The best camping near Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Allagash Wilderness Waterway adventure.

The best camping near Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Allagash Wilderness Waterway adventure.

Camping near Allagash Wilderness Waterway

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Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Allagash Wilderness Waterway adventure.

Discover the rugged beauty of Allagash Wilderness Waterway.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Allagash Wilderness Waterway

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Big Moose Inn Cabins & Campground

63 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · Millinocket, ME
Big Moose Inn Cabins & CampgroundIrving O. Hunt and his brother Lyman built some rough camps on Millinocket Lake before they became interested in the Nesowadnehunk Stream region. Whether or not their old camps were at the same site as the present camps on Millinocket Lake we do not know.The Millinocket Lake Camps, known today as Big Moose Inn, are located on a narrow spit of land separating Ambejejus Lake and Millinocket Lake. Before a dam controlled Ambajejus’ water level, it was possible to pole up the short stream from Millinocket Lake into Ambejejus.Fred Spencer build the camps, originally named Camp Eureka, in 1899 or 1900 and ran them with his brother. With the founding of Millinocket only a few years earlier and lumbering roads nearing Katahdin, the two lakes became more easily accessible. Camp Eureka was advertised as the only camp reachable by both boat (from Norcross) and road (from Millinocket). In 1905, the rate was $1.50 per day, meals included. Spencer also claimed the lakes had no flies or mosquitoes during spring and summer- a phenomenon caused by the way winds blow across the lakes, which makes it difficult for insects to gain a foothold.The camps’ name changed to Camp Spencer and later to Spencer’s Camps. Around 1929 the lease was transferred to Elmer Woodworth, who lived with his wife on a nearby island while they operated the camps. Elmer, a well-known guide, trapped over the winter, and his wife served as the camp cook. The couple soon renamed the camps Millinocket Lake Camps and Trading Post. They also maintained an outlying camp on Sandy Stream for their guests. In 1941, a major fire broke out in the area. The Woodworths saved the camps by wetting them down, but lost their island home when a stray spark jumped the cove. There is some evidence that, for a short time, a gentleman named Johnny Given either held the lease or managed the camps for the Woodworths. Except for that brief change the Woodworths operated the camps for many years until they passed the lease on to their son Ray, who ran them with his wife Muriel.In 1977, the lease was transferred to Bob and Frederica (“Teddy”) Boynton, who in 1981 sold the trading post to Erwin and Maureen Bacon. The Boyntons retained the sporting camp operation and later added a public restaurant. Teddy renamed the camps Big Moose Inn. Bob and his son Bruce made many renovations to the camps, while Teddy decorated and furnished them. The Boynton Family has remained involved in the success of the inn and restaurant. After Teddy’s death in 1991, management passed to Bruce and his sister Laurie, but Bob and other family members are still very involved.The dam separates the flowages of the two lakes. Millinocket Lake is about eight feet above its original level, and Ambajejus is now some 21 feet above its original level. Today several West Branch rafting companies make the inn their seasonal center of operations.At Big Moose, we bring you a rare blend of friendly service and lovely surroundings that successfully reflects our unique personality. Located on Millinocket Lake, Big Moose is the closest full service accommodations to Baxter State Park. Our central Katahdin Region lodging offers easy access to many of Baxter State Park's magnificent natural resources.Our Katahdin lodging packages consist of inn rooms, suites, lakefront and trailside cabins, and campgrounds. Fredericka's restaurant offers casual fine dining between two lakes while the Loose Moose Bar & Grille offers comfort food after a long day outdoors.-Dine in our newly remodeled dining room with friends and family. Our authentic solid oak tables and chairs make this room adaptable to any decor you choose when hosting weddings, reunions or anniversaries. A great place for corporate retreats and workshops. Our new side dining room offers intimacy and privacy for gatherings of 25 or less. Call to reserve it for your special celebration.•Big Moose Vacation Packages-Big Moose selects the best businesses to deliver a complete vacation package to you. We team with local and regional experts to offer guided tours, photography workshops, guided fishing trips and more. Choose one of the complete all inclusive packages from the list on the left and you will be assured a wilderness outdoor vacation that you won't soon forget. Want a weekend trip to Maine all your own, checkout the "Guides & Tours" section under Maine Adventures. Find great outdoor activities to do or take a guided excursion from one of the many knowledgeable tour guides who cater to Big Moose guests. The Big Moose Inn's location affords our guest many opportunities to enjoy the Maine outdoors. It is only a short distance from Baxter State Park and the North Maine Woods, where our guests enjoy the recreational adventures they come to the Katahdin region for. Explore the area by yourself or join a guided tour looking for wildlife or hike into remote wilderness areas with a Registered Maine Guide. The Penobscot River offers many recreational opportunities from fishing, canoeing to whitewater rafting.Our PoliciesPets: Dogs are welcome in our campground. However, we do not have any pet-friendly cabins. Pets are not permitted inside the Inn. Please follow these rules and expectations:• Pet must be on a leash at all times• Pet must not be left unattended because of the summer heat, barking, and possible damage.• Must pick up after your pet.If you would rather board your pet contact Katahdin Kritters Pet Resort - 207-746-8040Tax: All rates are subject to 9% Maine sales tax.PLEASE NO SMOKING IN CABINS OR INN ROOMS/SUITES, FINES MAY OCCUR.Cancellations: As an independently owned and operated inn, we do not overbook our accommodations - each reservation is made for a specfic date, accomdation, number of guests and we are expecting you! Cancellations and changes made with short notice impact us significally. We do sympathize, however, we must maintain our business policy due to limited season and accommodation demands.Prior to 30 days of arrival, full refund; cancellation within 30 days, no refund/forfeiture of deposit. No adjustments or refunds for early departures. Please note: There are no exceptions to our cancellation policy whether it be for reasons of sickness, family emergency or weather. Check-in: 4pm-10pmCheck-out: 10am.Cabin guests must bring their own towels, or they may call in advance to arrange for towels to be rented.
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Potable water
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from 
$30
 / night
100%
(8)

