Cranberry Stream Campsite, Kingfield, ME

Introduction / Overview

For Mainers seeking an authentic, challenging, and profoundly rewarding wilderness experience, the Cranberry Stream Campsite provides a perfect anchor point along the legendary Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT). Located in the rugged and beautiful Western Maine Mountains, this designated backcountry campsite is an essential stop for hikers traversing the demanding Bigelow Range. It is situated on land managed to maintain its primitive nature, making it the antithesis of a crowded, amenity-heavy park campground.

Cranberry Stream Campsite is known among the hiking community—including local section hikers and intrepid thru-hikers—for its reliable, flat tenting areas and its proximity to a dependable water source, which is a significant amenity in the often-dry high terrain of the AT. The name itself speaks to its setting: a quiet spot near a stream, nestled among the forests of the Bigelow Preserve. It serves as a strategic layover, particularly for those approaching or descending from the challenging ascent to Cranberry Peak, one of the significant climbs in the region.

A stay here is an opportunity to truly disconnect, listen to the sounds of the stream, and immerse yourself in the natural history and ecological richness of Maine’s iconic mountain landscape. It embodies the Leave No Trace ethic and the rustic charm that defines backcountry camping in the Pine Tree State.

Location and Accessibility

Cranberry Stream Campsite is officially located near Kingfield, ME, 04947, USA, on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It is a hike-in only site, meaning there is no direct vehicular access. Visitors must be prepared for a multi-mile hike over varied terrain to reach the location.

The site is found on the western side of the Bigelow Preserve, near Cranberry Peak. One common point of access for hikers is the trailhead located off Maine Route 16/27 in the Stratton area, which is a central hub for accessing the Bigelow Range trails. From the trailheads, the hike involves moderate to advanced terrain. Specifically, the campsite sits about 1.1 miles from the Stratton Brook Pond Road end of the Appalachian Trail, making it a relatively accessible overnight spot for local weekend backpackers. It also connects directly to the Bigelow Range Trail that leads up to Cranberry Peak.

Due to its setting in the deep woods of the Appalachian corridor, hikers should carry detailed maps and plan their route carefully. The remote setting ensures a tranquil experience but demands preparation for all weather conditions, a full pack of supplies, and a commitment to self-sufficiency. This is Maine wilderness at its finest, requiring respectful and informed engagement from all who visit.

Services Offered

Cranberry Stream Campsite is designated as a primitive backcountry camping area. The services provided are minimalist, designed to offer essential comfort and, critically, to protect the environment from the impact of frequent use.

Designated Tenting Areas: The campsite features cleared, flat spaces specifically designated for pitching tents. This helps prevent campers from expanding the footprint and damaging surrounding vegetation.
Reliable Water Access: The campsite is strategically located next to Cranberry Stream, offering a natural and usually reliable source of water. Crucial Note: This water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or purified) before being consumed, as it is non-potable surface water.
Privy Facilities: The site includes a durable pit toilet, or privy, which is essential for managing human waste in a high-traffic hiking corridor. Recent hiker reviews even mention a new privy installation as of late 2023, indicating ongoing maintenance by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC).
Primitive, No-Fee Camping: Use of the campsite is generally available on a first-come, first-served basis and does not typically require a fee, allowing accessible overnight stays for dedicated backpackers.
Limited Fire Policy: As is common in Maine's backcountry, especially along the AT, campfires are strictly limited and often only permitted in designated metal or stone fire rings if they are present, or sometimes prohibited entirely. Visitors should plan to use a lightweight camp stove for all cooking.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Cranberry Stream Campsite are rooted in its rustic location and the quality of the surrounding hiking experience.

Gateway to Cranberry Peak: The campsite provides direct access to the trails leading up to Cranberry Peak (3,213 ft), which offers stunning views of the Bigelow Range, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Flagstaff Lake.
Quiet Stream-side Setting: Tucked away near the Cranberry Stream, the location offers a soothing natural soundtrack and a pleasant, moist environment, which is a welcome change from the exposed mountain tops.
Strategic AT Stopover: As a key designated stop on the Appalachian Trail, it is ideal for Mainers attempting to section-hike the Bigelow Range, allowing for a strategic break between major ascents and descents.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being located adjacent to a stream in a protected area of the Bigelow Preserve, the site offers excellent chances for local users to observe Maine's native wildlife, including moose, various bird species, and other forest creatures.
First-Come, First-Served Access: The accessibility of the site, which does not require a reservation, makes it perfect for spontaneous weekend adventures or flexible itineraries, a valued feature for experienced local hikers.

Contact Information

As a wilderness backcountry location on the Appalachian Trail, Cranberry Stream Campsite does not have a physical office or public phone number. It is managed under the oversight of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and maintained locally by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC).

Location Address (General Area on the AT):

Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Kingfield, ME 04947, USA

Contact for Public Land and Trail Information (Maine DACF):

For information regarding the Bigelow Preserve Public Lands and general regulations, contact the managing public lands agency.
(Due to the remote, primitive nature of this campsite, there is no direct contact number. All inquiries for rules, conditions, and maps should be directed to the Maine DACF or the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Cranberry Stream Campsite is perfectly suited for local Maine residents who cherish both the challenge and the serenity of the state’s interior mountains. For those who understand the commitment required for backcountry camping, this site offers a readily accessible yet completely primitive experience within a manageable distance from Western Maine towns. It is a vital spot for anyone section-hiking the Bigelow portion of the AT, allowing for a rest and resupply before or after tackling the rugged peaks.

This site is a testament to Maine's commitment to preserving its wild spaces. Its simple, functional amenities—a fresh privy and a water source, as noted by appreciative users—are all that an experienced local hiker needs, reinforcing the values of simplicity and self-reliance. Cranberry Stream Campsite is not about luxury; it’s about authentic immersion in the Appalachian wilderness, offering a necessary and beautiful stop for any Mainer looking to conquer their own stretch of the legendary long path.