Best Dispersed Camping in Maine

Thinking of camping in Maine, and you’re likely thinking of two regions: DownEast, where Acadia National Park and Portland steal the show, or along the southern coast, where Wells and Old Orchard Beach are popular. While these places are certainly well worth a visit, limiting your experiences to these coastal haunts, means missing out on some of the best camping in Maine...and there’s a lot. Indeed, Maine covers nearly one-half of the total area of New England. With over 30 state parks, the first national park east of the Mississippi, and, depending on the way you hike it, either the beginning or the end of the 2181 miles of the Appalachian Trail, Maine has a little something to offer even the greenest camper among us.

Southern Maine is a typically more crowded area. The water is a bit warmer than Maine’s northern beaches, and the beaches typically less rocky. For those looking for a break from the surf, there are shopping outlets, mini golf courses, and numerous spots to grab some fresh lobster. Old Orchard Beach has long been a New England summer tradition; trading quiet camping for go-kart races and thrilling rides, this area is chock full of summer fun. Looking to escape the crowds while camping in southern Maine? Head inland to kayak and camp along the Saco River, as it carves its way from New Hampshire’s White Mountains through to the Atlantic.

Most campers head to the ocean come summer, so you’ll find solitude amongst the trees, lakes and rivers of inland Maine. Moosehead Lake has some of the best camping in Maine, with numerous lakeside camp spots and deserted beaches off of one of the lake’s dozens of tiny islands. Bring your own canoe, or rent one, and spend the day leisurely paddling alongside loons and other waterfowl; if you’re quiet, you might even happen upon a moose. There are a number of campgrounds to choose from, and many offer secluded lakefront sites. If you are looking to stretch your legs and gain some altitude, head to nearby Baxter State Park. Hiking Maine’s highest peak, Mount Katahdin, is an intense hike that’ll reward you with unparalleled views over Maine’s seemingly endless backcountry. Fair warning: this hike isn’t for children (in fact, no children under six are allowed above the treeline anywhere in Baxter State Park). Nor is it for the faint of heart: its ridgeline is sheer, dropping off some 5,000 feet into Maine’s ancient wilderness below.

Downeast Maine is a remote area that has some of the most beautiful coastline in the world, and some of the most beautiful camping in Maine. Iconic lighthouses, piles of fresh lobster, and seaside hikes that rival inland Maine’s rugged peaks, exploring this area is a must. With Portland, Bangor, and small coastal towns like Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport and Freeport, there are no shortages of places to explore. Our favorite downeast adventure? Camp in Acadia, where you can hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain and watch as the sun sets over the rugged atlantic coastline. For those early risers, catching the sunrise from October to March means you’re catching the first of the sun as it rises over the US.

Whether you’re looking for backcountry seclusion or prefer the comforts of car camping, camping in Maine has a little something to offer all of us. True to its slogan, it really is the way life should be.

Best Dispersed Sites in Maine (22)

    1. Cutler Coast Public Land — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    7 Reviews
    Whiting, ME
    Website

    "We approached the area via the Inland Trail, about a 5.5 mile hike from the trial head (trail signs are inaccurate, they don't account for the recent re-route)."

    "The coast of Maine offers very few places for overnight backpacking or even just seaside hiking. The Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land is one great option."

    2. Machias Rips Campsite

    4 Reviews
    Beddington, ME
    Website

    "Situated right off of Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley Maine, you can access the Machias River Corridor Public Lands."

    "Great free off grid camping near Canadian border. The other previous reviewers did a great job explaining the campground."

    3. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    3 Reviews
    Gilead, ME

    "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."

    "These campsites are located on a dead end dirt road.  The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other (I think there are only 8 sites on the road.) "

    4. Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Frenchtown, ME

    "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."

    5. Trout Brook Campground

    3 Reviews
    Stratton, ME

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

    6. Long Point — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    1 Review
    Whiting, ME
    Website

    "This spot is situated right along the Maine coast and has one heck of a view, not to mention a nice gravel beach!"

    7. Mosquito Rips

    1 Review
    Jackman, ME
    Website

    "The site is small and impacted but has a nice picnic table, fire pit and outhouse."

    8. Smudge Cove

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    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."

    9. Wheat Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the"

    10. Marshall Island

    1 Review
    Swans Island, ME
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one on the southeast side near Sand Cove and the other on the northeast side of the"

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Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Maine

35 Reviews of 22 Maine Campgrounds



Guide to Maine

Maine offers a stunning backdrop for dispersed camping, where nature lovers can immerse themselves in the state's breathtaking landscapes while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Cutler Coast Public Land

  • Experience the rugged beauty of the coastline at Cutler Coast Public Land — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve, where you can hike in and enjoy spectacular ocean views from your campsite.
  • For a unique adventure, hike to Fairy Head within the same area, where the views are nothing short of amazing, especially at sunrise.
  • The area is known for its peaceful nights, making it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Top activities while free camping in Maine

Tips for free and dispersed camping in Maine

  • Be prepared for primitive conditions at Trout Brook Campground, where you’ll need to bring your own water and supplies.
  • At Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed, enjoy stunning mountain views while ensuring you pack out all your trash, as there are no facilities available.
  • For a unique experience, consider Doliver Island, where you can camp on a small island and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding waters, but remember to bring your own fresh water.