Off Season & Winter Camping

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Off season and winter camping is available at select Maine State Parks and the Public Lands. If you are new to winter camping plan to camp at a Maine State Park first. These locations provide the challenge of winter camping and offer a good range of front country and remote locations to test your skills. Even for the experienced it is good to start the season off with an easily accessible location as a test run before heading out to more challenging terrain. Highly experienced winter campers, or those who will be led by a Registered Maine Guide, are ready for the remote settings found on Maine's Public Lands.

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Remember: Be prepared for changeable weather and variable terrain. Plan outings wisely, don't exceed your ability or that of anyone in your group, and research where you are going. Plan ahead and prepare. Use caution around frozen lakes, ponds and rivers. Is That Ice Safe?

NOTE - Untreated firewood from outside of Maine has been banned. Please Buy It Where You Burn It!

What to Expect at Public Lands Locations

Off Season Camping on Maine's Public Lands

  • Remote campsites are almost exclusively first-come, first-serve; reservations are not generally possible.
  • Sites most often have a rustic picnic table, access to a pit toilet, and fire ring. NOTE - Untreated firewood from outside of Maine has been banned. Please Buy It Where You Burn It!
  • Backcountry campsites webpage.

Winter Camping on Maine's Public Lands

  • Primitive camping only.
  • No amenities or plowed locations.
  • Parking is not allowed on plowed road shoulders.
  • Winter camping experience and self-sufficiency a must. Consider hiring a Registered Maine Guide.
  • Carry in/Carry out - please do not leave any trash.
  • FMI: Call the Public Lands Region Office that corresponds to your destination as seen on this map.

What to Expect at State Park Locations

Off Season Camping at Maine State Park Campgrounds

  • From end of summer camping season through October 15*. Standard camping fees apply.
  • *Note: Camping season ends for the year for:
    • Aroostook: No camping during the winter of 2024-2025.
    • Cobscook Bay: CLOSED as of September 16, 2024. Will reopen summer 2025.
    • Lake St. George: No winter camping until further notice due to construstion.
    • Mount Blue: No winter camping until further notice due to construction.
    • Peaks-Kenny: Campground closes for year on October 1
    • Rangeley Lake: Campground closes for year on October 1
    • Warren Island: Campground closes for year on September 15
  • View the Campground Maps.

Winter Camping at Select Maine State Park Campgrounds

  • Primitive tent camping only
  • Open December 15 - March 15
  • No water, amenities, or cleared campsites or trails.
  • Campsites accessed by snowshoe or skis, some walk-in (see park location list below).
  • Camp only at designated sites; 7-day limit of stay.
  • Fires only allowed at designated fire pits; Maine local wood only— Protect ME forests & parks from harm— Buy It Where You Burn It!
  • Carry in/Carry out - please do not leave any trash.
  • Fees:
    • On-site self-registration required and is available at the entry booth. Camping fees* apply—payable by cash or check at self registration. *No $50 Registration fee.
    • Camping for 1-6 people; follow the standard State Park Camping fee shedule.
    • Group Camping for 7 to 10 people = $54.50/night.
      • $5.45 per person/night for each additional camper beyond 10 (including children).
  • Winter camping experience and self-sufficiency a must.
  • Park & Trail Conditions available online. Subscribe to text/email alerts.
  • Contact the Park directly for more information.

Locations / Information

About Winter Camping