Join the fun near West Forks. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of West Forks. Find the best campgrounds near West Forks, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"This is a small impacted spot along the Dead River along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT)."
"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."
"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."
"The site is small and impacted but has a nice picnic table, fire pit and outhouse."
"Posted up to 14 days max. Even an out-house."
"A short distance down the dirt roads north of town and known for moose. A few cars in and out checking for moose, but a peaceful night's sleep."
"You will find this site just past the bridge off Spencer Bay Road (old logging road) on the right (when coming from the main roads).
Bring boats if you want to see moose. We had kayaks."
$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."
LegendDispersed 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.
LegendThis 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.
TravelerGreat 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.
LegendThis 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.
ScoutVery 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.
TravelerEasy to find. This wasn't a private area, but was easy to find, park and spend an evening. Not far from Kokadjo. A short distance down the dirt roads north of town and known for moose. A few cars in and out checking for moose, but a peaceful night's sleep.
LegendThis 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.
RangerThe 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.
RangerThis is a moose hot spot. You will find this site just past the bridge off Spencer Bay Road (old logging road) on the right (when coming from the main roads).
Bring boats if you want to see moose. We had kayaks. We stayed here, just to be up early enough to paddle out and wait for moose to show up. We have gone here kayaking from other nearby campsites too. Staying in the actual site was easier than getting ready somewhere else and hoping no one was in the site so we could put our boats in.
Site is first come first serve. You basically drive down a small driveway area, into an open gravel spot with a fire pit. You could bring a very small camper. We just put a tent and parked the car so it blocked the tent view if someone pulled in so their headlights would not be on us. Completely primitive. NO facilities. Nothing fancy. A spot to sleep and get up early for photography (or fishing if that's your thing). Take all your trash with you and bring hand sanitizer/bio-degradable TP/shovel.
Because this IS a hotspot for moose. Locals do come here at dusk and dawn, but hey mostly sit on the sides of the road by the bridge that goes over the bog/water. It's also a popular fishing area - from the road/bridge. Pretty sure certain tours bring people here or tell them to come here to look for moose, but you are WAY more likely to find one if you get in your kayak.
In the two nights we stayed here, we saw 5 moose. Likely the same 2-3 but hard to tell. We saw them at dusk and dawn. You only need to walk your boats about 10 feet to slide them in the water from the camping area. Once in the water, go to the left and it goes around a bend. We always took a short zig zagging trip through the area (it snakes along) slowly and quietly paddling. They show up a lot just past the first left you take (after going left out of the site). if you are really patient you can just sit there. We are a bit stir crazy though and preferred going back and forth slowly to occupy the senses.
Good luck and enjoy!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near West Forks, Maine, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors in a truly primitive setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in West Forks, Maine?
Dispersed camping in West Forks area follows typical Maine backcountry regulations. At Trout Brook Campground, there's a maximum stay limit of 14 days posted. Most dispersed sites in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. At Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road, camping is organized into approximately 10 sites bordered by large rocks. Generally, campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, use existing fire rings only, pack out all trash, and respect quiet hours. Some areas may have seasonal closures or specific vehicle restrictions. Always check current regulations with local ranger districts before your trip as rules can change.
Where can I find dispersed camping in West Forks, Maine?
The West Forks area offers several dispersed camping options. Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed provides a large mowed area with amazing mountain views and room for multiple campers, located about 30 minutes from Greenville. For water enthusiasts, Philbrick Landing offers a small site along the Dead River that's part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, though it requires navigating a steep bank from the river. Other dispersed options in the region include sites along the Dead River Access and various primitive campsites in the surrounding forests. Many of these locations are accessible via logging roads or trails, so planning ahead and possibly scouting locations first is recommended.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in West Forks, Maine?
Dispersed camping in West Forks is primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite offers basic clearings for tents and access to water for paddling but few other facilities. At some locations like Raven, you might find a picnic table, but amenities are generally limited. Some dispersed areas provide vault toilets or portable toilets seasonally - for example, near Upper Gravel Pit, a porta-potty was noted about 1.5 miles down the road. Fire rings are common at established sites, though you'll need to bring your own firewood. There's no potable water, electricity, or garbage service, so campers must be self-sufficient and pack everything in and out.
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