose tours and whitewater rafting. Note that they don't accommodate RVs or vans, and all sites require a short walk-in. For travelers seeking a campground with more amenities, Indian Pond Campground is located about 13 miles from West Forks and features clean facilities with helpful staff. While it requires navigating 8 miles of dirt roads, it offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area's renowned whitewater rafting locations.

Where can I find camping sites in The Forks, Maine?

The Forks area offers diverse camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Webb's Campground is situated right on the Dead River, making it perfect for those seeking riverside camping. The area is known for its exceptional whitewater rafting opportunities. For those wanting a more remote experience, Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road provides approximately 10 dispersed sites with basic amenities including a vaulted toilet. This area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate its off-grid setting. The region also offers Magic Falls Adventures Campground with drive-in access, water, and toilet facilities for those seeking slightly more amenities.

What are the best fishing spots in The Forks area of Maine?

The Forks area is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts with several prime locations. Natanis Point Campground offers excellent fishing access with waterfront sites on their pond, providing a peaceful setting for anglers. Just a short drive from The Forks region, Long Pond Campsites in KI Jo Mary MultiUse Forest offers crystal-clear waters ideal for fishing, with a small boat launch for cartop boats. The Dead River is also popular among anglers visiting the area. For those willing to venture slightly further, Moosehead Lake accessible from Lily Bay State Park provides extensive fishing opportunities in Maine's largest lake.