A Guide to Backcountry Camping in Maine: What to Pack and how to Find and Access Campsites
Imagine indulging in a sunset swim followed by dinner cooked on a campfire and falling asleep under a blanket of stars in the middle of a forest. Backcountry camping is no fairytale—but it certainly is a dream come true. It’s time to pack a bag and head to the woods!
In this blog post, I will be sharing everything you need to know about wilderness camping in Maine—what it is, how to find and access campsites, what to pack, insider tips, and more!
What is Backcountry Camping?
Often referred to as “wilderness” “backcountry”or “remote” camping—backcountry camping involves traveling to a remote area and camping in the woods with little or no amenities. The campsites are typically first some first served and may or may not have a fire ring, picnic table, and pit toilet. Camping in the wilderness is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Finding a Backcountry Campsite
In Maine, most backcountry campsites are located on public lands that are owned and maintained by the State of Maine. Therefore, I like to use the State Parks and Public Lands website to find backcountry campsites. Their online search tool and backcountry camping page are both extremely helpful for planning a trip. They provide thorough guides for each region of public lands that includes directions, historic information, campsite information, nearby recreational activities, campsite fees, a detailed map of the lands, as well as any other pertinent information. The maps also include contact information for the knowledgeable staff that maintain the lands. Their intentions are to protect the lands and help people recreate safely, so they are usually happy to answer any questions you may have.
Some of the most frequently visited public lands are:
Bigelow Preserve: A preserve that offers backpacking, rugged hiking, nature watching, swimming, and stunning views. Click here to view the guide and map.
Mahoosuc Public Lands & Grafton Notch State Park: Located along the Appalachian Trail, these lands are known for their challenging yet beautiful terrain. Click here to view the guide and map.
Cutler Coast Public Lands: Rugged hiking, dramatic cliffs, and primitive campsites with ocean views constitute these public lands. Click here to view the guide and map.
Allagash Wilderness Waterway: A 92-mile scenic waterway located in Northern Maine that is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and backcountry camping.
Maine Island Trail: A 375-mile water trail that spans several islands and campsites along the beautiful Maine coastline. The trail is managed by the Maine Island Trail Association.
Accessing Backcountry Campsites
Backcountry campsites are generally accessed by foot or by boat (kayak, canoe, etc.). Many people believe this aspect adds to the authentic “wilderness” camping experience. If you don’t own any watercraft, there are several companies in Maine that offer rentals. Just conduct a search that includes the watercraft you would like to rent and the location you are hoping to visit (ex: canoe rentals near Bigelow Preserve).
What to Pack for Backcountry Camping in Maine
When I pack for a backcountry camping trip, I try and bring just the necessities. This is extremely trivial, because everyone has a different idea of what a “necessity” is and therefore may pack differently than I would. For example, I consider a down pillow a necessity. Others may think that a box of wine is a necessity. Or a fishing pole. So for all intents and purposes, I’ll share what I consider to be backcountry “essentials” separate from my personal “essentials”.
Backcountry essentials
Food (enough for your trip and emergency calories)
Water (and a water filtration system)
Clothing (season and weather appropriate—of course)
Fire (waterproof matches, lighter, etc.)
Shelter (a tent, hammock, or tarp)
Bedding (season-appropriate sleeping bag or blanket)
Navigation tools (compass, paper map, etc.)
Flashlight or headlamp
Pocket knife or multi-tool
My personal essentials
Kitchen (stove, propane, nesting pots and pants, dishes, knife set, garbage bags, utensils, etc.)
Hygiene (wipes, toilet paper, toothbrush, biodegradable soap, etc.)
Entertainment (deck of cards, bluetooth speaker, etc.)
Campfire (axe, s’mores stuff, camp chair)
Safety (satellite communication device, power station or portable power bank)
Insider Tips for Backcountry Camping
Have a backup plan
As most backcountry sites are first come first served, it’s always beneficial to come up with a backup plan or two in case someone is already staying at the campsite you were planning on camping at.
Be smaht and bring cash
Having cash on hand is always smart—especially when visiting remote areas of Maine where there is limited cell phone service. I would recommend having at least $50 on hand, if not more.
Best time of year to go backcountry camping
In my humble opinion, June-October are the best months for backcountry camping because the weather is ideal for swimming, fishing, hiking, and sleeping under the stars
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. Think of it like being a good guest—keep things clean, respect the wildlife, take only memories and leave behind only footprints. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
If you’re seeking a wilderness camping experience that involves no electricity or running water—but a whole lot of making s’mores over a campfire, hiking to waterfalls, swimming in emerald green pools, and listening to loon calls—South Branch Pond Campground was made for you. The sooner you make a reservation, the sooner you can start making memorable memories!
Interested in more insider Maine camping tips and recommendations? You can find them all here.
If you love spending time outdoors in Maine, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page and subscribe to my e-mail list! By doing so, you’ll be the first to receive all of my latest and greatest outdoorsy Maine content straight to your inbox! And I solemnly swear that I won’t sell your e-mail to spammers or scammers living in their mom’s basement.
With Love,
MyMaine
