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Best Dispersed Camping near West Forks, ME

17 Reviews

Dispersed camping near West Forks, Maine occurs primarily along wilderness access points and waterways. Free primitive sites can be found at locations like Philbrick Landing on the Dead River, part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, and Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road. Several additional dispersed camping areas exist in the broader region surrounding the West Forks area, including Upper Gravel Pit, Mosquito Rips, and Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite. Many of these sites permit camping for up to 14 days and operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.

Access to most dispersed camping areas requires navigation along unpaved routes that may present challenges during wet conditions. The Dead River Access sites feature rocky, bordered camping spots alongside a paved road that transitions to gravel. Other locations like Upper Gravel Pit involve steep, loose gravel roads that demand careful driving. Most dispersed sites have established fire rings but lack amenities such as potable water, garbage facilities, or improved restrooms. Fire permits are required in many locations, obtainable in nearby towns. Primitive camping regulations in Maine typically limit stays to 14 days, though specific rules may vary by site and land manager.

Wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly moose sightings, represent a significant draw for many dispersed campers in the region. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite is known for excellent moose watching, especially from kayaks at dawn and dusk. Several sites offer water access for paddling and fishing, though the quality of landings varies considerably between locations. According to a visitor to Philbrick Landing, "This is a primitive backcountry site so pack it in, pack it out. There's plenty of flat space for a couple of 2-3 person tents. The stars are beautiful." Some sites like Upper Gravel Pit provide mountain views but minimal privacy, while water-accessible locations tend to offer greater seclusion.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near West Forks, Maine (11)

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30 Photos of 11 West Forks Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near West Forks, ME

17 Reviews of 11 West Forks Campgrounds

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 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.

  • Miccal M.
    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.

  • Thomas B.
    Sep. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Paula C.
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    Nice and easy stay

    Easy 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 West Forks

Dispersed camping near West Forks, Maine ranges from rocky riverside spots to forested boat-in sites, with elevations varying between 800-1,200 feet throughout the region. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with snowfall typically beginning in November and lasting through April. These primitive sites often serve as access points for outdoor recreation including fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing.

What to do

Moose watching opportunities: At Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite, campers can witness Maine's iconic wildlife. "This is a moose hot spot. You will find this site just past the bridge off Spencer Bay Road (old logging road) on the right," shares one visitor who recommends bringing kayaks for the best experience.

Paddling exploration: From Smudge Cove, campers can access waterways for canoeing and kayaking. "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," notes a camper.

Hiking nearby trails: Several dispersed sites provide access to hiking trails. Near Trout Brook Campground, you'll find walking paths through dense forest, while Upper Gravel Pit offers "easy access to the great hiking in Little Moose Public Lands" with trails ranging from moderate 4.3-mile routes to more challenging 4.4-mile hikes with 1,800 feet of elevation change.

What campers like

Lake and mountain views: The Upper Gravel Pit site offers "amazing views of the surrounding mountains" according to Thomas B., who visited during Labor Day weekend. This dispersed area features "a large mowed area on top of a gravel pit" with space for multiple campers.

River sounds: At Dead River Access on Long Falls Dam Road, campers appreciate the natural soundscape. One visitor notes, "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."

Solitude and stargazing: Remote sites offer peace and quiet. "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!" reports a camper at Smudge Cove. Another visitor to the area commented, "A few cars in and out checking for moose, but a peaceful night's sleep."

What you should know

Bring everything you need: These sites truly are primitive. "There are no utilities, potable water, restroom, or garbage facilities so bring the water you need and carry out your trash," advises a camper about the Eagle Cove area. Another notes, "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."

Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many sites requires careful driving. For Upper Gravel Pit, "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."

Limited privacy at some sites: Not all dispersed camping areas offer seclusion. At Trout Brook Campground, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Consider site accessibility: When camping with children, choose locations with manageable terrain. "The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars," warns one camper about Trout Brook. For easier access, Dead River sites feature "about 10 long narrow sites that have large rocks bordering each site."

Wildlife viewing with kids: Rangeley - Stratton Road Camp offers opportunities for family nature observation. "There are three free campsites off Route 16 between Rangeley and Stratton, ME, located on the Dead River," notes a visitor, making this an accessible option for families wanting to explore Maine's outdoors.

Plan for variable weather: Maine weather can change rapidly. Pack extra layers and rain gear, especially when camping with children. One camper at Eagle Cove warns about finding "a spot to pitch the tent that wasn't going to put us in a puddle" during heavy rain.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites near West Forks have space constraints. At Trout Brook Campground, one RVer reports, "Road is passable for most any vehicle. Not larger RV friendly but was comfortable enough to get the 27' foot trailer in."

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many sites. "The camping area is level and roomy with some pretty views of the surrounding mountains," notes one RVer about Upper Gravel Pit, but other locations may require leveling blocks.

Limited facilities: No hookups or dump stations are available at dispersed sites. "There is a dump station at the nearby Moosehead Family Campground," advises one RVer who stayed at Upper Gravel Pit, providing a useful tip for longer stays.

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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