7 Free Tent & RV Camping Sites in Maine

Maine is full of fantastic campgrounds, but there are also many free places to go camping across the state!  Free campsites don’t have all of the amenities that campgrounds have, but they do offer seclusion and oftentimes incredible views!

These campsites are all are on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Be aware that trapping is allowed on some properties so dogs should be kept on a leash.  It is prohibited to cut down live trees at these sites.  Instead, look for dead, fallen limbs and trees in the woods, or purchase local firewood (firewood from other states is illegal) and bring it with you.  Fire permits are required at most locations, contact the property manager for more information.

When boating make sure your boat and equipment do not have plants from other water bodies on them.  As always, carry in-carry out to keep these open and free for many others to use in the future!

Big Eddy, Dead River, New Portland

GPS:  45.230921, -70.195401
Sites:  14
Type:  RV, Tent
Management:  Maine Public Reserved Land, Dead River Unit
Open:  Year Round
Maximum Stay:  14 days
Amenities:  Fire rings, picnic tables, hand-carry boat launch, outhouse
Activities:  Fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife viewing
Additional Info:  Large RVs can stay here, four sites are located in the woods, 10 open air.

Chain of Ponds, Chain of Ponds Township

GPS:  45.335733, -70.659587
Sites:  4
Type:  Tent
Management:  Bureau of Public Lands
Open:  Year Round
Maximum Stay:  14 days
Amenities:  Hand-carry boat launch, trailered boat launch
Activities:  Boating, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing
Additional Info:  Look for the brown and yellow Bureau of Public Lands signs once you reach Chain of Ponds Township.  There are two separate sets of campsites down two rough dirt roads to the sites.

Holeb Landing, Jackman

GPS:  45.59401, -70.42718
Sites:  5
Type:  RV, Tent
Management:  Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
Open:  Year Round
Maximum Stay:  14 days
Amenities:  Picnic table, fire rings, hand-carry boat launch, outhouse
Activities:  Fishing, swimming, boating
Additional Info:  This location is quite crowded in the summer with people camping and parking to paddle the Moose Loop and Bow Trip.

Jewett Cove, Greenville

GPS:  45.687199, -69.551319
Sites:  4
Type:  RV, Tent
Management:  State of Maine
Open:  Year Round
Maximum Stay:  14 days
Amenities:  Fire rings, picnic tables, hand-carry boat launch, outhouse
Activities:  Boating, fishing, swimming
Additional Info:  The network of dirt roads on the drive in can be confusing, and the drive in is just over 5 miles from paved roads.

Log Landing, Machias River, Day Block Township

GPS:  44.957400, -67.872700
Sites:  10
Type:  RV (5 sites), Tent
Management:  Bureau of Parks & Lands
Open:  May-November
Maximum Stay:  14 days
Amenities:  Fire ring, picnic tables, hand-carry boat launch, outhouse
Activities:  Canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing
Additional Info:  Group campsites.

Peabody Mountain, Little Larry Road, Batchelders Grant

GPS:  44.356623, -70.958912
Sites:  5
Type:  RV (small), Tent
Management:  National Park Service, White Mountain National Forest
Open:  Year Round
Maximum Stay:  14 days
Amenities:  Fire ring
Activities:  Hiking, hunting, wildlife viewing
Additional Info:  The road to the campsites is down a dirt road which can be rough at times.  Vehicles with high-clearance recommended.  There is no water at this location.

Route 16 Dead River, Dallas Plantation

GPS:  45.004622, -70.578747
Sites:  3
Type:  RV (small), Tent
Management:  Forest Service
Open:  Year Round
Maximum Stay:  14 days
Amenities:  Fire ring, hand-carry boat launch
Activities:  Boating, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing
Additional Info:  RVs 15′ or less recommended.

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