Loon Point Cabin and Camp Site

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Millinocket, ME
This cabin was built by the original owners in the 1960's as a temporary shelter. They never got around to building a more permanent dwelling and instead used it for many years as a rustic camp site. We purchased the land and the cabin 10 years ago. Rather than tear down the old cabin we began rehabbing it 2020 to enjoy ourselves and share with others. We were in the process of building a new modern camp on the property but had a major fire there in the fall of 2022 totally burning the new house and the surrounding trees. We are in the process of cleaning that up but you will se the evidence of the fire when you arrive. Fortunately it will not affect your experience at the cabin. We love this location and we think you will too. Learn more about this land: Enjoy the privacy of a rustic cabin 10 feet from the shore of Amabjejus Lake. Take in gorgeous sunsets on this west facing waterfront looking across the lake to the historic Ambajejus Boom House. Listen to loons at night and see bald eagles flying overhead during the day. The cabin is furnished with a full size bed and a toddler bed, a table and 4 chairs. A mattress pad and fitted sheet will be provided but you will need to bring your own linens or sleeping bags and pillows. There is a picnic table, fire ring and a tent site for up to a 4 person tent. There is an outhouse which you will share with the owner if present. This cabin was built in the 1960's by the original landowner to be a temporary shelter. We purchased the land 10 years ago and are in the process of building a larger camp on this 1 acre property. You will have your own private waterfront area. There is a also a small sandy beach and a swim dock that you are welcome to use but may share with owners if they are on the property. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are available to use. The southern entrance to Baxter State Park is only 10 miles away. The owners will be sensitive to your privacy but may be working on the property nearby during your stay. Guests are limited to 4 people. We love children and have 5 of our own. If you are a couple with more than 2 children (or a single parent with more than 3) please contact us. We would love to accomodate you if possible. One final note. In November 2022 we suffered a fire to the main structure that we were building on the property. As a result campers who come in 2023 will see a foundation and evidence of burned trees around the location of the burned building. The cabin and surrounding area suffered no damage and there will be no change to the appearance and view of your stay except going to and from your vehicle. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$79
 / night

The best camping near Allagash Wilderness Waterway guide

Overview

About

Travel back in time to a watery land that has been left unchanged for centuries and shows few signs that it was ever inhabited by humans. There are no permanent residents in the Allagash Wilderness, which makes this New England treasure feel like the very ends of the earth. The Allagash River is 92 miles of serene wilderness, where paddlers will find class I and II rapids, quiet lakes, and towering waterfalls. The whole area is surrounded by dense forests full of wildlife and towering mountain peaks.

The Allagash is wild in the truest sense of the word, and your wilderness getaway should be well-planned. There are no stores for last-minute provisions, and cell phone service is spotty at best. Yes, you will give up your modern conveniences, but you will find so much more.

Notable campgrounds

  • Chamberlain Bridge: A gateway to the Allagash, offering scenic campsites with access to fishing and canoeing adventures.
  • Allagash Falls: Experience the roar of the falls as you camp nearby, perfect for those seeking a blend of excitement and serenity.
  • Michaud Farm: Settle in this historic site for a peaceful night's rest after a day of exploring the wilderness.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as the Allagash Wilderness Waterway's unique camping experience is highly sought after.
  • Be flexible with your dates to increase your chances of finding an available campsite.
  • Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons when the waterway is less crowded.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan in case your preferred site is unavailable.

When to go

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the waterways are perfect for canoeing. Winter offers a serene snow-covered landscape, ideal for snowmobiling, though preparation for cold conditions is essential.

Know before you go

  • Check for access updates before planning your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Remember, there is no cell phone reception, so plan accordingly and inform someone of your itinerary.
  • Familiarize yourself with the specific AWW rules that supersede standard park regulations.
  • Be prepared for remote conditions; carry necessary safety gear and sufficient supplies.
  • Respect the environment by following the 'Buy It Where You Burn It' policy to prevent the spread of invasive species.

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