Map showing campground location near Grand Lake Stream, Maine

Camper submitted image from Third Machias Lake - Machias River Cooridor

Third Machias Lake - Machias River Cooridor

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Paddlers and anglers working the camping near Grand Lake Stream region will find Third Machias Lake a genuinely remote destination. Access follows a logging road off Stud Mill Road, where log trucks move fast and require campers to pull over. The lake is large enough to generate two-to-three-foot waves in wind, so paddling conditions matter. Expect little to no cell service, biting bugs especially earlier in summer, and first-come, first-serve island sites with fire rings. Bring a fire permit to avoid friction with rangers.

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Map & DirectionsThird Machias Lake is located in Maine near Grand Lake Stream

Public Campground

Coordinates

45.0899586930132 N
67.86316183731907 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+12079414412

Drive Time

1 hr 35 min from Bangor, ME
2 hrs 56 min from Lewiston, ME
3 hrs 33 min from Portland, ME
4 hrs 40 min from Manchester, NH

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Third Machias Lake

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Amanda F.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2022

Third lake machias

I have gone camping here a handful of times and it is so beautiful! Definitely far out there and can be difficult to find if you don’t know the area well. Little to no service as well. We canoe to the island and camp on that but there are spots you can get to without a boat we just prefer it there. Make sure to bring everything you need! There are fire rings but the ranges can be sticklers about having a fire permit. This has only happened once that we’ve been there though they usually just leave you alone. These are also free spots that are first come first serve. The bugs can be really bad here especially in the earlier summer months so definitely keep that in mind and bring bug nets. We have caught a ton of fish here as well. Super beautiful lake and remote spot perfect to get away and unplug for a bit.

Siteacross the lake on the island

Month of VisitJune

(5) View All

Tina D.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 9, 2018

Serious Middle of Nowhere

To reach Third Machias Lake, take the Little River Road (which runs north off the Stud Mill Road along the east side of the Machias River). Turn left after 4 miles onto a side road that leads to the boat launch. This is a logging road, beware of log trucks. Pull OVER when you see one and let them pass. They are going really fast with really big loads of logs.

We park at the boat launch. There has usually been 2-3 campers there when we park there. There are porta potties there. But…. we don't stay there. Kayaks in, camping gear into the boats. Off we go. It can be a rough paddle if it's windy. This lake is HUGE and can and has gotten 2-3 foot waves when the weather is not so great. It usually takes us about an our to get to the island we camp on. It has no name I know if but, many people call the next island past ours, Fairy Island.

I actually prefer Fairy Island. it's more open, smaller island, and better trees for hammocks. Plus the breeze there is awesome but bring a big tarp and road to give yourself a wind block.

The kayaking in this area is the BEST I have had in Maine. It's an absolute wonderland of variety. We took many river routes going out of the lake, into other lakes, through marsh/swamp, portaging beaver dams and such. One time had to go over a dirt road. Hardly ever ran across a person except this one time, a guy who has a cabin on the main shore not too far from our island (maybe 20 min paddle) was out fishing and invited us to his cabin where he and his wife gave us drinks and made awesome food at their campfire. They were so cool. I hope I have a house like that at some point.

Anyway; if you crave adventure this area is for you. Just jump in your boat, with your gear, and hunt down an island of your choosing. There are a bunch out there. Beware of rocks even in deep water! The glacier rocks are absolute huge. See my photos for yourself. Respect nature. Don't leave your garbage out here, no one wants to see that!

SiteWe kayaked about an hour into the lake to an island

Month of VisitJuly

(16) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities can you do at Third Machias Lake?

Third Machias Lake offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, with many visitors paddling to the island for camping. The pristine waters are perfect for fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Hiking along the shoreline allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Machias River Corridor. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic wilderness views, while stargazers benefit from minimal light pollution. The remote setting also provides ideal conditions for birdwatching and enjoying the peaceful solitude of Maine's backcountry.

What camping facilities are available at Third Machias Lake?

Third Machias Lake offers primitive camping with minimal facilities. There are camping spots along the shoreline as well as on an island that many visitors prefer to access by canoe. The campground is undeveloped, so expect rustic conditions with no running water, electricity, or modern restroom facilities. Campers should come fully prepared with all necessary supplies including drinking water, food, and waste disposal equipment. Cell service is very limited or non-existent in this remote area. The primitive nature of the site appeals to those seeking an authentic wilderness experience away from crowds.

Where is Third Machias Lake Campground located in the Machias River Corridor?

Third Machias Lake is accessed via the Little River Road, which runs north off the Stud Mill Road along the east side of the Machias River. To reach the campground, travel approximately 4 miles on Little River Road, then turn left onto a side road that leads to the boat launch. Be aware that these are logging roads, so visitors should be cautious of log trucks and pull over when encountering them. The location is quite remote, making it somewhat challenging to find for those unfamiliar with the area.

Are permits required for camping along the Machias River Corridor?

While specific permit information isn't detailed for Third Machias Lake, most recreational areas in the Machias River Corridor typically require some form of permission or registration for overnight camping. It's advisable to check with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands or the North Maine Woods organization before your trip to obtain any necessary permits. Since this is a remote area, following proper backcountry protocols and obtaining the appropriate permissions helps maintain the wilderness character of the region.

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