Question about remote camping

Submitted by AcanthocephalaOk7196 t3_ycoxhm in Maine

I’m curious if there is a website that lists public lands that are available for camping, (prefer to sleep in my truck bed) but wouldn’t be against sleeping on the ground. Ideally around the western mountains near some stocked ponds. My son and I would like to spend a weekend up north camping and fishing this spring/summer and would appreciate any assistance anyone could give as far as a website or outright information thank you in advance!

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RightyTightey t1_itnhy6n wrote

i would grab a copy of the Delormes and look for the little teepees nearest your intended destination.

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AcanthocephalaOk7196 OP t1_itnii3p wrote

The only thing the gazetteer doesn’t tell you are free sites unless I’m not using it to its full potential,

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ShalomRanger t1_itona1k wrote

Take a look at the legend. There are two different teepees, one designating primitive sites and the other for campgrounds. I’ve stayed at many of the primitive sites, and where there’s one, there’s usually more in the vicinity.

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hike_me t1_itquyj9 wrote

some of those primitive spots still require paying a fee to either the state or North Maine Woods.

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ShalomRanger t1_itqwcqv wrote

I think the paid primitive sites are more abundant the closer you get to Baxter (Debsconeag, Deboullie, etc. if I’m not mistaken). But I’m not sure that I’ve ever had to pay a fee at any of the primitive sites I’ve stayed at in the western part of the state.

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hike_me t1_itqxcrl wrote

Anything in the North Maine Woods/KI Jo Mary requires a fee. Outside of that I think you’re right about most of the primitive sites being free.

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ShalomRanger t1_itr1num wrote

Gotcha. I definitely need to do more exploring in the NMW

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Various_Ad4235 t1_itnipvl wrote

I’d get a “Maine atlas” and take a peek. That’s where I found all my good spots

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grayjay88 t1_itnraue wrote

Talk to some maine guides, super friendly and can point you in the right direction. Also the wardens are good for info too. Jackman is a blast/ the forks as well. You will find lots of spots out that way.

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Antnee83 t1_itnrlgj wrote

...this whole covid ordeal has really fucked with my head, because the first thing I thought was "are you just gonna watch a campfire over a webcam or what"

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homeostasis3434 t1_itoddpx wrote

The Bigelow Preserve is nice.

There's first come first serve campsites that are free to stay just north of Rangeley in the mountains on a large lake.

I'm not sure about the fishing at that particular lake but there's many more around.

https://mainelakesandmountains.com/story/bigelow-preserve-public-reserved-land

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_freeheeler_ t1_itqb1yy wrote

If you get on some logging roads and they're not in the middle of an operation, you can usually camp out or sleep at any real pullout or clearing. I've done it quite a bit up by sugarloaf and what not, same with towards sunday river. I've run skidder trails and found canoes on spots out in the middle of nowhere, didn't use it though. Have fun!

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WangnanJahad t1_itw4zit wrote

And just throwing this out there....you can camp most anywhere on public reserve land. You just can't have an open fire in places without designated fire rings. If you find a nice clearing somewhere you are allowed to pitch a tent to sleep for the night.

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