Little Griffin, St. George, ME

Introduction / Overview: Experience True Maine Wilderness at Little Griffin

For the Maine resident seeking a genuine, unfiltered wilderness camping experience—one where the calls of the loons and the quiet rustle of the forest replace the sounds of traffic and crowds—Little Griffin offers an unparalleled retreat. Located in the magnificent Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve, this destination is not a typical modern campground; it is a meticulously maintained piece of "forever wild" land that provides true backwoods seclusion. The focus here is on pristine preservation, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in nature’s purity and breathtaking beauty.

Little Griffin is, in fact, an exclusive, single-site island within the larger preserve on Mooselookmeguntic Lake, a large body of water in Western Maine's renowned Rangeley Lakes region. While the provided address may place it near St. George, the true wilderness experience is tied to the preserve’s vast, pristine acreage. This camping destination is for those who value quiet, natural splendor, and the challenge of a more primitive, yet deeply rewarding, outdoor adventure. Campers consistently describe the experience as "breathtaking" and "so close to nature's purity," noting the profound peacefulness that pervades the area.

Unlike developed campgrounds, Little Griffin and the surrounding sites within the preserve maintain a rustic character. This means a trade-off: you won't find electricity, flush toilets, or showers, but you gain the unmatched seclusion of a backwoods setting where the sight and sound of other people are virtually absent. It’s a return to the fundamentals of camping, a tradition that has drawn second and third generations of visitors back to this special part of Maine.

Location and Accessibility: Remote Majesty on Mooselookmeguntic Lake

The provided location marker (VMRR+R5, St. George, ME 04860) suggests a generalized regional proximity to the coast, but Little Griffin’s true identity is as a highly secluded island campsite located on Mooselookmeguntic Lake, deep within the heart of the Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve in Maine's Western Mountains/Rangeley Lakes region. This is a crucial distinction for planning your trip, as this area is renowned for its vast lakes, forested mountains, and remote nature.

Access to Little Griffin Island itself is inherently part of the adventure. It is an island site, and while the mainland sites within the preserve are only a short distance from the parking lot, accessing an island site like Little Griffin typically requires water transport. The preserve encourages and facilitates the rental of canoes, allowing campers to paddle their gear out to their chosen island sanctuary. The shoreline of Griffin Island is described as rocky and shale, requiring careful boat maneuvering, particularly near submerged reefs. This commitment to a remote and natural environment is what ensures its extraordinary level of privacy.

Travel to the general area involves driving to the Preserve’s headquarters near Oquossoc, Maine, a journey that transports you into a landscape dominated by mountains and water, far from the coastal population centers.

Services Offered

The services at Little Griffin and the Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve prioritize a wilderness experience, focusing on necessary support for primitive camping rather than modern conveniences. This is intentionally kept rustic to preserve the environment.

Primitive Campsites: The sites are clean, well-maintained, and include designated tent areas, but they are intentionally primitive, lacking electricity or water hookups.
Watercraft Rentals: Canoes are available for rent at the office/boat landing area, essential for transporting gear to island sites like Little Griffin and for general lake exploration.
Water Refills: Potable water refills are available at the main office for campers.
Pit Toilets/Outhouses: Facilities are basic outhouses or pit toilets, consistent with a true wilderness setting. There are no flush toilets or showers on site.
Fire Pits: Each site, including the one on Griffin Island, features a protected, large fire pit where fires must be contained.
Camp Store Proximity: A small shop is located within a quick driving distance of the main preserve office for forgotten essentials.
Pet Policy: The preserve is very dog-friendly, though it is noted that the island sites are especially convenient for keeping dogs contained and nearby.

Features / Highlights

Little Griffin's appeal lies in its unparalleled natural features and the unique experience it offers, setting it apart from typical drive-up campgrounds.

Exclusive Island Site: Little Griffin is a single, large, open, and grassy campsite on its own island. If you seek absolute privacy and a guarantee of no neighbors, this is a top choice within the preserve.
Unmatched Scenic Views: From Griffin Island, campers enjoy expansive views of the eastern, western, and southern shores of Mooselookmeguntic Lake, including stunning vistas of the Bemis range, Bald and Elephant Mountains, and the famous Height of the Land.
Genuine Seclusion: Visitors emphasize the rare solitude, noting the absence of the sight and sound of others, which is the "trade-off" for the lack of modern amenities.
Pristine Lake Exploration: Mooselookmeguntic Lake is a major draw. Campers can spend days exploring the large lake, visiting other smaller islands, and enjoying the incredible dark skies at night, perfect for stargazing.
Historical Preservation: The entire Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve is dedicated to remaining "forever wild," offering a sense of connection to the ancient, rustic character that has captivated generations of campers.

Contact Information

For reservations and detailed information about Little Griffin and the Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve, local users should contact the preserve's management directly. Please note that for navigation, you should use the preserve's main office address near Oquossoc, ME, as the provided VMRR+R5 address is a general location marker.

Address:

VMRR+R5, St. George, ME 04860, USA (General Area Marker)

Reservations & Inquiries:

Contact information is typically managed through the Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve. Local users should search for "Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve camping" to find the current phone number and reservation site for accurate, up-to-date booking.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Little Griffin, and the Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve at large, is an ideal destination for Maine residents who consider themselves true lovers of the outdoors. It represents a commitment to the authentic, rugged nature that defines the state's interior and mountain regions. For those who live in Maine, this location offers a deep-dive into the wild that separates a casual trip from a genuine outdoor expedition.

This is not a vacation rental; it is a retreat for the self-sufficient. Locals appreciate the challenge and the massive reward of transporting their own gear, setting up in a completely secluded spot, and spending their days exploring the massive, pure waters of Mooselookmeguntic Lake. The unmatched privacy of an island site like Little Griffin is a rare luxury in today's increasingly crowded world, providing a sanctuary where one can truly "let go of the outside" and simply immerse in the natural splendor. By choosing Little Griffin, Mainers can confidently know they are supporting a tradition of "forever wild" preservation, ensuring that this pristine piece of the state's heritage will remain for generations to come.