V18E1: Featured Places

This part of western Maine consists of a vast expanse of logging roads, on territory that is on publicly-accessible private land, dotted with designated campsites for use by the public. A fire permit is required, but overnight use is acceptable. This campsite consists of a primitive stone fire ring at a logging road junction next to a large lake to the east. There is not much room for vehicles here as the campsite is literally on the road, so just one or two small vehicles parked to the side. The track in is several miles from pavement, but it is all accessible by stock four-wheel drive vehicles or camper vans. Be mindful of logging activity. This is a decent place to stay near the Canadian border if you happen to be passing through. No cell service. There are a lot of logging roads to explore, small lakes to enjoy, and other more spacious campsites nearby. Be advised the campsites close to water might be occupied during peak season.

As I traveled north into Quebec, it got late in the day, and I had to find a place to camp, so I ventured down a busy logging road and found this spot along a sub-road offshoot. It's gentle terrain, but overgrown, so a small four-wheel drive vehicle is preferred. There is no fire ring and it is not a proper campsite. Completely primitive with no amenities, and no cell service. During my stay in late August, it was very buggy. Not mosquitoes, but a lot of annoying gnats. It is in a lovely section of boreal forest and the ground is covered with caribou moss. It is very quite here, and privacy is absolute. The road seemed to be all but forgotten, and I almost missed it as I drove by for the first time. Active logging area with very fast driving trucks. Be very careful on the dirt logging highways.

In central Quebec, about ten kilometers from pavement, I discovered this ideal flat spot seven kilometers down a retired logging road, right where the vegetation gets too dense and overgrown to pass. This isn't a proper campsite, but it should be. The spot offered lovely scenery consisting of rolling hills, trees, and small ponds. It was located at a former logging road junction so it was a spacious gravel area where I could deploy my awning and screen room. A stock four-wheel drive vehicle is required to access and it was just a little too overgrown for a camper van, unless you don't mind scratches. Enough room for two vehicles. It is completely primitive, with no amenities. However, it does offer good cell service, as it's located a short distance from a tower just off of the paved highway. The cell service was really good for productivity here.