Best Canoe-Access Campsites
Some of the finest campsites in North Maine Woods are only reachable by paddle. From the legendary Allagash Wilderness Waterway to remote interior lakes, these paddle-in campsites reward the effort of portaging and paddling with unmatched solitude and scenery.
Allagash Falls Campsites
Allagash Wilderness Waterway • Allagash River
Campsites above and below the iconic 40-foot Allagash Falls — the highlight of any Allagash canoe trip. The falls require a mandatory portage on river left. The campsites here are among the most photographed in the AWW system. Late afternoon light on the falls is spectacular.
Churchill Lake Campsites
Allagash Wilderness Waterway • Churchill Lake
The transition point between the lake and river sections of the Allagash. Churchill Lake campsites offer expansive water views before the excitement of Chase Rapids downstream. The historic Churchill Depot is a fascinating remnant of the logging era.
Eagle Lake Campsites
Allagash Wilderness Waterway • Eagle Lake
The largest lake on the Allagash, Eagle Lake's paddle-in campsites spread along miles of shoreline. Pick a site based on wind conditions — west shore for morning sun, east shore for afternoon shade. Excellent lake trout fishing and expansive wilderness views.
Round Pond (Allagash)
Allagash Wilderness Waterway • Round Pond
A popular overnight on the Allagash canoe route, Round Pond campsites sit at the outlet before the river narrows toward the final stretch. Less exposed to wind than the larger lakes upstream. Good fishing and a peaceful overnight between Eagle Lake and the lower river.
Caucomgomoc Lake (Canoe Sites)
Caucomgomoc Region • Caucomgomoc Lake
Several Caucomgomoc Lake campsites are best reached by canoe, especially the point sites on the far shore. Launching from the vehicle-accessible side and paddling to these remote sites delivers the best of both worlds — drive-in convenience with paddle-in solitude.
Chamberlain Lake (North Shore)
Telos Region • Chamberlain Lake
The north shore campsites on Chamberlain Lake are most easily reached by paddling across from the Chamberlain Bridge area. The crossing can be rough in wind, but the reward is solitude and excellent fishing on a historic waterway.
Umsaskis Lake Campsites
Allagash Wilderness Waterway • Umsaskis Lake
A quieter section of the Allagash, Umsaskis Lake campsites are spaced well apart for privacy. The thoroughfare connecting to Long Lake is a scenic paddle. The ranger station here offers a rare human contact point on the waterway.
St. John River Campsites
St. John River Region • St. John River
The St. John River campsites are accessible during the spring-only paddling season (May–early June). This 105-mile route from Baker Lake to Allagash village is Maine's wildest free-flowing river. Campsites are primitive and rarely visited outside the brief paddling window.